Syllabi to be public record now
UNC system President Peter Hans has issued a new policy requiring all UNC universities to make their syllabi publicly available. It was approved on Dec. 19 and went into effect on Jan. 15.
The directive orders certain elements to be featured in the posting. Per the policy manual, beginning in the 26-27 academic year, each syllabus must include:
Course name and prefix, along with the course description
All goals, objectives, student learning outcomes, and/or student expectations for the course
An explanation of how student performance will be assessed, including the grading scale, percentage breakdown of major assignments, and how attendance or participation will affect a student’s final grade
List of all course materials (physical and/or electronic)
that students are required to purchase
A statement noting that the course engages diverse scholarly perspectives to develop critical thinking, analysis, and debate, and inclusion of a reading does not imply endorsement.
North Carolina is one of the few states that has similar policies, following Florida, Texas, Indiana, and Georgia. Each school in the UNC system will be mandated to create a database website where syllabi are posted no later than a week before the course starts.
East Carolina University’s Chair of the Faculty, Dr. Mark Bowler, said students benefit most because they have access to essential information to ensure course excellence. Having a syllabus readily available will provide students with an in-depth visual of what the course offers and if it fits their degree completion.
“Students will be able to see how attendance is dealt
on hold. More covers other cities in the
Beyond Snowstorm
News about the winter storm Fern has been on the rise and many have mixed expectations. Many people are expecting a snow day and a day off, while others are worried about road conditions, and possible power outages. I find myself somewhere in between wanting a day off of school but also aware of the problems this could bring to our community.
Classes, campus jobs, East Carolina University transportation, and dining services all depend on weather conditions. Greenville is used to operating on a tight routine, so even small weather changes can disrupt classes, work shifts, and travel plans. Changes in the weather can be especially difficult for students without cars relying on ECU transit, which may be closed down due to the weather. These challenges are often overlooked when winter storms are reduced to jokes about snow days. At the same time, winter storms can bring
out the best in people and reveal a strong sense of community, especially on campus. Many students check on their roommates, share supplies, and walk each other home when conditions worsen. ECU alerts play an important role and are there to remind us that being informed matters.
Personally, the possibility of a storm makes me aware of how quickly independence can become dependence. While being in college often feels like I have to handle everything alone, moments like this remind me how good it is to have a community. Being mindful of others and staying informed can make a meaningful difference.
Whether we actually get snow or not, this winter storm is not just about weather. This storm serves as a reminder that no matter our diverse backgrounds and responsibilities, shared struggles can bring people together. Stay warm.
This writer can be contacted at opinion@ theeastcarolinian.com.
with? How is participation dealt with? What are the assignments like? Is it a bunch of quizzes?” Bowler said.
Many are also concerned that syllabus postings will include the course location and time, as well as personal faculty information, thereby posing security risks. However, the policy ensures that no identifiable information will be published.
“We have to make sure students get the most critical information that they need to have, like how to contact the faculty members – so it’s just shared with the students who are in the class,” Bowler said.
Supporters believe that exposing syllabi will provide full visibility into academic content, including DEI. But there is still disapproval from those who believe it will discourage students from speaking on political topics they view will interfere with their academic freedom
Stadium changes
Caleb Johnson TEC STAFF
Construction has been ongoing at East Carolina’s Clark-LeClair Stadium since Oct, 2025. Due to the renovations on the third base side of the stadium, ECU’s baseball team is set to move from the third base dugout to the first base dugout. Lockerooms, trainingrooms, and coaches offices are now located in trailers behind the Rogers Family Performance Center. These changes are temporary and the team will resume normal operations in 2027.
Another area impacted by construction is parking in the Williams Jungle. The parking lot is being used as an area for staging, equipment and materials as the construction carries on. A small part of the lot will remain open for individual entry off of Charles Blvd.
The Jungle will remain open for fans to watch the game. Entry will be available through gate six and the temporary gate off of Charles Blvd. Gate one, between the
Williams Hitting Facility and the football practice fields will be closed for the season. ECU students will have access to the Lower Minges lot for tailgating. Parking passes will be temporarily relocated to the Shook Lot off of Berkley Road.
