Dec 02, 2024  
2024-2025 Graduate Catalog 
    
2024-2025 Graduate Catalog

The University


 

 

 

 

 


Welcome

On July 2, 1908, former governor Thomas Jordan Jarvis, considered to be the father of ECU, made the following remark as he broke ground for a teachers training school where Jarvis Residence Hall now stands:

“We can never begin to calculate the value it will be to North Carolina.”

The teachers school, chartered by the North Carolina General Assembly on March 8, 1907, as a two-year normal school, opened its first regular session on October 5, 1909, with 174 students enrolled. The first graduating class received diplomas on June 6, 1911. The years that followed revealed the accuracy of Jarvis’ statement.

Since its inception in 1907, ECU has evolved from a training school for teachers to a national research university. The student population has grown from 147 to nearly 29,000. The campus now includes more than 185 buildings in four locations: the central campus, health sciences, athletics, and west research campus. The university is home to twelve colleges and schools, including an Honors College and the Graduate School.

ECU has become the institution that was envisioned by its early leaders, fulfilling its motto, “to serve.” Today’s leadership continues to build upon the foundation laid by Robert H. Wright, the first president of the university:

We will give to the rising generation the purest inheritance of the nation and better preparation than has ever been given to a preceding generation. This school is an expression of that determination; it was built by the people, for the people, and may it ever remain with the people, as a servant of the people.

East Carolina University is one of The University of North Carolina’s seventeen campuses. The University of North Carolina includes sixteen universities and the North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics, the country’s first public residential high school for gifted students.

University Mission

To be a national model for student success, public service and regional transformation, ECU:

  • Uses innovative learning strategies and delivery methods to maximize access;
  • Prepares students with the knowledge, skills and values to succeed in a global, multicultural society;
  • Develops tomorrow’s leaders to serve and inspire positive change;
  • Discovers new knowledge and innovations to support a thriving future for eastern North Carolina and beyond;
  • Transforms health care, promotes wellness, and reduces health disparities; and
  • Improves quality of life through cultural enrichment, academics, the arts, and athletics.

We accomplish our mission through education, research, creative activities, and service while being good stewards of the resources entrusted to us.

Message from Chancellor Philip Rogers

I remain humbled and honored by the opportunity to serve this great institution as we collectively pursue our mission to be a national model for student success, public service, and regional transformation. ECU is a future focused, innovative driven university committed to delivering on our mission and in bold pursuit of our vision priorities centered on social and economic mobility, workforce success, and rural health and well-being.     

ECU is an engine of opportunity for students, a hub for economic development and industry, and a provider of world-class health care to the people of eastern North Carolina. Offering a wide range of undergraduate and graduate degree programs, certificates, and doctoral degrees, our goal is to provide a high-quality educational experience in a safe, academically stimulating environment centered around a relationship-rich culture. More than 6,000 dedicated faculty and staff invest themselves in YOU, our students.    

As Pirates, you have limitless opportunities before you – to learn, explore, build relationships, and pursue your aspirations. Seize those transformational moments and take advantage of all ECU offers. The hope is that you depart from ECU ready to positively impact the world, helping build a better future.

Go Pirates! 

A History of Graduate Education at East Carolina University

In 1929, the East Carolina Teachers College Board of Trustees approved a faculty recommendation that an additional year of study be offered at the college leading to a master of arts degree. In 1933, the first master of arts degree in English was conferred. During the 1965-66 academic year, the Graduate School was officially formed with the appointment of the first dean, John O. Reynolds. A Graduate Council replaced a pre-existing Graduate Advisory Committee and was charged with addressing graduate policy matters and with increasing academic standards. By 1969, master’s degrees were offered in a wide range of fields; for example, a sixth year of preparation was available for principals, supervisors, and superintendents. The creation of East Carolina University’s first doctoral programs occurred in 1979. Receiving approval from the University of North Carolina Board of Governors, East Carolina University (ECU) established five doctoral programs in basic medical sciences, following the enrollment of the first medical students in the new School of Medicine in 1977. A sixth PhD program in basic medical sciences was established shortly thereafter. In 1998 and 1999, ECU established two interdisciplinary doctoral programs, the PhD in coastal resources management (retitled in 2019 to integrated coastal sciences) and the PhD in interdisciplinary doctoral program in biological sciences. ECU now offers professional science master’s (PSM) programs in chemistry, geographic information science, and network technology.

