Student Affairs

Vision

Student Affairs fosters an environment where all students achieve their academic and personal goals. (www.ecu.edu/cs-studentaffairs/vision.cfm)

Mission

Student Affairs provides programs and services that optimize student learning and leadership, builds a safe, supportive and welcoming campus community, fosters the emotional growth and personal development of students, and makes a positive contribution to the overall student experience. (http://www.ecu.edu/studentaffairs/vision.cfm)

Values

Student Affairs educators adhere to these core values:

• Student Centered
• Integrity
• Service
• Excellence
• Respect
• Inclusion

East Carolina Creed

In the pursuit of educational excellence, responsible stewardship, and intellectual freedom, the community of scholars at East Carolina University is committed to learning at the highest level. Founded in the tradition of service and leadership, members of our academic society exemplify high standards of professional and personal conduct at all times.  Therefore, we aspire to the following:

As an East Carolinian:

• I will carry out personal and academic integrity.
• I will respect and appreciate the diversity of our people, ideas, and opinions.
• I will be thoughtful and responsible in my words and actions.
• I will engage in purposeful citizenship by serving as a positive role model.

By striving to meet these aspirations on and off campus, our individual freedom to learn and a pledge to serve will be preserved.

Student Affairs

Dean of Students

The Dean of Students serves to advance the university’s mission by facilitating students’ knowledge, understanding, and utilization of university systems and resource, working collaboratively to enhance the enrichment of the overall student experience throughout the learning continuum. Work is accomplished through strategic alignment, both internally and in concert with other university departments. Our efforts affirm the value and contributions of each individual and we harbor democracy, civility, trust, and diversity as paramount to our work to effect positive change.

The Dean of Students staff serve as a liaison between students, parents, faculty, staff, and administrators to help solve problems, assist with individual or group crisis management, and corresponds to student’s needs by identifying the appropriate resources available.

The Dean of Students provides various services, such as assistance with referrals to appropriate resources on campus; crisis intervention; discussion of options and solutions to problems; ECU Cares phone line (252-737-5555) and website (www.ecu.edu/ECUCares ) for explanation of university policies, procedures and regulations; peer mediation; resources for addressing student complaints and inquiries, including Title IX; and university excused absences (http://www.ecu.edu/dos).

SA Assessment, Research and Retention

SA Assessment, Research and Retention (SAARR) champions a culture of evidence and improvement within the Division of Student Affairs, in support of student learning, development, and success. SAARR provides leadership to increase the institution’s knowledge about students, the educational environment and institutional effectiveness to continuously improve student programs and services and does so through service in support of outcomes-based assessment, data driven decision-making, strategic planning, student-focused research and professional education (www.ecu.edu/saassessment).

Off-Campus Student Services

Off-Campus Student Services (OCSS) provides students and parents the opportunity to find off-campus housing that best fits the student’s needs. We offer programs to assist in the housing search, keep students connected to campus life, and build independent living skills. (www.ecu.edu/offcampus/).

Student Health Services

Student Health Services is a primary health care facility located conveniently on central campus, comprised of dedicated professionals providing easily accessible and affordable health care to enrolled students. Our facility specializes in the overall health and well being of each patient in our campus community by offering a comprehensive list of services. We are a fully accredited medical facility by the Accreditation Association of Ambulatory Health Care (AAAHC).

The Student Health Services staff provides expert consultation in matters of health and infection control for the university community. Additionally, SHS attends to routine illness, injury or other non-urgent issues, issues that require more immediate medical attention, pharmacy, x-ray services, health and nutrition education, immunization services, massage therapy, laboratory, and an allergy shot administration clinic (www.ecu.edu/studenthealth/).

Disability Support Services

Disability Support Services (DSS) provides individuals with disabilities support services that will enable them to access programs, services, facilities and activities of the university; to enhance awareness among students, staff and faculty; and to provide assistance with academic courses. The primary purpose is to ensure that individuals with academic, physical, medical, or psychological disabilities have equal access to university programs and services.  DSS provides or coordinates a range of services and accommodations that meet the individual needs based on the impact of the specific disability (www.ecu.edu/dss).