The project has a budget of $10.3 million, an 11,000 square foot club deck with a patio and nearly 100 seats on the left field line. Expansions and upgrades will also take place in the team’s locker room, coaching offices, athletic training rooms, and video room.
Despite the renovations Pirate baseball season tickets have sold out for the fourth season in a row. ECU was ranked 24 in the nation in Baseball America's preseason poll. ECU will kick off their season Feb, 13-15. at home in a weekend series against Xavier University (0-0, 0-0 Big East). All games will be broadcasted on ESPN+ and will be available to listen to on 94.3 FM The Game.
Mallory Sheldon TEC STAFF
CONTRIBUTED THEODORE PARISIENNE Snow covers New York, putting many peoples lives
US.
Dulce Perez TEC STAFF
CRIME LOGS
Editor's Note: The East Carolinian Crime Logs are derived from East Carolina University Police Department’s (ECU PD) public crime logs accessible to all individuals.
Crime Logs are not done within the partnership of ECU PD and The East Carolinian, as this publication is meant to act as an additional resource for Pirate Nation. Below are listings of criminal activity that has occurred on or within proximity of main campus.
Jan, 22.
An offendant was arrested outside of the Brody School of Medicine for attempted larceny of a motor vehicle. The incident took place last Thursday around 6:06 a.m.
Jan, 20.
A suspect is being investigated on charges of larceny at the Croatan on ECU’s campus. The incident took place Tuesday at around 3:13 p.m. but was not reported until the next day.
Jan, 23.
An offendant was caught under age drinking and possession of fraudulent identification in Fletcher Hall. The incident took place last Friday around 3:33 a.m. the offender was cleared and prosecution was declined.
Jan, 23.
ECU police arrested a suspect last Friday for armed breaking and entering of a vehicle and larceny. The incident took place at 9:32 p.m. last Friday.
Jan, 25..
A suspect is under investigation for breaking or entering a vehicle on College Hill Drive. The incident took place around 4:32 a.m. Sunday.
CORRECTIONS & CLARIFICATIONS
If you feel there are any factual errors in this newspaper, please contact editor@theeastcarolinian.com.
Do we need Greenland?
Dulce Perez TEC STAFF
Debates over national security have surged after comments of acquiring Greenland have been made by President Donald Trump and have caused controversy. East Carolina University students expressed differing views, revealing divisions between Republicans and Democrats.
Austin Garrison, a junior majoring in political science and history and a registered republican, said that national security and self-reliance go hand in hand.
“Since COVID. what we’ve seen is how vulnerable we are to foreign trade,” Garrison said.
“Self reliance is an important thing when it comes to national security, because when we have to rely on other people, whether that’s fuel, whether that’s technology, whether that’s medicine, it doesn't really matter what it is.
That puts us in a very vulnerable position, he continued.”
Garrison said that a reason why Greenland is important is because of its rare minerals, which are important for modern technology.
“Everything we have from your phone to your car to your thermostat has a microchip in it.” he said. “Greenland has one of the largest amounts of rare earth elements, he continued.”
While Garrison emphasized the importance of the island's importance he opposed the use of force.
“ I don’t think we should invade Greenland,” he said. “I think that would be a very poor decision, he continued.”
Democrat April Rodriguez, a sophomore majoring in nursing and psychology, emphasized a different definition of national security, centered on human rights, equality and stability.
“National Security should not come at the expense of human dignity and immigrants’ rights,” she said. Rodriguez said harsh immigration
enforcement often undermines national security by creating fear and division. She also criticized Trump’s Greenland proposal, calling it disrespectful.
“The idea that Trump could simply propose buying an entire territory without considering the consent of its people was selfish,” she said.
Both students emphasized a distinction between U.S. interests in Greenland and Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
“Russia invaded Ukraine by force,” Garrison said. “That’s not what I'm advocating, he continued.”
"Russia's invasion of Ukraine is military driven with clear intentions of changing borders by force. If the military starts getting involved in this proposal or if they already are, then I would say its fair to compare the two”, Rodriguez said.
