Salem Community College (SCC), a small New Jersey institution with fewer than 2,000 students, has long been known for its family-like atmosphere. Joining Caring Campus has deepened this culture, adding intentional strategies to create a high-quality, empowering, and personalized experience for students.
The Caring Campus culture resonates at SCC, where students can nominate “Champions of Caring,” recognizing employees who have made a difference in their lives.
“You have made me feel truly welcomed on campus. I see how much support you have given me and my fellow classmates, and know that you care deeply for each of your students,” said Kayla Brown, a Health Science student, in her nomination of her Health Science professor, Thomas McGuire. “I’m sure all your students feel grateful to have you as a teacher.”
Staff and faculty embrace their roles as Caring Campus ambassadors by conducting phone calls to all new students, hosting welcome tables and events, using students’ names regularly, and incorporating “Caring Campus Moments” into meetings. SCC has also participated in the Caring Campus Academy, ensuring all employees – including new hires – are unified in their dedication to student success.
These efforts have strengthened relationships, enhanced collaboration, and fostered meaningful interactions with students. This culture of care has been particularly vital during times of hardship. After the loss of three core faculty and staff members this school year, SCC assembled and sent care teams to meet with affected classes, providing support and delivering the news with empathy.
“Whether you are part of a large college or a small college, Caring Campus prepares you for the good days, but even more so for the really hard days when our community needs each other the most,” said Maura Cavanagh Dick, Associate Dean of Academic Affairs. “Caring Campus has become a lens through which we see everything and which provides a base for all of our decisions.”
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