Today, ECU offers 68 master’s degree programs, 2 intermediate degree programs (SSP, EdS), 6 professional doctoral programs,13 research/scholarship doctoral programs, and 83 graduate certificates. ECU is classified among the Doctoral/Research Universities by the Carnegie Foundation.

Organization of the University of North Carolina

The University of North Carolina Board of Governors is the policy-making body legally charged with “the general determination, control, supervision, management, and governance of all affairs of the constituent institutions.” It elects the president, who administers The University.

Board of Governors

Randy C. Ramsey, Chair
Wendy Floyd Murphy, Vice Chair
Pearl Burris-Floyd, Secretary

    Term Expiring in 2022
    Kirk J. Bradley, Chapel Hill, NC
    John Fraley, Mooresville, NC
    Raymond Palma, Durham, NC
    Sonja Phillips Nichols, Charlotte, NC

    Term Expiring in 2023
    C. Philip Byers, Forest City, NC
    Joel Ford, Charlotte, NC
    Thomas “Thom”  C. Goolsby, Wilmington, NC
    Mark Holton, Winston Salem, NC
    Terry Hutchens, Fayetteville, NC
    J. Alex Mitchell, Durham, NC
    Anna S. Nelson, Charlotte, NC
    David M. Powers, Raleigh, NC
    O. Temple Sloan III, Raleigh, NC
    Michael Williford, Fayetteville, NC

    Term Expiring in 2025
    Lee Barnes, Durham, NC
    Kellie Hunt Blue, Lumberton, NC
    Jimmy D. Clark, Greensboro, NC
    Carolyn Lloyd Coward, Arden, NC
    Reginald Ronal Holley, Southport, NC
    Art Pope, Raleigh, NC
    Lee H. Roberts, Raleigh, NC

Officers of Administration

Peter Hans, President

    Senior Leadership Team
    Darryl Bass, Vice President for Human Resources
    Bart Goodson, Senior Vice President of Government Relations
    Jennifer Haygood, Senior Vice President for Finance and Administration and CFO
    Norma Houston, Chief of Staff
    Andrew P. Kelly, Senior Vice President for Strategy and Policy
    Andrea Poole, Executive Director, North Carolina State Education Assistance Authority
    Andrew Tripp, Senior Vice President for Legal Affairs and General Counsel
    Kimberly van Noort, Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs and Chief Academic Officer
    Michael Vollmer, Chief Operating Officer    
    Thomas Walker, Senior Advisor for Economic Development and Military Affairs

Organization of East Carolina University

Each institution has a board of trustees, which holds extensive powers over academic and other operations of its institution on delegation from the UNC Board of Governors.

Board of Trustees

Jason Poole, Chair
Cassie Burt, Vice Chair
Dave Fussell, Secretary    

    Members
    Cassie Burt, Emerald Isle, NC
    Tom Furr, Durham, NC
    Dave Fussell, Wallace, NC
    Van Isley, Raleigh, NC
    Fielding Miller, Raleigh, NC 
    Jason Poole, Fayetteville, NC
    Jeffrey Roberts, Williamston, NC
    Carl Rogers, Wrightsville Beach, NC
    Jim Segrave, Kinston, NC   
    Scott Shook, Greenville, NC
    Vince Smith, Vienna, VA 
    Vanessa Workman, Greenville, NC

    Ex-Officio Member
    Anderson Ward, SGA President

Officers of Administration

Each of the sixteen constituent institutions is headed by a chancellor, who is elected by the UNC Board of Governors on the president’s nomination and is responsible to the president.

Philip Rogers, Chancellor
     Megan Ayers, Assistant Secretary to the Board of Trustees
     Meagan Kiser, Interim Deputy General Counsel and Associate Vice Chancellor for Legal Affairs
     Christopher Locklear, Chief of Staff
     Wayne Poole, Chief Audit Officer
     Michael Waldrum, CEO (ECU Health) and Dean (Brody School of Medicine)
 
Chris Buddo, Interim Provost and Senior Vice Chancellor for the Division of Academic Affairs
    Bevley Green, Director of Student Professional Readiness
    Allen Guidry, Associate Provost for Learner Operations
    Elizabeth “Beth” Ketterman, Director, Laupus Health Sciences Library
    Janice S. Lewis, Director, Academic Library Services
    Sharon Paynter, Chief Innovation and Engagement Officer and Interim Chief Research Officer
    Ying Zhou, Associate Provost of Institutional Planning, Assessment, and Research 

