Setting Sail for Success

Activate Your PirateID & ECU Email
One of your first steps as a new faculty member is activating your PirateID. This ID gives you access to essential tools like your ECU email, Pirate Port, Canvas, and much more. Think of it as your all-access pass to faculty life at ECU.
Head here for instructions on activating your PirateID.
Once you’ve activated your PirateID, you can finish setting up your email.
For additional assistance, please contact Informational Technology and Computing Services (ITCS).

Activate Your ECU 1Card

The 1Card is your official ECU ID card. You’ll receive an email from the 1Card office with a link to the online 1Card application. Be sure to have a photo that meets the 1Card guidelines – what you upload is what will appear on the card.
1Card Main Office: G-251 Old Cafeteria Complex
1Card Health Sciences Office: 224 Health Sciences Student Center
For questions, email 1card@ecu.edu.
Take the NFO Survey
Help us plan for NFO in August! NFO is a two day, in-person, event happening on August 10th and 11th. Take this short survey to register your attendance plans; let us know about any food sensitivities/allergies, accessibility accommodations, and more. New Faculty Orientation Information Survey Link
Sneak Peek at New Faculty Orientation
Like the name implies, New Faculty Orientation (NFO) is an opportunity for new faculty from across the university to come together for an informative and engaging two-day orientation event. Right now, you can do three things to prepare:
8:00 am to 7:00 pm on Monday, August 10th8:00 am to 5:00 pm on Tuesday, August 11th
Please plan to attend both days for the entire day.
Stay tuned for more information as we solidify the schedule. We’ll provide updates in future newsletters and on the NFO 2026 Navigating to ECU website.
Get excited about meeting your new colleagues and getting started as a member of Pirate Nation! The NFO agenda is packed with information, resources, and connections designed to help you thrive at ECU. Topics include:
- Employee benefits and wellness resources
- Teaching and instructional support services
- Research, scholarship, and creative activity resources
- Support from ECU Libraries
- Student success and engagement resources
- Faculty policies, procedures, and professional development opportunities
- Campus resources that support belonging, well-being, and community engagement
- Building your professional network at ECU
- …and much more!
NFO is more than an orientation program. It is an opportunity to begin building relationships and support systems that will contribute to your success as a faculty member. Throughout the program, you will meet senior university leaders, connect with colleagues from across campus, attend a faculty resource fair, and participate in sessions tailored to your interests and professional goals.
We look forward to welcoming you to the Pirate community and helping you get started on your ECU journey.
Virtual Tour of ECU
Haven’t had a chance to fully explore the university yet? Check out some highlights (or revisit your favorite spots) through this virtual tour of our beautiful campus.
Overview of NFO Sessions
Getting excited for New Faculty Orientation? Here’s a preview of just a few of the sessions and opportunities awaiting you at NFO:
Welcome from Senior Administrators
Start your first day by hearing from ECU’s senior leadership. You’ll learn about the university’s priorities and vision while beginning to build connections with campus leaders. Later that evening, continue the conversation at the Chancellor’s Welcome Reception.
From Our Students
One of the most popular sessions at NFO, this panel gives you the chance to hear directly from undergraduate and graduate students about their most memorable learning experiences and what helps them succeed in the classroom.
Information Fair
Explore the many resources available to support your work at ECU. Representatives from more than 30 campus offices and community organizations will be available to answer questions and introduce services related to teaching, research, service, and community engagement.
Breakout Sessions
Customize your NFO experience by selecting sessions that align with your interests and needs. Topics include faculty well-being, the University Writing Program, Global Affairs, community engagement, and more.
Faculty Panels
Gain practical advice from experienced tenure-line and fixed-term faculty members as they share insights on evaluation, reappointment, advancement, promotion, and building a successful career at ECU. You’ll get an honest look at what it’s like to start and thrive as a faculty member here.
And this is only a sample of what’s planned. NFO is designed to help you build connections, discover resources, and begin your ECU journey with confidence.
Help us plan for your ECU journey! If you haven’t filled out the NFO 2026 Survey, please complete it so we can plan for August!
ECU Alerts and LiveSafe
Want to stay informed during emergencies, hazardous weather events, and other situations affecting campus? Be sure to register for ECU Alerts to receive official university notifications directly on your phone and computer.
For an additional layer of safety, download the LiveSafe app. LiveSafe connects you directly with ECU Police and allows you to share information through text, photos, videos, and live chat. The app also provides quick access to safety resources and reporting tools.
Curious how it works? Watch the video below as members of the ECU Police Department demonstrate the LiveSafe app and highlight its key features.
Purchasing Parking Permits
If you plan to be on campus regularly, you will need an ECU parking permit. Log in to PiratePort and select Parking and Transportation to access the Parking Portal, where you can register your vehicle and purchase a permit. Eligible employees may pay for permits by credit card or payroll deduction. If your preferred permit is unavailable, purchase an available permit first, then join the appropriate waitlist.
New faculty are typically eligible to purchase a B1 permit or Garage Access. A1 permits are assigned through a waitlist and can take several years to become available, so we recommend joining the waitlist as soon as you are eligible.
Need help finding your lot? Use the ECU Parking Map to locate the parking areas closest to your building. ECU uses a Plate-to-Permit system, so your license plate serves as your parking permit and you will not receive a physical hangtag or decal.
Note: More information related to parking during New Faculty Orientation will be provided in a later newsletter.

IRB and Human Subjects Research
If your research involves human participants, the University & Medical Center Institutional Review Board (UMCIRB or “IRB”) is your partner in ensuring research is conducted ethically and in compliance with federal regulations. The IRB oversees research conducted by ECU, ECU Health, and affiliated investigators to protect the rights and welfare of research participants.
The UMCIRB website serves as your central resource for human subjects research. From this website you can:
- Access ePIRATE, ECU’s electronic IRB submission and protocol management system.
- Complete required Collaborative Institutional Training Initiative (CITI) training.
- Find standard operating procedures, guidance documents, templates, and FAQs.
- Learn how to prepare, submit, and manage IRB applications throughout the life of your study.
Whether you are submitting your first protocol at ECU or transferring an existing research program, the UMCIRB website provides the resources and support to help you navigate the review process with confidence.
Benefits and Resources
During New Faculty Orientation on August 10th, a representative from ECU’s Department for People Operations, Success, and Opportunity (POSO) will facilitate a new employee orientation covering employee benefits and campus resources. You’ll have the chance to ask questions during the dedicated Q&A time.
Additional representatives from POSO and ECU’s insurance liaison will also be available during the NFO Information Fair later that day to provide one-on-one support and guidance. If you would like to learn more before NFO, please view the 2026 UNC System Benefits Overview.
If you have not yet attended ECU’s new employee orientation, plan to be in attendance for the first session of NFO on August 10th!
More information about the agenda and specifics related to check-in both days of NFO will be provided in the August 3rd newsletter.