ECU 11/02/23

ECU FOOTBALL LOOKS FOR A WIN AGAINST TULANE A7

East

Carolinian The

VOLUME 99, ISSUE 10

YOUR CAMPUS NEWS SOURCE SINCE 1925

Thursday, 11.02.23

ABBY BRENNAN I THE EAST CAROLINIAN

Front office worker Kaymber Whitehurst at the East Carolina University Office of the Registrar. Registration for the Spring 2024 semester takes place this month starting Friday.

ECU prepares for spring class registration

Trisha Rangaraju

FO R THE E A S T C A R O L I N I AN

Registration for the spring 2024 semester begins this month, and the university’s academic advisors prepare to answer students’ questions and fix problems they may have.

Registering for the Spring Semester begins Monday at 7 a.m. The date and time depends on the student's credit hours earned, according to the Office of the Registrar website, and students are encouraged to reach out to their academic advisor.

ECU College of Health and Human Performance Academic Advisor Kelsey Webster said students should include all information possible to their advisors when asking about registration difficulties.

Academic advisors are critical in offering guidance and direction for students during class registration, Webster said, and students can schedule appointments with their advisors to discuss their 4-year plans, prerequisites, selecting the right courses for their majors and interests and to have any questions or uncertainties answered.

“If a student receives a registration error that they need to email their advisor about, they need to be sure to include their banner ID, the class subject and number and the

specific error they received,” Webster said.

“This will enable their advisor to help them much quicker. Also, it’s a good idea for students to have a list of backup courses that can replace any classes that may be closed when they go to register.”

Priority registration p erio ds are granted to students in certain p r o g r a m s , We b s t e r said, such as the Honors College, G r a d u at e St u d e nt s , R O T C , Ve t e r an s or Kesley Webster other students who meet certain criterias to allow them to register for classes at an earlier time to ensure they get placed in the classes they would like.

To see if you have priority registration, contact your advisor. Early registration for priority students begins Friday at 1 p.m, Webster said.

“For students who have to waitlist for a class, it’s vital they check their ECU email at least once every 24 hours so that if they get in from the waitlist,” Webster said. “They don’t miss the window to register for it.”

Andrew Pickett, teaching instructor and advisor for the Department of Health Education and Promotion emphasized

having a plan with the desired classes and conveying this plan to your advisor so everyone is in agreement.

Some registration errors that may occur during registration are wait lists, which means the course is full, class restriction, which means the required classification for the course is not correct, prerequisite and test score error, which means you do not have the required prerequisite course to take the course or corequisite required, which means you need to be signed up for a corequisite along with the course you are signing up for (for example, a lecture and a lab). These errors will prevent you from registering from the classes you would like to take.

“Know what your plan of study is for your degree and have this in your What-If plan in Degree Works,” Pickett said.

“Degree Works is meant to face both the student side and the advisor side to ensure everyone is on the same page. In addition, make sure to construct a plan before you meet with your advisor.”

To register for classes, Pickett said, log into Pirate Port, click on the Registration and Planning Card, then click on the Add or Drop Classes option, select the correct registration term from the drop down menu

(Spring 2023), put in your registration pin that was provided by your advisor and enter in classes. Once a class has been added, Pickett said, click submit to successfully register for the class.

Benita Patel, sophomore nursing major, said it is greatly beneficial to make a plan plan ahead of time when registering for classes “I think the most important aspect of class registration is building out a plan beforehand in the Planning tab of Pirate Port,” Patel said. “This way, once it's time to register for classes, you can just sign up for the classes that you already planned for, which saves a lot of time and makes it easier for you to get the classes you want.”

Patel said she recommends joining waitlists for desirable classes that are already full because it is not uncommon for students to change their schedules within the first week of school.

This writer can be contacted at news@theeastcarolinian.com.

Preseason analysis for ECU Pirates MBB Nick Bailey TEC STAF F

With the East Carolina University men's basketball team returning to Minges Coliseum in Greenville, North Carolina, on Monday, it's time to evaluate their talents after a year that saw significant progress as a program under now-second-year Head Coach Michael Schwartz.

To finish off last season, the Pirates finished their regular season with a 16-17 overall record and a 6-12 record in the American Athletic Conference (AAC).

The team arrived in Fort Worth, Texas, for the AAC tournament seeded ninth and was pitted against the University of South Florida. ECU accomplished something they hadn't done since 2017, winning a game in the AAC tournament. The Pirates won 73-58 over the Bulls.

They went on to play the No. 1 ranked team in the country at that time in the University of Houston and put up a great effort in a 60-46 loss. The emergence of now sophomore forward Ezra Ausar was on full display as he posted 18 points and a career high 19 rebounds.

ECU’s season ended there, but now with another off season for Schwartz, multiple coaching hires and transfers coming in, this team looks ready to make a statement in the newly formed AAC. After the departures of the University of Cincinnati, the University of Central Florida (UCF), Houston, with the additions of the University of North Carolina Charlotte, the University of Texas at San Antonio, the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB), Florida Atlantic University (FAU), the University of North Texas (UNT) and Rice University, the AAC now has 14 competitors for the 2023-2024 men's basketball season.

The Pirates will benefit off of not having to play UCF, Cincinnati and Houston this year after going 1-5 against

COURTESY OF EAST CAROLINA PIRATES

ECU beat USF 73-58 last season in the AAC tournament.

those teams last season.

However, the group of teams joining the conference are sure to give the team trouble during conference play, as FAU is coming off a miraculous run to the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Final Four last March. Coming into this season FAU has been ranked No. 10 in the country in the AP Preseason Top 25.

UAB and UNT will be very competitive teams in the AAC after they are fresh off of a battle in the National Invitation Tournament championship where the Mean Green came out victorious.

When you look at ECU's schedule from last year and see how they started the season with a 9-4 record before conference play, it's evident that the Pirates need to improve in conference games. As conference play began last year, they lost six of their first seven games. Schwartz said during men's basketball Media Day that conference play is going

ONLINE » Deion Sanders: CU Buffs football robbery at Rose Bowl 'a travesty'

to be tough this year, if not more than last season.

“We want a better conference record regardless of who came into the conference or who left, and that’s because we want to progress, and we want to move up,” Schwartz said. “There's six good teams that came into this league and there’s three teams that were very, very strong last year. Four of the six teams that joined our conference were playing in the final five days of college basketball. So, I would actually say that this conference got stronger basketball wise.”

The Pirates return eight players from last year's squad, including four of its top five scorers in junior guard RJ Felton, junior forward Brandon Johnson, Ausar and junior guard Jaden Walker. Junior guard Quentin Diboundje, senior guard Benjamin Bayela, sophomore guard Kalib LaCount and sophomore forward Valentino Pinedo are also back from the team that won 16 games last season, the most for the program since the 2013-14 season.

ECU has added eight new players to its roster, including five freshmen and three student-athlete transfers. Bobby Pettiford Jr. and Cam Hayes, both junior guards, return to their home state after playing at Kansas University and Louisiana State University, respectively, and Grant Smith joins the team after a season at Quincy College.

Centers Cyr Malonga and Callum Richard, as well as guards Evan Montanari, Ta'Korrie Faison, and Logan Bourgeois, are the Pirates' five freshmen.

The Pirates first month of the season will be entirely played at Minges besides one game and the first one will be Ferrum College on Monday at 7 p.m. The game can be streamed on ESPN+.

This writer can be contacted at sports@theeastcarolinian.com.

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NEWS

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Thursday, 11.02.23

BRIEFS English department hosts annual Tag Lecture In Joyner Library on Thursday from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., the ECU Department of English will host Winthrop University English Professor Gregg Hecimovich for the annual Tag Lecture, an event which began from a donation from the Tag family. Hecimovich studied the first Black female novelist and her life in North Carolina during slavery.

Physics department to host guest speaker On Friday from 3 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., there will be a Physics Colloquium at the Howell Science Complex Room N109.

The speaker for the event will be a representative from Jefferson Lab, Dr. Jianwei Qiu. Refreshments will be provided at the event starting at 3 p.m.

The event is open to the public.

BSOM to host size inclusive health panel On Tuesday at noon to 1:15 p.m., there will be a virtual panel discussion focused on size inclusive health and nutrition.

The panelists will include doctor and Health at Every Size advocate Kylie Nowicki, registered dietitian Willande Unelus and Director of WellBeing at ECU Steven Trotter.

The online event is open to all who are interested in the topic and how our healthcare system could be more accommodating for larger patients.

CORRECTIONS & CLARIFICATIONS If you feel there are any factual errors in this newspaper, please contact Kiarra Crayton at editor@theeastcarolinian.com.

