MARYSVILLE, Calif. – Yuba College has been recognized as a Silver-Certified Caring Campus, marking the first time the college has achieved certification through the Institute for Evidence-Based Change’s, or IEBC, Caring Campus initiative.

The certification, which lasts three years, highlights Yuba College’s commitment to institutionalizing caring practices that strengthen student belonging, connection and success. 

Silver status is awarded to institutions that go beyond implementation and demonstrate measurable, sustainable efforts to embed a culture of care across campus.

“This is the first time that Yuba College has been certified — and we are already a Silver thanks to Riley Hang’s leadership and the team she works with,” said Dr. Tawny Dotson, Yuba College president.

Caring Campus, developed by the IEBC, is grounded in research showing that students who feel connected are more likely to succeed. At Yuba College, the initiative is designed to build a culture of care, connection and holistic support for both students and employees. 

It is carried out by the Caring Campus Committee, chaired by Riley Hang, instructional associate in the College Success Center, and made up solely of classified professionals, with valued support from administration and faculty in a resource role.

“I am incredibly proud of our committee and the whole Yuba College community,” Hang said. “Earning Silver-level certification on our very first application is a meaningful milestone that celebrates months of teamwork, leadership and a shared vision to build a culture of care. It shows how deeply Yuba College values student connectedness and belonging.”

As part of its Caring Campus efforts, Yuba College has introduced several initiatives, including:

• Cross-departmental gatherings such as “Cookies with Coworkers” and “Lettuce Support You” that encourage collaboration among employees.
• Caring Campus Tours to connect staff with campus resources and build welcoming practices each semester.
• Campus-wide employee name badges for classified professionals, faculty, and administrators, creating a stronger sense of connection and approachability for students.

“These initiatives may look simple on the surface, but together they break down barriers and strengthen belonging,” Hang said. “Even something as small as wearing a name badge signals to students that every member of our college community is ready to listen, help and support their success.”

As chair, Hang said her role has centered on organizing meetings, helping the committee set priorities and sharing progress with college leaders. “It’s been inspiring to see how much we can accomplish when we come together with kindness, purpose and a shared commitment to student and employee well-being,” she said.

Hang credited the work and dedication of Caring Campus Committee leaders Amber Kuykendall, Carrie Stoner, Darla Hagerman, Devon Coats, Gio Guzman, Julie Miller, Kristi Page, Michelle Rosales, Ruth Catalan and Zulema Zermeno, as well as Yuba College’s administrative leadership.

"Our Yuba College administrative team also plays a vital role in advancing this work, and we’ve been fortunate to have the regular participation of Dr. Tawny Dotson, Angelica Munoz and our former vice president of instruction, Dr. Jeremy Brown,” Hang said. “Dr. Dotson, in particular, has been a driving force, from co-authoring the grant that funded our campus-wide employee nametags to featuring Caring Campus during convocation and raising its profile across the college community. It is Dr. Dotson’s inspiring leadership and support that continues to drive the success and growth of the Caring Campus at Yuba College.”

Caring Campus certification recognizes colleges that demonstrate an unwavering commitment to creating environments where students and employees feel connected, valued and supported. The credential will be formally announced at the Caring Campus Conference in November.

For more information about the Caring Campus certification process and levels, visit https://ccnetwork.iebcnow.org/caring-campus-certification/.