LONG BEACH, CA – Imperial Valley College (IVC), located in Imperial, CA, is reinforcing its commitment to improving student retention, persistence, and success by participating in a Caring Campus Refresh, re-engaging its staff in the principles necessary to create a supportive and caring educational environment.

The Institute for Evidence-Based Change (IEBC) developed Caring Campus based on data showing that fostering a supportive and caring culture on campus is key to student persistence and success across all demographics.

“This Caring Campus Refresh effort revitalizes our dedication to our students’ well-being while providing us with concrete principles and strategies to achieve our goals,” President Dr. Lennor Johnson said.

IVC has a distinguished history as an exceptional institution and was awarded the prestigious Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence in 2023. This honor, presented by the Aspen Institute, recognizes community colleges that demonstrate outstanding performance in student learning, degree completion, and equitable outcomes for students. IVC’s receipt of this award underscores the institution’s high standards and dedication to improving outcomes for its diverse student body.

IVC staff reached out to IEBC to request a Caring Campus Refresh, opting to self-fund the work in recognition of its importance. This decision was partly driven by the need to address staffing changes that have occurred since the college first completed Caring Campus in Spring 2019, ensuring all IVC employees are aligned with Caring Campus’ efforts to create the best possible environment for students.

“We are committed to continuously improving and expanding our efforts to accommodate our students,” Dr. Johnson said. “Caring Campus is integral to this process, ensuring that we provide the support and resources needed to help our students thrive.”

Across the nation, numerous institutions have undertaken a Caring Campus Refresh to reinforce their commitment to student success. The Refresh sessions offer a more condensed and targeted approach compared to the traditional curriculum, while still following a similar format. These sessions begin with an explanation of the Caring Campus commitments, followed by an intensive working session to develop implementation plans, and conclude with a joint session where staff shares strategies with campus administrators.

“Caring Campus emphasizes that a commitment to student success is an ongoing process, requiring continuous innovation and adaptation to meet the evolving needs of students,” IEBC President Dr. Brad Phillips said. “We aim to extend our Caring Campus Refresh efforts to more colleges, ensuring former Caring Campus institutions are up-to-date on the best strategies and principles needed to sustain a caring and supportive educational environment for all students.”

Higher education institutions wishing to reinforce their Caring Campus commitment to students can learn more information about Caring Campus Refreshes by contacting info@iebcnow.org.

PHOTO CAPTIONS:

IEBC_IVC1: Imperial Valley College is participating in a Caring Campus Refresh, re-engaging its staff in the principles necessary to create a supportive and caring educational environment for all students.

IEBC_IVC2: An Imperial Valley College staff member helps a student with registration questions. IVC is reinforcing its commitment to improving student retention, persistence, and success by participating in a Caring Campus Refresh.