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The President’s Report for this reporting period is organized into three sections. Part I provides highlights of new and ongoing presidential initiatives and institutional accomplishments since the last report, including a special feature segment. Part II highlights major accomplishments within the framework of Pathways to Greatness, the University’s new five-year strategic plan. This framework has been adopted to ensure that all Components and Departments across the University are focused on areas that the University has determined are the critical areas. Critical areas are defined as areas that provide opportunities for increased service, continued growth and development of our faculty, students, and staff, the extended presence of the University within the community milieu, and solidifying the financial health and expanding the financial capacity of the institution. Finally, Part III highlights significant accomplishments that are outside the scope of the current strategic plan, but that are important to the ongoing health of the University. PART I: PRESIDENTIAL INITIATIVES AND ACCOMPLISHMENTS As always, I am honored to share with the Board of Trustees highlights of the University’s activities and achievements for the reporting period. We continue to make important strides on the Pathways to Greatness. The accomplishments highlighted in this report are particularly noteworthy, given the significant fiscal challenges and constraints facing the University. These accomplishments speak to the commitment and resilience of the students, faculty, staff, and administrators of this institution. At the end of various accomplishments, some information is provided in brackets. The information relates to the performance goals included in Pathways to Greatness as well as the Management Values that govern the way we ―do business‖ at UVI. Thus, ―P2G 1A; MV-1‖ refers to an achievement in support of performance goal 1A within Pathways to Greatness. Additionally, the information would signal that the accomplishment also demonstrates our efforts at functioning as a high performing institution. President’s Report to the Board of Trustees Reporting Period: October 1, 2012 – January 31, 2013 Dr. David Hall, President 2 Board of Trustees Meeting: March 9, 2013 Albert A. Sheen Campus Students and faculty have had many notable achievements for the reporting period. Some are highlighted in this section and others are presented in Part II of this report. Student Achievements  Four NSF SEAGEP (National Science Foundation South Eastern Alliance for Graduate Education and the Professoriate) scholars attended the Society for Advancement of Chicanos and Native Americans in Science SACNAS conference in Seattle, Washington, October 11- 14, 2012. UVI is a partner institution in NSF SEAGEP, which is a network of universities dedicated to increasing the number of underrepresented minorities obtaining graduate degrees in science, technology, engineering and mathematics.  UVI students won a number of awards at the Annual Biomedical Research Conference for Minority Students in San Jose, California in November, 2012. UVI students took home a total of six awards at the conference. Over 3,000 persons attended the conference and over 1,800 students presented their research. Students from a variety of majors attended from UVI, including Science, Mathematics and Psychology.  In fall 2012, nine students from the St. Thomas campus and eleven from the Albert A. Sheen campus attended the Thurgood Marshall College Fund’s 12th Annual Leadership Institute and Career Fair in New York City. The conference aims to prepare students for leadership roles by offering professional development seminars.  Three students with their professor conducted research in the Biotechnology & Agroforestry program. During the fall semester the students compared parental varieties of sorrel with new UVI hybrids under field production, and evaluated the influence of the papaya sex on plant height and fruit production. Two students presented their research results at the Southern Association of Agricultural Scientists in early February 2013. In December 2012, Dr. Zimmerman and UVI student Kenya Emanuel were featured on the VI government channel Fresh from the Farm discussing sorrel research at UVI. [P2G 1C; MV-1; MV-2] President’s Report to the Board of Trustees Reporting Period: October 1, 2012 – January 31, 2013 Dr. David Hall, President 3 Board of Trustees Meeting: March 