The University provides eligible employees with access to a variety of benefit plan options that promote health and wellness, in addition to helping you build financial resources for retirement. We offer the benefit plans you would expect from a leading employer—including employer paid medical insurance and retirement and a variety of health, life, and income protection plan options that will allow you to tailor a benefit package that meets the needs of you and your family.
Basics of Benefit Eligibility
2022 Benefits Overview (from UNC System Office)
The UNC System Office provides an interactive video guide to benefit-eligible employees within the UNC System, which includes information on health benefits, supplemental coverage, disability and retirement programs.
When Coverage Begins
Newly hired or newly eligible employees have 30 calendar days from their eligibility date to enroll in health and/or NCFlex benefit coverage. With the exception of retirement and disability, benefit coverage for newly hired or newly eligible employees will begin the first day of the month following the date of eligibility or qualifying life event. Medical plan premiums are paid one month in advance of when coverage becomes effective.
NOTE: If you delay enrollment to the end of your 30-day window, your first benefit plan deductions could be larger than normal in order to catchup the amount owed.
Mandatory retirement begins on your date of eligibility. Newly hired or newly eligible employees have 60 calendar days from their eligibility date to select a mandatory retirement plan. Failure to select a mandatory retirement plan within the allowed 60 calendar day window will result in automatic enrollment into the Teachers’ and State Retirement System (TSERS).
Working for ECU has its perks! Take advantage of local business discounts by viewing Pirate Perks; a discount program managed by Staff Senate.
Permanent, SHRA, CSS, DMSS, or EHRA Non-Faculty working 30 or more hours a week may take three credit bearing courses in an academic year at no cost to the employee. Please refer to the Faculty/Staff Tuition Waiver policy for more information.
Textbook Loan Program
Full-time, permanent ECU staff and faculty, or their eligible dependents can receive up to $250 in book stipend from Dowdy Student Stores for textbooks. In the Summer Sessions the stipend is up to $125.
You and your immediate family members have the benefit of seeing a physician the same day you call during normal business hours through ECU Physician’s Rapid Access program.
Pharmacy Delivery Service
ECU Pharmacy Services offers employees a free delivery service for their medication (including over the counter items).
All new employees receive a free one-month membership to any of our Recreation Centers on campus.
ECU has a rich Athletics history and now competes in the American Athletic Conference. We have 8 men’s and 10 women’s teams that compete at the NCAA Division 1 level. ECU Athletics offers discounted season tickets for football, men’s basketball and baseball to all ECU employees, along with opportunities for discounted single game tickets throughout the year.