Office of Student Rights and Responsibilities

The Office of Student Rights and Responsibilities (OSRR) fosters student growth by promoting students’ awareness and understanding of their rights and responsibilities as community members, addressing student conduct and creating developmental learning opportunities, and engaging students in ethical decision-making. 

OSRR administers the East Carolina University Student Code of Conduct, which governs students’ on- and off-campus conduct. Office staff is also engaged in campus education on various issues, such as academic integrity, citizenship development, and conflict resolution.

OSRR staff is available to advise all campus community members on their rights under the Student Code of Conduct and the ECU conduct process as well as to clarify University policies pertaining to student conduct (www.ecu.edu/osrr/).

Student Transitions

Student Transitions provides a coordinated, comprehensive approach to enhancing success for all students; provides services and supports required for improving student satisfaction, academic success and student retention; and provides services that enhance in and out of classroom student engagement and career readiness. The work Student Transitions is grounded in student development theory and encompasses the following areas: New Student Orientation, Transfer Student Orientation, Freshman Seminar (COAD 1000), Plunge Into Purple, New Student Welcome and Convocation, Pirate Read, Pirate to Pirate Mentoring (P2P), Camp P.I.R.A.T.E.S., Sophomore to Senior Programming, Student Veteran Services, and Transfer Student Services (www.ecu.edu/studenttransitions).

Student Government Association

The Student Government Association (SGA) provides governance for the students with guidance from administration. Every year SGA’s new student administration looks at what was done by past student administration and decides what to keep, what to do better, and what to create. The SGA is currently separated in two branches; the executive branch and the legislative branch. Elected officials are the representatives in the legislative branch and the president and vice president in the executive branch. The current student administration has several programs or services they provide. (www.ecu.edu/sga)

Some of their programs include:

• Chat with the Chancellor
• Pirate Access (with ECU Transit)
• SGA Shipmates Program
• Graduate and Professional Student Senate
• Student Organization Funding /Appropriations
• Town Hall Meetings
• Free scantrons for student
• Legal services
• It’s On Us Campaign
• SGA Elections

Greek Life

The purpose of the following information is to provide a broad review of the ECU Greek Community as it currently operates to establish the context for strategic aspirations, which will be outlined at the end. The Department of Greek Life is committed to the fulfillment of the following core values:

• Friendship
• Leadership
• Philanthropy and Service
• Scholarship

The Greek Community at ECU is composed of 43 (inter)national Greek Letter fraternities and sororities with a total of over 3,200 students. The community includes four Councils: the Interfraternity Council (IFC), the Multicultural Greek Council (MGC), the National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC), and the Panhellenic Council (PHC). These councils were established to promote community service, leadership, academic excellence, campus involvement, diversity, and sisterhood and brotherhood.  Each council assists and supports their member organizations in recruitment, risk management, educational programming, and discipline. The four councils each vote on a governing board that also sits on ECU’s Greek President’s Council.  (www.ecu.edu/greeklife/)

Student Legal Services

Student Legal Services (ECU-SLS) was established by the Student Government Association at East Carolina University as a service to provide students. ECU-SLS is registered with the North Carolina State Bar as a pre-paid legal services plan. It is funded through student fees. Services are available for fee paying students.  (NOTE: Registration with the NC State Bar does not equate to approval by the State Bar.)

ECU-SLS is an advisory service. We do not represent students in court on legal matters. We will work with you to determine whether you need representation by a lawyer.  The need for legal representation, however, always remains the decision of the student-client.

ECU-SLS is not affiliated with the Office of the University Attorney and does not provide advice concerning university related matters, against the university, or against another student. The legal services provided through ECU-SLS are not offered by or on behalf of East Carolina University or the Student Government Association. Services are provided through the ECU Student Legal Services plan by the attorney directly to the individual receiving the services, and so the attorney client privilege and confidentiality are assured (www.ecu.edu/legalservices/).

