By Eila Zaris
CCC Journalism Program
BLACKWOOD – Executive Dean Richard F. Kopp of Student Success and Retention at Camden County College hosted Donuts with Executive Dean Kopp on Nov. 18 in Taft Hall on the Blackwood campus. Students were given free donuts and coffee and got to ask questions, give feedback and suggest new ideas for campus life at Camden County College.
The event hosted about 25 students, who enjoyed their refreshments and had a casual and open conversation about student life at the college. Topics such as mental health, student resources and the college’s plans for students were discussed.
“We gather student feedback continuously throughout the year,” Kopp said.
Student Andrew Geisenheimer, who attended the event, had nothing but positive things to say about it. Students seemed to feel open when talking about their concerns about being students at Camden County College. Kopp made it an environment for people to feel comfortable.
“Mr. Kopp was so down-to-earth and he was very understanding. He listened to everything each student had to say, considered it, took notes on it and responded to the student respectfully,” Geisenheimer said.
During the conversation, Kopp asked students what challenges they faced with their teachers and what positive characteristics students have experienced with staff members at the college. A student replied that empathy was a struggle but many highlighted that most of the teachers are caring, genuine and have emotional empathy. The dean reassured students that the staff would continue to be trained on those characteristics.
Important topics, such as mental health, were discussed. When asked how decisions about funding, facilities or academic programs are being prioritized, Kopp noted the importance of students’ mental health, saying, “We are expanding our mental health and wellness infrastructure, growing Marketplace pantry services, improving student engagement programming across all campuses and rolling out new communication and engagement tools.”
Students at the event also discussed topics such as resources for basic needs, student success and overall student support. Kopp described progress on those topics. “We’ve launched the new Student Success and Retention Center and centralized wrap-around services within our new division to provide coaching and wellness services, accessibility support, the Marketplace Food Pantry, athletics navigation and connection to basic needs.”
Also discussed at the event were a new student engagement app launching soon and clearer degree pathways.
“The event made me feel more involved and part of the community,” Geisenheimer said.
Kopp stated more events like this will take place and he encouraged all students to participate, reminding them that their input directly shapes policies, programs and the future of the college.
“What’s most rewarding is hearing directly from students about what’s working, what isn’t and what matters most to them,” Kopp said.