Caring Campus
What is Caring Campus?
The Institute for Evidence-Based Change (IEBC) has created Caring Campus based on research that shows students who feel more connected to their college are more likely to be retained, persist from semester to semester, and complete their academic goals.
This initiative is an intentional effort by Community College leadership, faculty, and classified staff to make students feel welcome, create a sense of belonging to the college, and help staff connect to create a positive college environment.
Caring Campus Passports
Participate in Caring Campus by completing your CC Passport! Collect 5 Behavior stickers from your supervisors and colleagues and attend ARC events for a chance to win exclusive stickers.
Upon turning in your completed passport to the CC Committee Chair, you will be added to a monthly raffle and get a chance to win prizes.
Email ARC Caring Campus if your department needs CC Passports.
Caring Campus FAQ's
What are the 5 Behaviors?
Caring Campus research shows that if a college campus adopts five simple behaviors, student satisfaction rises tremendously. Below are the 5 Behaviors.
10 Foot Rule
In Person
Whenever a student or group of students is within ten feet of you, take the initiative to approach them. Don’t wait for them to approach you. Smile, say hello, give your name and role on campus, and use a welcoming tone. If they need assistance, offer help. Consider providing a warm handoff.
Virtual
Utilize email or Canvas (or other appropriate methods) to let students know you’re available to answer questions, respond to concerns, etc.
Warm Referrals
Making a warm referral ensures students’ needs are being met and brings human connection. To provide a warm referral–walk the student over, call ahead, provide a map with clear directions when unable to walk over, or submit a virtual referral to help students with getting linked to campus resources. When possible, follow up to ensure the student got linked.
Wear Name Tags
Wear nametags, badges, or some type of identification so that students will know who to approach with questions. Wearing a nametag is a small action that is an invitation for friendliness. It is a disarming gesture that personalizes and humanizes someone, reducing psychological distance.
Cross Departmental Awareness
Eliminate barriers by learning about other departments and student services. Understand how these departments can support students so you can effectively refer them. Maintain accurate and up-to-date information and directories.
Welcoming Students
In Person
Volunteer at information tables during the first week of school (Week of Welcome). Meet students in the parking lot. Welcome students to ARC, answer questions, and help them find where they need to go.
Virtual
At key times such as the first week of classes and when course drop/withdrawal dates and filing for degree deadlines approach, reach out to students to ensure they have the information they need. Consider sending a virtual greeting to welcome students during the first week of classes.
5 Behaviors Stickers - Nominate a Colleague
Contact Caring Campus
CaringCampus@arc.losrios.edu
Committee Chair:
Mariana Valdez Jimenez