‘Romance scam’ raked in over a
million dollars from NC elderly
Mark Price THE CHARLOTTE OBSERVER
CHARLOTTE, N.C. — A woman masquerading online as a man netted millions of dollars from a romance scam that targeted the old and the lonely, according to investigators in eastern North Carolina.
The con duped victims across multiple states over the past six years, the Craven County Sheriff’s Office said in a Jan. 26 news release.
“On December 22 ... the Craven County Sheriff’s Office received a report involving a romance scam in excess of $100,000. An investigation conducted by the Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigation Bureau identified
Christina Jane Julian, 56, of Naples, Florida, as the perpetrator,” the sheriff’s office said.
“The investigation revealed that Christina Julian received approximately $3 million over the last six years from multiple victims across the country by scamming them.”
She was extradited from Florida to Craven County on Jan. 21, and has been charged with “felony obtaining property by false pretense in excess of $100,000 and felony exploiting the elderly,” the sheriff’s office said. Bond was set at $350,000.
Specific details of the scam were not released, but court documents report a North Carolina woman paid $139,900 in August, believing she was helping a man get back to the United States.
Investigators did not say how the
“elder” victim and suspect connected online.
The Federal Trade Commission reports romance scams prey on people who use online dating apps or social networking sites to meet people.
“Scammers say they can’t meet you in person. They might say they’re living or traveling outside the country, working on an oil rig, in the military, or working with an international organization,” the FTC says.
“Scammers will ask you for money. Once they gain your trust, they’ll ask for your help to pay medical expenses (for them or a family member), buy their ticket to visit you, pay for their visa, or help them pay fees to get them out of trouble. ... Never send money or gifts to a sweetheart you haven’t met in person.”
Craven County is about a 115-mile drive southeast from downtown Raleigh.
Will AI bubble pop soon?
We, the editorial staff of The East Carolinian, believe that the AI bubble will pop sooner rather than later. Since the invention of ChatGPT in late 2022, people have claimed that Artificial Intelligence is the future and have integrated it into various platforms. Platforms such as Google have integrated AI in a way that makes the first thing you see when looking up something an AI result. This Google search AI has been wrong on various things.
When AI generates incorrect information, it is incredibly harmful because it can lead an unsuspecting person to ingest misinformation. In a time when people say media literacy is at an all-time low, the integration of AI can make it even worse. This is why the AI bubble will burst sometime soon and why it is so essential for it to do so.
More and more people are now expressing opposition to AI for various reasons. Whether it is environmental concerns, job replacement, or misinformation, people are now understanding the potential risks of AI and why it is necessary for its bubble to burst.
With more and more states passing AI regulations, it may not be here to stay. With constant efforts from lawmakers to integrate AI in various ways, the bubble may not pop soon. However, people are now opposing AI in many ways, suggesting the AI bubble will pop at any time.
PIRATE RANTS
The Wifi is actually terrible everywhere.
I need better food options in the dining hall.
I got 2 parking tickets in one day!!!
The 2nd floor in Joyner is the QUIET floor for a reason. Do not use it to hang out with your friends please.
Somehow I’m always late even when I leave early.
Can we all collectively summarize syllabus’s so it doesn’t take 2 hours to read?
For all of us returning students, shouldn’t we be able to choose the dorms that are actually closer to classes?
Why does the student center Panda Express close at 7:00!?
with the intruders.
We’ve reached the point in America’s polarization story where not even churches are sacred spaces.
Protesters angry about the fatal shooting of Renee Good and the increased presence of federal agents in the Minneapolis area crossed a line when they entered Cities Church in St. Paul and disrupted Sunday worship.
Videos posted online show scenes of a mob of people marching into the church, angrily expressing their frustration over the Trump administration’s immigration enforcement activity.
Children are present who look visibly afraid, and of course they do — a group of adult strangers has entered their place of sanctuary, yelling and screaming at them and their parents, as well as confronting the pastor, Jonathan Parnell, who appears to do his best to remain calm and ensure the safety of his parishioners. Churchgoers can be seen either fleeing the sanctuary, sitting frozen in their seats or trying to reason
Protesters alleged one of the church’s pastors — not Parnell — has ties to immigration enforcement. Regardless, that doesn’t give anyone the right to invade a worship service. It’s up to the church to decide who leads them.
