Table of Contents
- Message from Dr. Brandon A. Frye
- Disability Support Guidance for Planning Events / DSS New Home
- Office of Student Rights and Responsibilities Seeking Board Applicants
- HOiST - Fall Programming
- Career Services Introduces New Video Series
- Student Affairs Engagement
- ECU Food Insecurity Services and Programs
- Fall Campus Communications
- Campus and Volunteer Opportunities
- New Hires, Promotions and Separations
From the Desk of Vice Chancellor Brandon Frye
Can you believe that the start of the fall semester is here? Summer is ending, and the Fall is here! Break out the pumpkin spice and gameday gear.
Our campus is quickly coming back to life and the buzz from students filling our residence halls, the student centers and campus mall is palpable. The opening week (and weekend) of the fall semester is one of my favorite times of the academic year.
The move-in process is underway in all three campus neighborhoods, and we’ve got several major university student traditions including Raid the Rec, Pirate Palooza, New Student Welcome and the First Year Photo on the field of Dowdy-Ficklen Stadium later this week. Monday marks the first day of classes which also has Greek Fest, highlighting our Fraternity and Sorority Life community, in the afternoon.
Anyone who has visited the Main Campus Student Center has likely seen the pillars of the Student Success Continuum. The continuum is comprised of four key categories taking place through the academic year: Connect, Invest, Motivate, and Finish Strong.
The start of the fall semester is the time we want our students to Connect. For our traditional aged 18–24-year-old students, the first year of college is a critical time of transition and adjustment where students need to feel they belong to something special, that they matter, and affirm they are now a member of something larger--Pirate Nation.
Connecting in and out of the classroom will assist first-time and transfer students with establishing themselves academically and socially while returning students also need to “connect” with the new challenges and transitions which emerge with academic progress, ongoing leadership and service involvement and perhaps living off campus.
The Connect phase of the continuum will conclude halfway through the fall semester and transition to Invest before moving to Motivate at the start of January and ending the academic year by Finishing Strong!
Faculty and staff are encouraged to visit The Pirate Experience website, which is the home to ECU’s 400+ student organizations as well as an active student calendar of events. Sharing connection opportunities such as Get-A-Clue, Part-Time Job/Career Fairs, and many more events with students is a simple, effective way to help our new and returning students to feel that sense of belonging and community.
I sincerely hope everyone was able to get some time away to re-charge the batteries and get prepared for our students returning to Pirate Nation….because they are back and we must be ready to help them become successful! Our team looks forward to working with our campus and community partners this academic year to help students succeed.
We’re less than three weeks away from football kicking off and I have my purple pirate gameday shirt ready to go but, I think I’ll wait until the temperatures drop below 90 degrees to grab that pumpkin spice?
Go Pirates!
Disability Support Services
Disability Support offers Guidance for Planning Events
The Office of Disability Support Services (DSS) is a great place for students who had academic accommodations in high school and would like to continue those services here at ECU. DSS is about removing barriers that may or could hinder a students academic progress and they do it with a personal outreach to more than 3,200 registered students. DSS is ultimately responsible for providing services for students, faculty and staff, regarding course accommodations, housing accommodations and so much more.
With the start of a new academic year, faculty, staff and students begin planning events, activities and programs. Disability Support Services asks that you consider these 5 things, for both indoor and outdoor events. By doing so, you will provide equal access to those who need to be accommodated.
Indoor activities/events
- Use the following statement in your advertising. Individuals requesting accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) should contact the ADA Coordinator at least 48 hours prior to the event at (252) 737-1018 / ada-coordinator@ecu.edu.
- Make sure that there is space available for Wheelchair access in the audience and possibly on the stage. (is there access to the stage)
- Lighting for individuals with visual impairments needs to be considered
- Any media shown needs to have captioning available
Outdoor activities/events
- Use the following statement in your advertising. Use the following statement in your advertising. Individuals requesting accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) should contact the ADA Coordinator at least 48 hours prior to the event at (252) 737-1018 / ada-coordinator@ecu.edu.