CRIME LOGS

COURTESY OF TRIBUNE

Pedestrians outside of a Walgreens pharmacy in Chicago, Illinois. The company, along with CVS, are facing a strike due to working conditions.

Walgreens, CVS face large-scale walkout

After brain surgery to remove a tumor, Robert Senter must take daily medication to prevent violent seizures. But it’s often hard to get his refills on time at the CVS pharmacy where he buys his medicine.

Senter, of Fuquay-Varina, North Carolina, says there’s often a prescription backlog — an issue pharmacists say is caused by insufficient staffing and workers overburdened by unattainable performance metrics. Indeed, more than 2,000 United States pharmacists plan to walk off the job this week to pressure national drugstore chains to address poor working conditions, according to organizers.

Dubbed Pharmageddon, the walkouts follow similar actions last month by CVS pharmacists in Kansas City, Missouri, who stayed home from work in protest over unsafe working conditions.

That led to the temporary closure of about 10 pharmacies in the Kansas City area, some of them in Target Corp. retail stores, CVS said at the time.

CVS even dispatched Chief Pharmacy Officer Prem Shah to Kansas City to meet with the pharmacists, but employees say he didn’t adequately address their concerns and that the walkouts will continue.

“Patients need to be aware that pharmacy employees are fighting for their safety, but the corporations are being nothing but stumbling blocks to their well-being,” said Bled Tanoe, a former Walgreens pharmacist who has been helping to organize the walkouts, in a statement.

Pharmacists and technicians are protesting without the backing of unions to protect their jobs, which paints a picture of the gravity of the matter, Tanoe said.

CVS Health Corp. said the company was

“committed to providing access to consistent, safe, high-quality health care to the patients and communities we serve and are engaging in a continuous two-way dialogue with our pharmacists to directly address any concerns they have,” according to spokesperson Amy Thibault.

Thibault said there were no walkouts at the Fuquay-Varina CVS store, but that the store has closed early twice in October due to unexpected staffing issues. She said the chain is not seeing “any unusual activity” regarding nationwide walkouts.

At rival Walgreens Boots Alliance Inc., only two out of nearly 9,000 stores closed on Monday due to workforce disruptions, according to spokesperson Fraser Engerman. “Our leaders are in our pharmacies FULL STORY regularly, listening to concerns and frustrations and responding to feedback,” Engerman said.

The pharmacists’ actions have caught the eye of organized labor, such as the United Food & Commercial Workers union, which represents some employees at CVS, Walgreens and Rite Aid. “UFCW members and staff have been communicating with many of the CVS and Walgreens workers who have been taking actions to stand up for their rights on the job,” the union’s organizing director Dave Young said in a Tuesday statement. “Where workers struggle, we stand ready to assist.”

Initially the protests caught unions by surprise, and exceeded what union leaders thought non-union pharmacists might be ready to do, according to one union official who was

ONLINE |

not authorized to speak publicly on the matter.

Unions are now trying to better understand the protests and how they can be supportive, the official said last week.

The walkouts offer an opening for unions to make the case to already protesting workers that winning collective bargaining would help address their concerns, said former Service Employees International Union President Andy Stern, in an interview.

“It’s not clear why no one is out there, working with them to make them successful,” Stern said.

At bustling stores, it’s common for only one pharmacist to be responsible for more than 1,000 prescriptions a day, including a backlog of previous days’ prescriptions, according to CVS and Walgreens pharmacists who spoke to Bloomberg News.

On top of prescriptions, the single pharmacist must consult with patients on new medications and handle vaccination appointments.

While pharmacy technicians help with certain tasks, there is a limit on how many hours of technician assistance a pharmacist can schedule. Pharmacists, who in most stores work alone, are calling for more technician hours and for there to be an overlap of pharmacists working in the same store. ©2023 Bloomberg L.P. Visit bloomberg.com.

Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

This writer can be contacted at news@theeastcarolinian.com.

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 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 occured on or within proximity of main campus.

Oct. 28, 2023 At the First Street Place parking lot, charges of Felony Possession of Marijuana, Possession of Marijuana < ½ oz. (x2) and Possession of Marijuana Paraphernalia (x2) were cleared by an arrest and a citation.

A prosecution was declined at 4th Street & Cotanche Street for charges of Possession of Marijuana < ½ oz. and Possession of Marijuana Paraphernalia at 8:46 p.m.

JAYLIN ROBERTS I THE EAST CAROLINIAN

Voting booths at the Main Campus Student Center. The Pitt County Municipal Election is currently in the early voting period until Saturday.

County Elections kick off at East Carolina Sergio Capula-Perez

F OR T HE E A S T CAR O LIN IAN

Oct. 29, 2023 At the Main Campus Student Center bike rack, Misdemeanor Larceny was found at 12:55 a.m. and was cleared by citation.

Simple Assault was cleared at Ballard East after the victim refused to cooperate and a referral was issued at 2:09 a.m.

At 2:52 a.m., Simple Affray was cleared at College Hill Suites after two victims refused to cooperate and referrals were issued.

At Fletcher Hall, Injury to Real Property became an open investigation at 9 a.m.

East Carolina University kicked off early voting in the city of Greenville on Monday at its local voting location at ECU’s Main Campus Student Center in room 125.

Early voting for Greenville’s Municipal Elections including City Mayor and City Council officials began on Oct. 19 and is set to go on until Saturday. Greenville residents and any on-campus Pitt County students 18 and older who have not been convicted of a felony, if registered are eligible to vote.

Grayson Waters, a sophomore nursing major, said it is important that all students who can vote take the time to submit a ballot for local elections such as city council since its electee will have a greater influence on future policies that can impact them more directly in comparison to other government officials.

“As students of ECU and residents of Greenville, we think Neil Driver is the right candidate for Greenville city councilman because of his goals to help ECU grow and keep its students here after they graduate,” Waters said.

Neil Driver is running for Greenville’s city council of District 3 along with Marion Blackburn, a former ECU alumni, according to the Pitt County Board of Elections, an area that represents a large portion of ECU students.

Austin Clinefelter, a senior management information systems major, said his choice of who to vote for falls under different criteria and that the focus of an election is less about whether someone’s political candidate is elected and more about the reason for why the electee is victorious.

“It’s not always about who exactly wins,” Clinefelter said. “It’s about the smaller things, like why they win. I’d like the winner to win because they represent us and because they’re someone who you can relate to and feel at home with. People have much division because of hate right now.”

When asked for his recommendations to future electees, Clinefelter said he would like the municipal winners to focus on repairing Greenville’s roads and cleaning ECU’s grid neighborhoods along with its parks.

Kyndall Nunn, sophomore interior design

major, also said ECU’s grid neighborhoods are in need of improvement but believes the focus should be leaned towards increasing law enforcement around the area. Nunn said she wishes to elect Driver with her vote for Greenville’s city council of District 3.

“He’s (Driver) the one candidate I believe recognized the value of students voting in these elections and has good goals for helping ECU if he’s elected,” Nunn said.

The official election date for Greenville’s mayor and city council positions is set for Nov. 4. Voters who did not register or change their registration by Oct. 13 will not be able to vote on Election Day and may only register and vote during the early voting period.

Greenville City Council At Large candidates include Will Bell, Angelene Mitchell and Portia Willis, according to the board of elections, and the Greenville City Mayor candidates are P.J. Connelly and Barbara Gaskins.

This writer can be contacted at news@theeastcarolinian.com.

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NEWS

Thursday, 11.02.23

COURTESY OF TRIBUNE

U.S. President Joe Biden discusses his Administration's commitment to seizing the opportunities and managing the risks of artificial intelligence, in San Francisco on June 20, 2023.

Biden compels AI companies to share safety data

President Joe Biden is directing the United States government to take a sweeping approach to artificial intelligence regulation, his most significant action yet to rein in an emerging technology that has sparked both concern and acclaim.

The lengthy executive order, released on Monday, sets new standards on security and privacy protections for AI, with far-reaching impacts on companies. Developers such as Microsoft Corp., Amazon.com Inc and Alphabet Inc.’s Google will be directed to put powerful AI models through safety tests and submit results to the government before their public release.

The rule, which leverages the U.S. government’s position as a top customer for big tech companies, is designed to vet technology with potential national or economic security risks, along with health and safety. It will likely only apply to future systems, not those already on the market, a senior administration official said.

The initiative also creates infrastructure for watermarking standards for AI-generated content, such as audio or images, often referred to as “deepfakes.” The Commerce Department

is being asked to help with the development of measures to counter public confusion about authentic content. Bloomberg Government earlier reported on a draft of the order.

The administration’s action builds on voluntary commitments to securely deploy AI adopted by more than a dozen companies over the summer at the White House’s request and its blueprint for an “AI Bill of Rights,” a guide for safe development and use.

