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On Deck with Student Affairs January 2025 Edition

From the Desk of Vice Chancellor Brandon Frye

Brandon A. Frye, PhD

Student Affairs Division and Friends:

Welcome to the Spring 2025 semester. I hope that everyone had a restful winter break and found time to relax, recharge, and reflect. Speaking of reflection, I hope that everyone enjoyed reading our December 2024 On Deck with Student Affairs, which provided an “annual review” of the great work that occurred last year within and from our division. Now, as we move into the new year and begin to implement programs, services, and experiences, our primary focus will continue to be student success!

As Chancellor Rogers highlighted at University Day this past September, it is critical that all employees are focused on the student success ecosystem and advancing student success. As you will be able to see in this issue of On Deck, that is just what we are doing. There will be opportunities and challenges as we move into 2025, but if we remain committed to our values and focus on aiding students as they navigate higher education, we will accomplish our objectives.

I hope that you enjoy this issue and again, Happy 2025!

Can’t Pour from an Empty Cup

Submitted by Karlie Walston, Center for Counseling and Student Development

We are returning to campus after a winter break, hopefully approaching Spring 2025 refreshed and rested. Now is the time more than ever to continue to be intentional of evaluating our own “cup” and to explore avenues of fulfillment!

Signs your cup may be running low:

  • Fatigue
  • Demotivation
  • Loss of interest or excitement in previously enjoyable things (Work, Holidays, Hobbies)
  • Feelings of being overwhelmed, irritation, or depletion

Avenues of Fulfillment:

The term “self-care” has become so popular (yay!) that sometimes the term can lose its meaning or intent. It is important to note that self-care looks and feels different for everyone. As I encourage you to engage in reflection, you seemingly can find what self-care means and looks like for you based on your values!

For example: If one of my values in life were “Movement”, maybe going for a walk while listening to my favorite music would align with what is fulfilling for me. OR if one of my values in life were “Connection”, maybe planning a dinner with loved ones would align with what is fulfilling for me.

Self-Care can come in the form of moving, resting, or connecting; nevertheless, it should propel rejuvenation. The kind we all so much deserve.

Most Engaged Campus for College Student Voting

East Carolina University has been recognized by the ALL IN Campus Democracy Challenge (ALL IN) as a 2024 ALL IN Most Engaged Campus for College Student Voting. The ALL IN Most Engaged Campuses for College Student Voting recognizes college and universities for outstanding efforts to increase nonpartisan student voter participation. ECU joins a group of 471 college and universities recognized by ALL IN for completing four core actions:

Campuses that join the ALL IN Campus Democracy Challenge complete a set of action items, with the support of ALL IN staff, to institutionalize nonpartisan civic learning and voter participation on their campus. The ALL IN Campus Democracy Challenge currently engages 10.8 million students from more than 1,075 institutions in all 50 states and the District of Columbia.

Career Services’ Focus on Workforce Readiness

Submitted by Suzanne Vinson, Career Services

Fall 2024 was a record-breaking semester for ECU Career Services related to career fairs and events. Take a look at some of the highlights on how students connected with employers, explored career paths, and secured job or internship opportunities.

The feedback from the nearly 400 employers and recruiters was overwhelmingly positive and will also help us shape future events to enhance the connections and engagement for our students as well as the employers.

In fact, one employer said, "As a human resources professional, I have participated in many career fairs over the years. This one at ECU, by far, exceeded every one I have attended from the organization of the fair, the advertisements, the lunch and the general organization of everything was top notch. At the very top of this list would be the students. They were engaging, appropriately dressed and job ready plus they had excellent and professional resumes prepared. I was extremely happy to speak with each one that stopped by and we have already set up an interview! Thank you ECU for putting on such an amazing fair for your students.”

As we turn the calendar to 2025, we have five more career fair exploration opportunities to come this spring.

Students and employers have also become very engaged on social media. Check out fun videos and career services content on Instagram (@ecucareerservices) or on Facebook (ECU Career Services).

Be sure to visit our Career Fairs website to learn more about what Career Services has to offer or if you have any questions, please contact Suzanne Vinson at vinsons21@ecu.edu.

National Survey of Student Engagement (NSSE)

Submitted by Kathy Hill, Student Affairs Assessment, Research, and Planning

The National Survey of Student Engagement (NSSE) collects information about first-year and senior students’ participation in programs and activities that colleges provide for their learning and personal development. All first-year and senior students will be invited to participate in the NSSE beginning on February 19, with the early respondents being eligible for $25 cash-card incentives. Our hope is to encourage a student response of at least 25 percent, so we ask for faculty and staff encouragement of student participation in the NSSE.

ECU has participated in the NSSE since 2009 to better understand how undergraduates spend their time and what they gain from attending college. The Divisions of Academic and Student Affairs collaborate in survey administration every three years. Student engagement represents two critical features of collegiate quality – the amount of time and effort students put into their studies and other educationally purposeful activities, and how ECU deploys its resources and organizes co/curriculum and other learning opportunities to get students to participate in activities that decades of research studies show are linked to student learning. Key engagement indicators by theme include academic challenge, learning with peers, experiences with faculty, and campus environment along with engagement in high impact practices.

NSSE results can inform and structure conversations in efforts to enhance student learning and success across campus offices and projects including student success initiatives, enrollment management and retention, marketing and communications, faculty development, learning support, and student housing. As an assessment instrument, NSSE can be used to identify both areas of strength as well as opportunities for growth to help make learning and the campus environment more cohesive with student needs and expectations. Audiences interested in learning more about the NSSE along with ECU results may explore the following links:

Midnight Breakfast Infographic

ECU Dining Services hosted a late-night breakfast for our students on Tuesday, December 3 (Reading Day) from 10:00 PM to 12:00 AM in the campus dining halls. A total of 1,799 students participated (West End Dining Hall = 843 and Todd Dining Hall = 956).

