From the Desk of Vice Chancellor Brandon Frye
Colleagues:
It’s hard to believe that spring break has occurred, and we are less than 50 days from commencement at East Carolina University (ECU). As time marches on, the Division of Student Affairs remains focused on our top priority of Student Success. Additionally, we continue to be led by our divisional values in completing our work. In last month’s On Deck, I addressed the importance of belonging. For this month, I will focus on excellence.
To fulfill ECU’s mission priority of being a national model for student success, we must commit to being excellent. For our division that means maintaining a laser like focus on our goals and intentionally being…
- Excellent in student engagement
- Excellent in student belonging
- Excellent in student well-being
- Excellent in student career readiness
- Excellent in developing our team and building a culture of care
- Excellent in making data informed decisions that support student success
Being excellent is a high expectation and can seem daunting; however, research notes that setting high expectations for students is a factor that promotes student success when appropriate support measures are present. So, should we not also set high expectations for ourselves as educators if we require it of our students? My position is—yes, we should. Our students and stakeholders deserve our best work and for us to be great at doing the important work we do. We will not likely achieve perfection, which I am not asking for, but I believe that it is fair for me to push for excellence when appropriate resources and support are present.
Excellence can’t be achieved alone. In our pursuit of excellence in student engagement, belonging, well-being, career readiness, team development, and ultimately student success—we need partners to achieve excellence. I believe that through intentional and committed partnerships with internal and external stakeholders, we are more likely to achieve excellence.
This issue of On Deck highlights some of the excellent work the Division of Student Affairs is doing to enhance student success at ECU. I hope you enjoy reading about these initiatives, and please let us know if you have any questions or would like additional information.
In closing, I want to thank our many partners that help us in our pursuit of being excellent and achieving our goals. Additionally, I want to thank my team for their excellent work and service to our students.
Go Pirates!
Spring Career Fair Season
Spring ’24 brings a record-breaking year for Career Services to a close.
- With a total student attendance at this year’s job fairs reaching over 4,500, the previous record of student attendance has been eclipsed by more than 20%.
- With 950 Employers Registrations for SY 23-24, a record in employer participation was set, as well.
The semester kicked off with the Pirate Nurse Job Fair, and student attendance shattered previous records. Students from the Future Pirate Nurse Living & Learning Village LLC and graduating seniors from the College of Nursing attended. Terra Jones, Career Advisor, delivered multiple job fair preparation presentations in the weeks leading up to the fair, and all 107 students who attended the fair also attended one of these presentations. The number of employer registrations tied previous records and met the full capacity of the event space.
At the end of January over 100 students attended Resumania at the Main Campus Student Center. Suzanne Vinson, Career Counselor, organized this event to take place 2 weeks prior to the semester’s largest fairs so that students could have their resumes reviewed. All Career Counselors and Career Advisors were available. Students dropped-in to the event steadily from 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM, and staff stayed busy!
February 14th was a big day for ECU. Career Services welcomed 1,362 students to the Greenville Convention Center for the morning’s Science, Engineering, and Technology Fair and the afternoon’s Job & Internship Fair. With 820 students attending the Job & Internship Fair, attendance far exceeded that of past years. The recruitment interest in our students and graduates was evidenced by 256 employer registrations. Savvy recruiters from each fair were back the following day to interview students on campus, by invitation only, at the Day-After Interviews event.
Collaboration turned out to be the theme for the fairs, with over 40 ECU staff from 12 different departments volunteering in shifts throughout the day. Trained staff from Disability Support Services and the Counseling Center provided a Decompression Room for anyone who might be overwhelmed by the high-stimulus environment. Financial Wellness was available to help students consider financial factors as they looked for jobs and internships. As close partners with Career Services, the Cunanan Center for Professional Success provided staff who arrived before 6:30 AM and stayed until 4:30 PM. The student-run Professionally Purple Closet was onsite to help students build a professional wardrobe. ECU Transit ran a dedicated route throughout the day to take students back and forth between campus and the job fairs. 500+ students received professional headshots. A variety of resources and opportunities were available to students at both fairs.
Collaboration continued in March, when the College of Education and Career Services worked together to deliver the Spring Education Fair. 115 school systems registered to meet with the 234 students who attended. Thanks to sponsorship from the Latham Clinical Teaching Network, over 100 students received professional headshots. Also, over 35 students received job interviews onsite that same day, and recruiters said they will return next year.