All 15 companies that signed on to those commitments, including Adobe Inc. and Salesforce Inc., will join the president at a signing ceremony at the White House on Monday, along with members of Congress.

Microsoft views the order as “another critical step forward in the governance of AI technology,” Vice Chairman and President Brad Smith said in a statement.

Biden’s directive precedes a trip by Vice President Kamala Harris and industry leaders to attend a U.K.-hosted summit about AI risks, giving her a U.S. plan to present on the world stage.

The U.S. set aside $1.6 billion in fiscal 2023

for AI, a number that’s expected to increase as the military releases more detail about its spending, according to Bloomberg Government data.

“This executive order sends a critical message: that AI used by the United States government will be responsible AI,” International Business Machines Corp. Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Arvind Krishna said in a statement.

Biden also called for guidance to be issued that safeguards Americans from algorithmic bias in housing, government benefits programs and by federal contractors.

The Justice Department warned in a January filing that companies that sell algorithms to screen potential tenants are liable under the Fair Housing Act if they discriminate against Black applicants. Biden directed the department to establish best practices for investigating and prosecuting such civil-rights violations related to AI, including in the criminal justice system.

The order also asks immigration officials to lessen visa requirements for overseas talent seeking to work at American AI companies.

The administration should ensure that the

order is implemented in an effective and timely manner, said Jordan Burris, who previously worked on the U.S. government’s tech and cyber initiatives, including a Trump administration executive order on AI. “There is incredible complexity associated with the follow-on activities to make sure that it actually hits the intended outcome,” said Burris, now vice president and head of public-sector strategy at Socure, said. Resources, training and education efforts are necessary to execute the guidance, he said.

While the administration is touting its latest actions as the government’s most robust advancement of AI regulation, Congress may go further.

(With assistance from Amanda Allen) ©2023 Bloomberg L.P. Visit bloomberg. com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. This writer can be contacted at news@theeastcarolinian.com.

Opinion

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theeastcarolinian.com

Thursday, 11.02.23

OUR VIEW

ECU sports continues to remain hopeful As East Carolina University’s 2023 football season comes to an end, it is time to start preparing and looking forward to the upcoming basketball season.

We, the editorial staff of The East Carolinian, are remaining hopeful for a great start to the season despite several unfortunate losses in this year’s football games.

Currently, our football team has seen a tremendous loss, going 1-7 with only a few games remaining in the season. Although this has been a devastating season for Pirate fans alike, we are remaining hopeful for other ECU sports during the remainder of this year.

This year’s basketball season will kick off on Monday at 7 p.m. against Ferrum College in Williams Arena at Minges Coliseum. The season will run until Mar. 9 when they finish their regular season against the Charlotte 49ers.

There have been major successes in other ECU sports, such as soccer, which went 9-4-5 this season overall. In comparison, our volleyball team is currently 18-6 for this year.

Baseball is also approaching in the near future, which gives Pirates another sports team to look forward to for a successful season. ECU’s baseball team has been historically well known for its outstanding statistics and players.

As the excitement and anticipation of the basketball season draws near, we look forward to attending and cheering on the Pirates this year.

A full schedule of this year’s basketball season with dates can be found on ECU’s website.

PIRATE RANTS The East Carolinian does not endorse the statements made in Pirate Rants.

What happened to all of the Au Bon Pain soups? I had so many options to choose from last year, now there’s only ever two soups at once.

It makes me so sad when the robots deliver my food and they say “Thank you!” to me...do people ever thank the robots too? :’( Like, no, Thank YOU, lil robot.

I was glad to see the extra safety measures taken for Halloweekend. It definitely made me, and I’m sure a lot of other students feel safer.

Hey you there in layout...there should always be a caption with the Bliss cartoon. I had to go onlline 10/26 – AGAIN – to make sense of it.

I swear the only thing worse than the football team is the residence hall Wi-Fi. The internet at my apartment complex has been out for four days now.

I am having to connect to a personal hotspot to get any work done. This is absolutely ridiculous. I pay all this money in rent and can’t even use the Wi-Fi?

JAYLIN ROBERTS I THE EAST CAROLINIAN

Graduate student guard Micah Dennis produced back to back games of 17 points in the 2023 American Athletic Conference tournament.

Women’s sports stars as pinnacle of ECU athletics department A couple of years ago when you thought about East Carolina University athletics, you may have thought about a packed Dowdy-Ficklen Stadium in 2014, when the Pirates set program records with 70 points and 789 Nick Bailey GUE S T COLU MN IST total yards against the University of North Carolina, or the rowdy fans who surround the outfield of ECU baseball games at Clark-LeClair Stadium.

However, in 2023, ECU’s women’s athletics are at the forefront. The female student athletes on this college campus continue to compete and win for a variety of teams. Despite a miserable year in football, the women’s teams representing the purple and gold have been nothing short of spectacular.

The women’s basketball team went from being projected to finish last in the American Athletic Conference (AAC) to winning the conference title.

The soccer team finished the regular season 9-4-5 and was among the top of the conference from start to finish, cutting their losses from last season in half.

In addition the volleyball squad won nine of their first 11 games to get off to the best start in program history and they currently hold a comfortable lead in the AAC. None of this success in the women’s programs would be possible without the committed head coaches that these teams have.

Women’s basketball Head Coach Kim McNeill has transformed the Pirates into a team

that no one wants to play JAYLIN ROBERTS I THE EAST CAROLINIAN on the road. The women’s The volleyball team started out 9-2 in their first 11 games. team finished the season with a 13-3 record at home, vaulting them to the No. 3 seed in the conference. ECU reached the NCAA tournament for just the third time in school history last season, something no one would have ever expected.

Head Coach Gary Higgins has quickly turned around the ECU soccer program in his second year as a Pirate. Higgins coached this 2023 team to under five losses for the first time since ECU joined the AAC, after finishing 8-8-3 in his first season.

Volleyball Head Coach Adler Augustin has upped the Pirates’ win total with each season since taking over in 2020 with nine wins in 2021 and 12 in 2022. He guided the Pirates to their best AAC performance last season since a fourth-place finish in 2017.

The Pirates are in good position to win the ABBY BRENNAN I THE EAST CAROLINIAN conference with six regular-season games ECU soccer finished No. 4 in the conference. remaining.

This year, ECU supporters have been extremely supportive of the women’s teams and they deserve it. Johnson Stadium, the soccer team’s home, has set two attendance records this year, first against George Mason University with 863 fans in attendance and then against No. 9 ranked the University of Memphis with 768 fans in attendance.

The women’s basketball team features some of the JAYLIN ROBERTS I THE EAST CAROLINIAN greatest players in the AAC, with graduate student guard The Pirates currently holds a 7-3 record at home this season.

Danae McNeal being named Preseason Player honor by averaging 1.36 blocks per set in three of the Year and Preseason All-Conference Pirate Invitational games this year. Overall, this squad has been effective at both attacking and First Team as the sole unanimous choice.

Amiya Joyner, a sophomore forward, is defending, and they have a 5-0 record when also on the First Team after a record-breaking playing at a neutral venue.

As a Pirate, these teams need your added year for the Pirates in which she gathered the most rebounds a freshman has ever had support and they should be recognized for how they have been carrying a lot of this school’s with 300.

The volleyball team’s 9-4 conference record athletics when it comes to winning in 2023. is currently the best in the AAC, as they hold The women’s basketball season will tip off on a two game lead over the University of South Nov. 6 against Elon University followed by Florida in conference play. The Pirates started their first home game in Minges Coliseum on off the year very strong, going 10-2 in their first Nov. 9 against the University of South Carolina 12 games which were non conference.

Upstate at 6 p.m.

Sophomore middle blocker Carlia Bailey is a sophomore majoring in Northcross was named AAC Defensive Player Communication and is the sports editor. This of the Week this season, the first for a Pirate writer can be contacted at ABBY BRENNAN I THE EAST CAROLINIAN since March 2021. Northcross earned this sports@theeastcarolinian.com.

ECU has cut their losses in half this season.

Halloween is fun and all, but who has the time to party four and five days in a row? I just don’t understand it at all.

OUR STAFF Kiarra Crayton

Editor-in-Chief

I enjoyed Halloween but it was so crowded everywhere and there’s always so much going on that it can become chaotic.

Kim Kassner

Managing Editor

Questions regarding Pirate Rants can be directed to Kiarra Crayton at editor@theeastcarolinian.com.

Submit your Pirate Rants on our website under the opinion tab or scan the QR code.