    Deans
    Bimbola Akintade, Dean, College of Nursing
    Nicole Bromfield, Dean of the College of Health and Human Performance
    Gregory Chadwick, Dean, School of Dental Medicine
    D. Reide Corbett, Dean of Integrated Coastal Programs and Executive Director of the Coastal Studies Institute   
    Allison Danell, Dean of the Thomas Harriot College of Arts and Sciences
    Todd Fraley, Dean of the Honors College
    André Green, Dean of the College of Education
    Michael Harris, Dean of the College of Business    
    Jason Higginson, Executive Dean of the Brody School of Medicine 
    Debra Jackson, Dean of the Graduate School
    Linda Kean, Dean of the College of Fine Arts and Communication    
    Robert F. Orlikoff, Dean, College of Allied Health Sciences
    Harry Ploehn, Dean of the College of Engineering and Technology   

Brandon A. Frye, Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs
     Peter Groenendyk, Associate Vice Chancellor of Campus Living
     Kathleen E. Hill, Executive Director of Student Affairs Assessment, Research and Retention
     Erik Kneubuehl, Associate Vice Chancellor of Student Involvement and Leadership
     Brian Mattern, Executive Director, Business Administration
     Lynn Roeder, Associate Vice Chancellor and Dean of Students
     Christopher Stansbury, Associate Vice Chancellor and Senior Operating Officer for Student Affair
     LaNika Wright, Associate Vice Chancellor for Health and Well-Being
     William Williams, Executive Director of Development, Parent and Family Programs

Administration and Finance

Stephanie M. Coleman, Vice Chancellor for Administration and Finance
    William “Bill” Bagnell, Associate Vice Chancellor for Campus Operations
    Kevin Carraway, Director for Materials Management and Real Estate
    Vinnie Falvo, Associate Vice Chancellor for Financial Services   
    William “Bill” R. Koch, Associate Vice Chancellor for Campus Safety and Auxiliary Services
    Zach Loch, Associate Vice Chancellor and Chief Information Officer   
    Dawn Quist, Director for University Financial Planning and Analysis
    Joel Stocks, Associate Vice Chancellor for Health Sciences, Chief Resource Management Officer
    LaKeska Alston Forbes, Senior Associate Vice Chancellor and Chief People Officer

Jon Gilbert, Director of Athletics
    Caroline Bevillard, Senior Associate Athletics Director, Administration & SWA
    Alex Keddie, Senior Associate Athletics Director, Compliance
    J.J. McLamb, Executive Associate Athletics Director, Internal Operations            
    Ryan Robinson, Executive Associate Athletics Director, External Operations
    Stephanie White, Director of Student-Athlete Academic Services                 

Zach Loch, Associate Vice Chancellor and Chief Information Officer
    Cheryl Godwin, Director, Network Services
    Eric Houston, Acting Director of Client Engagement and Support
    Johnny Rose, Director, Enterprise Systems and Operations
    Doug Stanley, Director, Enterprise Information Systems    
    Scotty Stroup, Director, Enterprise Data Services
    Mark Webster, Chief Information Security Officer

Christopher M. Dyba, Vice Chancellor for University Advancement and President ECU Foundation, Inc.
   Greg Abeyounis, Senior Associate Vice Chancellor for University Development, Planned Giving and Annual Giving
   Kendra K. Alexander, Associate Vice Chancellor for Development
   Amanda Murer, Associate Vice Chancellor of Alumni Relations
   Nicole Stokes, Assistant Vice Chancellor for Strategic Advancement Operations

Graduate School Officers of Administration

Debra L. Jackson, Dean
    Kathleen T. Cox, Associate Dean
    Ron Preston, Interim Associate Dean
    James Coker, Assistant Dean of Graduate Admission and Enrollment Management