Center for Counseling and Student Development

The Center for Counseling and Student Development (CCSD) provides free, confidential counseling services to currently enrolled ECU students. The CCSD also provides ongoing educational outreach services to numerous university groups, including students, faculty and staff, to enhance personal growth through developmental, preventative, and remedial programs and services designed to facilitate skill development, acquisition of knowledge, and understanding of self and others. Additionally, CCSD houses two victim advocates and the Collegiate Recovery Community(www.ecu.edu/counselingcenter/).

Career Services

ECU Career Services supports and empowers students in their career development to succeed as professionals in a global community. Each academic college at ECU has a career counselor who is a liaison dedicated to providing services to the students and faculty within each college. Information about Career Services is available at www.ecu.edu/career or by calling 252-328-6050.

The following is a list of services and programs Career Services utilizes to assist students:

• Career Counseling
  • Career Counseling/Career Education
  • Graduate School Preparation
  • Interview Preparation and Practice
  • Job and Internship Search
  • Job Offer Evaluation/Negotiation
  • MBTI assessment debriefing
  • Personal Statements and Graduate School Essays
• CO-OP Education
• Employer Relations and Recruitment
• Presentations and Workshops
• Internship and Employment Posting
• Online Services and Technology
  • ECU CareerNET - Hundreds of jobs and internships
  • Virtual Job Shadow - Interactive  career exploration resource
  • CFNC - College Foundation of North Carolina
  • Interview Stream - Practice interviewing technology
  • Career Shift - National job, co-op, and internship postings and contacts
  • Resume Samples
• Student Business Cards
• Career Fairs
• Career Leadership Conference
• Professional Etiquette Dinner
• Information Sessions
• On Campus Interviews
• Presentations

Student Activities and Organizations

Student Activities and Organizations is committed to providing a broad range of co-curricular, educational, developmental, and social experiences by providing quality programs and support. We seek to engage students by offering meaningful opportunities that foster an appreciation of lifelong learning, individual responsibility, and human diversity. The department is home to over 500 registered student organizations, the ECU Student Activities Board, and Major Campus Events.  We look forward to interacting with the students, parents, faculty, and staff of the Pirate Nation. (www.ecu.edu/sao)

A sample of the programs offered:

• Homecoming Board
• Student Activities Board
• Pirate Palooza
• Film Series
• Lecture Series
• Halloween Havoc
• Barefoot on the Mall
• Pirates After Dark (Late Night Substance Free Programming)
• Student Organization Center

Campus Recreation and Wellness

Campus Recreation and Wellness (CRW) supports and encourages balanced, healthy lifestyles for the diverse ECU community by providing leadership development through educational and recreational programs. CRW is committed to providing exemplary student leadership experiences, enhancing individual potential, developing responsible citizenship and fostering a lifelong commitment to learning skills associated with physical, social, emotional and mental well-being.

The Student Recreation Center is convenient, accessible, and filled with activities to keep the mind, body, and spirit in prime condition. Special features include a climbing wall; an indoor pool and outdoor pool with a lounging area; a 10,300 square-foot fitness area with free weights, selectorized equipment and cardiovascular machines; an indoor running track; three exercise studios, the Wellness Center, the Adventure Center, basketball, volleyball and racquetball courts. Outdoor adventure trips, group fitness classes, yoga, martial arts, and a variety of intramural and club sports are among the many opportunities students can find at Campus Recreation and Wellness. In addition, a 1,900 square foot fitness facility is available on the first floor of Jones Residence Hall. The Blount Recreational Sports Complex includes 10 flag football and soccer fields and five softball fields in addition to restrooms and parking. The Blount complex is also adjacent to a Challenge Course and 50-foot Alpine Tower used for a variety of team building and leadership programs. The North Recreational Complex opened in fall 2009 with eight multi-sport fields, a six acre lake, and a field house. Phase 2 of the project opened in fall 2011 and includes jogging trails, a beach area with sand volleyball courts, a boathouse, horseshoe pits, outdoor fitness equipment, an Odyssey Challenge Course, and an 18-hole disc golf course.