Eli Baine

News Editor

Nick Bailey Kristin Outland Nia Cruz

Sports Editor

Jaylin Roberts

Visual Arts Editor

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Production Manager

Abby Brennan

Multimedia Manager

Creative Director

Serving ECU since 1925, The East Carolinian is an independent, student-run publication distributed every Wednesday during the academic year and during the summer. The opinions expressed herein are those of the student writers, columnists and editors and do not necessarily reflect those of the faculty, staff or administration at East Carolina University or the Student Media Board. Columns and reviews are the opinions of the writers; “Our View” is the opinion of The East Carolinian Board of Opinions.

As a designated public forum for East Carolina University, The East Carolinian welcomes letters to the editor limited to 500 words. Letters may be rejected or edited for libelous content, decency and brevity. All letters must be signed and include a telephone number.

One copy of The East Carolinian is free. Each additional copy is $1. Unauthorized removal of additional copies from a distribution site constitutes theft under North Carolina law. Violators will be prosecuted.

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Classifieds & Puzzles

A5 Thursday, 11.02.23

theeastcarolinian.com

CLASSIFIEDS

CROSSWORD

FOR RELEASE JULY 17, 2022

THE TV CROSSWORD

by Jacqueline E. Mathews

HOROSCOPES A r i e s (March 21-April 19) — Today is aHORO7 — Tackle domestic projects for exciting transformation. Fortune favors taking initiative.

Include treats for worker bees.

Share the delicious fruit of your labor with family.

L e o ( Ju ly 23-Aug. 22) — Today is a 6 — Savor pr ivate dreaming. Invent interesting p o s s i bi l it i e s . C ons i d e r the most engaging ideas while putting things away.

Organization provides peace of mind. Rest and recharge.

Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21) — Today is a 9 — Collaborate with your partner to advance lucrative possibilities. Seek and find new income sources.

Do what you promised. There’s more work coming in.

Tau r u s (April 20-May 20) — Today is an 8 — Align words and actions for bold advancement. Keep bargains and agreements. Negotiate terms. Write, sketch and outline your ideas. Share possibilities and invitations.

V i r g o (Aug. 23-Sept.

22) — Today is an 8 — Share support with friends. Group projects can leap ahead, with a coordinated push. Notice ways to help. Others appreciate your stand. Lead with heart.

Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) — Today is an 8 — Collaborate to get farther. Encourage each other. Work up a plan together. Coordinate roles and responsibilities. Avoid sensitivities. Share the load and the rewards.

Gemini (May 21-June 20) — Today is a 9 — Money is a key factor in upcoming decisions. Luck blesses commitment, action and passion. Don’t get pushy.

Notice what’s wanted and needed. Harvest abundance.

Libra (Sept.

23-Oct. 22) — Today is an 8 — Take care of business and benefits return multiplied. Use your charm to open exclusive doors. Put valuable deals together. Notice opportunities to advance boldly.

Aquarius ( Jan. 20-Feb. 18) — Today is an 8 — Retain balance. Invest in your work and health. You’re the coach.

Document results. Discuss far-ranging plans. Use private connections. Teach as you learn.

Cancer (June 21-July 22) — Today is a 9 — Advance a personal project with gusto. Don’t steamroll anyone, though. Heed the voice of experience. People are feeling generous. Rely on insider information.

Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21) — Today is an 8 — Get out and explore.

Expand your understanding of a fascinating subject.

Investigate hidden details and clues. Organize your ideas.

Share what you’re learning.

Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20) — Today is a 9 — Pursue fun, romance and creative ideas where they lead. Expand in the direction of least resistance.

Accept a gift. Develop an interesting possibility.

Created by Jacqueline E. Mathews

ACROSS 1 “Home Economics” role 4 Clark of “Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.” 9 __ West 12 Put __ fight; resist 13 “Peter, Peter, pumpkin __…”

14 Make a choice 15 Curved edge 16 Muscat resident 17 Long-tailed rodent 18 Longest bone in the body 20 Durance of “Smallville” 22 Role on “Good Sam” 26 “War and __”; Henry Fonda film 27 Daniel __ Kim 28 Slangy refusal 29 __ tai; rum cocktail 32 Dairy product 35 Role on “Station 19” 39 Priyanka Chopra’s birthplace 40 Actress Verdugo 42 Hitchcock or Scorsese: abbr.

43 “Beauty and the __” Solution to Last Week’s Puzzle Solution from 10/26

©2022 NANCY BLACK. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. DISTRIBUTED BY TRIBUNE CONTENT AGENCY.

COMICS BREWSTER ROCKIT ©2022 Tribune Content Agency, LLC All Rights Reserved.

7/17/22

7/17/22

47 Fragile edible 48 “Grand __ Opry” 49 Seat for several 50 “We’re off to __ the Wizard…”

51 “L.A. __” 52 Actress Potts 53 Golfer Ernie DOWN 1 Layer of grass 2 Namesakes of a Mayberry kid 3 “__ Mia!”; Meryl Streep film 4 Role on “Seinfeld” 5 Male animal 6 Greek letter 7 DDE’s WWII title: abbr.

8 “Good __!”; Charlie Brown’s line 9 Actor Pat 10 “Fort __”; John Wayne movie 11 Singer __ James 19 Diamond man 21 Get __ of; shed 23 The Ponderosa, for one 24 “__ a Lot”; 2020 Rosamund Pike film 25 Not as many 29 Capital of the Philippines 30 “Touched by an Angel” role 31 Tyrant Amin 33 “Lonely __ Brave”; Kirk Douglas film 34 Rodriguez of “CSI: Vegas” 36 “__ Dabba Doo!” 37 Della, for one 38 “Alita: Battle __”; 2019 movie 39 “American __” 41 Grows gray 44 Ending for eight or Hallow 45 Actress __ B. Davis 46 __-fi; film genre

SUDOKU

Level 1 3

BLISS

2 4

Complete the grid so each row, column and 3-by-3 box (in bold borders) contains every digit, 1 to 9. For strategies on how to solve Sudoku, please visit sudoku.org.uk

Solution to Solution from puzzle 10/26 Thursday’s

9/1/23

© 2023 The Mepham Group. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency. All rights reserved.

Arts & Entertainment

A6

theeastcarolinian.com

Thursday, 11.02.23

EVENTS

Today Friends of the School of Art and Design Fall Social ECU Wellington B. Gray Gallery 5th St., Greenville, N.C. 27858 5 to 7 p.m.

(252) 328 - 6665 CONTRIBUTED BY JENNIFER VOGT

Gingerbread House Clay Creations Jaycee Park Center for Arts and Crafts 2000 Cedar Lane, Greenville, N.C. 27858 4:30 to 5:30 p.m.

(252) 329 - 4546 Community Sing Workshop ECU Wright Auditorium 212 Wright Circle, Greenville, N.C. 27858 6 to 8 p.m.

(252) 737 - 5444

Members from the Hodgepodge business showing off their product, gift bags last year.

CONTRIBUTED BY JENNIFER VOGT

Customers buying nuts during the Holiday Sale. This years will have over 100 venders.

Holiday Show makes its return to ENC Diego Lerma T E C S TA F F

Trivia 5th Street Hardware Restaurant and Taproom 120 W 5th St., Greenville, N.C. 27858 7 to 9 p.m.

(252) 364 - 8921

TOMORROW Freeboot Friday Five Points Plaza 5th and Evans St., Greenville, N.C. 27858 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.

CONTRIBUTED BY JENNIFER VOGT

The Holiday Show is happening now until Nov. 5 this year.

The Down East Holiday Show is set to make its annual return this Thursday at the Greenville Convention Center and is scheduled to run until Nov. 5, the full schedule for the event can be found on The East Carolinian’s website.

The show is a convention where over 100 small businesses will sell products just in time for the holidays. Some products that will be available are holiday decorations, handcrafted items and food.

Tickets for the event can be bought ahead of time for 10 dollars except for the adult shopping night on Nov. 2 which is 15 dollars. Children under the age of 10 enter for free. The money raised by the event helps go towards scholarships for Pitt Community College Students.

The event is being put on at Pitt Community College and is being organized by Jennifer Vogt who is the Special Events Coordinator for the Pitt Community College Foundation. Vogt said she organizes fundraising events for the PCC Foundation, like the Down East Holiday Show.

She is also a Greenville native and a graduate of East Carolina University.

“This is the 22nd year of it. So it started off pretty small 22 years ago, but it’s always been a fundraiser,” Vogt said. “And this year, we have 185 vendors and several food trucks that will be out each day. So it’s grown into a major event in eastern North Carolina, not just in Greenville.”

Taylor Walden is the owner of Simple & Sentimental and will be one of many vendors attending the Down East Holiday Show. Simple & Sentimental specializes in personalized gifts like tumblers, cards and ornaments. She is also the winner of the first Pirate Entrepreneurship Challenge at ECU in 2018.

