Welcome to the Office of Parent Services!
To ECU Parents:
Some of you may have heard that a drive-by shooting late Monday night left an ECU student and another man fatally wounded in downtown Greenville.
Chancellor Steve Ballard prepared the comments below in response to the shooting, and they are in “The Chancellor’s View” section of the university’s home page: www.ecu.edu. He asked that they be shared with you as well.
For those of you who would like more information on this case, here is a link to The Daily Reflector’s web site in Greenville:
www.reflector.com.
THE CHANCELLOR’S VIEW
Like the rest of the campus community, I was shocked and saddened by the senseless shooting that left an ECU student and another innocent bystander dead in downtown Greenville. On behalf of the university, I extend our deepest sympathy and condolences to the families and friends of the victims.
In times such as these, as we search for answers and wonder what we should perhaps do differently, it is important to remember that East Carolina University is a safe campus. This is especially important for parents to know as they bring new students to campus for orientation sessions. Yes, we have crime and occasional violence on and near our campus, but those events are more a reflection of the society we live in than a constant threat to our students, employees and visitors. The university’s annual crime and safety report, required by federal law, is available at this link:
http://www.ecu.edu/cs-studentlife/police/upload/2008%20Annual%20Security%20Report.pdf
We work every day to make the campus a safer environment. We have, for instance, in recent years invested in new technology that enables us to better communicate with individuals on campus and with neighboring law enforcement agencies (outdoor speakers; video message boards; VOIP telephones; text-messaging systems; new radio systems). We have increased the number and visibility of our police officers. We have hired a new police chief and are working on a reorganization of our campus safety reporting lines.
We have also ramped up our training and preparedness: We have conducted joint exercises with other law-enforcement agencies both on and off-campus in preparation for such incidents as chemical spills and active shooters. We have developed detailed plans for other safety threats such as the pandemic flu.
And we are pleased with the commitment and action of the city of Greenville in dealing with crime in the city. Since William Anderson arrived in Greenville as chief of the city’s police force three years ago, he has made great strides in confronting crime throughout the city. He has initiated anti-gang efforts and he has increased downtown patrols. Cooperation between ECU Police and the Greenville force has never been greater; Chief Anderson has noted that GPD has “a great working relationship” with the ECU force. It is also important to note that the Greenville mayor is a retired ECU faculty member and one member of the City Council is a member of our faculty. Obviously they are committed to a safe environment for their university.
In closing, I believe that Bill Koch, our associate vice chancellor for environmental health and safety, summarized the current situation very well when he said:
“Continuous improvement is the foundation of our safety programs at ECU. Every incident requires us to assess our plans and make the necessary adjustments to help our students stay safe.
“As we mourn our loss, we strengthen our safety commitment to our students and their families. We have already begun this process by working with the Greenville Police Department and other campus units to assess and further improve safety for our students on campus and in the surrounding area.”
As part of the Dean of Students Office, Parent Services is the office that supports you, as parents and family members of an East Carolina University student. You 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. Parent Services will respond to your needs and inquiries by phone, e-mail, or mail. We provide personalized help to find solutions to problems.
We have created this web page to assist you with finding answers to your questions. If you can't find what you are looking for at our web page, please contact the Parents Help Line Toll Free 1-866-552-3957 and ask for the Director of Parent & Student Services, Stephen Gray.
The Office of Parent & Student Services works with many Faculty and Staff to provide you with information that will assist you in parenting your college student. This excerpt is form Dr. Michael Brown of the Psychology Department here at ECU.
Important Things for Parents of College Students to Know
by Michael B. Brown, Ph.D.
Professor of Psychology
East Carolina University
PARENTS WEEKEND 2009 HAS BEEN ANNOUNCED.......
September 25-27. PIRATES TAKE ON University of Central Florida....
check here for information on a schedule (early summer)
For weekends and after hours, please contact the ECU Police Department at 252-328-6787.
Accomplishments of the ECU Parents’ Council
Through Parents Fund Donations, the following was achieved:
2005: $10,000 donated to the University Police Department to support and underwrite training for the newly organized Campus Safety Department
2006: $30,000 donated to the Division of Student Life
2007: $48,000 donated to the Division of Student Life
Purchased a GEM car for the Student Health Services
Created the Parents Council Textbook Committee and in collaboration with the ECU Student Store, succeeded in reducing the costs of textbooks.
Provided grants to support Alcohol and Drug Education, tutoring for all students, technology, healthy life styles, and professional development (2003/2004)
Provided grants to Educational Departments on campus to support student life activities
Initiated and supports “Freshman Move-in”
Supported the “Safe Ride” Program
Endorsed and promoted Campus Emergency Text Messaging.
A sponsor of the first annual Safety Symposium (January 2007). Attendees were from several states.
Participates in "Freshman Sendoffs" held in cities in NC and VA
Participates in Summer, Spring and Fall "Orientation" programs
Participates and assists in planning the "Family Weekend" events
Participates in Spring and Fall "Open House" activities
Began The Pirate Parent newsletter
A sponsor of the Annual Student Memorials
Solicits funds for and markets the Cupola Brick Project
Redesigned the Parents Association and Parents Council websites
Member of the ECU Board of Visitors