If the protesters who showed up at Cities Church had set up outside, fine, so long as they weren’t preventing people from getting to church. If they had posted up around the corner, all good. But to enter the church, berate peaceful worshipers and scare children crosses a line.
The First Amendment robustly protects protests and political speech, but it does not grant the right to commandeer private property or disrupt lawful assemblies. Courts have long recognized that religious worship is entitled to protection, and both state and federal law prohibit intentional interference with a congregation’s ability to practice its faith.
If you’re tempted to reflexively respond “yes, but one of the pastors works for ICE in some capacity,” you may also be surprised to learn that you also can’t break into
this behavior fractures both.
What should concern Republicans heading into the midterms is not just policy disagreement; it’s pattern and posture.
President Donald Trump is once again attacking institutional guardrails, starting with the Federal Reserve. Publicly undermining Fed Chair Jerome Powell isn’t tough leadership; it’s a signal to markets and allies that political impulse outweighs economic stability. History shows that when presidents politicize the Fed, voters, especially independents, pay the price first.
At the same time, Trump is turning his fire inward. He has lashed out at Republican senators who overwhelmingly supported his agenda, only to watch some of them break ranks and side with the Democratic Party on health care. Those rifts with former allies are less a reflection of the president’s strength than an erosion of coalition discipline. Midterms are won on turnout and unity, and
Then there’s the demographic reality. Hispanic voters were once a growing and reliable part of Trump’s coalition. Today, disapproval is high, driven largely by the tone and execution of deportation rhetoric. You can debate border security all day, but when enforcement becomes identity politics, you lose voters for a generation, not just an election cycle.
Add to that the rhetorical freelancing on foreign policy. Casual talk about invading Greenland and escalating threats toward Iran may excite a loyal base, but it alarms allies, moderates and national security professionals. Words from the president carry weight, whether intended or not.
And even if many voters may be happy with the effect of Trump’s swaggering foreign policy, such as the removal of Venezuelan dictator Nicolás Maduro, they may still be concerned about Congress’ lack of involvement and the risk that Trump might unilaterally pull the United States into a conflict
his house because you dislike his actions.
The Department of Justice is investigating the incident, and a St. Paul Police spokesperson said in a statement that they are “actively investigating this incident as a disorderly conduct investigation,” according to ABC News.
We’ve written before that some places should be off limits. We were outraged that federal authorities chased one of their quarry inside a day care center in Chicago, alarming kids. Churches are in the same category. That’s why we were appalled when the Trump administration rolled back long-standing guidance discouraging immigration arrests in sensitive locations such as churches. And it’s why we’re alarmed now.
We don’t pretend to know how higher powers feel about immigration enforcement. But we do know this: If you find yourself storming a church filled with people who are peacefully practicing their religion, you are not in the right.
they’d rather not get involved in.
Voters want to see institutions tested when they’re unhappy with the status quo. That’s how Trump came to power in 2016 and again in 2024. But when the guardrails protecting the Constitution and stability are under pressure, voters start to get nervous. That’s why Republicans lost 41 seats in the House during Trump’s first presidency.
Why should this concern everyone, not just Republicans? Because democracies depend on norms as much as laws. When institutions are mocked, allies
unsettled and domestic coalitions weakened, the cost isn’t partisan, it’s systemic. Markets wobble. Trust erodes. Governing becomes theater instead of stewardship.
Midterms are often a referendum on stability. And right now, the question voters may ask isn’t, “Do I like his policies?” It’s, “Do I trust the temperature of the room?”
That should worry the GOP. And it should worry anyone who believes power requires restraint as much as conviction.
The East Carolinian Sports experts predict this week’s events
Caleb Johnson TEC Sports Editor
ECU VS. CLT Score Prediction?
ECU 79-68
Why?
ECU’s Women’s basketball team has been scorching as of late. They are currently sitting second place in the American Conference and have six players averaging over nine points a game. Kim McNeill has put together yet again another amazing squad that plays selflessly for one another. I expect them to take care of business on the road Sunday afternoon.
Cannon Gates WZMB Station Manager
ECU VS. CLT Score Prediction?