Walden has been part of the Holiday Show since 2019 and always looks forward to it. Since she is in the personalized gift industry, Christmas is always a big time of the year for her. The Holiday Show also allows Walden to meet and talk to her customers in person since her business is online.

“I look forward to the event every year and I think it’s so much fun,” Walden said. “I love decorating our booths because we have an online

business so this is my little taste of having a retail storefront. We actually just built new displays for our booth this year.”

Another vendor who will be attending the own East Holiday Show is Kia Hewett along with her sister Kim Hanger. They both started Open House Bakery in 2021 and have recently opened a bakery in Greenville in 2022. They both got their start baking at home for friends and family and decided to start selling their baked goods.

This year will be the third time Open House Bakery will make an appearance at the Down East Holiday Show. Hewett enjoys meeting new people and introducing them to her business during the weekend-long event.

“Meeting people for sure meeting the other vendors is a lot of fun,” Hewett said. “We’ve made some great networks and connections with other companies and small business owners, but also just getting a chance to introduce ourselves to Greenville and talk about what we do.”

This writer can be contacted at arts@theeastcarolinian.com.

William Seymour Christy’s Euro Pub 301 S Jarvis St, Greenville, N.C. 27858 8 to 11 p.m.

(252) 758 - 2774 Holiday Artist Market Emerge Gallery and Art Center 404 S Evans St., Greenville, N.C. 27858 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.

(252) 551 - 6947 Nash After Hours Nash Hot Chicken 114 E 5th St., Greenville, N.C. 27858 8 to 11:30 p.m.

(252) 999 - 5444

SATURDAY Fall Market Eastern Carolina Village and Farm Museum 4570 County Home Rd., Greenville, N.C. 27858 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

(252) 531 - 2771

All Colors of the Rainbow ECU Main Campus Student Center 501 E 10th St., Greenville, N.C. 27858 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

(252) 328 - 4700

ALAYNA BOYER I THE EAST CAROLINIAN

The new space for the Military and Veterans Resource Center in the Main Campus Student Center, which will officially open on Nov. 3 at 3 p.m.

MVRC to hold ribbon cutting Eli Baine

T E C S TA F F

The East Carolina University Military & Veterans Resource Center is holding its Ribbon Cutting ceremony in the Main Campus Student Center on Friday at 3 p.m.

According to the resource center’s website, the purpose of the center is to aid the military and veteran community with different manners of challenges throughout life in university.

In addition to the resource center’s staff, according to the website, there is a large space in the new center for leisure and socializing with other students in the military community.

Anyone will be welcome to come, whether you are in ECU’s Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) or not.

“The lounge provides a multitude of resources and amenities, which include a spacious social area, kitchen, a study room and wellness room,” according to the website. “We also offer academic and career workshops, front desk peer advising and many social and wellness events.”

The Military & Veterans Resource Center also runs the Green Zone program, according to the

website, an instructive program for ECU faculty to be made aware of the unique circumstances the student military population are under and how they can be of greater assistance to them.

According to the website, faculty members who have completed the training have Green Zone signs on their office doors and the emblem on their syllabi.

Junior nursing major Steven Lykens said he participates in the United States Army ROTC at ECU and some of his professors have been well-instructed by the Green Zone program, as they have been understanding of his duties and responsibilities outside of the classroom.

Managing his unique financial aid plan being in ROTC has been difficult for Lykens, he said, but the resources at ECU have been helpful and provide the direct communication that he was looking for earlier in his college career.

“I’ve had a couple of their virtual appointments to help me figure out my future and what I’m getting from the government,” Lykens said.

“Hopefully the new location is more convenient and nicer for us.”

Sophomore security studies major Cindy

Parker said she was raised in a military family and wishes to join the U.S. Air Force upon graduating and her visit to the previous Military & Veterans Resource Center helped set her on the right path.

Parker said she feels she has missed out on socializing with other ROTC members in her freshman year and she looks forward to meeting new people at the resource center.

“I’m at the student center a bunch, so the military center being there is really cool for me,” Parker said. “I hope the others (in ROTC) stop by and meet each other.”

Associate Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs Erik Kneubuehl said the opening will be a significant milestone in the military presence at ECU. Kneubuehl said he wishes for the event to be extra special for the military and veteran community and he encourages all who are interested to RSVP to attend.

“This event will mean a lot to the University’s commitment to our support of the military and veteran community,” Kneubuehl said. “Do not forget to RSVP on their website.”

This writer can be contacted at arts@theeastcarolinian.com.

Sports

A7

theeastcarolinian.com

Thursday, 11.02.23

TEC spertZ '

The East Carolinian Sports experts predict this week’s events

Ashleigh Cash

ABBY BRENNAN I THE EAST CAROLINIAN

For The East Carolinian

Mike Houston’s fifth-year ECU team gained more yards in the first quarter against UTSA than they did in the whole game against Charlotte.

ECU vs. Tulane Score Prediction?

ECU 38-21 Why? Tulane’s been a force to reckon with this season to say the least, but their last couple wins have been much closer games. ECU’s offense has shown sparks the last couple weeks, but Tulane will be their biggest test yet.

ECU looks for a win against Tulane

Trevon McGlone TEC Staff

ECU vs. Tulane Score Prediction?

ECU 31-28 Why? Asking this team to beat a ranked opponent is very challenging.

However, after watching the offense show glimpses of progression, The hope is those flashes carry over to this game against Tulane at home.

Tulane’s pass defense has given them close calls this year. So if the Pirates efficiently get the offense into the end zone with touchdowns instead of field goals, they can squeak out an upset.

Nick Bailey Sports Editor

ECU vs. Tulane Score Prediction?

ECU 35-28 Why? Tulane has shown to put up a lot of points this season, but not against much competition. I think ECU will keep it more close then most teams have had against the No. 21 ranked team in the country, as they showed leaps with their offense against UTSA. Unfortunately though, the nightmarish season will continue for Pirates fans at home on Saturday as they will most likely fall to 1-8.

Trevon McGlone T E C STAFF

East Carolina University’s football team (1-7, 0-4 American Athletic Conference) gets ready to play against the No. 21 University of Tulane (7-1, 4-0 AAC) at Dowdy-Ficklen Stadium on Saturday at 3:30 p.m. in Greenville, North Carolina.

The Pirates are reeling from a 41-27 loss to the University of Texas-San Antonio (5-3, 4-0 AAC). ECU gave up over 500 total yards of offense to UTSA, 395 of those yards came from UTSA’s passing attack.

No. 21 Tulane is the second ranked team ECU has faced this season. If ECU were to defeat Tulane on Saturday, it would be the first time the Pirates have beaten a ranked opponent since 2008. That year, ECU defeated No 8. West Virginia and No.17 Virginia Tech in back to back weeks.

The Pirates will look to repeat the passing performance the offense had last week.

ECU redshirt junior quarterback Alex Flinn completed 22 passes of his 43 pass attempts, 225 passing yards, and two touchdowns. It’s the first time this year Flinn has thrown for two touchdowns or more in a game.

ECU will also take on the task of breaking down Tulane’s defense. The rush defense for Tulane has been solid, as they’ve only allowed 78 rushing yards per game to opponents. In

their only loss this year, Tulane gave up 89 rushing yards.

Tulane’s biggest hole statistically is defending against passes. On the year, Tulane has given up 253 passing yards per game to opponents. In two of their last three games, Tulane’s passing defense gave up over 300 yards. In both of those games, Tulane trailed at some point in the fourth quarter.

The Pirates offense has to find a way to extend drives. So far on the year, ECU has converted only 41 out of 126 opportunities to pick up a first down on third down, 32 percent of their drives.

Tulane only allows 35 percent of drives to convert on third down, meaning the Pirates are statistically at a disadvantage.

This is an important stat to remember, because Tulane’s offense prefers to dominate time of possession, giving ECU less time on the ball on offense. In three straight games, Tulane has won the time of possession by either five minutes or greater.

Tulane junior quarterback Micheal Pratt has fared well in conference play. Pratt has eight touchdowns and two interceptions in four AAC games this year. The last quarterbacks that ECU faced with similar statlines, outscored the Pirates 72-37 combined.

Tulane freshman running back Makhi Hughes has found success against rush

defenses, averaging 5.5 yards per carry.

Hughes has 772 rushing yards on 141 carries and five touchdowns so far in eight games for Tulane.

Both players have contributed to Tulane’s scoring offense, who average 30 points per game. On the season, ECU’s defense gives up 26 points per game to opponents. However, the Pirates have given up 30 points or more in two of their last three.

