The CTE, in collaboration with campus partners, hosted CAREolina 2026 from March 23-27, bringing together educators to explore pedagogies of care and their role in teaching and learning. CAREolina was coordinated by Kristin Harrell, CTE instructional designer.
CAREolina engaged over 220 participants across the week, with involvement from more than 20 campus partners. The program featured workshops, webinars, and interactive sessions focused on student well-being, academic success, and instructor support. Attendees engaged with strategies such as trauma-informed teaching, growth mindset practices, and methods that support both student engagement and instructor well-being.
The week also included the annual First-Generation Symposium, which brought together attendees for a day of discussion and reflection on supporting first-generation college students. The symposium was supported by the CTE, First-Generation Center, TRIO Programs, Graduation and Retention Network (GARNET), the Office of Access and Opportunity, the Division of Student Affairs and Academic Support, and Aramark. The symposium featured a keynote address by Sonja Ardoin, Associate Professor of Higher Education and Student Affairs at Clemson University, titled Supporting First-Generation College Students Through Your Sphere(s) of Influence. The session emphasized the role educators and staff play in shaping student experiences across academic and support environments.
Feedback from the symposium reflected the impact of the event, particularly the student panel and keynote. One attendee shared that the experience was “a reminder to be even more intentional” in supporting students, while another emphasized the importance of “meeting students where they are” and recognizing that “every background is different.”
Other reflections highlighted practical changes educators plan to implement. One attendee noted the need to “clarify the language I use in classes and avoid jargon so that everyone has access to the same information,” while another shared a commitment to “highlighting first-generation student strengths and perspectives.”
In addition to live sessions, CAREolina extended its impact through digital engagement. More than 70 Thank-a-Teacher videos were submitted, recognizing educators across the university, and the CAREolina video collection received strong engagement on YouTube in the weeks following the event.
Academic units across the university also engaged their communities through locally hosted events. The College of Education offered Mindfulness Monday, led by art educator and certified mindfulness instructor Karen Kelly, introducing practical strategies for managing stress and supporting well-being. The Department of History extended CAREolina through its “Pop-In Popcorn Party,” a post-event gathering that created space for connection, appreciation, and continued conversation around care, connection, and empathy in teaching and learning.
Feedback from participants and campus partners highlighted the value of creating space for reflection, connection, and shared learning. CAREolina served as a university-wide effort to support teaching practices that center care, strengthen student engagement, and foster a supportive learning environment.
Educators are encouraged to visit the CAREolina to explore teaching resources, access session materials, and view available videos.