LONG BEACH, CA – At MiraCosta College in California, staff have made a concerted effort to support student success – an effort that will be further strengthened by the college embarking on a Caring Campus Refresh, re-engaging staff in the principles necessary to create a supportive and caring educational environment for students.

From walking a student across campus to ensure they find the right building, to staying with a student until a problem is fully resolved, classified professionals are already creating meaningful interactions that leave lasting impressions. Caring Campus is based on research that shows relationships such as these lead to measurable increases in student persistence, retention, and success.

Classified Senate President Carl Banks has experienced this impact firsthand.

“Sometimes I’ll be out walking in downtown Oceanside and run into a student I helped in the past, and they’ll tell me how grateful they are for the support I gave them,” Banks said. “It’s always a reminder of why we’re here. My passion and my heart are to help students.”

Banks came out of retirement to help launch MiraCosta’s learning centers, where he now serves as a learning coach leading, student tutors. He said that Caring Campus has empowered classified professionals – even those in roles that do not traditionally interact with students – to feel confident in stepping forward to help.

“Students remember when you help them – and they also remember when you don’t,” Banks said. “That’s why this work matters. Caring Campus reminds us all of the bigger picture and why we exist: to support students and help them succeed.”

MiraCosta College chose to pursue a Caring Campus Refresh to continue expanding on the work its staff began in 2019. A key factor in the decision was the opportunity to involve administrators more deeply, ensuring classified professionals feel supported and empowered by their leaders.

“Every time I hear more about Caring Campus, I add something new to my toolbox,” Banks said. “We already had the culture, but this gives us a framework and helps us accelerate. And having the support of our president, managers, and supervisors makes all the difference.”

Colleges interested in pursuing a Caring Campus Refresh should reach out to Natalie Brobst, Administrative Manager and Program Coordinator, for more information.

“MiraCosta staff are demonstrating what Caring Campus is all about – leading with care, creating meaningful connections, and ensuring students have what they need to succeed,” Caring Campus founder and CEO Dr. Brad Phillips said. “A Refresh is a powerful way for colleges to renew their commitment and keep that culture of care thriving.”

PHOTO CAPTIONS:

IEBC_MIRACOSTA1: MiraCosta College staff continually go the extra mile to support student success and are now doubling down on this commitment by embarking on a Caring Campus Refresh.

IEBC_MIRADCOSTA2: From walking a student across campus to ensure they find the right building, to staying with a student until a problem is fully resolved, MiraCosta College classified professionals are creating meaningful interactions that leave lasting impressions.