ECU and Tulane are very familiar with each other, facing off 19 times in their history. ECU holds the lead in the series 12-7. Tulane has had their number as of late, winning four of the last five games, including last year’s matchup.

Despite being bowl-ineligible, ECU is still trying to avoid finishing dead last in the AAC for the first time ever. An 0-4 conference record has the Pirates right below Temple University (2-6, 0-4 AAC) via tiebreaker.

Tulane is trying to repeat as AAC champions, sitting in first currently in the conference.

Following this game against Tulane, ECU will take on Florida Atlantic University (4-4, 3-1 AAC) on Nov. 11 in Boca Raton, Florida at 4 p.m. with the game broadcasted on ESPN+.

This writer can be contacted at sports@theeastcarolinian.com.

Soccer’s season ends against Charlotte

Nick Bailey T E C STAFF

The East Carolina University soccer team’s (9-5-5, 4-2-3 American Athletic Conference) season came to an end on Tuesday in the AAC tournament first round against the University of North Carolina at Charlotte (9-6-4, 4-3-2 AAC) in a 5-0 loss. This is the Pirates’ second loss in a row to the 49ers, who also defeated them in the regular season finale.

As the season comes to a close, here are the Pirates’ final statistical leaders following a very successful year.

• • • •

Senior forward Sydney Schnell led all ECU players with five goals scored this season on 25 shots.

Senior midfielder Catherine Holbrook was finding her teammates all season, finishing off the year with a team high five assists.

Sophomore defender Jazmin Ferguson and Junior defender Abby Sowa led the team in minutes played with 1710 for the both of them.

Senior goalkeeper Maeve English saved 57 shots while only allowing 20 on the season, resulting in a .74 save percentage.

ABBY BRENNAN I THE EAST CAROLINIAN

Samantha Moxie led the team with 34 shots while scoring three of them.

This writer can be contacted at sports@theeastcarolinian.com.

ABBY BRENNAN I THE EAST CAROLINIAN

Sydney Schnell scored 5 goals this season, the most on the Pirates squad.

Diego Lerma TEC Staff

ECU vs. Tulane Score Prediction?

ECU 33-17 Why? ECU will start fast against Tulane and have promising moments during the first half.

They will struggle to keep that momentum as the game goes on with Tulane taking over.

ABBY BRENNAN I THE EAST CAROLINIAN

Lucy Fazackerly finished her season with three goals.

ABBY BRENNAN I THE EAST CAROLINIAN

The Pirates went from eight wins last season to only five losses this season.

SPORTS

A8

Thursday, 11.02.23

TEC Athlete of the Month: Jazmin Ferguson Ashleigh Cash

FO R THE E A S T C A R O L I N IA N

Sophomore defender Jazmin Ferguson, of East Carolina University’s soccer team (9-4-5, 4-2-3 American Athletic Conference), has been named The East Carolinian’s Athlete of the Month for her performance in the month of October.

Ferguson, former American Rookie of the Year in 2022, has had a stellar year on the pitch in 2023. Recently named the AAC Co-Defensive Player of the Year, she is just the third Defensive Player of the Year in program history – the first since Amber Campbell in 2008.

She was also named First Team AllConference, becoming the first player in program history to earn two postseason conference awards.

The Georgia native is coming off a great rookie season in 2022, in which she was named Rookie of the Year, as well as earning Second Team All-Conference and All-Rookie nods, has sustained success this year.

In 2023, Ferguson played every minute of the regular season from her position of center back. She was an elite defender alongside her teammates on the back line, keeping Pirates’ opponents to just 0.83 goals per game and picking up four shutouts in conference play.

Ferguson’s defensive skills have been a highlight of the team this year, greatly contributing to the Pirates’ success. During the conference opener against Florida Atlantic University (7-6-5, 3-3-3 AAC) on Sept. 14, the Pirates didn’t allow a shot in the game for the first time since Oct. 5, 2003. Additionally, Ferguson and the back line had two games this season where they didn’t allow a single corner kick, against both FAU and University of North Carolina Greensboro.

Ferguson was more than a defender however, tallying four goals and an assist on the season including the game-winner against Florida Atlantic, which allowed the Pirates to open conference play with a win. She’s tallied 20 shots on the season and is second on the team in points, with nine, and goals, with four.

Additionally, she is one of only two players to have played every minute of the season.

Ferguson was named Defensive Player of the Week twice this season, in the first and third weeks of September. She’s received this accolade three times so far in her college career, having earned it on Sept. 26, 2022.

ECU soccer sits at No. 4 in the conference at the conclusion of the regular season, currently maintaining a winning percentage of .639 – the best they’ve had in over a decade since the Pirates had a .739 winning percentage in 2008. It’s their best season in years and Ferguson’s contribution to said success cannot be understated. Nor can it go unnoticed and fans have been paying attention.

This year, ECU ranked No. 3 in the conference in attendance by percentage of total capacity, seeing an increase in student attendance, as well as attendance overall. There’s been an increase in attendance and support – for good reason.

The Pirates are 4-2-1 at home, and didn’t suffer a loss on home turf until Oct. 11, when No. 9 ranked Memphis (16-1, 9-0 AAC) took a close 1-0 victory against them in what was a back-and-forth game.

The No. 4 seed Pirates look to rematch with No. 5 seed University of North Carolina Charlotte (8-6-4, 4-3-2 AAC) on Oct. 31 in the American

Athletic Conference tournament quarterfinals.

Kickoff is at 1:30 p.m in Lakewood Ranch, Florida.

This writer can be contacted at sports@theeastcarolinian.com.

COURTESY OF ECUPIRATES

Jazmin Ferguson has been named the AAC Co-Defensive Player of the Year.

COURTESY OF ECUPIRATES

Ferguson scored four goals and had an assist as a defender.

COURTESY OF ECUPIRATES

COURTESY OF ECUPIRATES

The ECU soccer team allowed just 0.83 goals per game during the regular season this year.

COURTESY OF ECUPIRATES

Ferguson has been named the Conference Defensive Player of the Week twice this season.

FALL 2023 HOUSING GUIDE

ABBY BRENNAN I THE EAST CAROLINIAN

Students practicing yoga in the Eakin Student Recreation Center. Classes are usually held on Monday and Wednesdays and last about an hour. There are options like gentle and power yoga each week.

How to maintain a good mental health

College can be an overwhelming and tough process, prioritizing your mental health is step one to getting through

Diego Lerma TEC STA F F

East Carolina University provides students with resources that can help manage their mental health and for those who need help maintaining the demands of college life.

There are many different things students can do to help with their mental health, like exercise, eat healthy and be around friends. One of the resources the ECU provides to help students with their mental health is the Center for Counseling and Student Development. It is located on Main Campus at Umstead residence hall. It is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Dr. Valerie Kisler-van Reede is a licensed psychologist and serves as the director of the Center for Counseling.

According to the CCSD website, Kisler-van Reede is an Illinois native and earned her doctorate in Counseling Psychology from the University Southern Illinois at Carbondale.

“We don't serve faculty or staff,” Kisler-van Reede said.

“It's just for students who have paid the health service fee and we're able to see any student who has paid that fee.

Sometimes distance education students also pay that fee.

We’re a short term counseling center so we don't work with people on a long term basis. We meet with students, assess what's going on with them and then talk with them about appropriate services”.

Dr. Latoya Chevelle Waddell is an assistant professor and rehabilitation counselor in the Department of Addiction and Rehabilitation Studies located on the ECU Health Sciences Campus. She is a Greensboro, North Carolina, native and attended North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University.

Dr. Waddell recommends students to use ECU CARES if they are concerned about a student's well being. ECU CARES is a resource that can be used by faculty, staff or

students to help Pirates who seem like they are struggling.

The program has people put in place to reach out to students to provide them with assistance or resources.

“I have the utmost respect for the Counseling Center, even at this point for how they will provide confidentiality for the students and a safe place for his students just from what I've seen so far,” Waddell said. “And I really appreciate that because it is difficult for students to trust the process of receiving counseling because there are stigmas associated with it.”

Dr. Shanita Brown is a licensed clinical mental health counselor that specializes in trauma and teaching assistant professor in the Counselor Education Program at ECU.

She is a native of Kinston, North Carolina, and is a graduate from North Carolina State University.

Brown said having a safe space and someone who is not judgemental to open up about your feelings is important.

That person can also help you find external support if need be.

“I tell any student, if you're struggling, know that you are not alone,” Brown said. “Many college students are struggling. We are dealing with this post-pandemic sort of still in this crisis of mental health and we're seeing a lot of people deal with anxiety, depression, substance use, and so let people know they're not alone. They don't have to suffer in silence. Help is available.”

This writer can be contacted at news@theeastcarolinian.com.

