From the Desk of Vice Chancellor Brandon Frye
Dear Colleagues and Friends of Student Affairs:
The fall semester is fully underway with the buzz of students reaching a fever pitch. While we aren’t quite ready for all things pumpkin spice, fall is here and it’s my favorite time of year. I am rejuvenated with the start of the academic year and ready to help our students succeed.
We hit the ground running moving more than 5,100 students into the residence halls during our “Welcome Home” Move-In experience. Then it was on to Opening Weekend where we engaged thousands of students at significant events which contributed to new students gaining that sense of community and belonging as quickly as possible. Here are some of the key numbers from Opening Weekend:
- Raid the Rec (Eakin Student Rec Center) - 2,819 students
- Pirate Palooza (Main Campus Student Center) - 4,538 students
- New Student Welcome and First Year Photo (Minges / Dowdy) - 3,500+ students
- Greek Fest (Main Campus Student Center) - 1,000+ students
Most recently in early September we hosted our Get a Clue student involvement fair on the Mall where 200 clubs and organizations assisted students with getting engaged, connected and helped build community. I want to thank everyone who led and/or assisted with Move-In and/or our Opening Weekend events.
There are lots of moving parts at ECU, working to help students connect, learn, develop, and generally just navigate getting into or back into the swing of higher education. Around all the hustle and bustle of students acclimating to our campus, you will find staff and faculty working diligently to help those students succeed inside and outside of the classroom. Student Success is a mission priority and as I enter my third fall in Pirate Nation, I truly believe that ECU faculty and staff care deeply about student success.
On September 3, we held our annual Fall Kickoff for the entire Division of Student Affairs. We hosted Dr. Patrice Buckner-Jackson, known professionally as Dr. PBJ, as our keynote speaker and she focused her discussion on the important topic of disrupting burnout. Her talk was honest, transparent, energetic, relatable, and most importantly, helpful. Building the ECU Culture of Care was the main reason we had her talk at our kickoff event.
Additionally, at the Fall Kickoff, I shared the importance of employee well-being, joy, and integrity. Specifically, this year we all want our work to add to your well-being, to add to the joy you share with your loved ones, and to be able to do your work with integrity. I still strongly believe in those sentiments and am committed to supporting and advancing our team, as I believe a supported and happy team does great work.
In conclusion, enjoy the start of the Fall semester, enjoy the hopefully cooler temperatures, enjoy all things ECU athletics, and even a pumpkin spice something if that is your thing. Most importantly, take care of yourselves this year. Protect your well-being, your joy, and your integrity so that you can combat burnout if it creeps in at some point. Remember, ECU’s success and your well-being can be achieved concurrently if we are attentive and intentional.
Thanks for all you to advance ECU.
Purple and Gold
Student Success Resources
ECU Cares Resource Guide
Submitted by LaNika L. Wright PhD, WHNP-BC, Associate Vice Chancellor of Student Well-Being & Dean of Students
As we begin a new academic year, I want to take a moment to highlight an important resource that helps us collectively support the well-being and safety of our students: ECU Cares.
ECU Cares is a campus-wide initiative coordinated by the Office of the Dean of Students and led by Associate Dean Dr. Stacy Stanford. The team brings together representatives from key departments across the university to offer early intervention and holistic support for students experiencing personal, emotional, or academic challenges.
Your role as faculty and staff places you in a unique position to notice when a student may be struggling — whether it’s a change in demeanor, attendance, academic performance, or something shared directly with you. When those signs arise, ECU Cares is here to help.
How to Submit a Concern
If you notice behavior that causes concern, please submit a confidential referral via the ECU Cares reporting form:
Each report is reviewed by a trained case manager who assesses the situation, connects with the student, and coordinates appropriate support and resources.
When to Refer
Referrals are appropriate when you observe:
- Sudden behavioral or mood changes
- A sudden change in attendance, particularly when outreach attempts when outreach attempts have been unsuccessful
- Signs of emotional distress, including anxiety or depression
- Concerns shared directly by the student
If in doubt, refer. It's better to share a concern than to overlook a student who may be in need.