Academic Divisions, Colleges, and Schools

College of Allied Health Sciences
College of Arts and Sciences (Thomas Harriot)
College of Business
   The Miller School of Entrepreneurship
   School of Hospitality Leadership
College of Education
   ECU Community School
College of Engineering and Technology
   Center for Sustainable Energy and Environmental Engineering
College of Fine Arts and Communication
   School of Art and Design
   School of Communication
   School of Music
   School of Theatre and Dance
College of Health and Human Performance
   School of Social Work
College of Nursing
Integrated Coastal Programs
   Coastal Studies Institute
   Office of Diving and Water Safety
School of Dental Medicine
School of Medicine (Brody)
   Center for Health Disparities
   East Carolina Diabetes and Obesity Institute
   East Carolina Health Institute at ECU
   Eastern Area Health Education Center
   NC Agromedicine Institute
Honors College
Graduate School 
Joyner Library
Laupus Health Sciences Library
Office for Faculty Excellence
Office of Global Affairs
   ECU Language Academy (ECULA)
   ECU Tuscany
   Education Abroad
   Global Academic Initiatives
   International Enrollment and Engagement
Office of Institutional Planning, Assessment and Research
Office of Research, Economic Development, and Engagement
Digital Learning and Emerging Technology Initiatives
Innovation Early College High School
Online Learning, Academic Outreach, and Academic Innovation
Student Academic Success
   Academic Advising and Support Center
   Financial Aid
   Student Academic Success Services/Pirate Academic Success Center
   Student Development (Athletics)
   University Registrar
   University Scholarships
Truist Leadership Center
Undergraduate Admissions
Walter and Marie Williams STEPP Program

    Assessment, Research and Planning
    Business Administration
    Campus Living - Housing Operations/Residence Life
    Campus Living - Off-Campus Student Services
    Campus Recreation and Wellness
    Career Services
    Center for Counseling and Student Development
    Center for Leadership and Civic Engagement
    Center for Student Success
    Central Reservations Office
    Central Ticket Office
    Dean of Students  
    Dining Services
    Disability Support Services
    Dr. Jesse R. Peel LGBTQ Center
    ECU Transit
    Financial Wellness Hub
    First Year Programs
    Fraternity and Sorority Life
    Health and Well-Being
    Intercultural Affairs
    Ledonia Wright Cultural Center
    Military and Veteran Resource Center
    Office of Parent and Family Programs
    Office of the Vice Chancellor
    Pirate Media 1
    Student Affairs Development
    Student Affairs Technology Services
    Student Centers
    Student Engagement
    Student Government Association
    Student Health Services
    Student Involvement and Leadership
    Student Rights and Responsibilities
    Student Transitions/Orientation
    Victim Services
    Women and Gender Office
    Youth Programs and Camp Office

Academic Integrity

Academic integrity is the application of pertinent personal virtues, such as honesty, responsibility, authenticity, honor, and justice, to academic work. Academic integrity is a cornerstone value of the intellectual community at East Carolina University. Academic integrity ensures that students derive optimal benefit from their educational experience and their pursuit of knowledge. Violating the principle of academic integrity damages the reputation of the university and undermines its educational mission. Without the assurance of integrity in academic work, including research, degrees from the university lose value, and the world beyond campus (graduate schools, employers, colleagues, neighbors, etc.) learns that it cannot trust credits or a diploma earned at ECU. For these reasons, academic integrity is required of every ECU student.

Procedures governing academic integrity violations are described in the ECU Policy Manual. Students are encouraged to speak with their professors or contact the Office of Student Rights and Responsibilities if they have questions regarding this policy.

Accreditation

East Carolina University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award baccalaureate, master’s, and doctoral degrees. Degree-granting institutions also may offer credentials such as certificates and diplomas at approved degree levels. Questions about the accreditation of East Carolina University may be directed in writing to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, GA 30033-4097, by calling (404) 679-4500, or by using information available on SACSCOC’s website (www.sacscoc.org).

Specialized accrediting agencies are as follows:

  • ABET
  • Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics*
  • Accreditation Commission for Midwifery Education*
  • Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education*
  • Accreditation Review Committee on Education for the Physician Assistant
  • American Council for Construction Education
  • American Library Association
  • American Psychological Association*
  • Association of Technology, Management, and Applied Engineering
  • Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business International
  • Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education*
  • Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education
  • Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education
  • Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education*
  • Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs
  • Commission on Accreditation of Medical Physics Education Programs
  • Commission on Dental Accreditation*
  • Commission on English Language Program Accreditation*
  • Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs
  • Council for Interior Design Accreditation
  • Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation
  • Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology*
  • Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs*
  • Council on Accreditation of Parks, Recreation, Tourism, and Related Professions
  • Council on Education for Public Health*
  • Council on Social Work Education
  • Liaison Committee on Medical Education*
  • National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Science
  • National Association of Schools of Art and Design*
  • National Association of Schools of Music*
  • National Association of Schools of Public Affairs and Administration
  • National Association of Schools of Theatre*
  • National Environmental Health Science and Protection Accreditation Council
  • Planning Accreditation Board

*  US Department of Education recognized accrediting agency

For more information about accreditation at ECU, please contact Institutional Planning, Assessment and Research (252-328-9492 or ipar@ecu.edu).

