LONG BEACH, CA – Yuba College’s dedication to institutionalizing Caring Campus into its culture is evident in its decision to renew its Caring Campus Network (CCN) membership for the next five years – a long-term investment that ensures continued access to resources and tools that support a caring environment and enhance student success.

The CCN is designed to increase connections between Caring Campus colleges and universities nationwide, promoting collaboration and shared commitment to student success. Members gain access to a range of benefits, including free webinars on key student success topics, Caring Campus certification eligibility, an extensive artifacts database for cross-institutional collaboration, exclusive discounts on Caring Campus events, and a network of dedicated professionals working to enhance student experiences.

“The CCN is a wonderful opportunity to help Caring Campus continue to grow and thrive on our campus, becoming an integral part of our culture,” said Riley Hang, Yuba College’s instructional associate and Caring Campus committee lead. “It’s truly inspiring to establish connections with other CCN members and see the incredible work other Caring Campus institutions across the nation are doing to increase student success on their own campuses.”

Yuba College staff have implemented many strategies, including department Open Houses, community connection events like “Cookies with Coworkers” and “Student Support Sandwiches,” and wearing name badges to encourage personalized interactions. Yuba College president Dr. Tawny Dotson also personally delivers “Pop of Praise” certificates and bookstore gift cards to employees nominated by coworkers or students for demonstrating a caring action. Every month, the college compiles and publicly shares the list of nominees with the Yuba College community, and an annual display outside the president’s office honors all nominees from the entire year, reinforcing a culture of appreciation and care.

“As a small, rural college in northern California, we are already deeply committed to our students,” Dr. Dotson said. “People were craving an opportunity to contribute directly to that commitment, and Caring Campus has given us a chance to unite in our actions.”

Yuba College is actively working to embed Caring Campus principles into its institutional processes, including incorporating its commitment into job postings and new employee orientations. This ensures that all employees understand from day one the culture of care the college fosters.

“We’ve heard incredible feedback from both students and employees about Caring Campus—some students have even asked if they can have name badges themselves!” Dr. Dotson said. “This has been a meaningful investment, not only strengthening our campus culture but also empowering our classified staff to step into additional leadership roles and make an even greater impact.”

Caring Campus institutions receive a full year of free CCN membership upon beginning their coaching sessions. After this complimentary period, institutions can renew their membership through the CCN website to continue accessing resources, collaboration opportunities, and support for cultivating a caring campus culture.

“Yuba College’s long-term investment in Caring Campus and the CCN is a testament to its dedication to student success,” Caring Campus CEO and founder Dr. Brad Phillips said. “By creating a culture of connection and belonging, Yuba College is setting a powerful example for community colleges nationwide.”

PHOTO CAPTIONS:

IEBC_YUBA1: Yuba College’s dedication to institutionalizing Caring Campus into its culture is evident in its decision to renew its Caring Campus Network (CCN) membership for the next five years – a long-term investment that ensures continued access to resources and tools that support a caring environment and enhance student success.

IEBC_YUBA2: Yuba College staff have implemented many strategies, including department Open Houses, community connection events like “Cookies with Coworkers” and “Student Support Sandwiches,” and wearing name badges to encourage personalized interactions.