UACCB Selected as 1 of 8 in U. S. for Program

The University of Arkansas Community College at Batesville (UACCB) is one of eight community colleges across the U.S. selected to participate in the Institute for Evidence-Based Change’s (IEBC) Caring Campus initiative, funded through a $600,000 grant provided by the ECMC Foundation, a nationally focused foundation investing in initiatives that improve educational outcomes and support post-secondary education and career success among underserved populations.

Despite the challenges of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic on higher education, UACCB is committed to finding ways to implement their college-specific Caring Campus approach to student success. IEBC coaches began orientation sessions for participants at UACCB in December and are continuing in January for the Spring 2022 semester. Dr. Brian Shonk, UACCB Chancellor said, “Caring Campus aligns with our student-centered focus and helps us build on the great support we provide students.”

Participants in the Caring Campus initiative are coached by IEBC using an approach ensuring all staff play a role in enabling students to achieve success. Caring Campus coaches colleges on adopting and implementing behaviors that make each and every student feel better connected to the college – that they are welcome, belong, and are cared about. “UACCB is committed to creating more a more inclusive environment and Caring Campus is an essential part of the process,” said Mr. Zach Perrine, Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs.

Over 70 colleges are implementing Caring Campus around the country. Colleges see improvements in course retention and success, increased term to term persistence, and improved completion and transfer. Achievement gaps are being closed rapidly among participant campus populations. 

With funding from ECMC, the Caring Campus program requires little to no resource commitment from the college, driving behavior changes that improve and enhance the many student success initiatives already being implemented at colleges in a cost-effective way with accelerated ramp-up time. 

The objective of Caring Campus 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. “Course retention and success has never been more critical, and this is precisely what Caring Campus can address,” said Brad Phillips, President and CEO of IEBC. 

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. “We know there are common behaviors that better connect students with staff and faculty,” said Phillips. Faculty and staff interactions with students can set the stage for successful enrollment, persistence, and completion. It is particularly important for students from historically underserved populations and students less familiar with college to feel welcome and that they belong in college.

About the University of Arkansas Community College at Batesville

The University of Arkansas Community College at Batesville is a comprehensive two-year community college serving Independence County and the surrounding communities with both transfer and career-technical programs.  Students can complete their first two years of a bachelor’s degree affordably and close-to-home, then transfer virtually anywhere.  Students can also complete a credential in a variety of work-ready programs such as allied health, construction, welding, cosmetology, and more within a semester to one year.  For more information call (870) 612-2000 or visit www.uaccb.edu.

About the Institute for Evidence-Based Change (IEBC)

The Institute for Evidence-Based Change (IEBC) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping education stakeholders — community colleges, universities, K-12 school systems, employers and others — use coaching, collaboration and data to make informed decisions and craft solutions that improve practice and dramatically increase student success. IEBC partners with clients to successfully implement customized evidence-based solutions to today’s most pressing issues. Learn more about IEBC at www.iebcnow.org

About ECMC Foundation (ECMC)  

ECMC Foundation is a Los Angeles-based, nationally focused foundation whose mission is to inspire and to facilitate improvements that affect educational outcomes—especially among underserved populations—through evidence-based innovation. It is one of several affiliates under the ECMC Group enterprise based in Minneapolis. ECMC Foundation makes investments in two focus areas: College Success and Career Readiness; and uses a spectrum of funding structures, including strategic grantmaking and program-related investments, to invest in both nonprofit and for-profit ventures. Working with grantees, partners and peers, ECMC Foundation’s vision is for all learners to unlock their fullest potential. Learn more about ECMC Foundation by visiting www.ecmcfoundation.org and ECMC Group by visiting www.ecmcgroup.org