What is Caring Campus?
The Caring Campus Initiative, developed by the Institute for Evidence-Based Change (IEBC) and funded through a grant from the California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office (CCCCO), is designed to create a college environment that increases students’ and staffs’ sense of connectedness and belonging and, in turn, completion of each student’s education goals. This initiative aims to take interactions with students, staff, and community from transactional to relational.
How to get involved
College of Marin is committed to 5 behaviors anyone can do to create a Caring Campus. These 5 behaviors are...
10-foot rule | In Person: If a student is nearby, greet them with a smile, say hello, and offer assistance if it appears they may need help.
Virtual: Reach out to students via phone, email, or text to let them know you are there to answer questions.
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Nametags and Identification
| In Person: Wearing name tags or College lanyards makes it easy for students to know whom to approach with questions.
Virtual: Make sure those you are communicating with know your name and you know theirs. Create an email signature that gives students information about you: name, department, number, languages, etc.
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Warm Referrals | In Person: Call ahead, provide a map, or personally show students to the office they need. Follow up to ensure the student has received the necessary support.
Virtual: Use the student’s callback info to call the receiving office, make the connection on the student’s behalf, and ask them to contact the student. Follow-up
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Cross Departmental Awareness | In Person/Virtual: Facilitate connections with other departments to explore pathways for guiding students and fostering collaboration.
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First Week Greetings | In Person/Virtual: As a College, our aim is to create a welcoming atmosphere for students during their first week through engaging activities and effective wayfinding, encouraging them to feel at ease when seeking assistance.
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Caring Campus Committee
The Caring Campus committee is made up of classified professionals from various departments around the college. The committee works to create events, activities, and resources that address and practice the commitments and create a welcoming experience for students and staff.
For more information about Caring Campus or the committee contact Caring Campus Co-Chairs:
Alyssa Graff: [email protected]
Jesse Klein: [email protected]