President's Message

Empowering Colleges and Universities to Build a Culture of Care

Dear Caring Campus Community,


The current mantra in education is “meeting the student where they are at” and developing student ready campus environments. But what does that mean? At IEBC, we know that research shows that cultivating a strong sense of belonging on college and university campuses is vital for student success. Despite this, many institutions and organizations place the responsibility for overcoming loneliness and establishing connections with the students themselves. This often leaves students feeling isolated without the necessary support system to thrive.


At Caring Campus, we hold a different view; it is the institution's responsibility — not the student's — to build a connected, supportive environment. Unlike other efforts, Caring Campus shifts the focus from students to institutions, partnering with staff and faculty to create a culture where caring is fundamental and every student feels valued and included. 

Wallace State Community College is a Caring Campus, implementing strategies and tools to ensure students feel valued and included.

To achieve this goal, we have created numerous opportunities outside of our traditional Caring Campus coaching sessions to continue supporting educators every step of the way. Our Caring Campus Academy (CCA) offers virtual, comprehensive training for new hires designed to deepen their understanding of Caring Campus behaviors to empower them to be a contributing force in establishing a sense of belonging for all students.


Additionally, our Caring Campus Network (CCN) provides members with free helpful tools, resources, and connections to further their Caring Campus implementation. This includes a series of webinars for sharing best practices, discussing challenges, and learning from experts and peers. These sessions are an excellent way to stay connected, gain new insights, and continuously refine the strategies that make a meaningful impact on student success. 

Register for Our Oct. 2 Webinar Here

We are also launching our free Caring Campus Certification program for colleges and universities to showcase their levels of successful Caring Campus implementation, offering recognition and awards for those leading the charge in fostering environments where all students feel they belong. You can begin applying for certification in early October with results announced in January 2025.

And don't forget about our Caring Campus Refreshes — an essential opportunity to revisit, rejuvenate, and strengthen the caring practices you have in place at your institution. These Refresh sessions ensure the momentum of your critical work is sustained and that every member of your community remains engaged and committed to creating a sense of belonging for all students. Email ksherwood@iebcnow.org to learn more today!


By providing these many resources and opportunities, Caring Campus continues to empower institutions to make meaningful, lasting changes that truly benefit students.

Connect with us today to learn more about how we can help your campus or District office continue to build and nurture a culture of care.


Sincerely,

Brad Phillips

IEBC President/CEO

Contact IEBC at info@iebcnow.org, see our website, or call us at

562-688-5721 for more information.

Institute For Evidence-Based Change | 562-688-5721
3711 Long Beach Blvd., Ste 5033 Long Beach CA 90807 | www.iebcnow.org
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