9, 2013 Albert A. Sheen Campus  In the Horticulture & Aquaculture program of AES, two students evaluated heat-tolerant varieties of tomato, one worked on the establishment of rootstocks of mango and avocado for grafting, and another began her second trial on weed management in watermelon. A fourth UVI student is conducting an aquaponic research project monitoring chemical parameters in the system including pH, ammonia, nitrate and oxygen. [P2G 1C; MV-1; MV-2] Achievements of Recent Graduates  Leeanna Hyacinth, a fall 2012 graduate of the dual degree engineering program with Columbia University has begun a PhD program at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, in Computational Biology. Faculty Achievements Faculty made significant strides with respect to scholarly activities during the reporting period. These achievements will be presented in terms of type of scholarly work and recognition of faculty by external entities.  Faculty members in the College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences and the School of Nursing had scholarly work published, as noted below.  Callwood, Gloria B., PhD, Doris Campbell, PhD, ARNP, FAAN. Faye Gary, EdD, FAAN, and Michael L. Radelet, PhD. (2012). Health and Health Care in the U.S. Virgin Islands: Challenges and Perceptions. ABNF Journal. Volume 23, Number 1 Winter, 2012. Inihms] Manuscript #370925  Gould, David. Pearl of Great Price: A Literary Translation of the Middle English Pearl. Lanham, Maryland: University Press of America, 2012  Lucea MB, Francis L, Sabri B, Campbell JC, Campbell DW. (2012) Disordered eating among African American and African Caribbean women: The influence of intimate partner violence, depression, and PTSD. Issues in Mental Health Nursing, Aug; 33(8):513-21. doi: 10.3109/01612840.2012.687037. PM I D:22849778. (Publication Supported through UVI’s Caribbean Exploratory Research Center)  Nicholls, Robert Wyndham. 2012. The Jumbies’ Playing Ground: Old World Influences on Afro- Creole Masquerades in the Eastern Caribbean. The University Press of Mississippi. 304 pages  Njie-Carr V., Sharps P, Campbell D., Callwood G. (2012). Experiences of HIV-positive African- American and African Caribbean childbearing women: A qualitative study. J Natl Black Nurses Assoc. Jul; 23(1):21-8.PMID:23061166 President’s Report to the Board of Trustees Reporting Period: October 1, 2012 – January 31, 2013 Dr. David Hall, President 4 Board of Trustees Meeting: March 9, 2013 Albert A. Sheen Campus  Royes, Gillian. (2012) The Man who Turned both Cheeks. Atria Imprint, Simon and Schuster, NY, 2012. 385 pages.  Stockman JK, Lucea. MB, Draughon JE, Sabri B, Anderson JC, Bertrand ID, Campbell DW, Callwood GB, Campbell JC. (2012). Intimate partner violence and HIV risk factors among African-American and African-Caribbean women in clinic-based settings. AIDS Care. Sep 25. [Epub ahead of print]PMID:23006050.  Faculty members in the School of Nursing, College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences, and the College of Science and Mathematics made presentations at regional, national or international conferences. Specifically:  Callwood, G; Michael, N.; Bertrand, D.; Campbell, J.; Campbell, D. et al. (2012). Protecting Haiti Women and Children Earthquake Survivors from Violence and Abuse. Poster presentation at the 2012 Summit on the Science of Eliminating Health Disparities. National Harbor, MD. December 16-19.  Ekici, C. (2012). Design Based Grounding of REALMs for Mathematics Teachers Professional Identity Development. Paper presented at the 37th Annual meeting of the Georgia Educational Research Association in Savannah, Georgia, October 18-20.  Engerman, K. (2012). The Use of Creative Problem Solving as Curriculum Enhancement to STEM Retention. Paper presented at the 19th Annual HBCU Faculty Development Network Conference, Orlando, FL; October 18-20.  Sekou, M. (2012). Overcoming the Colonial Mindset in the US Virgin Islands. Paper presented at the Caribbean Studies Association Conference in Guadeloupe.  Faculty members in the School of Nursing made presentations at local conferences or to local organizations or groups, as delineated below:  Allmacher, J. (2012). The Environment, Social Justice, and Health Disparities: Implications for Minority Populations. Paper presented at the CERC Fifth Annual Health Disparities Institute. St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands. October 17-19.  