The CARE Framework is a shared, campus-wide approach that guides how we support one another and our students through four core values: Communication, Action, Respect and Empathy. It provides a consistent foundation for creating a student-centered experience where every individual feels valued, supported and connected.

The CARE Framework grew out of campus-wide conversations about the student experience, including feedback from surveys, focus groups and cross-campus collaborations, workshops and working groups.

CARE helps address shared concerns by aligning how we communicate, respond and support students—ensuring they receive clear, consistent information while also fostering a more positive, collaborative workplace culture for all employees. Together, these efforts create a more seamless, coordinated and supportive experience for all.

CARE is an opportunity to:

-Strengthen coordination across offices
-Improve how we support students and each other
-Build a more connected, responsive campus culture
-Align everyday interactions with our shared values

It’s about turning strong individual efforts into a more intentional, unified experience.

Communication – Being clear, timely and transparent so others feel acknowledged and informed
Action – Following through, addressing concerns promptly and removing barriers
Respect – Treating everyone with dignity, patience and professionalism
Empathy – Recognizing needs and responding with understanding and compassion

CARE is for everyone at UIS: all faculty, staff and administrators. Whether directly or indirectly, every role contributes to the student experience, and CARE helps ensure that experience is positive, consistent and supportive across all interactions.

No. CARE applies to how we work with each other as colleagues as well. Strengthening communication, trust and collaboration across units ultimately improves the student experience.

CARE helps create a more consistent and supportive experience by:

-Reducing confusion and unnecessary referrals
-Encouraging clearer communication and follow-through
-Helping students feel heard, respected and supported
-Making it easier to navigate campus resources

You can apply CARE in everyday actions, such as:

-Following up instead of redirecting without guidance
-Helping a student connect to the right person or office
-Communicating timelines and next steps clearly
-Being patient and present, especially in stressful situations

Examples that may not align with CARE include:

-Passing someone along without helping them understand next steps
-Delayed or unclear communication
-Dismissing concerns or showing lack of responsiveness
-Treating interactions as transactional rather than relational

CARE is a long-term commitment to shaping campus culture. It is designed to be integrated into daily practices, decision-making and how we define excellence at UIS.

CARE reinforces the Prairie Star commitment to academic and community excellence by embedding integrity, respect and empathy into daily interactions and institutional practices. It supports a culture of inclusion, responsibility and community.

CARE will be introduced and sustained through:

-Campus workshops (like the RISE Retreat)
-Unit-level discussions and planning
-Integration into workflows and student touchpoints
-Ongoing support, resources and recognition

Yes. UIS will offer professional development, workshops and opportunities to share ideas and learn from colleagues across campus. These efforts are designed to strengthen connections and promote collaboration across roles and units.

Yes. Resources will continue to be developed and shared, including:

-Communication templates (e.g., out-of-office replies, follow-ups)
-Common referral guidance and “who to contact” resources
-Process improvements and more streamlined systems
-Internal FAQ and support materials

CARE doesn’t replace existing efforts—it connects and strengthens them. It provides a shared language and clearer expectations so we can work more collaboratively and consistently across campus.

A student is unsure where to go for help. Instead of simply redirecting them, an employee:

-Listens to understand their need (Empathy)
-Explains next steps clearly (Communication)
-Connects them to the right person or office (Action)
-Treats them with patience and professionalism (Respect)