Campus Libraries

Joyner Library

Joyner Library is the main campus library at East Carolina University. Joyner offers an abundance of print and online resources, including:

  • More than 1 million electronic books including free online textbooks at https://lib.ecu.edu/alt-texts
  • More than 11,000 streaming DVDs and videos
  • More than 28,000 CDs and other sound recording
  • More than 120,000 online and print journals and other serials
  • More than 450 databases
  • 1.9 million print volumes
  • Special Collections, manuscripts, and rare books

Joyner Library has more than 150 desktop and 100 laptop computers for use by students. Each is loaded with Microsoft Office Suite, Internet tools, and specialized course-related software. Free printing and scanning are available.

Wireless access is available throughout the library. Students may use their own laptops or borrow library-owned laptops for use in the building. In addition to laptops, the library loans hotspots, video cameras, digital cameras, projectors, scientific calculators, GoPro camera, and other equipment. Equipment is checked out from the Circulation Desk, near the library entrance.

Joyner Library has more than 100 individual and group study rooms, many equipped with large monitors for laptop hookup. Alternative group study rooms with beanbags and bubble tubes, a sensory space for neurodivergent students, and a family-friendly room for caregivers are also available. Open study space is provided on all floors of the library; numerous study carrels are available for individual quiet study. Snacks and drinks can be purchased from the library’s Starbucks location or from vending machines.

All students registered at East Carolina University, regardless of location, have access to the library’s subscription-based electronic resources. Students can use these resources to find journal articles, read newspapers, and check out e-books without leaving their home or dorm room. Access is provided through the library’s website at https://library.ecu.edu/. Student status is verified by Pirate ID and password. In addition, the online Joyner Library catalog can be searched from any location.

The Research and Instructional Services Department offers personal assistance to members of the ECU community (both on-campus and distance learners) who need help with their research and course assignments. Assistance is provided at the research assistance desk, by telephone, text and instant messaging, and email via the Ask a Librarian service. “Book a Librarian” is a service that allows students to choose a time to meet one-on-one with a librarian about their topic for 30-60 minutes. Meetings can be scheduled as quickly as 24 hours in advance. Members of the Research and Instructional Services staff help users identify relevant print and online sources, learn to use these sources, formulate search strategies, find statistical data, and much more. The Research and Instructional Services Department is located on the first floor, at the back of the library. It houses the Reference collection, which includes high-quality print and online reference materials and databases.

Circulation Services include checking materials and equipment in and out, managing print and electronic reserves, and assisting patrons. Students must present an ECU 1 Card or distance education student card to check out materials.

Through a worldwide network of thousands of libraries, Interlibrary Loan (ILL) provides ECU students with research materials not available from Joyner Library at no charge – often within days for articles and one or two weeks for loaned items. Articles are delivered via e-mail. Whether the items are owned by Joyner Library or borrowed from another library, distance education students who live outside Pitt County can use Document Delivery to have articles delivered by e-mail and have books and other materials shipped to their home address.

One of the most inviting areas of the library is the Special Collections Department on the third floor. The department includes the Verona Joyner Langford North Carolina Collection which collects, preserves, provides access to, and actively promotes the use of printed and non-print materials pertaining to the state. Holdings include books, broadsides, clipping and vertical files, maps, microforms, periodicals and state documents. The collection emphasizes the history of eastern North Carolina. The Ronnie Barnes African American Resource Collection consists of biographies of African Americans, and outstanding, scholarly books written by and about African Americans, all related to North Carolina and the Southern United States. Also in Special Collections is the East Carolina Manuscript Collection which contains historical manuscript materials related to North Carolina, the tobacco industry, worldwide missionary activities, and American military history, especially naval and maritime history. Letters, diaries, photographs, financial and legal records, genealogical notes, reports, speeches, oral histories and other unpublished materials covering the period from before 1800 to the present provide a wealth of primary source materials for a vast array of research topics Other collections in Special Collections include University Archives, the Rare Book Collection, Map Collection, Hoover Collection on International Communism, the James H. and Virginia Schlobin Literature of the Fantastic Collection, and the Stuart Wright Collection.

