FAQs
Do I need an appointment to see someone in OSSaW?
No- but appointments are highly encouraged to ensure that a team member is available at the time you would like to meet.
How do I make an appointment in OSSaW?
Graduate students and medical students must self-schedule appointments by visiting ECU BSOM Office of Student Success and Wellness. Students can call 252-744-2500 for assistance with scheduling an appointment.
What is the format for appointments or meetings?
Students can choose to meet in person, by phone, or by videochat. This preference is indicated at the time the appointment is scheduled. In-person meetings with staff are typically in the OSSaW office located in Brody 2W-33, though some staff members may be located in other areas of the building, or work remotely on certain days. For videochat meetings, staff members typically use Teams. Most meetings are scheduled for about 30 minutes, but students can request a longer time. Quick Chat meetings are 15-minute sessions designed for brief questions or quick information-sharing needs. Appointments can be scheduled with individual team members or as joint meetings with two or more team members, by request.
Can a student choose who they’d like to meet with for an appointment?
Yes. At the time of scheduling an appointment, a student can indicate which person on the team they would like to meet with. We do encourage students to meet with different team members to get different feedback and perspectives and to seek out team members who have special expertise related to their concerns.
Why are there not very many available morning appointments?
Most appointments for M1 and M2 students are scheduled in the afternoons so as not to conflict with lectures and scheduled course activities.
I am trying to self-schedule an appointment and I don’t see the day/time available that I need. What should I do?
You can email the team member directly that you are trying to schedule with to see if other openings are available or you may choose to meet with a different team member.
Where is the OSSaW office located?
The office is located in Brody 2W-33.
What are office hours?
OSSaW office is a hybrid office that operates physically and virtually and is open 8:00am-5:00pm Monday through Friday. Some team members work remotely for certain times during each week; this means they may not be physically in office, but they are available in the virtual office. Check the office door for a schedule who is in the physical office or virtual office for each day of the week.
Is there a cost for your services and who are services for?
No, there are no costs. Services are available to all Brody graduate students and medical students.
What if I am in high distress or if I need help for a personal crisis?
You can connect with the Counselor in our office. You can also access an on-call crisis counselor by contacting the ECU Center for Counseling & Student Development at 252-328-6661 (and follow the phone prompts). If you are away from the Greenville area, please call 911.
Do you provide therapy care in your office for mental health concerns?
Yes, we do provide therapy care in our office via our Counselors. You can make an appointment via this link: BSOM Counselors Page
Can you explain the different roles of OSSaW team members?
All the support professionals on the team provide many of the same services but there are some differences in what we do according to expertise and job duties. The Senior Academic Support Services Manager can be thought of as a generalist who oversees day-to-day unit operations and offers support across all key areas of a student’s experience. She also supports academic success by guiding students in effective learning strategies and performance improvement. The Student Success Coach supports M1, M2, and graduate students by offering individualized academic coaching, discussing effective study plans, time management skills, and test-taking strategies. She also assists students in setting academic goals and navigating the demands of rigorous coursework throughout the foundational years. The Foundational Science Liaisons are basic science faculty members who work part-time with the team. They bring deep content expertise and are available to engage in granular discussions with students about foundational science concepts, coursework, and study planning. The Clinical Science Liaison is a practicing MD who works part-time with the team, providing dedicated support to medical students in the clinical phase of their training, including guidance and resources for Step 2 CK preparation. The Embedded Counselor provides confidential support to medical and graduate students, helping them manage stress, anxiety, and other personal challenges. She offers a safe, nonjudgmental space for students to explore concerns, develop coping strategies, and build resilience throughout their educational journey. The Associate Dean oversees the team and the office, providing support to medical and graduate students as needed.
Who is the OSSaW Graduate Student Intern?
We occasionally have a graduate-level intern from the ECU College of Education who is training in student/affairs/college counseling and who provides academic support interventions for first- and second-year medical students and graduate students under the supervision of OSSaW staff.
Does your office only help students who are having academic problems?
No. Challenges are common for any medical student or graduate student and supporting students as they manage challenges is an important part of what we do. However, OSSaW serves all medical and graduate students whether they are having academic problems or not. Our services are intended to support the success of every medical student and graduate student and these services include support for academic performance as well as other aspects of student’s lives include their personal and professional development.
What is the Medical Student Lending Library?
Located on 2nd floor near the Student Lounge, the Lending Library consists of donated books and study resources that have been given by M4 students just before their graduation. The Library operates on an honor system in which students sign out books and resources and then return them in approximately two weeks.
How do I find out about PALS or Peer Tutoring for M1 and M2 students?
Information about these two programs is available for M1 students in the M1 Student Success Hub and for M2 students in the M2 Student Success Hub.
Can I email OSSaW team members?
Yes, students can email individual team members for assistance or for questions. For general questions, students can email the office at OSSaW@ecu.edu
The OSSaW email account should only be used for general questions, though, and not for urgent, sensitive items.
I have an idea for a student support activity that I would like to see implemented. Who should I talk to in OSSaW?
You can see any member of the OSSaW team. We welcome student ideas and enjoy partnering with students concerning student support initiatives.
How can I speak with the Associate Dean of Student Success and Wellness?
You can schedule a time to meet with Dr. Sandy Dixon by visiting ECU BSOM Office of Student Success and Wellness or you can email her directly at dixonsa17@ecu.edu.