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Pledge Purple Week - Major Student Success 

East Carolina University launched a new weeklong initiative, Pledge Purple, Nov. 9 – 13. Events for ECU faculty, staff and students focused on education and advocacy about sexual violence, harassment and bullying.  

Every single member of the ECU community has a role in creating a safe campus. Pledge Purple is a great way to engage our students, faculty and staff in the fight against sexual violence and at the same time it empowers all of us to take a stand…together. 

The week started with a Take Back the Night walks on Monday on the health sciences campus, beginning at the Brody Medical School lobby. 

On Tuesday, the focus shifted to bystander intervention with events throughout the day including a prize patrol for students who can answer questions about sexual violence, bullying and harassment. At 4 p.m. a bystander training program was held in Mendenhall. 

Wednesday was Pledge Purple Day and more than 3,000 members of the Pirate Nation signed a pledge against sexual violence, harassment and bullying. 

 The pledge is as follows: “I will not use my hands or words in acts of violence, bullying, or sexual assault. I will educate myself about what violence, bullying and sexual assault looks like in the Pirate community. I will support my fellow Pirates and safely intervene as an active bystander if I witness scenarios of violence, bullying or sexual assault.” 

Wednesday night, main campus hosted its Take Back the Night walk, originally scheduled for Monday but more delayed due to rain.  More than 500 people lined up at Gateway Residence Hall on College Hill and walked to the Cupola for a Pledge Purple lighting ceremony, which included a candlelight service, a student poem and a testimonial from a survivor. 

On Thursday, guest speaker Beverly Gooden shared her experience as a survivor of domestic violence. Gooden created #WhyIStayed, a global movement that supports victims of domestic violence. Gooden spoke in the Vidant Medical Center Auditorium and in the Hendrix Theatre Mendenhall Student Center. 

A Pledge Purple night was also held on Friday during the ECU volleyball match against Memphis.  “

"Pledge Purple Week is an opportunity for the Pirate Nation to say we will not stand for sexual violence, bullying or harassment within our community,” Dr. Erik Kneubuehl, associate vice chancellor for student involvement and leadership.  “These events and programs will address serious topics, promoting campus dialogues focused on establishing an environment that is supportive of all communities of people and is not tolerant of these types of behaviors or actions.” 

More than 25 campus and community partners collaborated for Pledge Purple week including Student Involvement and Leadership (Greek Life, Student Activities Board and more), Athletics, the Chancellor’s Committee on the Status of Women, the Office of Equity and Diversity, the College of Nursing and Uptown Greenville. 

Click on the links below to view media coverage: 

Parents Association  Scholarship Applications Due January 31 

The East Carolina Parents Association is accepting online applications for our Leadership Scholarships for the 2016-2017 school year through January 31, 2015. Approximately 5 scholarships of $2,000 are available to full-time undergraduates with a GPA of 3.0 or higher who demonstrate leadership and service on campus and in the community. First preference is given to students of Parents Association members.   Students may submit their scholarship application through Academic  Works.

Many Annual Scholarship Opportunities Available 

ECU has annual scholarships to award.  Students can search opportunities and file applications with our on-line portal “ECUAWard” at https://ecu.academicworks.com.  For more information contact the Office of University Scholarships at scholarships@ecu.edu or 252.328.5816. 

Pirate Safety News: Holiday Travel Safety

The month-long holiday travel season is here, with over 40 million people traveling for the holidays, we know your students are among those traveling.  Whether traveling to Grandma’s or abroad to celebrate holidays with family or friends, below are a few simple tips to help make your student’s travel plans go smoothly and worry-free.  With a little prep, your student can leave the stress at their home away from home and enjoy their holiday with family and friends. 