What ECU Cares is Not Designed For:
To help clarify the roles of various campus support systems, please note that ECU Cares does not:
- Replace emergency services (e.g., immediate safety threats should be directed to ECU Police at 252-328-0062 on East Campus or 252-744-5080 on Health Sciences Campus)
- Manage classroom behavior (please refer to the Academic Disruption Policy or the Faculty Manual for information on how to address these concerns)
- Address academic integrity issues (please review our resources for How to Report an Academic Integrity Violation)
- Conduct student accountability or disciplinary processes (these are handled by the Office of Student Rights and Responsibilities through the Student Conduct Process)
- Facilitate Title IX investigations (for Title concerns, please Submit a Report with the Equal Opportunity & Title IX Office (POSO), or contact the Title IX Coordinator, Sue Martin at martinsu17@ecu.edu.
If you’re ever unsure where to direct a concern, submitting it through ECU Cares allows our team to route the concern to the appropriate office.
Your attention and care can make a lasting difference in a student’s life. For more information, please visit the ECU Cares website.
Thank you for your continued commitment to student success and well-being.
Urgent Matters and Crisis
Submitted by Valerie Kisler-van Reede, Ph.D., Licensed Psychologist, Center for Counseling and Student Development Director
Did You Know?
- The Center for Counseling and Student Development (CCSD) has two designated counselors* who provide urgent mental health counseling and strive to meet students at the point of their need.
- Urgent support and crisis counseling services are available 8am-5pm, Monday-Friday, for both phone calls and in-person appointments.
Think About It!
- Adjustment to college can vary depending on the student’s given circumstances, experiences, or personal dynamic. Difficulties in the adjustment process can manifest in a number of ways, including homesickness, isolation, sadness and worrying, or even thoughts of self-harm.
- If a student acknowledges thoughts of harming themselves or others, please refer the student to the counseling center as soon as possible for further assessment.
Possible symptoms of concern can include:
- Poor hygiene
- Reduction in class attendance
- Increased isolation and reduced participation
- Sudden changes in mood or behavior
Depending on the level of urgency, you can refer students to CCSD by: sharing information with the student, assisting the student in calling us, or by accompanying them to our office located on the first floor of Umstead.
The following link is a way-finding video for CCSD’s location.
SGA Kicks Off Fall Semester
Submitted by Aleshia Hunt, Assistant Director for Student Life/SGA Advisor
SGA Hosts “Park Like a Pirate” Event with ECU Parking & Dining
On August 26th, the Student Government Association partnered with ECU Parking and Dining Services to host the Park Like a Pirate event to help students navigate campus parking and dining more effectively. Held in the Gold Lot, the event provided students the chance to learn about affordable parking and dining options, chat with representatives, and enjoy free refreshments courtesy of ECU Dining.
Students received guidance on purchasing parking permits and dining plans, using shuttle routes, and even grabbed breakfast on the go. The event also shared tips to help attendees save money, avoid tickets, and use ECU Transit for a smoother commute.
SGA hosts Sips & Solutions
On September 9th, the Student Government Association proudly kicked off its new event, Sips & Solutions series, with none other than Dr. Brandon Frye. Designed as a relaxed and inviting “couch talk” experience, Sips & Solutions creates a space for open dialogue between students and university leadership. The goal? To listen, connect, and collaborate on ways to enhance student life at ECU. Students gathered around with glasses of lemonade and tea in hand, taking the opportunity to sit down with SGA representatives and Dr. Frye for genuine, face-to-face conversations.
It was more than just a casual chat- it was a chance for students to speak up, share their perspectives, and help shape the future of campus life. And this was just the beginning. Stay tuned for the next Sips & Solutions - your voice matters, and we are here to listen.
Camp P.I.R.A.T.E.S.
Submitted by Karen Smith, Office of Student Transitions Director
“Camp P.I.R.A.T.E.S. was a great experience that helped me meet people and feel less anxious.”
Seventy-four students kicked off their first-year by attending Camp P.I.R.A.T.E.S., a three-day, two-night program designed to help students make connections, learn more about ECU and campus resources, and ease the transition to college. Pirate Group discussions, a first-year simulation, teambuilding activities, campfires, and Pirate Olympics made up the camp experience.
In their Pirate Groups, students discuss values, friendships, campus involvement, stress management strategies, and more. Each group was led by two upperclass students called First Mates. One student said their First Mates “shared their experience which helped me be less nervous.”
“I learned great advice and made friends.”
Students also have the opportunity to take advantage of the camp activities including Go-Karts, kayaks, the pool, and the Blob. Pirate Groups compete in Pirate Olympics that included relays and ECU trivia.
“It was super fun and made me feel better about the year.”
Student Affairs Making Headlines
Financial Wellness Updates – Past, Present, and Future!