ECU 74-66
Why?
The Pirates have been on a roll and look to keep that going against the 49ers. Charlotte has struggled this year so far with a 9-11 overall record but are 7-3 at home and this is a Charlotte home game so I do expect this one to be close but I believe in Kim McNeil and I believe in this Pirates squad to pull this one out.
Tyler Buonocore
TEC Sports Reporter
ECU VS. CLT Score Prediction?
ECU 77-63
Why?
The lady pirates have been giving the Greenville faithful something to be happy about this basketball season as they currently sit second in the American. The offense is best in the conference and I expect them to put up a large number against this Charlotte defense.
ECU taking on Charlotte
Lady Pirates to play against Charlotte this Sunday.
The East Carolina University Women’s basketball team (15-6, 7-1 American Athletic Conference) will travel to Charlotte on Sunday to take on the University of North Carolina at Charlotte (9-11, 3-4 AAC). The Lady Pirates have hit their stride this season entering this game winning 13 of their last 15 games and are sitting at second in the conference. All records mentioned in this story are subject to change as each team has another game later this week prior to Sunday’s matchup.
The 49ers are coming into the game losing four of their last five including
a one point loss to Temple (9-10, 3-4 AAC) on Saturday. Senior guard Tanajah Hayes scored 24 in the loss and has been a threat on the offensive end all season. The offense for the 49ers flows through Hayes, she is averaging 11.3 points and 5.6 assists per game on the season. Senior guard Princess Anderson is Charlotte’s leading scorer averaging 14.3 points per game on the season and will look to score first against ECU.
The Lady Pirates offense has been a diverse attack all season with six different players averaging over nine points per game, the leader being senior guard Kennedy Fauntleroy with 12.7. Fauntleroy also leads the team in assists with 4.4 per
game and runs the offense to an AAC leading 74 points per game.
As a team, ECU is out scoring Charlotte by 10 points per game offensively, while defensively giving up 66 points per game compared to Charlotte’s 67.5. ESPN’s matchup predictor gives the Pirates a 58 percent chance to head back to Greenville as victors.
The game will be played Sunday Feb, 1. at Dale F. Halton Arena. Tip off will be at 3 p.m. ET, the matchup will be broadcast live on ESPN+ for those who want to cheer on the Lady Pirates.
This writer can be contacted at sports@theeastcarolinian.com.
ECU Basketball bringing their energy to FAU
East Carolina, with a 6-14 overall record and a 1-6 American Athletic Conference (AAC) record are set to matchup against Florida Atlantic University who currently sits at 14-7 overall and 5-2 in the AAC. These records are set to change as both are set to play a game before their matchup on Sunday.
The Pirates have fought through a challenging stretch of AAC play and are focused on gaining traction and momentum as the competition. Florida Atlantic is sitting at the top of the conference and presenting a significant test for ECU as the Pirates aim to translate effort into results on the road in Boca Raton.
Through the first 20 games of the season, ECU’s identity has continued to revolve around effort on both ends of the floor. The Pirates are averaging 67.9 points per game while holding opponents to 76.2 points per game, numbers that reflect both the competitive energy they bring and the work the team is putting in to tighten execution. ECU is shooting 40 percent from the field as a unit, and the Pirates have shown an ability to generate good looks when ball movement creates open opportunities.
One of East Carolina’s biggest strengths this season has both inside and out, and the Owls’ ability to score in a variety of ways has made them a challenge for teams in league play. FAU allows 73.7 points per game and has the experience to limit extended scoring runs.
The series between these programs the last few years includes tough matchups. Last year FAU won a close game in Greenville by two points, and the teams also met in Boca Raton during the regular season finale. Those games provided ECU with valuable experience against a well coached FAU team, something the Pirates may look to lean on as they prepare for this matchup.
For ECU to compete, the focus will be on disciplined play, executing in transition, and crashing the glass to create opportunities for easy scoring chances. Taking care of the ball and limiting turnovers will allow the Pirates to stay within striking distance and give senior guard Jordan Riley and ECU’s supporting cast opportunities to come through late. The Pirates have continued to show growth through the conference schedule, and this game provides another chance for ECU to build confidence as league play moves on.
