In support of UAGC institutional initiatives, including Culture of Care, this issue focuses on continuing to build our understanding of the student experience to leverage that understanding towards positive, cross-departmental collaboration to ensure the institution supports the whole student body toward academic success.

In this issue, you will find several articles, including the new Provost's Corner, that embody the Culture of Care initiative by offering approaches to increasing students' sense of belonging at our institution, which is key to ensuring access to quality education. Dr. Sarah Steinberg utilizes this space to share her insights with the UAGC academic community. Her inaugural message shares her perspective on why the Culture of Care initiative is critical. We hope you will enjoy learning more about her background, family, and her drive for UAGC to lead the way in online education.

Additional contributions offer an opportunity to learn about the importance of Leading with Care from UAGC Student Care Manager Matt Galloway and how Cindy Terebush, Associate Faculty, has identified and leans on Four Pillars of Support to guide her interactions with students. These articles are just the beginning of the path we have set ourselves upon to expand our understanding of the student's experience and how we can assist them in achieving academic success.

Lastly, thank you to all faculty for completing the Annual Faculty Training. This training immerses faculty in the multifaceted approach to the Culture of Care and how to apply these elements to your courses.

Initial feedback from UAGC faculty notes that this training is exemplary and comprehensively addresses why and how to support your students while maintaining academic rigor in your classroom.

UAGC faculty shared:

• "This is probably the most valuable and useful training subject I have seen in terms of having an impact on student success."
• "The training was successful in helping me see the value of empowerment that improves student learning and increases retention."
• "I think this training was spot on. It covered some great points and gave really great tactics and strategies that one can implement immediately."
• "I'm glad you had us do this. It really cemented how I should approach my students. As a new teacher, I was not sure how stringent UAGC expected me to be on some issues. The CoC helps me know to err on the side of trust and empathy, instead of being rigid with students to 'teach them a lesson.’"

The Chronicle actively seeks contributions demonstrating engagement with and dedication to the UAGC mission. As a result, we continue to increase readership with each issue. Please share the Chronicle with your network!

Learn more about contributing to The UAGC Chronicle here. Please send your ideas, suggestions, and questions to TheUAGCChronicle@uagc.edu.