LONG BEACH, CA – For Yuba College in California, fostering a caring culture is not a short-term strategy – it is a defining part of the institution’s identity. That commitment is reflected in the college’s decision to remain a Caring Campus Network (CCN) member through 2030, reinforcing a long-term investment in connection, belonging, and student success.

The CCN offers members access to tools and resources designed to strengthen and sustain cultures of care. Benefits include impactful webinars covering a variety of topics, a robust artifacts database featuring examples from Caring Campus institutions nationwide, discounted Caring Campus conference registration, and eligibility for Caring Campus Certification.

“Caring Campus work is not just an initiative, it’s cultural,” Yuba College President Dr. Tawny Dotson said. “And cultural work isn’t short-term; it requires a commitment. Investing in the CCN long-term helps us continue building an environment where both students and employees feel they belong.”

Over the past year, Yuba College staff have focused on strengthening connection and belonging, particularly through intentional onboarding. As part of this work, the college is developing a new employee welcome basket program, which will feature Caring Campus t-shirts, a welcome letter, and key resources and contacts, helping new hires feel part of the campus community from day one.

The college has also expanded its digital presence by launching a Caring Campus website and developing an employee newsletter that highlights new hires, campus events, and opportunities for connection.

Staff have also partnered with other departments to host welcome tables and events at the start of each semester, while new building maps – accessible through a QR code – help students and employees navigate campus more easily. Caring Campus-led campus tours during professional development weeks also introduce new adjunct faculty and staff to key services, buildings, and departments, further embedding care into everyday campus processes.

“Working in the tutoring center, I’ve had many students mention that they were personally walked by an employee to our building,” Caring Campus lead Riley Hang said. “You can see the relief in their faces from not getting lost and hear how much it meant to them that someone took the time to walk them across campus, even when it’s cold and rainy outside.”

These many efforts were formally recognized when Yuba College earned 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,” Hang said. “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. That’s where the magic happens.”

CCN members also have opportunities to participate in grant-funded studies, co-author articles in higher education publications, and present alongside Caring Campus leadership at conferences nationwide.

“Yuba College has made a meaningful investment in Caring Campus and, more importantly, in its students and employees,” Caring Campus founder and CEO Dr. Brad Phillips said. “The CCN provides institutions with ongoing opportunities to deepen their implementation and learn from one another, and Yuba College is a strong example of what that commitment can look like.”

The deadline to renew CCN membership is Saturday, Feb. 28.

PHOTO CAPTIONS:

IEBC_YUBA1: Yuba College’s commitment to care is reflected in the college’s investment in the Caring Campus Network, reinforcing a long-term investment in connection, belonging, and student success.

IEBC_YUBA2: Yuba College staff work to create a welcoming environment for both students and employees, leading to the college earning Caring Campus Silver Certification in 2025.