The matchup against Florida Atlantic is scheduled to tip off at 2 p.m. Sunday Feb, 1. The game will be played at Eleanor R. Baldwin Arena in Boca Raton, Florida, and will be broadcast on ESPN+. East Carolina will look to bring energy and compete for 40 minutes in search of their second AAC win.
This writer can be contacted at sports@theeastcarolinian.com.
Some ECU Women’s basketball team members shooting a basketball during one of their season’s games.
players
featured on the court.
Tyler Buonocore TEC STAFF
Logan Harlow TEC STAFF
Ricky Cruz
2/18/24
Created by Ricky Cruz
Arts & Entertainment
EVENTS TODAY
Hardware Outlaw Open Mic!
5th Street Hardware Restaurant and Taproom, 120 W 5th St, Greenville, NC
27858 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM, 2523648921
Music Bingo with Wild Willy
The Doghouse Tavern, 506 2nd Street, Ayden, NC 28513
7:00 PM to 9:00 PM, 2523042291
TOMORROW
Pitt Street Brewery Tour
Pitt Street Brewing Company, 630 S Pitt St., Greenville, NC 27834
3:00 PM to 5:00 PM, 2522274151
SATURDAY
Chunky Blanket Workshops
Wine and Design, 808 Dickinson Ave, Greenville, NC 27858
10:00 AM to 1:00 PM, 2523211200
Alek Ottoway Full Band at the Buc Buccaneer Music Hall, 2120 E Fire Tower Rd, Greenville, NC 27858
10:00 PM to 11:59 PM, 2527565505
SUNDAY
Chunky Blanket Workshops
Wine and Design, 808 Dickinson Ave, Greenville, NC 27858
10:00 AM to 1:00 PM, 2523211200
Times bestseller comes to ECU
people to North Carolina that might not be here otherwise. The theme of the series is “exploring our shared humanity.”
The Voyages of Discovery series will continue this Feb. 5 for its 19th year with Dr. Brian Hare, New York Times bestselling author and professor of evolutionary anthropology, psychology and neuroscience, will speak at this event beginning at 7pm in the Main Campus Student Center.
This event is open to students, staff, and the general public. Students and staff can pick up their complimentary ticket at the central ticket office in the Main Campus Student Center. Director of alumni relations and outreach for the College of Arts and Sciences, Ashley Harzog, suggests those who are interested pick up their tickets in advance to ensure they do not sell out since the general public will be purchasing tickets as well.
“The goal [of the series] is to advance the spirit of exploration and discovery at the heart of the arts and sciences,” Harzog said.
Harzog helps to plan these events and states that the series brings amazing
“If you just take one look around right now, it seems like there’s a lot of division,” Harzog said, “It’s a very tense time for a lot of people in America and in the world.”
Dr. Hare does a lot of research and speeches on dogs. This is a topic that can unite many, because as Herzog said, “Who doesn’t love dogs?”
Dr. Hare has done extensive scientific research about dogs, been featured in Netflix shows, and written books on this topic. He is an internationally recognized scientist and currently a professor at Duke University in North Carolina.
Harzog encourages students to attend this event because it is free and a wonderful opportunity to hear from a renowned speaker, Dr. Hare. She said she would hate to see people leave such a great chance to learn and be inspired on the table.
“This is an incredible speaker that you have the opportunity to attend for free in your backyard,” Harzog said, “Someday, when you graduate, you’re going to find
that opportunities like this are much harder to access.”
This event could be of interest to many students, whether they are interested in biology, psychology, veterinary sciences, or humanities.
“[We hope] that you’ll walk away from this event, hopefully, feeling inspired, but also with a deeper understanding of humanity, each other, and how you can be a better person,” Harzog said.
There will be a VIP reception held prior to the event that anyone can pay to attend for a meet and greet with the speaker as well as VIP parking.
“My biggest hope when folks attend Voyages of Discovery is that they leave feeling a little bit more connected to ECU, to their community, and to each other, and that they also really enjoy and take in the blessing of having a space for interesting conversations that help you grow and be better,” Harzog concluded.
