In the News: Roots & Horizons: Concern, Care and the Architecture of Student Success at C-GCC

February 11, 2026

At Columbia-Greene Community College, student success is defined not just by classroom achievement but by understanding and addressing students’ life circumstances. The college’s CARES team (Care, Advocacy, Resources, and Education) embodies this commitment by offering early alerts, holistic outreach, and coordinated support for students facing academic, financial, and personal barriers. This approach responds to the realities of commuter students whose challenges often intersect across transportation, finances, mental health, housing, and basic needs such as food security.

Assistant Dean of Students Caitlin Twomey emphasized the institutional commitment to students’ lived experiences, stating, “This is campus-wide work. It’s embedded in our mission.” She also highlighted the importance of understanding the whole student: “We take a holistic approach. Often, what a student brings forward is only part of what’s actually happening.” Likewise, the article featured voices that underscored the philosophical shift from expecting students to adapt to institutional systems toward adapting support systems to students’ needs.

CARES initiatives span practical services such as transportation assistance and a centrally located food pantry that includes fresh meals, hygiene products, and pet supplies — all designed with dignity and accessibility in mind. The college’s mental health support is intentionally layered, with on-campus counselors and partner organizations offering programming on wellness topics. Financial aid staff also provide counseling-style guidance to help students make informed decisions, with one leader noting, “Borrow smart. Borrow wisely. Borrow only what you need.” These integrated efforts reflect Columbia-Greene’s belief that removing barriers and fostering stability is foundational to enabling student retention, persistence, and long-term success.

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McTigue, M. (2026, February 11). Roots & Horizons: Concern, care and the architecture of student success at C-GCC. Columbia Paper. https://www.nyvtmedia.com/sections/columbia-paper/articles/roots-horizons-concern-care-and-the-architecture-of-student-success-at-c-gcc?fbclid=IwZnRzaAP-7dJleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZAo2NjI4NTY4Mzc5AAEeCM66U6axN_GqfibhTtjCOld6JwqVs7HlqD-N4ageb1Pf9V9_tfO_wBuadaM_aem_QOnTLpNl3dYhyqNgD9Dulw