Creating a warm, supportive environment that fosters student success has always been integral to the University of West Alabama culture. The university has strengthened its commitment by partnering with Caring Campus, a national initiative developed by the Institute for Evidenced-Based Change (IEBC), a non-profit organization designed to enhance students’ sense of belonging and increase student retention and success.
Read more about the Caring Campus Initiative
Five Faculty and Staff Behavioral Commitments
Caring Campus is founded on the principle of faculty and staff identifying behavioral commitments that are intentionally implemented across the university. The following are the behavioral commitments that UWA is actively embracing to foster a welcoming and supportive campus environment:
| Face-to-Face | Virtual Environment |
|---|---|
| Ten Foot Rule: Whenever a student is within 10′ and seems to need assistance take the initiative to approach them. Say hello, smile, and use a positive tone. | Reaching Out: Reach out to students via phone, email, and text to let them know you’re available to answer questions, respond to concerns, etc. |
| Name Tags: Wear name badges or lanyards with the college name on them so that students will know who to approach with questions. | Give Your Information Up Front: Start each contact with your name & department. Ask for student’s name and contact info in case you get disconnected. |
| Cross-Department Awareness: Learn about other departments so you know where to send students. Maintain accurate and up-to-date detailed directories. | Cross-Department Awareness: Learn about other departments so you know where to refer students. Maintain accurate and up-to-date detailed directories. |
| Warm Referrals: Call ahead or walk student to the office they need to get to. Follow up to ensure the student got there. | Warm Referrals: Use the student’s callback info to call the receiving office, make the connection on the students behalf, and ask them to contact the student. Follow-up. |
| First Week Greetings: During the first week of classes set up information tables and meet students in the parking lot, welcome students to the college. | Reach Out to Students: At key times such as the first week of classes, as course drop dates and filing for degrees approach; especially first time in college students, to ensure they have the information they need. |
Committee Members
Dr. Melissa Haab
Ms. Shelly Fast
Ms. Caroline Stanton
Mr. Cody Ingram
Ms. Gena Robbins
Ms. Mary Grace Edmonds
Ms. Shelley Findley
Ms. Brenda Edwards
Ms. Daphne Bowden
Mr. Adonis Williams
Ms. Amy Lenning
Ms. Caitlin Saxton
Ms. Leslie White – Co Chair
Ms. Andrea Abernathy
Ms. Erica Robinson
Mr. Cameron Wyatt – Co Chair
Ms. Emily Stuart
Ms. April Atcheson
Ms. Jess Wood
Mr. Connor Chapman