Lynn Copeland, Assistant Director of Employer Events, leads the delivery of Career Services Job Fairs.
The year’s final event, the Summer Job Fair, will take place at the Main Campus Student Center on March 27 from 1:00-4:00 PM. Over 70 employers have registered and are eager to hire students for seasonal jobs and internships.
Addressing Student Needs on Campus
Ribbon Cutting and Dedication Ceremony for the Williams-Ross Purple Pantry
This event honored the generosity of Dr. Billy Williams and Dr. Dennis Ross. The mission of the Williams-Ross Purple Pantry is to decrease food insecurity among students at ECU. When basic needs are met, students can focus on being successful.
ECU’s Williams-Ross Purple Pantry is housed in the Center for Leadership and Civic Engagement and is a collaborative effort between many campus departments, community partners, and donors.
Faculty, staff and students can donate to the Williams-Ross Purple Pantry in multiple ways by dropping off high demand items at multiple locations as well as through an Amazon Wishlist and the ECU Hunger Initiatives Fund.
If you would like to learn more visit the Purple Pantry website or email purplepantry@ecu.edu if you have any questions.
Parent Pantry
Over the years, ECU has experienced an increase in its pregnant and parenting student population. As the number of enrolled parenting students increases, so does the need for additional support and resources for this growing student group. In response to the increasing needs of pregnant and parenting students, the Dean of Students Office (DOS) established the first parenting pantry on ECU's campus. This past summer, through a collaborative partnership with the Center for Counseling and Student Development, DOS created a dedicated space for the parenting pantry in Umstead Hall. The pantry provides students access to essential childcare items such as diapers, wipes, bottles, clothing, and self-care items.
The pantry continues to grow through collaborations with various student groups and organizations on campus. Last fall, the College of Health and Human Performance's Pep Squad held its second diaper drive, collecting childcare products for the pantry. Donations like these allow the pantry to continue providing childcare necessities to parenting students in need.
In addition to the pantry, DOS collaborates with other campus offices, such as the Office of Equity and Diversity, to provide academic adjustments and accommodations to pregnant and parenting students. The pantry has provided these students access to childcare resources while increasing community support and awareness of our students and the additional obstacles they face as parents.
For more information on the pantry or Title IX accommodations, please get in touch with Dr. Stacy Stanford in the Dean of Students Office.
Pantry Information
- Umstead Hall
- Open Monday -Friday 8:00am-12:00pm & 1:00pm -5:00pm
- Please call 328-9297 for additional information
Student Affairs Awards – Nominations Open
The Division of Student Affairs and the SA Awards Committee are pleased to announce the nominations for the 2023-2024 Student Affairs Awards are NOW open.
Once again, the divisional awards are connected to the Student Affairs values: Respect, Student Centered, Excellence, Integrity and Belonging. In addition to the divisional values awards, we will also present the Emerging Professional Award, Outstanding Support Team Member, and Student Affairs Outstanding Program of the Year.
For the SA Awards, you may nominate each person for up to three divisional awards per nomination form. However, if you wish to nominate more than one colleague, you will need to submit a nomination form for each person.
Awards criteria and detailed information are provided on the 2023-24 nomination form. The deadline to submit a nomination is April 8, 2024.
Here are some of the details specific to the Student Affairs awards:
- Nominations open March 1, 2024 – April 8, 2024
- Self-nominations permitted (must provide an additional reference)
- Nominees will receive official notification from Dr. Frye and may be contacted by the Awards Committee for additional information (if needed)
- All nominees and recipients will be recognized at the Student Affairs Awards Celebration
For any questions, please contact Brian Mattern, chair of the SA Awards Committee at matternb@ecu.edu.
Student Affairs awards are open to all divisional employees. If you are interested in recognizing the hard work and contributions of employees outside of the division, please consider nominating them for a Treasured Pirate Award.
We have some amazing SA educators at ECU. Let’s do our best to nominate our colleagues, supervisors, and divisional partners for these Student Affairs Awards.
Annual Report 2022-2023
The Division of Student Affairs celebrated many amazing accomplishments during the academic year. Please enjoy the 2022-2023 Annual Report that chronicles the divisions commitments to student success, public service and regional transformation.
Consider this Dinner
“[I learned] How the challenges you face in life help to shape who you are.”