Safe Holiday Travel Tips 

Before Leaving Home:

When Planning to Fly: 

• Plan ahead; book your travel in advance – to avoid peak travel dates, get lower airfare, fly direct, and fly early/late in the day to avoid bigger crowds. 
• If possible, have a friend drive you to the airport, or take a shuttle or public transportation.  If you drive and park at the airport lot, do not leave any valuables in plain view.   
• Leave at least an extra hour earlier in order to anticipate the peripheral delays that could occur.  Bring some reading material while you wait in the security line or at your departure gate.  
• Pack as light as possible to save money and time.  Consider shopping online and having your gifts shipped to your destination.  If you do not sent your gifts ahead, then do not wrap them before the flight.  With safety a priority for all airlines, security personnel will need access to all items. 
• See the “Other Travel Safety Tips” below. 

When Planning to Drive: 

• Ensure your vehicle is properly maintained.  Have your car inspected and/or serviced before you leave, and keep and emergency kit in it.  Fill your gas tank, check the air pressure in your tires, and make sure you have windshield fluid. 
• An emergency kit should have a first aid kit, flashlight, batteries, blankets, drinking water, snacks, ice scraper, kitty litter or sand, flares, and jumper cables. 
• Map your route in advance and be prepared for busy roads during the most popular times of the year; if possible, consider leaving earlier or later to avoid heavy traffic.  Also, know alternate routes in case of construction, road closing, or severe traffic.  
• Be sure to check the Federal Highway Administration’s website for up-to-the-minute traffic information, detours, and road construction before you leave. 
Make frequent rest stops on long trips.  If you’re too tired to drive, stop and rest.  Take turns driving! 
Stay hydrated.  Not having enough water during a long drive could mean fatigue or decreased alertness. 
Keep anything of value in the trunk or covered storage area. 
In case of an emergency, keep a cell phone (and both car and wall chargers) with you at all times. 
Have roadside assistance contact information on hand, in case an incident occurs on the road. 
If you have a smartphone, download apps that can help you in time of need, such as the American Red Cross app.  Your insurance company or roadside assistance company may also have an app. 
Avoid distractions such as cell phones – don’t text and drive. Buckle up, take your time, and don’t drink and drive. 

Counselor's Corner

Lauren Thorn, MSW, LCSW

Staff Counselor/Outreach Coordinator 
Center for Counseling and Student Development

•  Make sure you both have realistic academic expectations—for many students, they have not gotten the grades they had hoped for and are really hard on themselves. Some have grown accustomed achieving straight A’s in high school and are uncertain of how to work with challenging professors or classes that set the groundwork for applying to more competitive majors. Try to get a sense of how often students have to retake certain courses—you’ll find that many have a much higher success rate when taken the second time (as expected!) 

• Help your student become educated on the options for academic recovery, whether that be grade replacement or talking with their advisor about changing majors. The average college student will change their major three times before finding the right fit, and sometimes that first semester or two is best used exploring all of the options out there.  

• There is a sharp learning curve to the first few months of the year, with much of that time spent figuring out how to “do college.” Learning the process of registering, how to drop/add classes, finding the appropriate balance for studying and socializing, navigating how to live with a roommate—many of these skills take a while to master, and students are able to return for the spring with a new focus on academics. Normalize this process and don’t let your student become discouraged if this first semester hasn’t lived up to their “ideal” they had imagined. 

• Have discussions about appropriate problem solving skills that can be utilized next year, or spend some time setting personal goals for what they would like to differently in the spring semester. Many students have figured out what doesn’t work, but are now ready to make positive changes to allow for a more successful experience.  

• Understand the difficulty of living two worlds and trying to ease back and forth. Some students might feel torn in trying to maintain the new relationships they have created on campus while visiting with family and friends back at home. Though it may sting a little to hear your student refer to Greenville as “home,” acknowledge this as a normal part of the transition to becoming an independent, autonomous young adult.  

• Encourage self-care and rejuvenation during these weeks off in order to be mentally prepared for the spring. The intensity of the semester, especially with final exams and stressful study sessions, can take a toll on even the most conscientious student. Allow for some down-time to recover and put relaxation and stress management skills into place! 

