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Center for Student Success CENTER FOR STUDENT SUCCESS “Just know, when you truly want success, you’ll never give up on it. No matter how bad the situation may get.” - Unknown Student Success Newsletter Volume 4 Issue 2, January 2016 Newsletter Editor: Jacinthe Proctor Newsletter Co-Editor: Julie Cruz In This Issue  Executive Director’s Message  CSS Testimonials  CSS Learning Assistant Spotlight  Article by Learning Assistant  Fall 2015 Workshops Recap  How To Develop Lifelong Friends While in College  CSS Messages  Contact Us UVI - Specializing in Futures - Historically American. Uniquely Caribbean. Globally Interactive. Executive Director’s Message Did you know that the University of the Virgin Islands is one of more than 160 institutions of higher education participating in the Student Success Collaborative – an initiative developed by EAB (formerly the Education Advisory Board) that combines technology, research, process improvement, and predictive analytics to help institutions positively inflect outcomes among students across campus? UVI joined SSC Campus as part of our ongoing efforts to enhance the student experience and improve retention and graduation rates of our students. EAB is a data collection and analytics team who will assist us in examining the impact of all areas of campus on student retention. We will be working together to hardwire student success throughout the University. The consulting team and analytics will assist with strategies for retention and timely graduation. We will also begin a targeted advising campaign in an effort of focused, proactive outreach to a populations of students needing specific interventions or actions. We will be working with Access and Enrollment, Financial Aid, Faculty Advisors, Student Success Specialists, Professional Advisors (CSS staff) and all other areas of campus to create a coordinated care network for students. Student risk analytics is just the first step to building a continuously improving student support infrastructure. We are upgrading student tracking systems including Advisor Trac to be a comprehensive data base of student performance across every student contact point on campus. This will be a single system of record for all notes, alerts, and interactions with students. The system enables proactive outreach and interventions, campus-wide case management, and central reporting and evaluation. Our EAB representatives, Steven Kilpatrick and Rachel Wolfowitz, are partnering with UVI to implement the SSC technology. Their goal is to enable higher education institutions to optimize their student success efforts, incorporate data-driven insights into advising interactions, and advance a Continued on page 2 Center for Student Success positive culture of student success. Through this work, the EAB team has helped collaborative members to develop proactive, coordinated student support and realize significant retention and persistence gains as well as improve student and advisor satisfaction with academic advising. In the upcoming months each area of campus will work with IT and the Center for Student Success to engage in the development of the student tracking and analytics system. Various individuals and value leaders will be called upon to assist with the rollout and in developing accountability systems to enhance student support and retention. I thank you in advance as we work together on behalf of all UVI students. For more information about the Student Success Collaborative and EAB, please create a username and password for the EAB website. All university employees are authorized to create a personal site password free of charge. 1. Go to the website, at www.eab.com. 2. On the top right of the homepage, hover over “Log in now.” Select “I’m a new user.” 3. Clicking the link takes you to the registration page through which you will be prompted to provide your location, institution name, and your personal information. You will also create a unique password. 4. Click "submit" and you'll receive an email in your university inbox containing a confirmation code and a link to login to the website. Please check your spam folder if the email containing the link does not arrive in your inbox after several minutes. 5. After you are logged in, click the following link for a video regarding the Student Success Collaborative: http:// www.eab.com/technology/student-success-collaborative/ members/videos/the-challenge-at-georgia-state-university Dr. Stephen Moore Executive Director of Student Success and Honors Program Dr. Stephen Moore Executive Director of Student Success and Honors Program Interested in learning more about UVI’s accreditation process… Interested in being involved with reaccreditation… For more information about UVI’s Greatness by Design Moving the Needle or interested in participating Contact Mrs. Tina Koopmans, Vice President for Information Technology Services and Assessment, at GreatnessbyDesign@uvi.edu or (340) 693-1460. Executive Director’s Message continued Center for Student Success Center for Student Success Student Testimonials Valda Durand, UVI Sophomore Ms. Annallie Gumbs shares about her Center for Student Success Learning Center experience. Ms. Angelique Flemming shares her 2015 Summer Bridge experience. One of my greatest fears in life is the M word. Yes you guessed right, Mathematics! So imagine my emotional state when I realized that I needed to do college Algebra. I was going crazy just thinking of it until I discovered the miracle working tutors at the Center for Students Success. The tutors at the Learning Center have been able to assist me to understand the algebraic concepts and have encouraged me even at times when I know they are exhausted. The tutors are patient and very knowledgeable. In addition, the humility of the tutors are very refreshing. For example, if they are any doubts about a problem, they have no issues asking another tutor for help. Besides the great human resource, the atmosphere in the Learning Center is positive and promotes learning. This is an invaluable resource, therefore, I would like to encourage all students especially those having difficulties to take full advantage. Anallie Gumbs, UVI Sophomore Angelique Flemming, Summer Bridge 2015 Albert A. Sheen Campus, St. Croix Ms. Valda Durand