The 11th Annual Sophomore Student, Faculty, and Staff Consider This Dinner welcomed Akeem D. Thomas, a Juvenile Court Counselor for the N.C. Department of Public Safety, as the guest speaker. The attendees enjoyed hearing Akeem’s inspiring narrative, highlighting his resilience and how his personal struggle ultimately led him to discover his true purpose in his profession. Akeem encouraged attendees to “find your why”, emphasizing the importance of unlocking one’s potential and seizing opportunities for success.
One attendee commented “He encourage me and my peers to never give up as a first-generation student!”
This annual event invites a leader in the community to share insight on their career journey, the challenges they encountered, and the pivotal moments where they had to consider alternative paths to achieve success. It also provides a unique opportunity for students to interact with faculty and staff on a personal level and build meaningful relationships that can have a lasting impact. There is an opportunity for students to connect with one another, facilitate new friendships, discover support networks, and cultivate a sense of belonging at ECU.
“This dinner was very fun, and it was good for me as I am really shy. I got out of my comfort zone.”
Center for Student Success Hubs and Programming
The Center for Student Success is open for business! Utilizing the valuable ‘real estate’ in the newly-rebranded Student Success Hubs in the Main Campus Student Center, we have planned programs and walk-in/appointment hours throughout the spring semester.
On Tuesdays this spring, we will host “Out of Office Hours,” partnering with faculty and staff from across campus to provide drop-in office hours in the Health and Well-Being Hub from 2 pm to 4 pm.
These informal sessions are designed for any student who may wish to learn more about the opportunities in these areas or simply meet a professor or staff member. We are excited to share our schedule listed below:
Thank you to those who have helped us with the first month of programming for this new initiative! We especially appreciate the support from the Thomas Harriot College of Arts and Sciences, who helped to share this opportunity with their faculty members as an option in the “Unlocking Office Hours” program.
We look forward to continuing this program next fall and will begin scheduling interested faculty or staff members over the next few months. If you are interested in hosting an “Out of Office Hours” session, please contact Dr. Lauren Thorn, director of the Center for Student Success, at thornla@ecu.edu.
In addition, the Center for Student Success staff are now meeting with students in the Career Services Hub on Wednesdays between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Students can drop in during this time or make an appointment by following these steps in Accudemia:
- Go to http://ecu.accudemia.net (ECU student access)
- Login in with ECU Single Sign On
- Select “Schedule Appointment” under Upcoming Appointments
- Find “Center for Student Success” and select “In Person Appointment” option
- This will pull up “Campus Resource Connections” category. Select this to view the calendar
- Select an available 30-minute appointment from the calendar
Staff members in the Center for Student Success can assist with the following:
- Determining their learning style and how this impacts their success inside and outside of the classroom
- Developing a weekly schedule or study routine
- Learning to prioritize responsibilities
- Determining participation in student organizations
- Figuring out the resources or services available on campus and how to access those
- Navigating and identifying resources or offices on campus
- Creating time for social activities or events
We look forward to implementing this new resource and serving our students. For additional information, questions, or referrals, please contact us at sastudentsuccess@ecu.edu.
Health and Well-Being Spotlight
Updated COVID-19 Guidance from CDC
The CDC updated its COVID-19 guidance on 3/1/24. The new guidance brings a unified approach to addressing risks from a range of common respiratory viral illnesses, such as COVID-19, flu, and RSV, which can cause significant health impacts and strain on hospitals and health care workers. CDC is making updates to the recommendations now because the U.S. is seeing far fewer hospitalizations and deaths associated with COVID-19 and because we have more tools than ever to combat flu, COVID, and RSV.
Prior Guidance: Previous guidance for COVID-19 recommended a minimum isolation period of 5 days plus a period of post-isolation precautions and was created during the public health emergency with lower population immunity, fewer tools to combat respiratory viruses, and higher rates of severe illness, including hospitalizations and deaths.
Updated Guidance: The updated Respiratory Virus Guidance recommends that people stay home and away from others until at least 24 hours after both their symptoms are getting better overall, AND they have not had a fever (and are not using fever-reducing medication). Note that depending on the length of symptoms, this period could be shorter, the same, or longer than the previous guidance for COVID-19.
