FALL 2026
NEWSLETTER
TOGETHER WE ACHIEVE THE EXTRAORDINARY
Oakland Community College is the second institution in Michigan to become a Caring Campus, demonstrating its commitment to student success.
INSTITUTE FOR EVIDENCE-BASED CHANGE CARING CAMPUS
A Message from IEBC Leadership Dear Caring Campus Community, There are so many incredible things happening across our Caring Campuses, with staff and faculty continually going the extra mile to ensure students feel a sense of belonging and care in their everyday interactions. Whether it’s a staff member walking a student to their destination and taking the time to strike up a meaningful conversation, or a faculty member learning and using students’ names, these seemingly small moments can leave a lasting impact. This fall, we encourage all of our Caring Campus colleges and universities to take their Caring Campus commitment to the next level by participating in the next cohort of the Caring Campus Academy (CCA), becoming a Caring Campus Network (CCN) member, and attending the Caring Campus Conference 2026: Developing a Legacy of Impact. We continue to hear standout stories from across the nation about campuses that are fully embracing Caring Campus and doing the most for their students. Those stories are a reminder that the work you are doing every day matters. Thank you for your continued commitment to Caring Campus and, most importantly, to your students. Sincerely,
Ken Sherwood IEBC CEO
Join Us! 2
Dr. Bola King-Rushing IEBC PRESIDENT
Caring Campus Conference: Developing a Legacy of Impact, November 11-13 in Nashville.
CARING CAMPUS ACADEMY
Caring Campus Academy Sparks Transformation at Victor Valley College Victor Valley College (VVC) President Dr. Dan Walden credits Caring Campus and the Caring Campus Academy (CCA) with helping transform the college’s culture and fueling its emergence as California’s fastest-growing college. The CCA offers tailored sessions for higher education staff, faculty, and administrators to learn about Caring Campus behaviors that strengthen student belonging and success.
The Caring Campus Academy was the real turnaround for our college. The employees we sent came back completely inspired and became champions of this Caring Campus work. They loved it immediately and that has just continued to grow.” VVC PRESIDENT DR. DAN WALDEN
VVC has continued to embed Caring Campus practices into everyday interactions, from employee name badges so students can easily identify staff to a Call Center that connects every caller with a real person. The college’s caring culture has coincided with remarkable growth and improved student outcomes. Over the last four years, VVC’s unduplicated headcount increased 78 percent, while 2024-25 saw the highest course completion rate in the college’s history.
The next CCA cohort is coming spring 2027! Learn about how the CCA can empower every employee to contribute to their college’s culture of care – from new hires to seasoned employees.
Victor Valley College embeds Caring Campus practices into everyday interactions, fostering a strong culture of care. 3
CARING CAMPUS NETWORK Yuba College is a Caring Campus Network member through 2030, highlighting the college’s ongoing commitment to creating a welcoming environment for students.
Yuba College Deepens Long-Term Commitment to Care Through Caring Campus Network Yuba College has made fostering a caring culture a defining part of its identity, reflected in the college’s decision to remain a Caring Campus Network (CCN) member through 2030. The CCN offers tools and resources to strengthen cultures of care, including webinars, a database of practices from colleges nationwide, discounted conference registration, eligibility for Caring Campus Certification, and opportunities to participate in grant-funded studies and present alongside Caring Campus leadership at conferences. Staff at Yuba College have focused on strengthening connection and belonging through intentional employee onboarding, welcome baskets, a Caring Campus website and newsletter, welcome events, campus tours, and updated maps. These efforts earned Yuba College Caring Campus Silver Certification in 2025.
We know the work we’re doing is making a positive impact, but earning certification helps validate that work for others. Certification is a huge benefit of the CCN. Caring Campus really is what you make it. Investing in the resources and being part of a network of like-minded colleges is what brings everyone together.” CARING CAMPUS LEAD RILEY HANG
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Lawson State Community College is one of six community colleges across the country to demonstrate the impact of Caring Campus through a quantitative study, funded by the Lumina Foundation.
Renew your membership today!
Become a CCN member and take advantage of exclusive benefits to sustain your institution’s Caring Campus work.