The Intramural Sports program offers over 30 different team and individual/dual activities in several skill levels, while approximately 40 Club Sports are available for those seeking a more intensive experience in a particular sport. Physical Activity and Fitness features a number of ways to stay in shape including group fitness classes, personal/partner/group training, incentive programs, educational workshops, and instructional programs, such as several styles of yoga, dance, and sport-oriented classes to satisfy a particular interest. For those looking to explore the great outdoors, the Adventure Program offers a selection of trips, educational workshops, a 27 foot climbing wall, and equipment rental, while Leadership and Team Training serves numerous groups annually through customized group initiative games, challenge course experiences, and other active team building activities. The Wellness area uses the Eight Dimensions of Wellness model to provide educational programs to the ECU community. The Eight Dimensions include physical, emotional, social, intellectual, occupational, environmental, spiritual and financial wellness. Modalities of programming consist of Wellness Center services such as massage chairs, stress free zone, educational materials, healthy lifestyle coaching, smoking cessation counseling, body fat and body mass index assessments, group presentations, and information tables and events. Wellness staff members administer the Wellness Living Learning Community and advises the Healthy PIRATES student organization (www.ecu.edu/crw/).

Student Involvement and Leadership

The unit operates under the leadership of the Division of Student Affairs and incorporates two primary areas: student engagement and facilities. 

Student engagement is made up of the following departments: Student Activities and Organizations which advises the Student Activities Board (SAB), supports over 500 student organizations, and is the central point for student organization programming; Greek Life which advises 43 social fraternities and sororities, organized into four councils (Multicultural Greek Council, Interfraternity Council, Panhellenic Conference, and the National Pan-Hellenic Council); Center for Leadership and Civic Engagement which advises two learning communities and the Elite Pirates, runs the Chancellor’s Student Leadership Academy, plans social justice educational opportunities, and leads service learning and community service efforts throughout ECU, Greenville, Pitt County communities; and Intercultural Affairs who leads two centers, the Ledonia Wright Cultural Center which provides culturally relevant services and education to all members of the ECU community, and the LGBT Resource Office which supports, educates, and advocates for the LGBT student, community, and its allies. 

Student Involvement and Leadership is charged with the maintenance and operation of five facility locations. The largest of them being the Mendenhall Student Center, at a little over 100,000 square feet, including the welcome desk; study and TV lounges; meeting, conference, and multi-purpose rooms; the ticket office; Hendrix Theater, the bowling and billiards rooms; and various student affairs and SIL offices. The second facility is the Health Sciences Campus Student Center, which opened in May 2016. The 75,000 square foot space multi-purpose facility houses various student services, activities, and a full-service 25,000 square foot recreation and wellness center. Wright Auditorium is a 1,200 seat venue that Student Involvement and Leadership has shared responsibility for along with academic affairs and is the site for most major college speaks and variety events. The final two facilities that Student Involvement and Leadership is charged with are the Blount House, home of the Ledonia Wright Cultural Center, and the LGBT Resource office located in the Brewster Building. (www.ecu.edu/sil).

Intercultural Affairs

The Department of Intercultural Affairs (DIA) is committed to cultivating a transformative and culturally competent community centered on inter and intra-cultural learning. Through collaboration across the ECU campus, the local community, and the state, DIA develops co-curricular programs and services that facilitate cross-cultural dialogue, promotes cultural competency development, and engages the community in reflective experiences that encourage self-exploration and challenges bias on the basis of race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender, religion, disability, social class, or other distinction.

The Department of Intercultural Affairs uses an evidence-based framework built on social justice in support of an inclusive campus environment where all students succeed and thrive. The DIA houses two distinct, yet interrelated units: Ledonia Wright Cultural Center (www.ecu.edu/lwcc), and the Lesbian, Gay and Bisexual and Transgender (www.ecu.edu/cs-cas/lgbt) Resource Office.

