Creating a Culture of CARE: Redesigning the Student Experience with Equity in Mind through a Personalized Learning Model

Tallahassee Community College is uniquely positioned within the state of Florida servicing three counties. The college’s zip code, 32304, has been deemed the poorest zip code in Florida, where 52% of students identify as non-white. In an effort to address both equity and access, the college developed a college-wide CARE model in partnership with faculty, staff, and students. Utilizing design-thinking sessions, numerous strategies were applied including embedding student supports into the virtual learning platforms, creating a new Teaching and Learning Framework, and developing a personalized learning model for all incoming students. This session will highlight the strategies used by the college to create a sense of belonging and increase student success rates among all demographics campus-wide. Special emphasis will be given to the targeted strategies used both in and outside the classroom to personalize the student experience and address student needs during the COVID-19 crisis.