Winter break is upon us! Your student has survived the fall semester at ECU and gained many new experiences while hopefully learning from the challenges they have encountered. As you approach the upcoming holidays and one-on-one time with your student, here are some key conversations points that you might consider discussing: 

Enjoy this time with your student and celebrating with family and friends! Please let us know if we can be of any assistance or if you have questions about mental health services on campus. The beginning of the spring semester is an excellent time to get connected with our office, with lots of availability for appointments and new therapy groups starting up soon that address a wide range of topics.

 As always, please feel free to contact the Center for Counseling and Student Development with any questions regarding mental health concerns and our services on campus at 252-328-6661 or at www.ecu.edu/counselingcenter  

Student Health Services News

Calling All Moms and Dads—Antibiotics Are Not Always the Answer! 

Incorrect antibiotic use is leading to urgent health threats ECU Student Health Services (SHS) observed and promoted Get Smart About Antibiotics Week November 16-20 by sharing education and social media messages about when antibiotics are indicated, how to take them correctly, and why overuse contributes negatively to our health.  SHS and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) want you to know why antibiotics are not always the answer and why SHS providers are so careful about only prescribing antibiotics when indicated, not just because a patient requests them. 

The CDC has news this cold and flu season:  antibiotics do not touch viruses—never have, never will!  And it is not really news—it is a long-documented medical fact. Antibiotics can only treat illnesses caused by bacteria. Colds, the flu, most sore throats, bronchitis, and many sinus and ear infections are caused by viruses, not bacteria. If your child has a viral infection, antibiotics will not help them feel better or get well sooner. In fact, they can even be harmful. 

Taking antibiotics when they are not needed is fueling an increase in drug-resistant bacteria, which cause infections that are more difficult, and sometimes even impossible, to cure. Almost all types of bacteria have become less responsive to antibiotic treatment. Heard of MRSA? These “superbugs” can quickly spread to family members, schoolmates and coworkers, and threaten our communities with illnesses that were once easily treatable. Combatting antibiotic resistance is a priority for CDC with estimates of more than 2 million resistant infections occurring annually in the United States alone. 

Antibiotics can also lead to side effects, such as diarrhea or an upset stomach. Some side effects can be quite serious, or even life-threatening. Take the case of Clostridium difficile (C. difficile or C. diff) infections – these are bacterial infections that cause severe diarrhea. In the past, most C. difficile infections were connected to a recent hospital stay, but new studies show that children in the general community – without a recent hospital stay – account for as many as 7 out of 10 pediatric C. difficile infections. Many children who got sick with C. difficile had recently taken a course of antibiotics for a respiratory infection — infections that are usually caused by viruses and therefore not even helped by the antibiotics. 

When antibiotics are used for viral infections, your child is not getting the best care. A course of antibiotics will not fight the virus, help your child feel better, or lead to a quicker recovery. It may even be harmful. If your child is diagnosed with a viral illness, SHS providers will give your student advice on what to do to help him or her feel more comfortable while the immune system does its work. Suggestions might include drinking plenty of fluids, getting a lot of rest, using over the counter medications, using a cool mist humidifier, or gargling with salt water. Please help SHS continue its commitment to safe and smart antibiotic use by educating your student about antibiotics.  If an antibiotic is prescribed for your student, they should take it as directed and complete the entire course of medication, regardless of when they start feeling better.  Partial doses of antibiotics should not be saved “for next time”—this increases resistance and allows the bacteria to possibly come back stronger.  Students should also be discouraged from taking medication prescribed for others—even if they have similar symptoms as their roommate or think they have the same illness as a friend, it is NEVER okay to share prescriptions or take a dose of antibiotics from another person. 

If your student just has a question, or wants to find out more information about our services or about a particular health topic, they can e-mail us at GotQuestions@ecu.edu to get answers. 