As part of the guidance, CDC provides active recommendations on core prevention steps and strategies:
- Staying up to date with vaccinations to protect people against serious illness, hospitalization, and death. This includes flu, COVID-19, and RSV if eligible.
- Practicing good hygiene by covering coughs and sneezes, washing or sanitizing hands often, and cleaning frequently touched surfaces.
- Taking steps for cleaner air, such as bringing in more fresh outside air, purifying indoor air, or gathering outdoors.
ECU Student Health Services continues to encourage students and staff to wear a mask with respiratory symptoms to protect the health and well-being of others.
Students should continue to utilize the COVID-19 or Flu Self Reporting form on PiratePort if diagnosed with COVID-19 or flu to alert their faculty of their illness.
For any questions, please contact ECU Student Health Services via gotquestions@ecu.edu.
Stay Healthy, Pirates!
Pirate Media 1 Conference Awards
Pirate Media 1 attended the N.C. College Media Association Conference Feb. 24 at High Point University. The association aims to support and encourage college media operations on public and private university and college campuses.
Five Pirate Media 1 students won awards at the conference: Kim Kassner, second place for digital storytelling and third place for illustration/graphic for The East Carolinian; Nia Cruz, second place for a two-page spread for Rebel magazine; Ray Waddell, third place for photography/art for Rebel magazine; Victor Goins, honorable mention for nonfiction for Expressions magazine, and Brian Jose Mendez, honorable mention for photography/art for Expressions magazine.
Storm the Stadium
Storm the Stadium will take place on April 20th from 8-10 am at Dowdy-Ficklen Stadium. To secure your t-shirt, please register by April 1st!
Ready to embark on an epic adventure? Join us for the exhilarating Storm the Stadium event on April 20th, where you can conquer Dowdy-Ficklen Stadium like never before!
Mark your calendars from 8-10 am and brace yourself for an adrenaline-pumping experience that will leave you feeling invigorated and accomplished.
In its 8th year, Storm the Stadium is not just any ordinary challenge; it's a thrilling tradition that pushes your limits to new heights. With the longest stair climb challenge in eastern North Carolina, this event promises an unforgettable test of endurance and determination.
But that's not all! By participating, you're not only challenging yourself but also supporting a noble cause. All proceeds from Storm the Stadium go towards scholarships for military-affiliated students, making every step you take even more meaningful.
With multiple ways to compete, there's something for everyone:
- Walking Challenge: Prefer to keep your feet on solid ground? Opt for the walking challenge and aim for the most pedometer steps.
- Regular: Take on the iconic stadium stairs, ascending and descending through the lower bowl with clear course markings and supportive volunteers.
- Ultimate: Ready to push your limits? Conquer the lower bowl, upper deck, and tackle four body strength stations for the ultimate test of endurance.
Whether you choose to go solo or rally a team of up to five, Storm the Stadium offers individual and team options, fostering camaraderie and friendly competition. Plus, water will be provided throughout the course to keep you refreshed and energized.
Don't miss out on this opportunity to challenge yourself, bond with fellow participants, and make a difference in the lives of military-affiliated students. Secure your spot and exclusive event t-shirt by registering before April 1st! Sign up now and unleash your inner champion!
Storm the Stadium Registration Costs
- Individual: $20 for the walking challenge, $25 per person for Regular, $35 for Ultimate
- Teams: $15 per person on a walking team, $20 per person on an Regular Team, and $30 per person for an Ultimate Team
Student Opportunity: LeaderShape 2024
The Center for Leadership and Civic Engagement (CLCE) is very excited to be recruiting students for our annual LeaderShape program! This is the 11th year for LeaderShape at ECU. Please help us promote this program and encourage students to apply.
- Share this application link and information below through emails to your students and/or post on your department/college social media accounts. Be sure to tag “ECUCLCE” in your posts.
- Nominate students you think would benefit from an experience like this by using our nomination form. CLCE will send them a personalized email, inviting them to apply!
- Invite CLCE to visit your classrooms to briefly (10 mins) share information about LeaderShape and how students can apply.
LeaderShape Description & Information:
The Institute™, a program provided in partnership with LeaderShape® and East Carolina University, challenges participants to lead with integrity™ while working towards a vision grounded in their deepest values. Participants explore not only what they want to do, but who they want to be. Dynamic, challenging, and exciting, the experience is intended to produce a breakthrough in the leadership capacity of participants—benefiting them individually, as well as their respective communities and the organizations they will go on to lead and serve in the future. The Institute is four days of dialogue and self-discovery in a supportive learning community.