The Teaching Resources Center (TRC) is located on the second floor of Joyner Library. It serves as a resource for students enrolled in the teacher education program at East Carolina University and for educators in eastern North Carolina. The TRC service desk provides research assistance supported by educational reference librarians. With new booths, soft seating, and tables, the TRC makes a great study spot. Resources available in the TRC include NC adopted K-12 textbooks, supplementary K-12 textbooks, textbook correlations, bibliographies, guides, mixed media, professional materials, online resources, K-12 reference materials, easy books, big books, juvenile/young adult fiction, nonfiction and biographies. The Ann Rhem Schwarzmann Production Center, located in the TRC, is designed to assist student teachers and educators in creating and producing quality lesson units. It houses two laminators, two Ellison die cut centers with several hundred die cuts, a poster maker system, vinyl cutter, plaque marker, an artwaxer, a light box, a binding machine, several paper cutters, a Badge-A-Minit button maker and cutter, office supplies and computer workstations with educational software installations and resources. 

The Music Library is located in the Fletcher Music Center. It offers the same services as Joyner: circulation, reserves, reference assistance, bibliographic instruction, interlibrary loan, a group study/listening/viewing room, quiet study area, scanner, photocopiers, and printers. The collection consists of more than 90,000 books, music scores, periodicals, software, and sound and video recordings representative of all types and periods of music. PCs, Macs, and playback equipment for CDs, DVDs, DAT, LPs, videocassettes, mini-discs, CD-ROMs, laser discs, and audiocassettes are available for use by library patrons.

Joyner Library is open extensive hours each week, with 24-hour access Sunday through Thursday during the fall and spring semesters. Hours are posted on the main entrance of the building. Special hours are posted for holidays and semester breaks. The library maintains a recording of current operating hours that may be obtained by telephoning 252-328-4285. Hours are also posted on the website at https://www.lib.ecu.edu/hours/.

Laupus Health Sciences Library

Laupus Library serves health sciences colleges and schools including the Brody School of Medicine, College of Allied Health Sciences, the College of Nursing, School of Dental Medicine, and ECU Health Medical Center and affiliated sites. The library also has a mission to connect Eastern Area Health Education Center (EAHEC) preceptors, health practitioners in eastern North Carolina, and ECU’s health education, research and clinical programs to quality information at the point of need.

The 72,000 square foot library located in the Health Sciences Building on ECU’s Health Sciences Campus includes reservable classrooms, small group study rooms, computer workstations, and collaborative workspaces with access to print and electronic collections. The Library supports wired and wireless networks and printing, a computer lab, reference services, and circulating and historical book collections. Visual programs and a large collection of anatomical models are available to the university community. Laupus also hosts the only Virtual Reality Lab on the ECU campus accessible to all students and employees.

Access Services, located on the 2nd floor of the library, manages circulation of materials, including audiovisuals, anatomical models and charts, and more. The department also manages an equipment loan program which lends laptops, hot spots, cameras, VR headsets, and other technologies. To check out materials and to access the variety of services offered, users must bring an ECU OneCard or a distance education student card. 

The Information and Research Services Department librarians provide reference assistance and are available to guide clients to the most efficient and effective means of accessing the library’s resources. Liaison librarians are assigned to health sciences colleges and schools to provide information services, education programs, collection development assistance and curriculum coordination. Services include instruction in expert and evidence-based searching, research consultations, systematic review searching and methodology preparation, and instruction on the use of literature databases and other online resources. Information and Research Services librarians create and maintain online research guides and tutorials to help users better understand and locate the information they need.

The Document Delivery and Interlibrary Loan (ILL) Department provides clients with access to needed materials from outside institutions and provides other libraries with access to materials from Laupus collections. Document Delivery is a free copy service for ECU faculty, staff, and students for materials (articles and books) owned by either Laupus or Academic Library Services. ILL borrowing is a free service for ECU faculty, staff, and students who order articles or books from other institutions. If you are not an ECU faculty, staff, student or ECU Health staff please see Policies and Fees for more information on the fees for this service.

Collection Services orders all library circulating, reference, and history materials and ensures the discovery, access, and security is maintained for those materials through metadata application, performing maintenance and analysis of statistical data, electronic resource management, and physical processing. The department is responsible for the quality and consistency of the library’s holdings in the online catalog which can be accessed at https://catalog.lib.ecu.edu/. The department also processes all in-kind donations.

History Collections manages books, artifacts, and manuscript collections relevant to the history of the health sciences, primarily in eastern North Carolina. Management of these materials includes preserving, conserving, curating, exhibiting, and making the items available for research. Archival collections for both Laupus Library and the Country Doctor Museum are housed within the History Collections. The Country Doctor Museum, located in Bailey, NC, is the oldest museum in the United States dedicated to the history of America’s rural health care.