The Importance of the First Year

From the Office of Student Transitions 

www.ecu.edu/studenttransitions  

Wrapping Up the First Semester 

 As we head into the final weeks of the fall semester, a lot will be going on in a short amount of time. Final exams, end-of-semester celebrations, and preparing to travel home for the winter break will keep our students busy. Just as your students made adjustments for their first semester in college, they will now make the trip back home for their first semester break. 

As a parent, you are probably anxious to see your student’s grades for the first semester. Students can access grades using their Pirate Port account.  In general, most final grades will be posted by noon on December 19. Below, we’ll discuss the process involved in academic recovery in the case that your student did not do as well his or her first semester. 

Academic Standing 

For students to be considered in Good Academic Standing, a cumulative GPA of 2.0 is required. Students who fail to meet Good Academic Standing will be placed on academic warning, probation, or suspension. Academic rules on Good Standing, Warning, Probation, and Suspension have changed effective fall 2015. A summary of the rules is below. For more information on these important academic rules, visit www.ecu.edu/registrar and click on “New Academic Rules.” 

Academic Status is determined following grade submission and is accessible on Banner Self Service under the Student Records menu. Good Standing indicates the student has earned at least a 2.0 overall grade point average. 

The Chancellor’s List is composed of the names of all full-time undergraduates who make four grade (quality) points per credit hour (4.0) on all work taken with no incomplete grades. 

The Dean’s List is composed of the names of all full-time undergraduates who make at least three and one-half grade (quality) points per credit hour (3.5) on all work taken with no grade below C and no incomplete grades. 

The Honor Roll is composed of the names of full-time undergraduates who make at least three grade (quality) points per credit hour (3.0) on all work taken with no grade below C and no incomplete grades. 

Academic Warning indicates that the student’s cumulative grade point average is below a 2.0. 

Academic Probation indicates that at the end of the semester on Academic Warning, the student’s grade point average remains below a 2.0. If, at the end of the semester on probation, the student’s cumulative grade point average remains below 2.0, the student is suspended from the university for one semester. Students will be allowed to take summer courses during warning, probation, and suspension periods. If, during the semester of probation, the student does not improve his or her cumulative GPA to a 2.0 or better but does earn a GPA of 2.5 or higher during that semester, he or she will continue on probation. 

Please note that if a student receives a GPA of 0.0, including incompletes, during his or her first semester, it will result in an academic suspension. 

Academic Difficulty 

The first semester of college can be a good measuring stick to assess your student’s initial adjustment to college.  Poor academic grades may be a symptom of something much larger than a lack of academic ability.  Years of experience at ECU has taught us that sometimes students don’t perform well in the classroom because of other factors outside of the classroom such as difficulty making new friends, trouble coping with romantic relationship issues, poor academic preparation, not enough time spent studying, lack of career direction, or the realization that their original major/career selection is not going to work out.  Although the reasons for your student’s academic difficulties may vary, academic recovery can be just a few steps away.  Below are a few strategies that ECU has put into place to help get your student back on track: 

1) Students on warning may be placed in a freshman seminar course for the spring semester.  This course has been specifically designed for students in academic difficulty.  Although this course is not mandatory, students are strongly encouraged to take it because of its historically high success rate for GPA and retention. 

2) Students on academic warning can self-select to meet with staff at the Office of Student Transitions to better determine the causes for their academic difficulties and to develop a customized plan for academic success. 

 3) Students should be encouraged (by you) to meet with their academic advisor to develop a course of study that is best for them. 

Students in academic difficulty should meet with their individual assigned academic advisor to: 

• Make a plan to return for spring 2016 classes, • Adjust their spring 2016 course schedule if needed, 
• Identify a GPA goal to avoid suspension and to progress towards graduation, 
• Identify academic support resources including tutoring, and 
• Develop useful communication tips for discussions with parents/guardians. 