Yoga is practiced to relieve stress and stretch out the body. Also, according to the John Hopkins Medicine website, a consistent bedtime yoga routine can help people ease into sleep. There are weekly yoga classes hosted in the Eakin Student Recreation Center.

ABBY BRENNAN I THE EAST CAROLINIAN

Students in Warrior 1 pose during a yoga class.

Setting aside time to take for yourself is important. Life gets hard and moves at a million miles per minute.

Sometimes it’s best to take a step back, take a break, clear your mind and listen to music.

ABBY BRENNAN I THE EAST CAROLINIAN

Joyner Library's Alternative Study Rooms provide students with a quieter studying environment.

ABBY BRENNAN I THE EAST CAROLINIAN

A group of friends at Sup Dogs enjoying time together.

Hanging out with friends and family is a good way to maintain a healthy social life. Dr. Shanita Brown, a licensed clinical mental health counselor said students should find someone you can trust and speak with, whether it is a friend, faculty or staff.

HOUSING GUIDE

B3

Thursday, 11.02.23

COURTESY OF UNSPLASHED

A healthy option is to buy local fresh fruits and vegetables because they tend to use less pesticides and other chemicals. Check a produce season calendar and buy the produce in the peak of its season.

Mastering healthy eating habits while living independently Nick Bailey T EC STAF F

Living alone may be a relieving experience, bringing with it freedom and independence. However, with that freedom comes the responsibility of looking after yourself, particularly in terms of eating. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is critical and it is perfectly feasible even if you are dealing with the difficulties of independent living.

Planning your meals in advance is the cornerstone of healthy eating, ensuring you make nutritious choices even on busy days. Sarah Gwenn, a nutritionist for Triangle Nutrition Therapy, says she emphasizes the importance of meal prepping.

"Spend a few hours on the weekend planning your meals for the week,” she said. “Cook in batches and store your meals in the refrigerator or freezer. This way, you'll always have a healthy option readily available, saving you from ordering takeout or relying on unhealthy snacks.”

Achieving and maintaining a nutritious diet when living alone is undoubtedly difficult, but Gwenn said the significance of mindful eating.

"Eating isn't just about filling your stomach; it's about nourishing your body and mind,” Gwenn said. “Practice mindful eating by savoring each bite, eating slowly and paying attention to your body's hunger and fullness cues.

This awareness helps you enjoy your food more and prevents overeating.”

People who live alone frequently feel as if they can't buy a lot of groceries because they are afraid that food will go to waste since they won't be able to eat it all in time. Graduate student Nick Trevino, who is a Teacher Assistant for a Kinesiology class, recommends buying in bulk and utilizing the freezer to save items for the long term.

“So, I don’t really go out to eat much because I really enjoy cooking. When it comes to myself I tend to buy my meat (chicken/beef) in bulk from Sam’s Club and freeze it. This ensures that I always have it and it will not go bad. When it comes to fruit and vegetables I normally wait until the day that I am going to need them and run by Food Lion that day, so they do not go to waste. If I do keep vegetables at home, I will keep them in the freezer for them to last longer.”

People sometimes get out of rhythm with their diets or cooking habits, everyone is human. Trevino says having people around him helps him stay on track and that sometimes it takes inner will to keep up motivation throughout a diet.

“When it comes to staying on track with a diet, I try to get my friends around me to join in with me so that we can all keep each other accountable," Trevino said.

“Also, when living on your own the best way that I have

“When it comes to staying on

track with a diet, I try to get my friends around me to join in with me so that we can all „ keep each other accountable - Nick Trevino

found to keep on track with a diet is by just taking out and not having bad food in my house. Other than that for me it is just willpower to stay on track.”

It appears that healthier foods are always more expensive than unhealthy foods these days, but senior nursing major Abbey Gilbert utilizes coupons and membership’s with select grocery stores to aid her in buying healthy foods.

"Healthier foods generally seem to be more expensive and it can be a problem for college students, including those that live on their own," she said. “I usually look for things on clearance at grocery stores and coupons that come in the mail."

Members of grocery stores such as Lidl's and Walmart also benefit from additional savings. Having your parents come to town and go grocery shopping with you always helps."

Meal preparation believers swear by it, that it will save you all the time and money in the world, but some people disagree.

While meal prep has its doubters, Gilbert said meal prep is worthwhile and efficient.

“Meal preparation, in my opinion, is both useful and cost effective,” she said. “Especially if you are living alone. As a single person who enjoys cooking, I will frequently prepare larger-sized dinners so that I can keep them and enjoy them throughout the week. This is especially useful during weeks when my schedule is crammed with classes, teaching, and other day-to-day activities.”

Remember that your path to healthy eating is unique to you. Experiment with different recipes to determine what works best for your lifestyle and don't be hesitant to seek advice from nutritionists, chefs, or wellness coaches if necessary. You can experience the pleasure of independence while fueling your body with the goodness it deserves with commitment and the correct techniques.

This writer can be contacted at news@theeastcarolinian.com.

Help the Earth with sustainable living Trevon McGlone

“ (Substainability)

TEC STAF F

Sustainability is a key factor for natural resources. It actively helps preserve the resources on earth in order to ensure they don’t run out. Recycling takes materials and refurbishes them into different products.

Reusing plastic bags allows us to reduce the amount of garbage that ends up in landfills.

All of these steps are things average students can do from the comfort of their own apartments. Things such as turning off lights when you're away from home, or unplugging electrical devices whenever they're not in use are simple and efficient ways for people to practice sustainability.

Chad Carwein is the Sustainability Manager at East Carolina University. Carwein took the position in 2016, helping build the sustainability program since its inception. “(Sustainability) it’s a word that has broad implications, right?” Carwein said. “We’re looking at water, we’re looking at energy, water, waste, transportation, food and dining.”

The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is a government agency that’s in charge of protecting the health of humans and the environment around us. According to the EPA, turning off running water when brushing your teeth can save up to 8 gallons of water, while letting a faucet run when doing dishes “can waste 10 gallons of water and use enough energy to power a 60-watt light bulb for 18 hours.”

it’s a word that has broad implications, right?” Carwein said.

“We’re looking at water, we’re looking at energy, water, waste, transportation, food „ and dining.

- Chad Carwein

JAYLIN ROBERTS I THE EAST CAROLINIAN

Running water can be the same as a light being on for 60 hours.

In terms of trash pollution, the EPA recommends that people volunteer in their communities in order to limit the amount of litter that others leave. This can be done around apartment complexes as well in order to limit the amount of waste that is disposed

of improperly, or improper cleaning after pets.

Students can reduce waste by not grabbing excessive amounts of produce, just to let them spoil and toss them into the garbage.

Carwein also mentioned that ECU has a sustainability plan that documents the steps the

university is taking in order to meet their goals for their organizations and sustainability clubs.

The ECU Sustainability Plan shows the amount of waste reduction the university has achieved while also going over their goals with how the sustainability office has developed since 1990, when the campus first implemented recycling.

This writer can be contacted at news@theeastcarolinian.com.

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NIA CRUZ I THE EAST CAROLINIAN

East Carolina University's Transit system runs across campus and the city of Greenville, North Carolina. Most off-campus routes run 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., the ECU Transit wesbite has more information.

Transit around campus and Greenville

Diego Lerma T EC STAF F

East Carolina University has worked to provide cost efficient and free options for students to travel around campus and the city of Greenville, North Carolina, effectively.

Chad Carwein, Sustainability Manager at ECU, said a lot of students walk by means of transport. He said a lot of students live within walking distance of the university so biking and walking to campus are active transportation options, meaning people are using their body to provide energy for transport.

Greenville has been working to expand the Greenway Network, Carwein said. This is the road parallel to the tar river near the grid and he said hopefully there will be more sidewalk and road infrastructure added to provide students with an easier commute to campus.

“Traveling more sustainably reduces costs for students too,” Carwein said. “Going green is saving green so if you have the option to walk, use a bike or carpool those are better options for those who live off campus.”

Carwein said there has been a big rise in electric bikes and scooters and those are great options for traveling to and from campus while also reducing the impact left on the environment. He said the ECU Transit system is also an option for getting around campus and places a little farther including apartments and the other ECU campuses.

He said ECU has the largest bus fleet of any school in the UNC System along with the Greenville Area Transit (GREAT) to provide students access to campus and Greenville conveniently. Carwein said ECU also has an on demand transit system to take students farther from campus in Greenville and other cities as well.

“You don’t have to worry about being stuck here,” Carwein said. “If you walk or bike to campus there’s options for leaving town. The bus has real time updates and you’re able to track where it is and where it is going too.”