Located on the second floor, the Computer Lab contains state-of-the-art technology providing a full range of resources to ECU faculty, staff, and students, including Windows and Apple desktop computers, high-speed document scanners, a flatbed scanner, a color book scanner, high-volume laser printers, and a poster printing service. A variety of software titles are available in the computer lab including word processing, spreadsheet, statistical, GIS, and presentation software.

Two computer classrooms support the library’s instructional services program and are available for reservation by ECU faculty and staff. Room 2502G seats thirty-two (32) people at computers while room 3503 seats thirty (30). Both rooms include an instructor computer, a networked printer, and a projection system to assist with presentations, training and orientations.

Laupus Library hours are posted at the main entrance of the library and on our website. Special hours for holidays and semester breaks are on our website. For more information including hours, announcements and detailed descriptions of all library services and collections please visit https://hsl.ecu.edu.

Department for People Operations, Success, and Opportunity

The new Department for People Operations, Success, and Opportunity consolidates three previously independent offices formerly known as the Department of Human Resources, the Office for Equity and Diversity, and the Office of Divisional Personnel and Financial Administration into one new unit to reimagine and redesign the university’s people services and strategies. Central to ECU’s strategic priority for workforce success and building a culture of care, belonging, and opportunity for all campus constituencies, the new Department provides leadership to the university’s innovative and dynamic efforts to recruit, retain, develop, and support a diverse and thriving workforce and foster an equal opportunity learning and working environment. The staff works to support the mission of the University with an overarching commitment to delivering outstanding customer service.

Compliance and personnel matters administered by this unit are governed by federal and state laws, regulations, statutes, and policies including but not limited to Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended; Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972; the Equal Pay Act of 1963, as amended; the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967, as amended; the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended; the Vietnam Era Veterans’ Readjustment Assistance Act of 1974, as amended (VEVRAA); the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, as amended; Executive Order 11246 of 1965, as amended; the N.C. General Statutes 126-16, as amended; the UNC Policy Manual, and The Code of the University of North Carolina. The new Department for People Operations, Success, and Opportunity will play a crucial role in coordinating institutional compliance and implementing compliant processes and practices.

ECU Alumni Association

Founded in 1912, the ECU Alumni Association informs, involves, and serves members of the ECU family throughout their lifelong relationship with the university. Graduates are part of the ECUAA for free and for life and make up the more than 195,000 Loyal and Bold Pirates worldwide. The ECUAA engages with alumni through networking events, tailgates, reunions, recognition programs, service projects and alumni-only benefits.

For information concerning upcoming events and opportunities, please visit the ECUAA website.

Information Technology and Computing Services

Information Technology and Computing Services (ITCS) provides ECU students, faculty, staff and alumni with up-to-date information on technology services and support.

Visit the Student Technology Quick Links web page (go.ecu.edu/itcs/new-students) for a comprehensive list of resources, policies and guidelines available to new ECU students.  

Pirate Techs - Service Desk offers technical assistance to ECU students, faculty and staff regarding software, hardware and network-related questions through email or service requests. The Service Desk also has an online chat bot to answer IT related questions 24 hours a day and 7 days a week. 

Students can check their Microsoft 365 email at mymail.ecu.edu. Microsoft 365 provides an official ECU email account with calendar and contacts; up to five licenses for Microsoft 365 (MAC or PC); Office apps for mobile devices (Android, iOS, Windows); and OneDrive cloud storage. More information is available at go.ecu.edu/office365. Upon graduation, East Carolina University students are provided a lifetime email address that shows graduates’ affinity to their alma mater.

ECU’s Student Computing Initiative is a comprehensive campus-wide effort addressing the support of student computers in the academic environment. Several academic programs require or strongly recommend that their students own a laptop computer as a part of the degree curriculum. The degree programs vary on when the computer will be required within the life of the program. ECU strongly recommends that all incoming freshmen not enrolled in one of the participating academic programs have access to a computer that meets minimum specifications to complete coursework. For a list of computer requirements by department and minimum recommended configurations for various ECU majors visit the Pirate Techs website. (go.ecu.edu/computer-requirements)

Pirate Techs - Technology Support Centers (go.ecu.edu/itcs/pirate-techs) provide support for students, faculty and staff who need help with software or hardware support, network connectivity, mobile email setup, Microsoft software installation, virus and spyware removal, data transfer and recovery and operating system installs and upgrades. 