Transitions: Surviving the Fall Semester 

This time of year brings additional challenges for first-year students. While the end of the semester will bring relief from current classes, students continue to find themselves with many of the same concerns from November. This month we continue our focus on adjustment issues for first-year students. 

December Adjustments 

Academic Pressure – Final exams are here, and there may be other projects and papers that the student must complete. If a student does not feel that they will do well in a class, this brings additional concerns about their academic progress and disappointing family. 

Money - Many students have concerns about the cost of gift giving and travel for the holiday season. Also, they may be concerned about tuition and book costs for the spring semester. 

Health Issues – With the cold and flu season in full swing, many students will feel ill, made worse by stress, poor sleeping habits, and unhealthy eating. 

Extracurricular overload - Especially if a student has gotten very involved in clubs and organizations, he or she may feel overwhelmed with the number of seasonal parties, service projects, and religious activities to attend. 

Relationships/Friendships - Relationship worries can take several different forms during this time of year. Students may not have made a lot of friends during their first semester. They may have made close friends in school and are now concerned about not seeing them over the holiday break. An additional concern is returning home and being expected to spend time with old friends, especially if the student feels like he or she no longer has a lot in common with the old friends. 

Visiting Home - The winter break is a full four weeks. At Thanksgiving, you may have noticed some conflict between your student’s newly found independence and your expectations for him or her at home. This will become more noticeable over the long holiday break. Remember, it’s not that he or she doesn’t want to spend time with you, but adjustments to a new environment have been made and adjusting back can be difficult.

Home for the Holidays 

Students are on their way home for the holidays!  The family is excited to have them home for an extended period – how is the student feeling?  There are a myriad of feelings the student may be feeling - excited that the semester is over; anxious about an extended stay at home but also, happy to be home with family and friends and finally, nervous about the upcoming semester.  

The Office of Student Transitions bases programs and services on two thematic frameworks:  the Student Success Continuum and the W-Curve Theory.  Both are designed to create an environment for student engagement and success.

From the Office of Student Transitions 

www.ecu.edu/studenttransitions

Wrapping Up the Fall Semester 

Know what to expect 

Siblings Weekend 2016- Save The Date!

RHA Siblings weekend will be held April 8th-10th, 2016.  The age range for siblings allowed to participate is school age (9-14 years).  If during this academic year (August 2015-May 2016), your child was 14, we will allow them to participate in Siblings Weekend.

For additional information, email RHASIBLINGSWEEKEND@ECU.EDU

December Events at  Dowdy Student Stores!

Talk to your Student about Textbooks 

With holiday shopping and other expenses this time of year, ECU Dowdy Student Stores has a few money-saving tips for students and parents.  And before you student leaves for winter break, this is the time to start talking about textbooks again. 

When a textbook is going to be used at ECU this spring or has value on the wholesale market, students get cash back for their used book, which in essence, lowers the original cost.  If they don’t want to keep their textbooks, selling them back to Dowdy is a great way to earn some cash. 

Remember to remind your student not to sell back their rental books, or leave them behind when they head home.  The return date for rentals is listed on the receipt. Pay attention to these dates to avoid overage fees. 

Buyback for fall is December 7-18, at Wright Building store. Two trailer locations are also opened on campus December 10-16. 

Another way to help lower expenses is to order early.  Buying used books, renting books, and taking advantage of early ordering incentives will help. 

Dowdy is offering free ground shipping for spring term books when purchased December 15-18.  Free shipping applies to technology purchases during this promotional period too. 

If you ever have questions about textbooks, feel free to contact the Dowdy Student Stores. As ECU’s only owned and operated bookstores, our Wright Building and Brody Building Medical Bookstore staffs are eager to assist you and your student with all of your educational needs. 