A sample of the programs offered:

• Culture Fest
• Pirate Ally and Safe Zone Trainings
• Lavender Launch
• MLK Weekend
• Cultural Competence Education
• Tunnel of Oppression
• Culture Board
• Vagina Monologues
• Speakers Series

Center for Leadership and Civic Engagement

The Center for Leadership and Civic Engagement seeks to foster an environment where individuals learn about themselves and their community, take action through service, and advocate for lasting social change. The center serves as a clearinghouse for leadership and service learning opportunities, connecting ECU students with developmental and experiential opportunities internal to the campus, as well as external to the community. CLCE staff also supprt ECU faculty and community partners as they work with volunteers and service-learners to address Greenville’s needs, serving as leaders in the community. (www.ecu.edu/clce)

A sample of the programs offered:

• ECU Leads Leadership Program
• Chancellor’s Student Leadership Academy
• Social Justice Symposium
• Walter and Marie Williams Leadership Scholarship
• Elite Pirates 
• NC Campus Compact
• Alternative Break Experiences
• Leader Shape Institute
• Service-learning course development and assessment
• Golden Key, International Honor Society
• Omicron Delta Kappa, National Leadership Honor Society

Student Centers

East Carolina University Student Centers provides professional, friendly and courteous support services for the student body and university community as a whole.  The student center is a safe, welcoming location for the students while providing quality resources and information. (www.ecu.edu/studentcenters)

A sample of the programs offered:

• Outer Limitz Bowling Classes and Leagues
• Pirate Underground Billiards Leagues
• Poetry Slams
• That Big Idea Challenge for CGIU
• Pledge Purple
• NC Civility Summit
• Knock’em Down Bowling Days

Services and resources:

• Banking
• The Outdoor Brickyard
• Central Ticket Office (www.ecu.edu/ticketing)
• Computer Center
• Pirate Print Kiosk
• Cynthia’s Lounge
• Central Reservations Office (www.ecu.edu/cro)
• Vending Machines
• Welcome Center
• Destination 360 Food Court
• Java City

Campus Living

Campus Living actively contributes to the mission of the university by providing housing services and programmatic offerings to serve the needs of the undergraduate students at East Carolina University. Campus Living seeks to enrich the lives of our students by providing them a clean, safe and secure educational living environment where all residential students can reach their full academic and personal potential (www.ecu.edu/campusliving/).

Dining Services

Dining Services provides a comprehensive dining program with high quality and affordable food service; encourages and promotes campus residential life and educational experience; projects a positive campus image and the University’s sense of community to all visitors, faculty, staff and students. Dining Services also provides nutritional education and provides a safe and comfortable dining experience, which operates efficiently and with fiscal integrity while also contributing to the economic impact of our region (www.ecu.edu/dining).

Student Media

Student Media engages students in real-life, hands-on practical training in a learning laboratory while providing news, information, entertainment and literary expression to the campus community. Mirroring ECU’s mission of Education in the 21st Century, Student Media prepares students to compete and succeed in the global economy.

Student Media provides students with hands on experience in:

• Budgeting and event planning
• Design and editing
• Management
• Photography/Videography
• Reporting and writing
• Sales and marketing
• Social media
• Web production

Student Media also prepares students for advanced placement in any career choice through the development of skills in areas such as:

• Collaboration
• Communications
• Professionalism
• Setting priorities
• Time management

 For more information, visit the website for Student Media (www.ecu.edu/studentmedia/).

ECU Transit

ECU Transit offers a wide variety of travel options on a comprehensive system which provides more than 3 million rides each year with service both on and off campus. Throughout the academic year and both summer sessions, buses operate on several fixed routes which circulate around main campus and connect to outlying areas, such as the Health Sciences Campus and commuter park-and-ride lots. Service is also provided to off-campus housing and several shopping, and dining and entertainment areas around Greenville. Additionally, a point-to-point, on-demand van service called SafeRide works in conjunction with the bus system to help ensure safe connections to evening routes, as well safe travel around campus and adjacent areas at night after most regular daytime service has ended. Rider with permanent or temporary mobility impairments may also choose Pirate Access for pre-arranged trips to and from university properties. Schedules, maps and other information on these services can be found online (www.ecu.edu/transit).