Many general purpose computer labs are available in key locations around campus, as well as many department specific locations. To locate available labs, visit the Campus Labs web page (go.ecu.edu/itcs/labs) where a click on any computer icon opens details such as the type of computers available in the lab (PC or Apple), the number of computers, the available software, printing options, phone contacts and building location. Students can also use the Virtual Computing Lab (VCL) to access many software programs from their home computer (go.ecu.edu/itcs/vcl).

All students receive a monetary credit for printing each year. Allocated from student technology fees, credits are attached to a student’s PirateID (username) at the beginning of each semester. More information is at go.ecu.edu/itcs/print-quotas. Printing is available in all computer labs. Pirate Print allows students to print from their mobile device while on campus on or off campus to printing kiosks located across campus (go.ecu.edu/PiratePrint).

Students have two options for file storage: OneDrive and Piratedrive. OneDrive is included in the Microsoft Office 365 suite and is approved for storing coursework, project files, shared documents and collaboration. Piratedrive is an online storage folder created for each student, faculty and staff. Each folder is password protected, secure and backed up nightly. Students can store course assignments, videos, photos and more. On-campus users access their personal Piratedrive through “My Computer” if they are logged in to the Intra domain. It is labeled as the “U” drive.  Personal Piratedrive folders are accessible off campus through Pirate Port or through a Virtual Private Network (VPN) connection.

All residence halls have wireless networking. Before accessing the ECU network, students are encouraged to install antivirus software. Use of university software requires students agree to comply with applicable university IT (information technology) policies (go.ecu.edu/itcs/policies) and copyright laws (www.copyright.gov).

ECU’s Pirate Port Web portal (pirateport.ecu.edu) allows students to review financial aid information, register for courses and look up grades online.

ITCS provides a suite of learning technologies to support teaching and learning in both online and in-person courses.

Canvas (canvas.ecu.edu) is our learning management system. Canvas allows students to access course content, post to discussion forums, check grades, submit assignments and more. Common course navigation links provide a consistent experience across different courses. Students can also use the Canvas Student app to participate in courses and to receive mobile notifications about assignment due dates.

Additionally, our most frequently used technologies are integrated into Canvas providing a single point of access for course-related tools.

See Canvas LTI’s for the full list of integrated tools (go.ecu.edu/canvas/lti/list).

With hundreds of technology enhanced classrooms and learning spaces across campus, instructors can record in-class lectures using Panopto Video or create hybrid learning experiences by using Webex to allow remote students to attend in-person classes.

It’s easy to learn new technologies through our many training opportunities. Sign up with Microsoft Learn (formerly Microsoft Imagine Academy) at https://learn.microsoft.com to access hands-on training, documentation and certifications to help you get the most from Microsoft products. Free SAS training prepares users for statistical research. ECU students also have access to http://www.linkedin.com/learning, an online library of instructional videos teaching the latest software tools and skills, via the Web, or the mobile app. More information is available at go.ecu.edu/linkedin.

By using university IT resources, students accept that they are accessing the university owned network, and that unauthorized or illegal use of the university network is prohibited. Illegally downloading copyrighted music, movies and other protected material via file-sharing programs can cost students their network access. Visit go.ecu.edu/filesharing for more information.

ITCS regularly shares security tips on topics such as avoiding identity theft, phishing scams, protecting portable devices and personal information and staying safe online. Students can access the Cybersecurity Awareness Foundations course in Canvas that offers video content that can be completed in about an hour.

To learn more about all on-campus technologies, visit the ITCS website at go.ecu.edu/itcs which provides a comprehensive look at many of the technology resources and policies for ECU students. Additionally, the ECU Technology News email newsletter, and ECU Learning Technologies email newsletter provide valuable information on upcoming software updates, training opportunities and new technology projects affecting the university community.

Office of Online Learning, Academic Outreach and Academic Innovation

The Office of Online Learning, Academic Outreach and Academic Innovation serves as a bridge between the student at a distance and the academic and administrative units of the university. The office supports the university in advancing its leadership role in the areas of distance and online learning both in our region and beyond. The educational and economic development of the citizens of its service area is a focal point for the office. The office partners with the academic and administrative units of the university, the UNC System, and the North Carolina Community College System to meet the needs of the education, healthcare, technology, business, industry and military affiliated communities.

The Office of Online Learning, Academic Outreach and Academic Innovation includes the following program areas:

  • Distance and Online Education
  • Military Outreach
  • State Authorization Compliance
  • Testing Services

In order to fulfill the needs of a widely diversified group of students, our undergraduate degree completion programs, and graduate degrees are offered online via the internet.