East Carolina University (ECU) is deeply committed to fostering a supportive and thriving environment for every member of its community, including students, faculty, staff, and visitors. Recognizing the diverse challenges and stressors individuals may face, ECU Cares stands as a dedicated resource for early intervention and comprehensive support. This initiative is designed to address concerning behaviors and provide assistance to those in distress by connecting them with vital resources and collaborating with campus professionals to effectively manage a wide range of situations.
Our Mission: Providing Compassionate Support
Operating under the Office of the Dean of Students, the ECU Cares Team is specifically focused on supporting students who are experiencing distress or exhibiting behaviors that raise concern. Our primary mission is to ensure these students are connected with the necessary resources to achieve academic success and maintain emotional well-being. We accomplish this through three core services:
- Dedicated Case Management: We proactively reach out to individuals facing crises or displaying concerning behaviors to guarantee they receive thorough support and assistance tailored to their specific needs.
- Comprehensive Assessment & Support: Our team conducts in-depth behavioral assessments to develop appropriate recommendations, linking students with relevant campus and community resources to address their concerns effectively.
- Empowering Self-Advocacy: We are committed to helping students build the essential skills needed to advocate for themselves and successfully navigate the challenges they encounter during their academic journey.
Through these dedicated services, ECU Cares endeavors to cultivate a nurturing and supportive campus environment where every member of the university community can flourish and reach their full potential.
Recognizing Behaviors of Concern: How You Can Help
As an integral part of the ECU community, your awareness and engagement are crucial to maintaining a safe and supportive space for everyone. If you observe any individual exhibiting concerning behaviors or displaying signs of distress that could potentially impact their academic, career, or personal well-being, or if you believe someone might pose a safety risk to themselves or others, we strongly encourage you to report these instances. Your proactive involvement is vital in ensuring that all members of our community receive the support they need to thrive and remain safe.
Areas of Concern to Watch For:
General Mental Health/Well-Being:
- Experiencing emotional distress stemming from life changes or significant events.
- Displaying excessive anxiety, depression, or unexplained crying.
- Exhibiting unusual or erratic behavior patterns.
- Showing clear and noticeable signs of distress.
Emotional Well-Being Challenges:
- Demonstrating difficulty in coping with everyday stressors.
- Expressing feelings of hopelessness or deep despair.
- Experiencing significant mood swings or emotional instability.
Academic/Classroom Related Concerns:
- Submitting concerning written material or contributions during class discussions.
- Excessive or unexplained absences from classes, particularly when unresponsive to outreach efforts.
Basic Needs Insecurity:
- Facing food insecurity and lack of access to regular meals.
- Experiencing housing insecurity or lack of stable living arrangements.
- Dealing with concerns related to pregnancy or parenting responsibilities.
Self-Harming Behaviors (Immediate Action Required):
- Expressing plans to commit suicide or having made recent suicide attempts.
- Reported or observed self-injurious behavior or explicit threats of self-harm.
- Written or verbal expressions of suicidal thoughts or ideation.
Safety Concerns (Immediate Action Required):
- Evidence of alcohol abuse or dependence.
- Substance abuse or dependence on illicit drugs.
- Engaging in risky or reckless behaviors that endanger oneself or others.
- Indications of choking or strangulation behaviors.
Threatening Behaviors (Immediate Action Required):
- Expressing homicidal thoughts or ideations about harming others.
- Displaying or using weapons in a threatening manner.
- Fascination with violence, weapons, fire, or ammunition that is concerning.
- Making direct statements threatening harm to other individuals.
- Explore Other Threatening and Concerning Behaviors for a more comprehensive understanding.
A stylized ECU Pirate head, symbolizing community vigilance and care at East Carolina University.
Our Dedicated Team: Who We Are
The ECU Cares Team is composed of dedicated representatives from various key departments across the university, ensuring a comprehensive and collaborative approach to student well-being. These representatives come from areas such as:
(The original article lists “areas” but doesn’t specify them. In the improved version, I would suggest adding example areas if possible based on general university structures, or keep it general as in the original if no specific info is available.)
Frequently Asked Questions About ECU Cares
How do I determine if a concern warrants a report?
We encourage you to use the “Behaviors of Concern” list as a helpful guide. However, when in doubt, we always recommend erring on the side of caution. If you have a concern, please report it. Our team is equipped to assess the situation and determine the most appropriate course of action.
Will the individual I report find out about my report?
We highly value your privacy. Information identifying the reporting party is kept confidential and will not be disclosed to the individual of concern. However, please be aware that in certain situations, the individual might infer the reporter’s identity based on the specific details of the situation. The case manager will not confirm or address any assumptions made by the concerned party regarding the reporter’s identity.
Where should I report incidents of Sexual Assault?
To report incidents of discrimination or harassment based on protected class, or incidents of sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence, or stalking, please use the Equal Opportunity and Title IX Concerns & Complaints reporting system.
What happens after I submit a report to ECU Cares?
Once a report is submitted, a non-clinical Case Manager will promptly reach out to identify students who may require support. They will conduct thorough assessments and initiate early interventions tailored to the specific concerns raised. The goal is to connect these students with the most appropriate campus and community resources available. To protect the privacy of the individual being supported, follow-up information about the case will not be provided to the reporting party unless the Dean of Students Office requires additional information to proceed effectively.
University Behavioral Concerns Team
Resources for Support
Report a Concern Directly
Connect with ECU Cares and the Dean of Students on Facebook for updates and community support.
Follow the ECU Dean of Students on X (Twitter) for timely announcements and resources.
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