shares about her Center of Student Success Learning Center experience and how she overcame her fear of Math. I have been enrolled as a student at the University of the Virgin Islands on the St. Thomas campus from Fall 2013. During my studies at UVI, I encountered a number of difficulties doing my assignments. After my first visit to the Center for Student Success Learning Center, my understanding of the core concepts, particularly in English, Mathematics and Science, improved significantly. As a pre-nursing student, I am encouraging everyone who has difficulty with his or her assignments to feel free to visit CSS. The tutors are very helpful and knowledgeable about the subject matters. The supervisor of the Learning Center, Ms. Crawford, ensures that every student gets the help that he or she needs. Being a part of the Summer Bridge program was such a phenomenal experience for me. I had the ability to make new friends, live on campus, and attend classes at the same time. The different classes not only prepared me for college but it also prepared me to take the Placement Test. The teachers were great, the food was excellent and the great memories shared were unforgettable. I am really glad I took part in the Summer Bridge program; I am now a freshman here at UVI, not taking any skills courses. These are courses are usually given to students in their first year if their scores, after taking the test, did not meet the university’s requirement. I recommend any high school senior who plans to study here at UVI or on the mainland to take part in the Summer Bridge program. In my opinion, it is definitely a great way to start off a person’s freshman year in college. Center for Student Success CSS Math & Science Lab CSS recognizes outstanding performance of Learning Assistants During the Spring 2016 semester, the CSS Learning Center is staffed by a dedi- cated group of students who must all be recognized for their commitment in helping students to achieve their fullest potential. In this issue of the CSS Newsletter, special recognition will be bestowed upon Wael Abduljaber for his efforts and dedication in promoting and aiding in student success. Waeln Abduljaber Math & Science Center Learning Assistant Wael Abduljaber is a biology and chemistry master. A graduate of UVI, he aims to become a medical doctor in order to give back to his community. Given the strong immersion in mathematics required by his chosen profession, Wael offers his insight and understanding to advance his clientele’s comprehension of these subjects. Punctual, honest, and forthright he patiently works with his clients and provides them the support they need as they learn new con- cepts. He is single-minded about helping students learn and understand the world of life sciences. He is diligent –even persistent-- about offering his knowledge to those in need of it, as doing so is consistent with his own aspirational goals. A strong and faithful addition to the tutoring team, Wael’s gifts of persistence, commitment, and reliability are learning traits that he gladly passes on to the students he regularly interacts with. CSS Learning Center CSS recognizes outstanding performance of Learning Assistants During the Spring 2016 semester, the CSS Learning Center is staffed by a dedi- cated group of students who must all be recognized for their commitment in helping students to achieve their fullest potential. In this issue of the CSS Newsletter, special recognition will be bestowed upon Marvin Shelford for his efforts and dedication in promoting and aiding in student success. Marvin Shelford, a CSS Learning Assistant, serves the UVI community in various roles. Marvin is a Psychology major and is prepar- ing to graduate with his bachelor’s degree in 2016. He has made it his goal to strive for excellence and to soar above the many challenges along his academic journey. Nonetheless, inspite of all his accomplish- ments, Marvin has proven to be a selfless, altruistic individual by seeking ways in which he assist other students. Currently, Marvin tutors ENG 120-201 and SSC 327- 328. Marvin love and passion for tutoring is embedded from his teaching ex- perience at Basseterre High School on the island of St. Kitts. Marvin also spoke about his passion and how tutoring benefited him. “I am very passionate about tutoring students at CSS because helping others to succeed and achieve their goals, brings joy and contentment”. Marvin Shelford CSS Learning Assistant Center for Student Success A Thesis Statement Joey Emmanuel, Learning Assistant In every class that requires a writing assignment, there is a wide range of topics. The focus of each paper is usually a reflection of the class being taken. For example, the writer of an essay in a communications class may speak of the contrast between interpersonal and intrapersonal communication, whereas one who writes a research paper for marine biology may speak of the effects of global warming on his or her local shores. Although the topics of each may change, one mandatory element remains consistent across disciplines – the necessity for a strong thesis statement. In writing a strong thesis, one must always strive for an arguable claim and a clear indication of what will be discussed. Writing a strong thesis statement is not as difficult as some may think; in fact, a statement of such quality can feasibly be written in as little as two lines, as long as it is arguable. An example of an arguable claim would be as follows: “Although baseball is America’s pastime as far as sports are concerned, it has lost its popularity and impact in the United States behind football and basketball, respectively.” In having a claim that’s “arguable,” it has to be refutable to some degree; in other words, it has to invite an opposing viewpoint. For example, an opposing thesis may read as follows: “In spite of baseball not being the highest grossing sport in the United States, it has not only remained as America’s pastime, but it has also grown to have international impact.” Reading several opposing claims invites both discussion and respectable argumentation between writers, thus leading to the expansion of one’s ideas and the challenging of the reader’s opinions. Another important factor to include in a strong thesis is a clear indication of what will be discussed. This includes listing