Mission College Earns Silver-Level Certification as Caring Campus

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
SANTA CLARA, CA -- Mission College is proud to announce it has been officially recognized as a Certified Silver-level Caring Campus, a prestigious designation awarded by The Institute for Evidence-Based Change (IEBC). This recognition highlights Mission College’s ongoing commitment to fostering a culture of care, inclusion, and student success.
The IEBC, a nonprofit organization dedicated to using evidence-based solutions to
improve educational practices and increase student success, established the Caring
Campus initiative to ensure that colleges cultivate environments where all students
feel valued, supported, and connected. By integrating coaching, collaboration, and
data-driven strategies, the IEBC helps institutions develop customized solutions that
address today’s most pressing challenges in education.
“We are incredibly proud of this milestone,” Mission College President Dr. Seher Awan
said. “The Silver-level Caring Campus designation is a testament to the heart of Mission
College - our commitment to serving students with compassion, equity, and purpose.
It’s an affirmation of our belief that when students feel connected and cared for,
they thrive academically and personally.”
Caring Campus emphasizes the importance of student connectedness, particularly for
underrepresented populations. Research shows that when students feel supported, they
are more likely to persist and complete their academic goals. By implementing strategies
such as warm referrals, student-friendly communication, and cross-departmental collaboration,
Mission College has demonstrated a sustained commitment to improving student services
and creating an inclusive, supportive campus culture.

Key priorities of the initiative include:
- Enhancing student services and frontline support
- Creating a positive and welcoming environment for all students
- Increasing student retention and registration rates
- Promoting collaboration between departments to serve students holistically
“At Mission College, we understand that student success is not just about academics—it's
about how students feel when they walk through our doors or log in online,” said Veronica
Martinez, Administrator Liaison. “The Caring Campus model reinforces our belief that
every student deserves to feel seen, supported, and valued.”
Mission College’s Caring Campus team - Jessica Nguyen, Kristal Dela Cruz, Steve Duong,
and Veronica Martinez - played a pivotal role in implementing the initiative, ensuring
that the college community embraced the Caring Campus values both in traditional and
virtual settings.
While the Silver-level designation is a significant milestone, Mission College remains
dedicated to advancing its Caring Campus practices. The college continues to work
towards deepening its commitment to student success and creating an environment where
all students can thrive.