- Make sure pathways are cleared of obstructions
- Booths and activities need to be accessible for those in Wheelchairs by providing solid terrain (ie. Sidewalks; pavement)
- Accessible parking should be available for those requesting such services
If you have questions or need guidance, visit our website for contact information.
Disability Support Services has Moved
Disability Support Services has called Slay Hall home for approximately 20 years. In that time, faces have changed, students have come and graduated, but most importantly progress has been made. With an all-time high of student registrations, the time has come for DSS to expand. Over the summer, the DSS Office and Testing Center relocated to Mendenhall 109 to make room for the growing numbers we continue to serve. The new space will provide an additional (19) spots for testing.
In addition to this move, a second Testing Center on the Health Science Campus was created in the spring of 2023, to accommodate the needs of students. It has proven to be a successful endeavor, one in which no doubt, there will be an increased demand.
The world of disability is making strides to become more widely accepted and based on current data, the DSS office foresees our numbers continually rising at a rapid rate solidifying our place on campus.
Disability Support Services welcomes both students and faculty to visit us in Mendenhall Suite 109 and be a part of the new direction for students with disabilities.
Office of Student Rights and Responsibilities
The Office of Student Rights and Responsibilities is looking for faculty and staff interested in serving on the Title IX and Prohibited Interpersonal Violence and Related Misconduct Hearing Board and the ECU Student Conduct Board.
Hearing Board for Reports of Title IX and Prohibited Interpersonal Violence and Related Misconduct
Trained investigators within the Office for Equity and Diversity (OED), review and investigate reports of Title IX and Reports of Prohibited Interpersonal Violence and Related Misconduct. Following an investigation, OED submits a report to the Office of Student Rights and Responsibilities (OSRR). OSRR refers the cases to a Hearing Board for resolution.
The Hearing Board consists of a trained pool of faculty and staff. During a Hearing, a panel comprised of three faculty and/or staff members will review all available, relevant information and based on a preponderance of the evidence standard make a determination as to whether or not a violation of University policy has occurred, and if applicable determine appropriate university sanctions.
If you are interested in serving on the Hearing Board for reports of Title IX and Prohibited Interpersonal Violence and Related Misconduct, please complete an application.
Student Conduct Board
The ECU Student Conduct Board is comprised of a pool of trained students, faculty, and staff who review alleged violations of the ECU Student Code of Conduct. Cases heard by the ECU Student Conduct Board are under review for suspension or expulsion based on the nature of the allegation or the student’s prior conduct history.
If you are interested in serving on the ECU Student Conduct Board, please complete an application.
For additional information, please contact OSRR at Osrr@ecu.edu.
HOiST: Helping Our Students Thrive through Collaboration and Student-Centered Programming
What began as a quick conversation about how to connect faculty and staff with student-focused resources has grown into a popular standing series, with dozens of programs over the past three years that have highlighted a strong partnership across university divisions and focused on collaboration and support services. In fall of 2019, Nikki Caswell noted some trends with students being served by the University Writing Center and reached out to Lauren Thorn, then Associate Dean of Students, for ideas of how they could better support students who were distressed during their writing consultations. The discussion led to the first semester of HOiST (an acronym for Helping Our Students Thrive) programming in Spring of 2020 and has continued since then as a series within the Office of Faculty Excellence calendar of workshops and events, with support from Sarah Carver Williams and the OFE team.
Every semester, the planning team for HOiST discusses common topics and areas of interest that are relevant to that semester and needs of the campus. For example, when there was a change in how Disability Support Services processed accommodations and attendance policies, HOiST made sure that they were included early in the semester to provide that information to participants. Each topic and panel of experts are carefully chosen to highlight the available resources on campus, and the program is recorded over Teams to ensure access to those interested but unable to attend.
HOiST sessions also include a time for consultation and Q&A, with many of the best discussions coming from attendees who are looking for guidance or resources on a particular subject. In the past, sessions topics have covered everything from civil discourse to managing difficult classroom behavior, with additional discussions on how to recognize students through award opportunities, basic needs insecurity resources, or how to get involved in campus events and volunteering. The HOiST series was also shared in Spring of 2022 at the University of North Carolina System Behavioral Health Convening as a positive example of cross-campus collaboration and initiatives supporting student mental health and well-being resources.
