Texas A&M University-Kingsville is a Caring Campus
Faculty and Staff at TAMUK strive to ensure that our students and guests feel welcomed and connected at Javelina Nation.
The Institute for Evidence-Based Change (IEBC) created Caring Campus based on research showing students who feel more connected to their university show higher rates of completing their academic goals. Through Caring Campus, faculty and staff are coached to implement research-based behaviors that increase student connectedness, leading to increase student success.
Leading the Way: TAMUK Becomes the First University to Implement Caring Campus!
IEBC Announces New Initiatives: January 2024 President’s Message
IEBC News: Texas A&M University – Kingsville Student Flourishes with Support of Caring Campus
IEBC News: Caring Campus Comes to Texas A&M University – Kingsville
Caring Campus Behaviors for all Employees
Ten-Foot Rule:
Whenever a student is within 10’ and appears to need assistance, take the initiative to approach them. Say hello, smile, and use a positive tone.
Nametags:
Wear your name badge with the university logo so students and guests know who to approach with questions.
Cross-Department Awareness:
Learn about the services available at the other departments. Maintain accurate and up-to-date directories to refer students or guests to campus services.
Warm Referrals:
Call ahead or walk students and guests to their intended destination. Follow up to ensure they arrived and their needs were met.
First Week Greetings:
During the first week of classes, set up information tables and meet students across campus to welcome them and provide assistance.
Caring Campus Behaviors for Faculty in the Classroom
Welcome students to the course
Engage students in a 1st day experience
Lead a “What’s your story?” activity
Learn and regularly use students’ preferred names
Create caring moments
Provide constructive feedback early and often
Use situational awareness
Have You Witnessed Caring Campus in Action? Recognize a Caring Campus staff or faculty member today!
Have you seen a faculty or staff member engaging in Caring Campus behaviors that make a difference? Whether it was a small act of kindness or extra support to help students succeed, we want to hear about it.
Caring Campus Champions
Champion
Mr. Daniel Arias, Lecturer in Mathematics, exemplifies the ideals of Caring Campus on a daily basis. He walks with students when he refers them to other offices so that the students feel well taken care of. He is alert to student problems and is proactive about asking students whether they might need help. Mr. Arias looks at university issues through the lens of what is best for our students, both academically and with respect to their overall well-being. Mr. Arias is a model for how to embrace Caring Campus.
Nominated by a faculty member who wished to remain anonymous
Daniel Arias
Lecturer, Department of Mathematics
Champion
I would like to express how impressed I am with Dr. Elda Sanchez for her caring and attentive care toward one of our Rangeland and Wildlife Sciences (RWSC) students who was in medical need. Dr. Sanchez has been at the student’s side all day, waiting in the ER, and with doctors, ensuring the TAMUK student received the care and treatments needed.
Nominated by Dr. Shad Nelson, Dean, College of Agriculture and Natural Resources
Elda Sanchez
Professor, Department of Chemistry and Director, National Natural Toxins Research Center
Champion
I know that it is, in fact, his job, but professor Eduardo Garza is always happy to lend a helping hand, whether it is for personal advice or coursework. He always welcomes you into his office hours and brightens the mood wherever he goes. His kind attitude, passion for language arts education, and compassion have helped me pass this class. I have been going through tough times lately, but with his help and support, I can navigate through my Spanish class. He responds to emails in a very timely manner, encourages his students to overachieve and overcome their challenges, and doesn’t mind cracking a few funny jokes so we don’t forget to have fun while we learn. I have seen other students come to him for all kinds of support, so I know others also feel positively towards him. Really, he is an awesome guy, and I hope to have him again next semester! Please consider him for this recognition. He is one of the best professors and mentors I have had!
Nominated by a student who wished to remain anonymous
Eduardo Garza
Adjunct Faculty, Department of Language and Literature
Champion
Alejandro Solis has gone out of his way to help students identify options to pay their university balances. He is lightning quick to respond to emails, and he routinely invites students who email him to meet with him in person. When he meets with students, his concern for their well-being and his attention to detail help students feel comfortable in the sometimes overwhelming world of financial aid.
Nominated by a faculty member who wished to remain anonymous
Alejandro Solis
Financial Aid Advisor II, Office of Student Financial Aid
Champion
Shout out to Bryanna Gonzalez! I was trying to get in touch with someone in another office but kept striking out. Thought maybe I had the wrong contact info, so I reached out to Admissions, and Bryanna picked up. She confirmed I had the right info, AND she walked over to the office I was trying to reach to check if anyone was there. She found someone, got me the contact’s name, and transferred me over. I know she gives the same level of customer service to everyone she meets! ⭐ Amazing customer service—thank you, Bryanna! 💯👏
Nominated by Jennifer Vela, Executive Assistant to the Provost
Bryanna Gonzalez
Admission Specialist II, Office of Admissions