Patrick & Henry Community College (P&HCC) has earned Gold-level Caring Campus certification from Institute for Evidence-Based Change (IEBC).
The Caring Campus Initiative, developed by IEBC, is designed to create a college environment that increases students’ sense of connectedness and belonging and, in turn, completion of each student’s education goals. The Caring Campus Initiative engages P&HCC employees to create a Caring Campus that ensures they are deeply involved in student success initiatives. It is particularly important for students from historically underserved populations, students less familiar with college, non-majority students, students from low-income households, and first-generation students to feel welcome and that they belong in college.
“This distinction reflects the college’s hard work on creating and institutionalizing a culture of care. As a Certified Gold-level Caring Campus, Patrick & Henry Community College stands out as one of a select group of institutions that demonstrate an unwavering commitment to the principles of Caring Campus, and through that a next-level commitment to student success,” said Dr. BolaKing-Rushing, IEBC associate vice president & Caring Campus coach/facilitator.
Patrick & Henry began the Caring Campus initiative focused on greeting one another in a positive manner & making PHamily members feel comfortable; wearing name badges to personalize all members of the PHamily; being fully present, involved, accessible, and approachable; making connections on students’ behalf; and eliminating barriers by helping to clarify practices. Following the initial implementation, a faculty team was formed to further develop the campus culture of care. The focal tenets for this addition include engaging students at the onset of the college course, learning and using students’ preferred names, effectively communicating course details, creating moments that matter, providing frequent assignments and evaluation, and practicing situational fairness.
“Our hope is that, in living out our central commitments on a daily basis individually and with intention, we might be a positive catalyst for students – both current and prospective – as well as each other,” said Dr. Greg Hodges, P&HCC president.
