CCRI one of seven schools nationwide to participate in 'Caring Campus Initiative'
May 18, 2021
The Community College of Rhode Island (CCRI) has been selected as one of seven community
colleges nationwide to participate in the “Caring Campus Initiative,” led by the Institute for Evidence-Based Change (IEBC) with funding through Ascendium Education Group (AEG).
The objective of the Caring Campus Initiative is to increase student retention and
success in community colleges by creating and cultivating Caring Campus environments
through intentional behaviors by faculty and staff to improve students’ sense of caring
and connectedness to the college.
Research has shown that many students leave college because they do not feel connected
to the institution (e.g., Leaving College by Vincent Tinto, 1993). Caring Campus recognizes and leverages the value of connectedness
to increase the likelihood that students will continue towards, and succeed in attaining,
their educational goals.
Faculty and staff interaction with students can set the stage for successful enrollment,
persistence, and completion. 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.
"CCRI is proud to have been selected to participate in the Caring Campus Initiative,"
said CCRI Vice President of Academic Affairs, Dr. Rosemary Costigan. “"The process
of developing this faculty-led program has been inspiring and promises to lead to
positive outcomes in the areas of retention and student success, while supporting
faculty professional development."
"Colleges like CCRI are doing what they can to ensure student success under challenging
circumstances," said IEBC President and CEO Dr. Brad Phillips. "We believe the original
Caring Campus mission adapts well to the pandemic, providing staff the tools they
need to continue to engage with students and succeed in helping them stay engaged
in their education."
Providing student support under the Caring Campus model becomes an important part
of CCRI’s focus on student success. CCRI’s mission continues to focus on developing
strategies and interventions which will increase success, access and equity for Rhode
Island students.
Ascendium funding allows IEBC to work with two groups of seven colleges each in Caring
Campus faculty initiatives. Each group will work with assigned IEBC coaches for one
year.
In addition to CCRI, other community colleges selected to participate are:
- Harry S. Truman College, Chicago, IL
- Delta College, Bay City, MI
- Maysville College, Maysville, KY
- Oakton College, Des Plaines, IL
- North Lake College, Irving, TX
- Tulsa College, Tulsa, OK
This grant also supports IEBC’s work with the Community College Research Center (CCRC)
to better understand how the initiative works to change college culture and improve
student outcomes.
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