Lawson State Community College participates in national 'Caring Campus Initiative'
Birmingham, AL (11/20/2021) — Lawson State Community College has been selected to work with the Institute for Evidence-Based Change (IEBC) to incorporate 'Caring Campus' into its student success efforts. Despite the challenges of the coronavirus pandemic on higher education, Lawson State is committed to finding ways to implement IEBC's Caring Campus approach to student success.
Participants in Caring Campus take part in a coaching-based approach ensuring all staff play a role in enabling students to achieve success. Sixty-six colleges around the country currently are participating in IEBC's program.
Funded through a grant from the ECMC Foundation, a nationally focused foundation investing in initiatives that improve educational outcomes and support postsecondary education and careers success among underserved populations, the objective of IEBC's Caring Campus program is to increase student retention and success in community colleges by creating and cultivating caring environments through the intentional inclusion of all staff in student success efforts, particularly professional staff, an often under-utilized resource. As a result, students feel more connected to their college and are more likely to persist and attain their educational goals.
"Through the integration of the IEBC's Caring Campus program into student success efforts at Lawson State, we will begin to assess and recognize best practices that can be magnified and used in other places on the campus," said Daren Allen, acting dean of students at Lawson State. "Our vision is focused on how we can help our student experience, which thereby improves their chances of graduation."
Supported by IEBC coaching and guidance, professional staff teams at Lawson State identify and implement behavioral commitments, helping staff to better connect with, and support, students to help them reach their educational goals. These principles remain relevant as most instruction shifts to remote and online learning models and colleges also transition back to on-campus instruction.
"At a time when connection is more valued than ever, more necessary than ever," said Dr. Phillips, President/CEO of IEBC, "Caring Campus can help colleges continue to engage with students and succeed in helping them stay connected in extraordinary circumstances."
"Caring Campus is designed to leverage and enhance a college's existing student success efforts, with little to no cost to the institution to implement these interventions," explained Dr. Phillips. "Making the effort to personally connect with a student doesn't cost anything. You don't have to buy software or build a building."
Research has documented that students leave college because they do not feel connected to the institution. Caring Campus recognizes and leverages the value of connectedness for increasing the likelihood that students will continue towards, and succeed in attaining, their educational goals.
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.
About the Institute for Evidence-Based Change (IEBC)
IEBC is a nationally-recognized nonprofit organization dedicated to helping education stakeholders - community colleges, universities, K-12 school systems, staff, faculty, students, employers and others - use coaching, collaboration and data to make informed decisions and craft solutions that improve practice and dramatically increase student success. Learn more about IEBC at www.iebcnow.org or contact IEBC at info@iebcnow.org.
About ECMC Foundation (ECMC)
ECMC Foundation is a 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 at www.ecmcgroup.org
About Lawson State Community College (LSCC)
With two campuses located in Bessemer and Birmingham, Alabama, Lawson State Community College provides seamless administrative processes and educational support services for students, members of the community, and other constituents. Lawson State is comprised of two main divisions--an academic division and a career/technical division and prepares students for gainful employment and career advancement through comprehensive offerings in college transfer, workforce development, adult education, and dual enrollment programs. Learn more about LSCC at www.lawsonstate.edu or call 205-929-2515.
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