CARING CAMPUS SPOTLIGHT – OAKLAND COMMUNITY COLLEGE
How Faculty Foster a Culture of Care and Belonging
Celeste Bogan, a math professor at Oakland Community College, talks about the transformative impact of Caring Campus and the vital role faculty play in fostering a culture of care and belonging that empowers every student to succeed. Watch above!
Learn how your institution can impact student outcomes with Caring Campus Contact Ken Sherwood at ksherwood@iebcnow.org to get started today!
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CARING CAMPUS – DISTRICTS
Leading the Way as Caring Campus Districts The Alamo Colleges District and South Orange County Community College District (SOCCCD) are the first two Caring Campus Districts in the nation, aligning both their community colleges and district offices around a strong commitment to care and student success. The Alamo Colleges District established Caring Campus sub-committees focused on reinforcements and rewards, events and networking, knowledge and education, and leadership, to ensure caring behaviors remain visible and embedded across all departments and levels. At SOCCCD, District Services employees have set Caring Campus goals and action steps, helping clarify how they can support student success even in roles that are not traditionally student-facing.
By aligning our efforts across our five colleges, we are creating a consistent culture where every employee understands the important role they play in helping our students succeed.” ALAMO COLLEGES DISTRICT CHANCELLOR MIKE FLORES
“District Services is the support arm for our colleges, so not only will these employees be recipients of Caring Campus work, but also the givers, as they will support colleges who will then directly serve students.” SOCCCD CHANCELLOR DR. JULIANNA BARNES
Take your commitment to the next level and become a fully realized Caring Campus District.
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The Alamo Colleges District and South Orange County Community College District are the first two Caring Campus Districts in the nation.
Contact Ken Sherwood at ksherwood@iebcnow.org to learn more!
CARING CAMPUS – FUNDING
McLennan Community College Prioritizes Student Belonging Through Caring Campus McLennan Community College in Texas is strengthening student belonging through Caring Campus – known at the college as “McLennan Always Cares” – creating an environment where every student feels welcomed and empowered to succeed. “It always goes back to student belonging,” Caring Campus liaison Dr. Mandy Morrison said. “Our students come from a variety of backgrounds and have overcome many obstacles, and we want them to know they’re in the right place from day one.” Staff welcome students to campus with a Greeter program that ensures students can identify staff, navigate campus, and find the resources they need. Survey feedback showed the program helped many students feel less intimidated and more confident on their first day. Mid-semester reminders reinforce the importance of showing care, while the Caught You Caring program celebrates employees who demonstrate Caring Campus commitments. The Human Resources department also incorporates Caring Campus into onboarding practices.
McLennan Community College used institutional funds for Caring Campus, demonstrating a deep commitment to student belonging and success.
McLennan chose to use institutional funds for Caring Campus, demonstrating a deep commitment to student belonging and success. Additional funding opportunities are often available at the state level to support implementation.
Is your institution based in California? If so, The California Community Colleges Institutional Effectiveness Partnership Initiative (IEPI) may offer funding that can be used to support and expand Caring Campus implementation. Contact Ken Sherwood at ksherwood@iebcnow.org to learn more.
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Caring Campus Conference 2026 The Caring Campus Conference 2026: Developing a Legacy of Impact is just around the corner! Join us in Nashville, November 11-13, to connect with higher education professionals, discover new ideas, and leave with actionable strategies to strengthen your campus culture of care and improve student outcomes. The conference will feature three impactful keynote speakers: renowned higher education researchers and professionals Dr. Linda Garcia, Dr. Davis Jenkins, and Dr. Peter Felten. Attendees will also participate in hands-on, interactive sessions led by Caring Campuses across the nation that will inspire, encourage, and support implementation. There will also be plenty of opportunities for fun, including live music during a welcome banquet, the second Caring Campus Awards Ceremony, and a conference-wide photo contest. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to network, learn, and grow together! Remember, CCN members receive discounted registration rates, and teams that bring 10 or more can also take advantage of reduced prices.
Register today! And submit a presentation proposal by Friday, October 9 to share your insights and Caring Campus journeys.
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Institute for Evidence Based Change