Dowdy Student Stores, Wright Building, Brody Building, Athletic Venues, www.studentstores.ecu.edu, 252-328-6731, 1-877-499-TEXT

Alumni Association News

Senior Celebration is December 17 

Fall 2015 graduates and their family members are invited to a Senior Celebration dinner on Thursday, December 17, hosted by the East Carolina Alumni Association. Join us as we honor the accomplishments of the class of 2015 and officially welcome them as alumni of ECU. The event will begin at 6:00 p.m. in Harvey Hall in the Murphy Center. The cost is $17 for graduates and $28 for guests. Space is limited. The deadline to register is Monday, December 7, but Senior Celebration is a popular event and may fill up before the deadline, so advance registration is strongly encouraged. For more information, contact Assistant Director of Alumni Programs Megan Howard '07 at 252-328-5557 or howardme14@ecu.edu, or visit PirateAlumni.com/2015SeniorCelebration. 

Alumni Scholarship applications due January 31 

The East Carolina Alumni Association is accepting online applications for Alumni Scholarships for the 2016-2017 school year through January 31, 2015. Approximately 25 scholarships of $1,000 or $2,500 are available to full-time undergraduates with a GPA of 3.0 or higher who demonstrate leadership and service on campus and in the community. To receive a scholarship, recipients must attend the Alumni Scholarship Luncheon, which will be held April 30, 2016. For more information visit PirateAlumni.com/Scholarships.

Make Time for Title IX

ECU offers many resources to individuals who have experienced incidents of sexual misconduct. We ask that you encourage your students to visit Student Health Services and/or the Center for Counseling and Student Development, which houses ECU’s Victim Advocate, if they have experienced any sexual misconduct. 

All reports of sexual misconduct are taken very seriously. We strongly encourage anyone with information about these types of incidents to report what they know to responsible parties. If your student informs you that they have knowledge regarding sexual misconduct or other concerning behavior, we ask that you also encourage them to file a report. Students who allege an act of sexual misconduct against another student, should visit or call the Office of Student Rights and Responsibilities. Students who allege an act of sexual misconduct against an ECU employee or visitor should visit or call the Office for Equity and Diversity. 

The Office of Student Rights and Responsibilities is located in 364 Wright Building. The Office for Equity and Diversity is located in Suite G406 Old Cafeteria Building. 

To view the university’s Title IX website, click here. If you have any questions about Title IX, contact either ECU’s Title IX Coordinator LaKesha Alston Forbes or Senior Deputy Title IX Coordinator Malorie Porter at 252-328-6804.

College Colors Challenge 

Up to 50 Pirate fans can win officially licensed ECU products by participating in the College Colors Challenge this Holiday Season.  To be eligible, participants must submit a picture using the appropriate hashtags and the College Colors app. 

The ECU-specific wish list will be displayed on the Get Your Gear page on collegecolorschallenge.com and with the holiday pic/video share page from the app. To participate, download the College Colors app on any smartphone and participate in the weekly challenges. Some examples of the holiday challenges are listed below: 

#Selfie: Get festive and strike a pose. Smile for the camera in your college clothes. Make your holiday #selfie the most spirited! #collegecolors 

#Famphoto: Rivalries are ramping up. Is your house divided? Show us your heated #famphoto in your #collegecolors. 

#Squadpic: Lights, gnomes, inflatables galore. Cover your yard in #collegecolors and take a holiday #squadpic your friends will adore! 

New props/stickers in the app will give users the option to create holiday greetings. The challenge will run thru January 3. 

Support your Pirates by giving officially licensed ECU products this Holiday Season and showing your ECU pride through the College Colors Challenge. 

PAINT IT GAMES 

Pirate basketball is in full swing! Please make plans to attend as many games as possible to show your support and cheer on your Pirates! To get ready for the PAINT IT games make plans to visit one of our retail champions. A list can be found on our website: http://www.ecupirates.com/ot/retail-champs.html 

Upcoming PAINT IT games: 

Campus Recreation and Wellness News

Study Tips for Finals 

Parents, here are some good study tips that you can pass on to your students while they are preparing for their final exams. 