Topics for Fall 2023 include:
- Chat GPT and other AI Tools: How to Integrate Successfully on Campus—September 14 at 1:30 pm
- Health-Promoting Campus and Strategies: What Techniques Translate to the Classroom—October 2 at 3 pm
- Student Burnout and Stress in the Classroom—October 18 at 10 am
- Financial Well-Being and Resources for Our Campus—November 14 at 11 am
More information on registration and links for joining these virtual meetings can be found on the OFE website at https://ofe.ecu.edu/office-for-faculty-excellence/faculty-life/hoist-helping-our-students-thrive/.
If there are suggestions for upcoming topics, please reach out to Lauren Thorn, director of the Center for Student Success, at thornla@ecu.edu or Nikki Caswell, director of the University Writing Center, at caswelln@ecu.edu to share ideas or concepts.
Career Services
New Video Series
Career Services partnered with ECU News Services to produce a Spanish language video this summer. The video is part of a series about ECU that was recorded in Spanish to be accessible to the Latinx community; our students, potential students and their parents. The video highlights Career Services programs and services for ECU students. Former student, Persida Montanez, who is now a working professional, was interviewed about her involvement with Career Services and how it helped her prepare to enter her profession.
Part-Time Job Fair
The Fall Part-Time Job Fair will be held at the ECU Main Campus Student Center on August 23, 2023, from 1pm to 4pm. ECU students from all years of study and majors will attend in search of Work Study, Self-Help and other student employment opportunities. Registration will close on August 16th at 5:00 pm. There is no registration fee for ECU departments. Register in Handshake.
Contact Lynn Copeland with any questions, copelandl17@ecu.edu .
Student Affairs Engagement
ACUI Student Org Institute
During June, Hank Bowen, Senior Associate Director for Student Engagement, served as one of four faculty members for the ACUI Student Organization Institute. The SOI brought student organization staff from around the US and Canada together to learn best practices for working with student groups. Participants ranged from new professionals to veteran advisors.
ECU Food Insecurity Services and Programs
Purple Pantry, ECU’s FREE on campus food pantry, will be open for all enrolled students starting August 28th. The Center for Leadership and Civic Engagement will offer volunteer orientations for students August 21-25, 2023. Information pertaining to Purple Pantry and volunteer orientations will be posted on the Purple Pantry website.
New Hours of Operation:
Main Campus Student Center Purple Pantry:
- As we begin the fall 2023 semester, all storefront operations will be moved from G-14 to the Center for Leadership and Civic Engagement Suite (CLCE), Suite 208, within the Main Campus Student Center.
- Hours of Operation for the CLCE Suite Purple Pantry: Monday-Friday 1:00PM-5:00PM
Health Sciences Campus Student Center Purple Pantry
- Fall hours of operation will turn into “Pop Up Pantry” opportunities. Opportunities will be listed here.
Upcoming Fall 2023 Programs and Information:
Swipe Out Hunger
- A collaborative program with Purple Pantry, Student Government Association, and ECU Dining will kick off Monday August 21st and go through September 3rd. Using the GET Mobile app, students with purple and gold meal plans will be able to donate 1 or 2 meals to students experiencing food insecurity at ECU. From the campaign, students will now get access to healthy and well-balanced meals at West End and Todd Dining Halls. Starting September 11, 2023, students in need of assistance can fill out the Swipe Out Hunger application and find more information here.
Mini Pantry on Health Sciences Campus
- Purple Pantry will be extending Mini Pantry operations to Health Sciences Campus. ECU Facilities will install Health Sciences Campus first mini pantry outside of Laupus Library by the close of Fall 2023.
Interested in donating to Purple Pantry? 4 easy and different ways!
- Drop off Donations: Please visit our website for the most needed items and drop them off to the Main Campus Student Center, Suite 208, from 1-5PM Monday-Friday.