Lauren Garcia, Sustainability Director on the Student Government Association Executive Cabinet, said the ECU bus system is scheduled to add 2 new electric buses to their fleet over the summer. She said this will not only add more transit options for students but it will also work to reduce costs and energy waste.

Garcia said the administration wants to go more electric with the transit options provided. She said buses are very popular for students to travel around campus so adding these options will allow students to travel more environmentally friendly.

“It's really nice that a lot of student housing is within walking distance of campus,” Garcia said. “There are definitely ways to improve city infrastructures that make it easier and safer for people to walk and bike everywhere which is highly encouraged.”

There has been a lot of work being done to encourage students to carpool with friends or roommates, Garcia said, to make traveling to campus more efficient and easy for students. She said with so many people using walking as their method of transportation she wants to make sure there is safe transportation for students.

She said on demand transit is available to students but they may not be aware of it. Garcia said on demand is available for those who need to travel farther from campus including around Greenville and outside city limits.

“On demand is great for those who don’t have cars around campus,” Garcia said. “The transit is like Uber but safer for students and can take people to places like

Raleigh and farther places in Greenville. It can be really helpful when you can't find a ride.”

Nicolas Carter, sophomore psychology major, said he appreciates all the options for transportation around campus. He said having visited other universities, he feels ECU has worked to provide an easy and efficient way for students to get around.

Carter said using the buses has made it convenient for him not to rely on his car around campus. He said he is able to utilize the bus system to travel to places such as College Hill or D lot and the stadium on game days.

“A lot of people don't use the bus and it's really surprising,” Carter said. “Having a way of transportation provided where I don't have to use my own vehicle has made it a lot easier for me and my friends to get around without worrying about parking or travel costs.”

Carter said walking around campus is really easy but he would like to see more lanes added for bikes and scooters.

He said students walking and biking on the small sidewalks can get chaotic and most of the time people have to walk or bike in the road to get more space.

If he could improve anything about transit around campus, Carter said, it would be sidewalks and parking.

He said parking is really limited and can be expensive on campus so it's important to make it easily accessible for students to get to campus.

“I think more sidewalks around campus and the areas of Greenville around school could be helpful,” Carter said. “The hourly rate to park in the garage can add up and that gets to be really costly for students driving to campus every day.”

This writer can be contacted at news@theeastcarolinian.com.

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JAYLIN ROBERTS I THE EAST CAROLINIAN

The LiveSafe app connects students to first responders quickly but shouldn’t be used in case of emergency. There are 6,700 student subscribers from ECU, as it offers various services.

The LiveSafe app strives to create a safer community Hope Wright

F O R THE E A S T C A R O L I N I A N

Incidents involving tragedy aren’t uncommon, however, the LiveSafe app seeks to remind students that access to community safety officials is just a click away.

The app is available for download on Andriod and Apple and gives students the ability to request a real-time, virtual escort around campus and report suspicious activity, free of charge.

With a user-friendly set-up, users even have access to a “panic alarm” that alerts security of your location with just the tap of a button. Discreet resources such as the “Panic Alarm” “GoSafe '' virtual escorts and a selection menu indicating a variety of non-emergent tips, the app’s structure puts emphasis on community involvement to keep everyone safe, on and off campus.

The LiveSafe app, introduced to East Carolina University in 2016, has proved reliable over the years as many students take advantage of the anonymous tip service when they see something suspicious and feel motivated to speak up. This service allows people to do what they feel is right for themselves and their peers.

Jason Sugg, Deputy Chief of Police at ECU wrote, “The app is most commonly used for requesting Transit’s Safe Ride service and to report potential safety concerns at ECU. Texting in safety concerns is one of the more popular uses.”

If you see something, say something! Minimizing the potential catastrophic effects on college students during uncertain times is paramount. With the stress of college life, work and education, harm reduction is a main priority. Subscribers now have a say on what may affect their personal safety and those around them, building a stronger community.

“This, to me, is an encouraging indicator that our community is trying to be safety-conscious and report potential safety

concerns even before they turn into something potentially more serious.”Sugg wrote.

Traditionally, dialing 911 was and still is the go-to way to get in contact with authorities, however, instead of operators, LiveSafe provides a system that allows emergent issues to be addressed quickly, while simultaneously reviewing tips and non-emergent concerns.

“App subscribers often use LiveSafe to report things such as suspicious activity, concerning behaviors, disturbances of varying types, other safety concerns and crimes,” Sugg wrote.

“The ‘disturbance’ and “other” categories are most frequently used by subscribers when reporting concerns via LiveSafe.”

A safer campus begins with a safer community overall, therefore, the app extends its reach to the public. The LiveSafe app is a tool with over 6,700 current student subscribers at ECU alone.

However, by simply downloading the app, and selecting a local police station, anyone can connect themselves with authorities.

Brian Richardson, Community Affairs Sgt. at ECU, said, “If you’re In another part of North Carolina, if you click on this app for an emergency, it's going to go to the nearest 911 Center, and they're going to send some help to you from that one.”

The more people who utilize the app, the greater chance of increased safety awareness on campus. Our community is built through LiveSafe’s unique features.

The “ECU Resources'' guides users through concise options including emergency protocols, campus alerts, ECU police contact information.

It also includes counseling services following a traumatic event and local resources such as REAL Crisis Intervention, Vidant Medical Center and Center for Family Violence Prevention.

“If your friend has this app, the app can allow them to track

you and watch you get home safely,” Sgt. Richardson said. “You can use it for like a buddy system. If your friend has this app, the app can allow them to track you and and watch you get home safely. You can even put a timer on it. Knowing that if you got home within seven minutes, then that's fine. But if it takes longer than 30 minutes, that ma4y be a cause for concern… maybe something happened on the way…maybe the car broke down something like that.”

The livesafe app gives students confidence to go where they need to go with an added layer of security by their side.

For example, Kyrah Lynch, a sophomore at ECU, works late nights at her job and feels safer knowing she has access multiple resources in one place, especially the “GoSafe” and “Request a Safety Escort” feature for late night walks back to the dorms.

The escort option includes police officers, campus officials and even other friends who have the app.

“I try to remain as aware of my surroundings and the people around me at all times, even during the day, it helps having that extra layer of security," Lynch said " I’d report something that feels off so that the others in the area are as safe as they can be. I would want people looking out for me too.”

The many social aspects of the app allow users to request an escort home, report suspicious activity and access community updates to create a shared experience with the common goal of creating a safer community.

This writer can be contacted at news@theeastcarolinian.com.

Financial Wellness Hub offers budgeting strategies Eli Baine

TEC STAFF

The Financial Wellness Hub located in the Main Campus Student Center is a free resource for students seeking advice in how they save their money and keep track of where they spend it.

Financial Wellness Hub Director Kevin Sutton said among other expenditures, a common problem students bring up in Wellness Hub appointments in terms of their budget is eating out more than they’d like to.

Sutton said paying more attention to how often you spend your money on something and how much it costs you is an easy way to begin budgeting.

“With that (eating out), there are recommendations you can really use anywhere on your budget,” Sutton said.

“That's going to help set you up long term is to see if you can change the frequency of the expense. So eat out less often. You can also change the quality in the sense of still eating out just as often but going to a cheaper restaurant, or getting something cheaper on the menu.”

Being weary of how your environment can influence you can make a big difference in saving money, Sutton said.

For example, some may eat something small at home before going to a restaurant with friends, Sutton said, or you don’t go grocery shopping when you are hungry.

Utilizing store mobile apps, Sutton said, that allow you to pick up your food from a grocery store rather than shopping for everything in-person can help cut expenses as well.

“If you go to Harris Teeter or whatever, if you that if you have a grocery store that uses in store, pickup and has like an app that you can order off of the app, you remove yourself from the store, so you're not putting stuff in the cart that you weren't expecting to,” Sutton said. “When you're putting stuff in your cart in the app, you can see the total adding up.”

Many students coming into the Financial Wellness Hub create a comprehensive budget for themselves that spans the semester. The Hub, Sutton said, provides budget sheets for students to fill out during their visits. Sutton said it depends on the student how much he recommends to have in a savings account or in an emergency fund.

According to the Financial Wellness Hub website, the Hub often hosts in-class presen-

ALAYNA BOYER I THE EAST CAROLINIAN

Financial literacy is an important skill to learn.

tations for students covering topics such as budgeting. The group presentations also can be scheduled on the website.

Junior business student Jacob Wesley said the Financial Wellness Hub has helped guide him to reaching his goal of buying a used car before graduation.

“I didn’t really think it was a thing I could achieve, but here I am,” Wesley said. “The biggest change I made in my finances was just putting aside about a third of my paycheck into my savings.”

This writer can be contacted at news@theeastcarolinian.com.