Submitted by Kevin Sutton, Financial Wellness Director
Past
Kevin Sutton, Director of Financial Wellness, and Juliana Mason, Financial Wellness Graduate Assistant, attended the 2025 annual Higher Education Financial Wellness Alliance conference in Salt Lake City, Utah.
Kevin led a pre-conference half day workshop for professionals on training student financial wellness educators in various ways, including the use of motivational interviewing skills in financial coaching appointments and in navigating complex topics such as federal student loan repayment plans that are often blind spots in other financial wellness programs. Kevin also co-facilitated two other breakout sessions during this conference including a game of “hot potato” tracking a hypothetical student’s financial journey that oftentimes results in a student feeling bounced around several offices.
Juliana participated on an informational panel on utilizing an online platform, Arbol, to increase effectiveness of student budgeting appointments and increase the connection between student clients and their peer financial wellness coach. There were four other state campuses from North Carolina at attendance at this event as well, and we are so excited to continue having a strong presence at this national conference next year when it is going to be hosted by our friends at UNC Charlotte’s campus! Those leading financial wellness programs at other institutions have requested that Kevin fine-tune his karaoke skills of Madonna’s “Material Girl” to do a better job at the conference social next year. Reach out to him if you have any tips!
Present
The North Carolina Financial Wellness mentorship network has begun meeting quarterly with the ongoing goal to develop, scale, and enhance financial wellness initiatives across the NC state system. The Directors of Financial Wellness from ECU, Charlotte, and Chapel Hill’s campuses have each taken on several campuses to mentor in addition to coming together quarterly to share progress updates, challenges, and input. ECU has 5 campuses as their mentees (NC State, Wilmington, Elizabeth City State University, Pembroke, and Fayetteville) and is excited to already see the progress being made at their campuses. The NC System Office created a grant opportunity specific to financial wellness initiatives that multiple campuses have received, including ECU. This grant will provide Kevin funding to travel in person to each campus that he mentors.
Since the mentorship network launched earlier this year, several campuses across the system have gotten leadership buy-in and support to begin growing their own services.
- Wilmington’s campus will begin their financial wellness programming through their Residence Life area
- Pembroke’s financial wellness services will be overseen by their financial aid office
- NC State has decided to initiate their programming under the AVP of Enrollment Management.
Kevin has enjoyed working with the different institutions and diverse units taking the lead for their campus’s efforts. The variety on where it makes the most sense for their unique campuses to house their financial wellness efforts shows that the scope of impact extends beyond whichever division the initiatives come from; and with the NC mentorship network, this scope extends even beyond our own campus.
Future
In addition to providing ongoing support with the NC Financial Wellness Mentorship network, we can use YOUR help for our signature event this fall!
“Making Cent$ of Life After College”, will occur on Tuesday November 18th from 4:30 pm to 6:30 pm in the Main Campus Student Center Ballroom B.
This interactive program, hosted by our Financial Wellness team, provides students with a realistic glimpse at their potential post-graduation financial situation, based off the job title and geographic location decided on by the student. As a part of the simulation, students will receive fake money and will fill out a customized budget sheet by making decisions on many areas such as:
- Housing
- Transportation
- Financing Graduate School
- Student Loan Repayment
- Food
- Taxes
We are looking for volunteers to assist students in making decisions on how they allocate their monthly income in each of the areas listed above. All information, price ranges, etc. will be provided for you. When you sign up to volunteer, you will be able to note specific budget areas where you would prefer to interact with students. We also will need assistance at registration. We appreciate whatever amount of time that you can volunteer.
Teaching faculty: We encourage you to mention this event in class to your students. Attendance can be verified if offering this event as an assignment or extra credit.
Please share with the students in your orbit. They can pre-register at this link to skip the line when showing up at the event.
Light refreshments will be served.
If you are interested in volunteering, please complete this form or email Kevin Sutton, Director of Financial Wellness, at SuttonKe23@ecu.edu.
ACUI
Daniel McFadden, Assistant Director of Student Engagement, has been appointed to the ACUI Regional Leadership Team as the Member Experience Coordinator.
The ACUI Region III Member Experience Coordinator supports member recruitment and engagement efforts for the region.
HOiST Workshop Series
HOiST (Helping Our Students Thrive) is a series of workshops around creating a broader support network for our students.
Each session is led by a campus expert who will help facilitate a conversation around what campus resources are available and what appropriate levels of helping might look like for those working outside of that specialized area.