Upcoming Events and Opportunities

The East Carolinian (TEC) 100th Anniversary

The East Carolinian, ECU’s student-run newspaper, will celebrate its 100th anniversary in 2025. Join in the celebration by purchasing a T-shirt and/or a commemorative 2025 planner, while supplies last.

If you are local, you can select walk-in for the delivery method so you don’t have to pay shipping. Please note that you will be responsible for picking up your items if you select this delivery method. Pirate Media 1 is located on the ground floor of Mendenhall in G51.

To order, click on the buttons below:

Youth Swim Lessons

Do you have little ones who are interested in learning how to swim?

We've got you covered with our Spring 2025 youth swim lessons, perfect for children between 4 to 11-years-old and adult swim lessons for ages 12 years and older. Swim lessons are for ECU Students, CRW Members and the Greenville Community; you don’t have to be a CRW member to register. Each session is designed to help your child develop essential swimming skills and teach water safety all while having a blast in the pool. We offer 3 different (30 minute) time spots per session with a Saturday option, a Tuesday option, and a Tuesday/Thursday afternoon option.

Session Dates:

  • Tuesday Session : January 28th – March 4th | 4:00pm, 4:45pm, 5:30pm
  • Tu/Th Session: March 11th – April 3 | 4:00pm, 4:45pm, 5:30pm
  • Saturday Sessions: February 1st – March 1st, March 8th – April 26th | 9:30am, 10:15am, 11:00am
  • Location: Eakin Student Recreation Center Indoor Pool

To register or learn more about our Youth Swim Lessons, visit the CRW Member Portal. Faculty, Staff, and Students can use the purple Pirate ID button to log in using your Pirate ID and password. Non-Pirate ID users will need to create an account. Please ensure parents create the main account and add dependents.

Whether your child is just learning to swim or wanting to perfect their strokes, we have class options for your 4–11-year-old. There are limited spots available so reserve your spot today!

Don’t forget to check out our adult swim lessons for Spring 2025. We understand the importance of learning in a fun environment; therefore, we are hosting preview days for adult swim lessons ages 12 and up so you can dive into the program before signing up!

For more information, contact Grant Hinson at 252-737-4418 or hinsonj22@ecu.edu.

MLK Day of Service

MLK Day of Service is the second large day of service that the Center for Leadership & Civic Engagement offers throughout the year. It is an easy way to volunteer in the community without having to volunteer on your own or navigate finding potential sites on your own.

Polar Bear Plunge

The 29th annual Polar Bear Plunge will take place at 6:00pm on Jan. 23rd at ECU’s Eakin Student Recreation Center (ESRC). The milestone event, which started in 1997, will provide all the excitement, fun and tradition of previous Polar Bear Plunge events.

ECU’s most famous winter tradition is open to all ECU students, faculty, and staff. Participants will take the plunge into the ice-cold water of the ESRC outdoor pool.

Student Affairs New Hires, Promotions, and Retirements

NEW HIRES

Ryan Boyd – SA Technology

Ryan Boyd joined the Student Affairs Technology Services (SATS) office in November 2024 as a Technology Support Analyst. Ryan manages workstation support, including daily ticket support, managing student employees, computer/end-point management, and the computer refresh cycle for the division. He also serves a crossover role for the university’s digital signage support.

Ryan graduated with a BS in Computer Science from the University of Guam and is currently pursuing a master's in network technology at ECU. His personal hobbies are flying drones, programming, media design and the great outdoors.

Dustin Rogers – Campus Living

Dustin Rogers joined Campus Living in December 2024 as a Facility Maintenance Tech. His primary duties are to handle maintenance and repair tasks in residence halls such as plumbing, electrical work, carpentry, HVAC and painting. He also inspects buildings, keeps track of supplies, guides and trains staff, and makes sure everything stays in good shape and works properly.

Dustin has been in the housing maintenance industry since 2020 and is excited to continue his journey here at ECU. He comes to us from Nebraska, where he worked with the University of Nebraska Omaha. He also has over 15 years of ductwork experience.

In his spare time, he has a deep interest in history and looks forward to exploring all the rich history that many of North Carolina's towns and landmarks offer!

Alana Allen – Student Health Services

Alana Allen joined Student Health as the new billing manager in December 2024. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Health Services Management from ECU. With over 20 years of experience in the healthcare field, she most recently served as the Patient Access Manager for the East Carolina Heart Institute at ECU.

Alana is married and spends much of her time on a baseball field cheering on her two boys, ages 10 and 15. She enjoys cooking and crafting in her spare time.

Shaketa Whitaker – Student Health Services

Shaketa Whitaker joined the SHS Family as a full-time, 12-month provider this month. She has been licensed as an RN for 15 years and has a background in med-surgery along with nursing leadership/management. Prior to her nursing career, Shaketa was a science teacher for 5 ½ years.

Leanna Spence – Campus Living

Leanna Spence joined Campus Living this month as the Central-West End Neighborhood Service Office Manager where she oversees student access to residence halls, residence hall mail and CWNSO student workers.

Leanna received her BS and BA from ECU and worked as a high school History teacher for 3.5 years. She is originally from Maryland but hasn’t left North Carolina since attending ECU. Leanna has 2 cats that are like children to her and her partner. She’s a big book enthusiast and reads several books a year.

PROMOTION

Justin Waters – Associate Director of Programs – Campus Recreation and Wellness – December 16

RETIREMENTS

  • Juliann Sanfrey – Nurse – Student Health Services – November 30
  • Bob Morphet – Associate Director – Counseling Center – December 31
  • Brenda Perkins – Certified Medical Assistant – Student Health Services – December 31
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ECU InnerPirate

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."

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