New & Current Students

Academic Tools for New and Current University Studies Students

It’s not always easy for adult learners to make it to campus or the classroom. We understand and want our students to know that many of the resources on-campus students have access to are also accessible online.

  • Getting to Know:
    • Banner 9: Banner 9 is where you can update your personal information, add/drop courses, review your student record, review your class schedule, and access your financial aid information. Multiple tutorials are available to show you how to use this tool.
    • Canvas: Canvas is the platform that houses all the content for your online courses. Several guides and videos are available to help you get started working in Canvas:
    • Pirate Port: Pirate Port is a one-stop-shop that allows you to access many of ECU’s
      virtual tools and resources. This tutorial will show you how to login to your ECU Pirate Port account and review some of the features available to you:
    • Student Email: Information on how to activate your account, create a passphrase and set up multi-factor authentication. We also encourage you to set up the Outlook Mobile app on your phone to have easy access to your ECU email account to check on a regular basis.
  • Prepare Yourself to Take an Online Course: Visit Student Readiness for interactive modules aimed at teaching you helpful skills to succeed in an online course:
  • Course Registration:
    • Step 1: Meet with your advisor: The University Studies advisors provide intensive advising support through regular contact with their advisees. Advisors help students identify resources for additional information/support, explore their academic interests, and develop plans of study. To schedule an appointment with your advisor:
      • Log into Pirate Port
      • In the ‘Scheduler” application, select the “+” icon
      • Select your Advisor and the Advisor’s availability will be displayed (no same day appointments)
      • Complete the form provided (please indicate whether you prefer “phone”, “video conference”, or “in person”)
      • Select “Submit” to schedule the meeting
    • Step 2: Registration & Planning: For information on how to prepare for registration, register for classes, utilize wait lists, understand holds and more, visit the Office of the Registrar
  • Additional Resources: For additional information on academic resources, student life, resources for service members and their families, financial resources (including tuition costs),
    and technology resources, visit ECU Online.
  • Graduation Information: Graduating soon? Be sure to apply for graduation and visit ECU’s Commencement website for more information regarding ceremony dates/times, academic
    regalia, and more!
  • Please note: University Studies students are not eligible to pursue double majors or dual baccalaureate degrees.  In addition, second degree students cannot pursue the Bachelor of Science in University Studies.