First-Gen Student Resource Guide
As a student at ECU, there are lots of resources to help you be successful. Being first can be challenging, but it does not have to be confusing or lonely. We are here to help!
The resource guide can help answer lots of popular questions. Still have questions? Give us a call and we will be glad to help!
I Need Money
Remember you must complete a FASFA form each year in order to be considered for financial aid.
Office of University Scholarships
This link includes all scholarships given at ECU and can be dependent on many factors such as hometown, area of study, year in school, etc. The database includes application information, award amount, and deadline to apply.
The scholarships below are awarded to first-gen students:
- The First Aboard-Residential First Generation Scholars Program
- The Robert and Sandra Griffin Memorial Scholarship
- The Pride in North Carolina, LLC Scholarship (for students in Masters of Social Work program)
Employment Opportunities
The Student Employment Office provides support to the entire campus community throughout the hiring process of ECU student employees. SEO maintains an online job database to help current ECU students connect with part-time job opportunities both on and off-campus. These hourly (self-help) student positions are available to any student that is currently registered at ECU and is in good academic standing.
While all student opportunities are listed in the database above, it could also be helpful to search here:
- Campus Living/Resident Advisor
- Campus Recreation and Wellness
- Center for Leadership and Civic Engagement
- Joyner Library
- Ledonia Wright Cultural Center
- Pirate Academic Success Center
While there are also off-campus employment opportunities posted at the link above through the Student Employment Office, other opportunities can be found on Handshake through Career Services.
Eligibility for Federal Work Study positions is determined by the annual completion of the FAFSA, enrollment status, and Satisfactory Academic Progress. Only students qualified by the Office of Student Financial Aid are eligible to participate in the program. Learn more at the link above.
Provides financial education, coaching, and resources that empower students to make better decisions, foster better relationships, and build better communities.
I Want to Get Involved
One of the biggest challenges for students is gaining a sense of belonging. Finding the right person or community to connect with is important so you don’t feel alone. One of the ways to do this is to get involved on campus. There is a place for you in Pirate Nation-you belong here! Here are some resources that can help you get involved.
Engage can help you find student organizations as well as events that are going on around campus.
Student Engagement can connect you with an organization, help you start your own organization, or provide more information about Fraternity and Sorority Life.
I Need Help
Which department can help me?
Sometimes it is hard to find the office that can help with a specific issue. Below we’ve provided some key resources on campus to help you get to the right place.
I Need a Tutor
Pirate Academic Success Center
Offers free tutoring, study groups, academic skills coaching, peer academic success coaching, and learning communities for ECU enrolled students.
Tutoring for Specific Subjects:
I Need Counseling
Center for Counseling and Student Development
Offers confidential, free counseling sessions as well as crisis/urgent support. Check out the website for other great resources!
I Need an Academic Advisor
Academic advisors can discuss major requirements, assist in the selection of appropriate coursework, discuss academic goals and ways to meet them, and answer questions about campus policies and procedures. At ECU, advising centers are through the various colleges. Information can be found at the link above.
Campus Information
Many first-gen students feel unprepared when they first arrive on campus. This list was created to direct students to the right place to fulfill their needs. All students are not the same and will not have the same preference, but we did our best to provide multiple options in each category.
I Want to Eat
I Want to Use a Computer or Need to Print
Borrow Equipment from Joyner Library
I Need to Connect to the ECU Wifi/Network
I Want to Go to an Event
Visit The Pirate Experience for a listing of Campus Events
I Need an ATM
Wells Fargo and BB&T/Truist ATMs are located on the side of Mendenhall
Cash Points/NC State Employees Credit Union located in Wright Plaza
Study Tips
Entering college, many student’s understanding of “studying” is vastly different from the expectations of their professors. Below are some tips and resources to help you develop healthy study habits for college success.
Individual Study Skills Assistance
- Includes information about MS Teams, online learning, time management, learning styles, study tips and tricks, exam prep, registration, and technology.
What Does that Mean?
As a First-Generation student, sometimes it is easy to lose information in translation, because the university environment has a language all its own. Below we have provided you with the meaning of common university words, phrases, and ECU specific terminology, so that you can be confident when you are interacting with others on campus.
Well-Being
There are many aspects to being a healthy Pirate. These resources on campus promote healthy physical habits, eating habits, and thinking habits.