LONG BEACH, CA – Salem Community College (SCC), a close-knit New Jersey institution with fewer than 2,000 students, has long been celebrated by staff and faculty for its caring, family-like atmosphere for both students and employees. Becoming a Caring Campus, however, has added a level of intentionality to the school’s mission, offering students a high-quality, empowering, and personalized experience.

Caring Campus administered by the Institute for Evidence-Based Change, intentionally equips college and university staff and faculty with strategies to actively demonstrate care and guide students on their journey to success. Data shows that when students feel personally cared about, they persist and succeed in their studies at higher rates. The culture of compassion supported by Caring Campus resonates deeply with students at SCC, who can express their gratitude by nominating employees who have impacted their lives as “Champions of Caring.”

“You have made me feel truly welcomed on campus. I see how much support you have given me and my fellow classmates, and know that you care deeply for each of your students,” said Kayla Brown, a Health Science student, in her nomination of her Health Science professor, Thomas McGuire. “I’m sure all your students feel grateful to have you as a teacher.”

Staff and faculty alike embrace their role as Caring Campus ambassadors with sincerity, conducting phone calls to all new students, hosting welcome tables and events, using students’ names regularly, and incorporating “Caring Campus Moments” into meetings. SCC has also participated in the Caring Campus Academy, which provides ongoing support and training, to ensure all employees, including new hires, are united in their dedication to student success.

SCC employees have observed stronger staff-student relationships, enhanced cross-departmental collaboration, and more intentional, meaningful interactions with students. These benefits were mentioned in recent surveys, where staff and faculty credited Caring Campus with fostering an overall increase in the college’s supportive and engaging environment.

This culture of care has been particularly vital during times of hardship. After the loss of three core faculty and staff members this school year, SCC assembled and sent care teams to meet with affected classes, providing support and delivering the news with empathy.

“Whether you are part of a large college or a small college, Caring Campus prepares you for the good days, but even more so for the really hard days when our community needs each other the most,” said Maura Cavanagh Dick, Associate Dean of Academic Affairs. “Caring Campus has become a lens through which we see everything and which provides a base for all of our decisions.”
Caring Campus is often supported through large philanthropic partners, focused on specific cohorts of colleges. While SCC did not match for any of these initiatives, their commitment to student success compelled them to seek funding Caring Campus independently.

“Salem Community College exemplifies the heart of what we do,” Caring Campus CEO and founder Dr. Brad Phillips said. “Their decision to invest in Caring Campus reflects their deep commitment to fostering an environment where students and staff feel valued, supported, and empowered to succeed.”

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IEBC_SCC1: Salem Community College, a close-knit New Jersey institution with fewer than 2,000 students, has long been celebrated by staff and faculty for its caring, family-like atmosphere. Becoming a Caring Campus has added a level of intentionality to the school’s mission by providing students with a high-quality, empowering, and personalized experience.