ECU's spring 2024 Institute will take place May 6-9, 2024, at the Eastern 4-H Center in Columbia, NC. All costs (lodging, food, transportation, and programming fees) associated with current student participation is covered by the Center for Leadership & Civic Engagement. Students should be in good academic standing and must be enrolled for the fall 2024 semester in order to participate.
For more information about LeaderShape and to hear from an ECU LeaderShape Alum, check out our YouTube videos below!
For questions or additional information, please contact Alex Dennis, Senior Assistant Director for the Center for Leadership and Civic Engagement at 252-737-4988 or dennisa15@ecu.edu.
Student Success Conference Assessment
Submitted by the offices of Student Transitions and Student Affairs Assessment, Research, and Planning
The 11th Annual Student Success Conference was a joint venture between the Divisions of Academic and Student Affairs held on January 26, 2024. Over 165 faculty, staff, and administrators attended the conference and participated in a keynote address from Dr. Peter Felten, heard from a student panel, and had the choice of 12 concurrent sessions and networking opportunities. Each session showcased the theme “Student Success Starts with You!” emphasizing that each student interaction has an impact. Although it was a rainy Friday, attendance and enthusiasm were high.
To measure the impact and satisfaction of the event, the Student Success Conference committee sent participants a post-assessment. A few key findings include: 95% of participants were satisfied with the conference overall, 96% found it valuable, and 98% indicated the keynote speaker was very good or excellent. The post-assessment also revealed that 30% of participants wanted more variety in the session topics, and 13% specified the need to increase networking opportunities.
For the most beneficial and satisfying experience for next year’s conference, the committee will use the post-assessment results to improve programming. Subsequently, they will solicit a wider variety of educational proposal submissions, select the broadest range of session topics, and create more networking opportunities for attendees. For more specific details of the 11th Annual Student Success Conference post-assessment, please refer to the infographics below.
New Hires, Promotions, and Retirements
New Hires
Mario Hobbs – Student Centers
Mario Hobbs joined the Student Life team as a fulltime employee in February. His primary duties as the Welcome Center Coordinator include providing assistance with facility operations for The Main Campus Student Center and The Health Sciences Campus Student Center.
Mario transferred to ECU from Johnston Community College in 2016. He began working with the Student Centers in 2017 as a student employee. He worked as a welcome center receptionist, recreations attendant, and student manager. Mario received his Bachelors in University Studies in May 2020 and has been pursuing his Master’s in Public Administration.
Mario is from Selma, NC and enjoys traveling and spending time with friends and family.
Brina Speller – Student Health Services
Brina Speller is a Medical Laboratory Supervisor at Student Health Services (SHS) and oversees the functions of the medical laboratory at SHS on main campus and at the Health Sciences Campus Student Center. She has a BS in Clinical Laboratory Science form Winston-Salem State University (2013).
In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her husband DeVonte and their fur child Chloe. Spending time with family and friends is a must, especially her niece and nephews. Brina enjoys making sweet treats (red velvet cake is her favorite) and the NFL season is the best season, Go Big Blue.
Vincent Blanar – Campus Living
Vincent Blanar has joined the Campus Living Facility Services Team as the new Lead Facility Maintenance Technician. He was born and raised in New Jersey and relocated to Tarboro, NC. Vincent loves all things outdoors such as fishing and hiking. He also loves helping others to just enjoy life! Welcome to the team Vincent!
Erin Manning – Student Health Services
Erin Manning joined the Student Health Services staff in March 2024. She holds a BS in Psychology from UNC Chapel Hill (2000) and a BS in Biology from ECU (2003). In 2007, Erin earned her MS in Physician Assistant Studies from ECU.
She is board certified by NCCPA. Her interests include preventive care and wellness promotion. Mrs. Manning provides care to patients in both Triage Care and the general clinic. Prior to joining the Pirate Nation, Erin practiced general pediatrics.
Outside of her professional endeavors, Erin enjoys reading, spending quality time with her husband, Mitch, and their three children, and going on camping trips in their new travel trailer.
Promotion
- Christopher Cooper – Associate Director for Student Engagement – March 11
Retirement
- Willie Ehling – Director of Campus Recreation and Wellness – February 29