Preview of Polar Bear Plunge 

The 20th Annual Polar Bear Plunge will be held at the Student Recreation Center on Thursday, January 21st at 7 p.m. ECU students, alumni, faculty, and staff are welcome to take a plunge into the icy waters of the Outdoor Pool. 

This event began in 1997 as part of the Grand Opening Week for the Student Recreation Center. The first event started with only 35 participants.  In 2014, CRW hosted a record number of 1,145 jumpers.  CRW is hoping to break that record with this year’s plunge. 

The first 1,100 participants are guaranteed a T-Shirt and everyone will receive a certificate for jumping, a chance to take a picture with the bear, and sign the banner. Polar Bear Plunge attendees can wear their shirt to the Men’s or Women’s Pirate basketball game on January 30th to enter a chance to shoot from half court and win $10,000 for making the shot. 

Registration will begin at 6:00 p.m. Swimsuits are required, and participants are asked to bring their own towel.  For further information, please contact Campus Recreation & Wellness at 252-328-6387. 

CRW Student Employment 

Is your student looking for a job for the spring semester? Campus Recreation and Wellness (CRW) is the largest student employed department on campus with over 300 student employees.  CRW offers positions in all their facilities and programs including intramurals, adventure leadership, wellness, aquatics, fitness, marketing and much more! Student employees are guided by the CRW Leadership Development Framework to help them build their skills and abilities necessary to become leaders throughout their careers.  Currently, CRW is looking for Wellness employees, Lifeguards, Challenge Course Facilitators, Personal Trainer, Group Fitness Instructors, and Intramural Sports Officials.  For more information, please visit here. 

Holiday CRW Gift Certificates 

Looking for a great gift to give for your student for the holidays? CRW is offering gift certificates available for our services at the Student Recreation Center. For further information please contact Marsha Hall at 252-328-6387 or email hallm@ecu.edu

Staying Fit and Trim Over the Holidays 

Joyner Library’s Schwarzmann Production Center 

The Ann Rhem Schwarzmann Production Center, Joyner Library’s makerspace, is designed to enhance student projects and other learning activities in creative and innovative ways. Located in the Teaching Resources Center (TRC), the center’s most recent addition is a 3D printer. Students are encouraged to visit the Production Center, explore this new technology, and discover the endless ways 3D materials can be integrated into their coursework. Additional technologies and equipment available to students in the makerspace include an Ellison Die-Cut Center with more than 800 shape-cutting dies, laminators, comb binder, button maker, poster maker, and more. For additional information, visit the TRC’s website or contact a staff member at trc@ecu.edu or 252-328-6076.

ECU School of Dental Medicine 
Contact: Peggy Novotny, SoDM Director of External Affairs, novotnym@ecu.edu, 252-737-7031 

Dental Home Away from Home 

The ECU School of Dental Medicine extends holiday greetings to ECU parents, students, and families! Please remember that your campus dentist (faculty, student, and resident providers) offers a full range of dental services at reduced cost. Our state-of-the-art clinics are located in Ledyard E. Ross Hall on ECU’s Health Sciences Campus. 

If traveling to your family dentist is difficult for your student, we can provide a dental home away from home. Our Emergency Clinic and oral surgery team can save the day if your student has a dental emergency such as painful wisdom teeth. Please call for an appointment at 252-737-7834. The initial screening is free of charge unless x-rays are necessary. Insurance is accepted. 

ECU School of Dental Medicine Community Service Learning Centers across North Carolina also offer patients a full range of dental services at reduced cost. Locations include Ahoskie, Elizabeth City, Lillington, Robeson County, Davidson County, Spruce Pine, and Sylva. A new center will soon open in Brunswick County. To make appointments and learn more about us, visit www.ecu.edu/dental. Follow us on Facebook at East Carolina University School of Dental Medicine.