Participants will leave with resources they can use in their own work with students. Delivered in partnership between the ECU Center for Student Success, University Writing Program, and Office for Faculty Excellence.
Sessions will be held virtually through Microsoft Teams sessions. Click here to learn more about the upcoming HOiST sessions and to register.
SA Professional Development Opportunities
The Student Affairs Professional Development Committee is excited to share two upcoming opportunities:
Tuesday, September 30th
- 4:00 – 5:00pm on the Main Campus Student Center 3rd floor patio
- Welcome Back Networking Opportunity: iSpy on the Patio
The Professional Development Committee for the Division of Student Affairs invites you to a networking opportunity on the Third Floor Deck of the Main Campus Student Center.
This will include a Welcome Back for attendees to reflect on their summer and first month of the academic year, as well as participate in an “iSpy” activity looking out onto campus, along with discussions and resources related to data privacy. Come join us and see what you can find! There will be light refreshments at this event.
Tuesday, October 15th
- 2:00 – 3:30pm in Main Campus Student Center 125
- Generative AI and Prompt Engineering for Student Affairs presented by Dr. Todd Finley, Associate Professor, College of Education
This engaging session will explore practical, high-impact ways Student Affairs professionals can leverage AI tools like ChatGPT, Copilot, and other AI tools to enhance communication, program development, marketing, and problem-solving. Participants will learn foundational prompt-writing techniques, see real-world examples tailored to their work, and try out tools that can streamline everyday tasks. No prior AI experience is required—just curiosity and a willingness to explore new possibilities.
To submit ideas for professional development topics and/or let us know what types of professional development you can provide to individuals in the division, please fill out this form.
Faculty and Staff Donor Appreciation Event
On August 18, the Division of Student Affairs hosted its annual Faculty & Staff Donor Appreciation Event on the Pirate Deck at the Main Campus Student Center. The appreciation event brought colleagues from across campus together to enjoy fellowship, light refreshments and to celebrate the many ways faculty and staff donors are shaping the student experience at ECU.
This celebration provided a chance to personally thank faculty and staff for their generosity during Fiscal Year 2025. During the Fiscal Year, 57 faculty and staff contributed a total of $30,822 to the Division of Student Affairs. Their support strengthens student success initiatives, enhances programs, and provides vital resources for the ECU community.
We are deeply grateful for the continued commitment of our faculty and staff donors, whose contributions make a lasting difference in the lives of our students.
Upcoming Events and Opportunities
Survivor Resource Symposium
East Carolina University faculty, staff, and students are invited to attend the 2nd Annual Survivor Resource Symposium.
- Date: Thursday, September 18, 2025
- Time: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM (Check-in & light refreshments will begin at 8:30 AM)
- Location: Main Campus Student Center, Ballroom B
This educational event is designed to provide participants with practical tools and knowledge to:
- Recognize, respond to, and support individuals affected by sexual and physical assault, interpersonal violence, and human trafficking
- Gain insight into campus and community resources
- Connect with others committed to creating a safer, more supportive environment
Green Zone Training
ECU Faculty and Staff are invited to participate in Green Zone training hosted by the Military & Veterans Resource Center taking place in October, and November. Green Zone is a two-hour training focused on military-affiliated students in higher education and provides the opportunity to speak directly with a student veteran panel about their experiences at ECU.
The premise of the Green Zone program is that knowledgeable and supportive contacts throughout East Carolina University will create a more veteran-friendly environment, which will positively affect these military students' success. Click here for more information about Green Zone Training.
- October 15th 1-3 pm in the Main Campus Student Center Room 253
- November 7th 9-11 am in the Main Campus Student Center Room 307
Register for Green Zone Training in Cornerstone. Please login and then search for Green Zone.
ECU Ride - New Transit Option
ECU Transit is excited to introduce ECU Ride, our new on-demand ridesharing app designed to provide a faster, easier, and more convenient travel experience for the ECU community.
ECU Ride is a fare-free service operated by ECU Transit, serving the University’s campuses and nearby areas—including downtown Greenville, campus parking lots, and residential locations along our bus routes.
The service is available to ECU students and employees, each of whom may bring up to three guests per valid ECU 1Card. ECU Ride operates on weekday evenings and weekends, offering point-to-point transportation within our service area.
Note! Hours may vary during holidays, university closures, and summer sessions.
Credits:
Created with images by Creative Services, University Photographers, ECU Video, SA Communications, and an image by Phanithi - "Background and wallpaper by purple fabric and stripe textile."