all relevant points of emphasis. Doing this creates an expectation of what is to come throughout a paper. Such a thesis may read like this: “The importance of exercise goes far beyond physical appearance; it promotes physical endurance, boosts self-esteem, and promotes social interaction.” When developing such an essay, usually each paragraph will expound upon each of the aforementioned points of emphasis. For longer papers requiring more extensive research, it is not uncommon for a thesis to have more than five points of emphasis in order to adequately state the paper’s direction. Regardless of the length of a thesis, clearly understanding the message the writer seeks to convey and his or her stance is important. Adding research to one’s paper, whether it is an essay or a nine-page research paper, strengthens one’s writing. Regardless, research without a strong thesis statement makes one’s paper similar to a house built on faulty foundation. CSS Writing Lab This article by Joey Emmanuel describes what a thesis statement is, how thesis statements work in your writing and how you can discover or refine one for your draft. Center for Student Success The Center for Student Success Fall 2015 workshop series were successful. CSS would like to say thank you to the students, staff, faculty, and departments who participated and continues to support the Center for Student Success. Upcoming Spring 2016 CSS Workshop Topics  How To Improve Your Memory (In collabora- tion with Student Af- fairs)  Accountability, Oppor- tunities and Rewards at UVI  Study Skills (In collaboration with Student Affairs)  Time Management (In collaboration with Student Affairs)  English Proficiency Examination Preparation (In collaboration with the College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences— EMLAH Department) Dates and times of work- shops will be announced at a later date. Additional workshops will also be announced at a later date. Recap of The Center for Student Success Fall 2015 Workshops EPE workshop—Dr. Cooper and participants EPE workshop—Dr. Rossignal and participants How To Improve Your Memory Center for Student Success The Center for Student Success continuously delivers information that will provide a solid foundation that can help point students on their way toward becoming a successful student. Developing lifelong friendships may be one of the most rewarding aspects of college life. This article has a few suggestions how to develop these types of friendships. Friendship Statistics  Between the ages of 15 and 25 is when most people establish lifelong friendships.  Singles tend to rely on friends for companionship.  Best friends usually become an extended family. Since many students who are in college may not have family or friends from high school nearby, they're looking for other people to study with and hang out. College friends are somewhat different than friends from high school because you bond in different ways. You may bond during late night study sessions, making dinner together, or during long drives home. In a way, they're somewhat like your family away from home. Some friends may make sure that you wake up in time for your midterm or make you soup when you're sick. During college there are a variety of ways to develop these friendships, which have the potential of becoming lifelong friendships. Living with Roommates Sometimes many students make lifelong friendships with their roommates. If you have a good experience with your roommate during your first year of college, you may want to continue living with that roommate. You may also decide to live with other people as well. Sharing a house or an apartment allows you to spend time with people and really get to know who they are. You may learn things that only their families know about them like how long they take in the shower or what kinds of odd things they like to eat. Living together also provides opportunities for a lot of inside jokes, which can create even stronger bonds. You may also become closer when one of you becomes sick, and the parental instinct kicks in. Joining a Club By joining a club, you may be able to find people who share similar interests. Usually college campuses offer a variety of clubs like those that are associated with academic majors, public interests, politics, music, or careers. There are also fraternities and sororities at different colleges. Clubs provide an opportunity to meet people outside of the classroom, and the opportunity for you to get involved with something that you're passionate about. Being involved in extracurricular activities may also alleviate some of your stress. Making Friends for Life Developing lifelong friendships does take some time. Don't be discouraged if the first couple of people you meet don't turn out to be the type of friends you were hoping for. You may need to keep on trying to meet new people. You may make friends with people who you wouldn't have considered being friends with before. If you feel uneasy about the friends you have made, try to remember what you liked about your friends from high school. Keep yourself surrounded by good people who share similar goals to help you stay on track. How To Develop Lifelong Friendships While in College, Hallmark Research Question of the Issue “How do you study?” Email your answer to the CSS newsletter editor at jprocto@uvi.edu with the subject line “How I pre- pare for my final exams” for a chance to see your response in our next CSS newsletter. Center for Student Success Contact Us Give us a call or send an email for more information about our services and products Center for Student Success #2 John Brewer’s Bay St. Thomas, USVI 00802-9990 (340) 693-1583 ijames@live.uvi.edu RR1 Box 10000 Kingshill, St. Croix, USVI 00850-9990 (340) 692-4140 mflemin@uvi.edu Visit us on the web at www.css.uvi.edu Congratulations!!! Mrs. Jennifer Palmer Crawford has served as a Student Success Specialist / Learning Center Supervisor at the Center for Student Success (CSS) and has provided excellent “students first” service during her time. Mrs. Palmer Crawford will continue to serve our students on the St. Thomas Campus as the Director of Residence Life at Student Housing. Congratulations goes out to Mrs. Jennifer Palmer Crawford!!! Mrs. Jennifer Palmer Crawford, Director of Student Life, St. Thomas Campus