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Delta College has further institutionalized Caring Campus at the college by providing new faculty members with training that includes a yearlong exposure to Caring Campus principles. As part of this program, experienced faculty mentors are paired with those new to the concept through Faculty Investment Teams (FIT). These teams meet biweekly to discuss what’s working in the classroom, what needs improvement, and how to best apply Caring Campus strategies.
“Caring Campus has given us a common language and a framework to share the culture we’ve always had at Delta,” English professor Kristin Cornelius said. “We've grown to understand the more we are there to support and champion each other through our FIT model, the greater ability we have to create meaningful and impactful relationships and learning communities for our students.”
Students have also responded positively to the care they feel on campus, sharing with faculty how the culture has made a difference in their academic journeys, as well as to their mental health and well-being.
“The work of Caring Campus helps amplify our mission to serve our community and create connections,” Cornelius added. “It allows us to care for each other and our students in meaningful ways, breaking away from the ‘one-size-fits-all’ mindset.”
Delta College’s focus on care and connection has been a contributing factor in increasing the college’s statistics. From Fall 2022 to Fall 2024, enrollment increased by nearly 20%, retention rates rose from 58.5% to 61.2%, and completion rates jumped from 16.8% to 26.8%. Delta College has also expanded its student support services, including 24/7 telecounseling services, a food pantry, and a substance recovery program, to address students' non-academic needs.
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