- Donation Drives: Student organizations, campus departments, or community organizations interested in hosting a drive, can fill out a form here. This form helps staff and volunteers organize drop off dates and meet with groups to identify needed items.
- Amazon Wishlist: You may also donate via our Amazon Wishlist with the current needs of Purple Pantry.
- Hunger Initiatives Priority Fund: To establish hunger-related opportunities for ECU's Purple Pantry, which addresses food insecurities on campus.
Campus and Volunteer Opportunities
Pirate Media 1 - Campus Opportunities for Faculty / Staff
Welcome back! Get your message about your department and programs to students, faculty, staff and the community throughout the school year, starting with our Welcome Back edition of The East Carolinian newspaper on August 21, 2023.
Pirate Media 1 (ECU Student Media) is Greenville’s only multimedia company allowed to distribute publications and advertise on campus. Pirate Media 1 is comprised of The East Carolinian, WZMB FM, Magazines (Hook, Anchors Away, Rebel and Expressions), and the Agency.
Don’t miss out on these great opportunities to connect with students, faculty and staff including the Welcome Back edition of The East Carolinian newspaper on August 21, 2023.
Check out these three great opportunities for the fall semester to promote your programs, events and raise awareness of what your department has to offer.
- Advertise in The East Carolinian (TEC) newspaper with a buy one, get one free advertising package. Buy one ad in our Welcome Back edition on Aug. 21 and get a free ad to run during the fall semester. The deadline to schedule your ads is Aug. 16 (contact smaa@ecu.edu to secure your ad space).
- Sports Bundle Sponsorship (Football & Baseball Coverage) – This package offers you sponsorship of ECU football coverage and/or ECU baseball coverage in TEC at a discounted rate.
- On Campus Events Package – Our events package for on-campus groups, organizations and departments.
Please contact Tim Davis with Pirate Media 1 with questions or to receive more information about this communication. Tim can be reached at 252-328-9245 or at smaa@ecu.edu.
Opening Weekend Events - Volunteers Needed
The Division of Student Affairs is seeking volunteers for our Opening Weekend events and activities.
Pirate Palooza will be held on Saturday, August 19th, from 6 pm to 9 pm at the Main Campus Student Center and in surrounding parking lots.
Pirate Palooza is ECU's largest welcome back celebration filled with Pirate traditions. Students will have the opportunity to participate in novelty activities and enjoy dessert food trucks.
Volunteers are needed on Aug. 19th from 5 p.m. – 9 p.m. Each person will receive an event t-shirt to wear that day and dinner will be provided for volunteers. Additional details about reporting times, locations and event assignments will be communicated to those who complete the volunteer form.
If you have any questions, please directly contact Daniel McFadden with Student Engagement at (252) 328-4229 or mcfaddend23@ecu.edu.
The New Student Welcome and First Year Photo will be held on Sunday, August 20.
The New Student Welcome takes place in Minges Coliseum beginning at 4 p.m. followed by the First Year Photo on the field of Dowdy-Ficklen Stadium. These events are designed to foster community as well as build traditions, student involvement and campus commitment. The Welcome and First Year Photo will celebrate our new Pirates and build a sense of group identity among members of the entering class.
Volunteers will be needed from 3 p.m.- 5:45 p.m. and additional instructions will be sent from the Office of Student Transitions prior to the event related to attire and volunteer roles. For questions about the Welcome / First Year Photo, please contact Karen Smith at smithka@ecu.edu.
New Hires, Promotions and Separations
New Hires
Daniel Wilson – Residence Hall Coordinator
Daniel Wilson is the new Fletcher Hall Residence Coordinator for the Campus Living department. Before coming to ECU, Daniel has served in roles of being a student Resident Assistant, Graduate Hall Coordinator, and has even worked for a healthcare IT company.
Originally from Overland Park, Kansas, Daniel enjoys spending time outside, reading, and watching his favorite soccer team, AS Roma.
Jessie Johnson – Residence Hall Coordinator
Jessie Johnson joined Campus Living in the summer of 2023 and is the new coordinator for Umstead Residence Hall. She completed a BS in Biology from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro and a MEd in Higher Education Administration from Texas Tech University.