Ledonia Wright Cultural Center

The Ledonia Wright Cultural Center (LWCC) at East Carolina University provides specialized diversity and social justice experiences so all students can become confident, culturally aware, global citizens. Additionally, LWCC provides culturally relevant programming and services to support African/African-American, Asian, Latina/o, Native American, and Pacific Islander student success.

The goals of the LWCC are to:

• Offer authentic cultural programming to increase students’ understanding of various heritages, cultures, and identities.
• Promote academic success of traditionally under-represented students through individual and small group interaction.
• Create safe environments where power, privilege, and stereotypical assumptions are examined using meaningful dialogue, mutual sharing, and reflection.
• Work collaboratively with other campus and community partners to provide students with social justice, leadership, service-learning, and volunteer experiences.
• Build a sense of community and social confidence for students through planned interactions with alumni, campus, and other prominent leaders.
• Sustain student-led cultural organizations through training, mentoring, and resource sharing.
• Maintain a welcoming environment and hub of activity in support of the holistic development of all ECU students.

The center is located in the heart of east campus, across the brickyard from Mendenhall Student Center (MSC) and sided by White & Greene residence halls (www.ecu.edu/lwcc/).

LGBT Resource Office

The LGBT Resource Office’s mission is to provide support and a sense of community for students, faculty, staff, and alumni of all sexual orientations, gender identities, and gender expressions. We foster student leadership, as well as personal, academic, and professional growth, through volunteer opportunities and collaborative partnerships across campus. The Resource Office offers a safe and welcoming environment that promotes understanding, acceptance, and visibility of the LGBT community through a comprehensive range of educational programming and advocacy services.

The LGBT Resource Office offers social gathering space and a separate study room and has a resource library of LGBT and Ally related magazines, DVDs and books. We coordinate educational programs and events on campus that celebrate LGBT culture. We also offer support services to any student, faculty or staff member who has questions or concerns relating to their sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression.

If you have any questions about the resource office, please feel free to contact us by email lgbt@ecu.edu or by telephone at (252) 737-4451(www.ecu.edu/cs-cas/lgbt).

Lucille Gorham Intergenerational Community Center

The Lucille W. Gorham Intergenerational Community Center (IGCC) was created through a partnership between the west Greenville community, East Carolina University, the City of Greenville and Pitt Community College. IGCC is committed to promoting independence and self-sufficiency among residents of west Greenville and Pitt County by enriching living and social conditions, increasing economic development, community involvement, improving and advocating educational opportunities, stimulating health awareness, and providing outreach networks. Community members benefit from these services regardless of age, race, creed, religion, economic status, or educational level. The IGCC brings all members of the community together to identify and solve community issues with multiple community programs.

Office of Parent and Family Programs

ECU’s Office of Parent and Family Programs is the office that supports you, as parents and family members, of an East Carolina University student. Parents and families play an important role at ECU and we believe that the more you know about the university, the more you can contribute to your student’s success here, and we want to be your partner in your child’s education.  We provide personalized help to find solutions to problems, and help you navigate through your family’s college experience. Our office staff are here to assist you with finding answers to your questions.

For more information you can visit our website www.ecu.edu/parents, call the toll free Parents Help Line at 1-866-552-3957, or email us at parents@ecu.edu. We will answer your questions or put you in touch with someone who can. We also have a Facebook Page for you to connect with other ECU families to receive invaluable information and advice from other parents and families who have “been there/done that”. You can request to be placed on our Parents E-mail List to receive the latest ECU information, newsletters, deadline date reminders, and other news you can use. Just e-mail us at parents@ecu.ecu to be placed on the list.

Student Veteran Services

ECU’s Student Veteran Services wants to facilitate the transition from the military to university life.  We strive to provide accurate and timely information to help navigate Federal VA benefits and the resources available on campus and within the community.  SVS also works to help educate the campus community to help ensure student veterans have a positive experience at ECU. The office is located in Brewster D107 (Main Campus) and is open from 8am-5pm on Monday-Friday and HSC 221 (Health Sciences Campus) on Tuesday and Friday from 8am-5pm (www.ecu.edu/veterans).