Her passion areas include academic initiatives, addressing food insecurity, and creating a meaningful on-campus experience for residents. When not at work, she enjoys watching reality tv, crafting, and traveling. You will often see Jessie walking around campus with her golden retriever, Doug, or in Starbucks!
Sarah Canner – Residence Hall Coordinator
Sarah Canner is the new Jones Residence Hall Coordinator for the department of Campus Living. She plans to create a welcoming and engaging community for not only the residents, but the RA's as well.
Sarah received both her bachelor's and master's degree from the University of Florida in health education. During her time at UF, she served as an RA and Graduate Assistant in residence life.
Sarah grew up in St. Petersburg, FL. Outside of work, she enjoys being outside, going to the beach, hanging out with her friends and family, traveling to new places, and shopping!
Shakia Risby – Residence Hall Coordinator
Shakia Risby is the new Legacy Residence Hall Coordinator for Campus Living. She will assist with programming, supervising, and all administrative needs for the Resident Advisors (RA) and the students within the hall. Before joining ECU, Shakia was an Area Director for Residence Life at Chowan University, where she earned her BA in Business, May 2021. She also received her MA in Organizational Leadership and graduated May 2023.
Shakia, originally from Prince George's County, MD, moved to the Greenville area in January 2021 with her mom, sister, and dog Skyy. She enjoys cooking, traveling, and spending time with her boyfriend of 4 years, Rob.
Allison Peele – Associate Director for Academic Initiatives
Dr. Allison Peele joined the ECU Residence Life family in the summer of 2023, after serving in other capacities at the university since 2022. She is natively from Raleigh, North Carolina, but has lived all across the state. She completed a BA in Sociology from Fayetteville State University, a MEd in Student Personnel Administration in Higher Education from University of North Carolina Greensboro, and an EdD in Educational Leadership from Fayetteville State University. Her passion and research focuses are supporting underrepresented students and creating avenues for change in the areas of student access and success.
When not at work, she enjoys spending time with her husband and children, traveling, and getting to serve the community with her sorority.
Jodie Morgan – CRW Coordinator of Athletic Training
Jodie is the Coordinator of Athletic Training for Campus Recreation and Wellness and will provide medical services to the club and intramural sport athletes. She is also responsible for some admin work and will be supervising a Graduate Assistant Athletic Trainer.
Jodie graduated from ECU with a Bachelor of Science degree in Athletic Training in 2019. For the past 4 years, she has worked as an athletic trainer in the high school setting. When not at work, Jodie loves to spend time with her fiancé Drew and her German Shepherd Emma. She enjoys going to the beach, reading and going antique shopping.
Terra Jones – Career Advisor
Terra is from Plymouth, NC and lives in Greenville, NC. She has a Master’s in Human Services from Liberty University. She joins Pirate Nation from Pitt Community College where she worked as an academic advisor and adjunct instructor. She has 14 years of experience in higher education and loves advocating for students and their success. She embodies the quote “be who you needed when you were younger.”
Lina Rios – Career Advisor
Lina is an ECU alumni earning her M.S. in Clinical Counseling and has a background in career development and mental health counseling. Lina has lived in North Carolina for the past 16 years and considers it home. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with family and friends, loves playing board games, and going for nature walks.
Lina’s primary duties and responsibilities as a Career Advisor include advising and providing career and major exploration, resume, and cover letter review, job search strategies, development of career goals, and general professional development.
Promotions
John Fortunato - Locksmith - Housing Operations - August 14
Separations
- Fabian Wilkerson – Assistant Director for Operations – Transit – August 3
- Stephen Thompson – Facilities Maintenance Tech – Campus Living – August 4
- Leanna Thorn – Staff Physician – Student Health Services – August 15
- Brandy Galloway – Nurse Practitioner – Student Health Services – August 15
Credits:
Created with images by Creative Services, University Photographers, ECU Video, SA Communications and by srckomkrit - "gold wall background".