Callwood, G.B. & Michael, N. (2012). Violence and Abuse of Women and Girls Following the Haiti Earthquake of 2010. CERC Fifth Annual Health Disparities Institute. St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands. October 17-19.  Jimenez, C. (2012). Fetal Monitoring: New Nomenclature. Paper presented at the Juan Luis Hospital’s Women and Children’s Conference Fall 2012; St. Croix, US Virgin Islands President’s Report to the Board of Trustees Reporting Period: October 1, 2012 – January 31, 2013 Dr. David Hall, President 5 Board of Trustees Meeting: March 9, 2013 Albert A. Sheen Campus  The following faculty served as keynote speakers at regional events:  Howard, M. Keynote speaker, 28th Biennial Conference, Caribbean Nurses Organization, Surinam.  Jones-Hendrickson, S. Keynote Address, 17th Sir Arthur Lewis Memorial Lecture at the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank Headquarters, St. Kitts. As required, the University submitted to the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE), the entity that accredits UVI, a Periodic Review Report (PRR) in June 2012. The PRR is a standard delivery at the mid-point of an evaluation cycle. In mid-November, the Commission met to take action on deliverables submitted by various institutions of higher education. At its meeting, the Commission took two actions relative to UVI: 1) accepted the Periodic Review Report submitted in June 2012 and, 2) reaffirmed UVI’s accreditation. The actions taken are particularly noteworthy since neither progress letters nor monitoring reports are required. Further, the report was accepted with no recommendations. This is an impressive outcome for UVI that should not be taken for granted. By comparison, of the 51 colleges/universities that submitted Periodic Review Reports to the Middle States Commission in 2011, 30 received a warning, probation, postponement, or were required to submit progress or monitoring reports. Although similar data are not available for 2012, UVI’s outcome in this area is yet another marker that we are indeed on the Pathway to Greatness. In the last President’s Report to the Board presented at the October 2012 Board of Trustees meeting, I shared five projects that would be funded through Title III Part B funds over the period October 1, 2012 through September 30, 2017. In this report, I am pleased to share the significant progress that has been made with one of the projects, specifically, Teaching Radio Communication. This project, developed to enhance the broadcast journalism program and to incorporate radio production in the broadcast journalism program has done just that. After many years of teaching radio broadcasting and broadcast journalism with a mock studio, UVI now has its own radio station, WUVI, The Voice of the University, broadcasting on the AM frequency, 1090. The University entered into a lease agreement with WGOD and is now broadcasting on the AM frequency of WGOD. President’s Report to the Board of Trustees Reporting Period: October 1, 2012 – January 31, 2013 Dr. David Hall, President 6 Board of Trustees Meeting: March 9, 2013 Albert A. Sheen Campus WUVI went live on January 9, 2013 and broadcasts from 6:00 am to 6:00 pm daily. The station features local culture and local music, UVI news, and shows about mathematics and literacy produced by UVI faculty. The station is a Pacifica Affiliate which allows the station to bring programs like Democracy Now to the VI. The station is also a ZBS affiliate which brings daily radio drama to the airwaves. WUVI’s faculty advisor is Prof. Alexander Randall 5th, Chair Music, Communication Art and Theatre and the Station Manager is April Knight, a UVI alumna. Contact information for the station manager is: arfale.wuvi@gmail.com - 1 (340) 642-9224. The station’s business and facsimile is 340-643-1099 and the on air call in number is 340-643-1090. Currently, UVI has an agreement with Boston University School of Medicine (BUSM) which guarantees early acceptance into BUSM for UVI juniors who meet admissions’ requirements. As a result of this agreement, on an annual basis, UVI undergraduates are admitted (early) into BUSM. This involves an initial summer residency to acclimate UVI students to the expected demands of BUSM. Because of this longstanding relationship between UVI and BUSM, beginning in January 2013, UVI will serve as the home-base for BUSM medical students completing residency rotations at the Schneider Regional Medical Center on St. Thomas. One group of students has completed the cycle and several other cycles of students will be residing at UVI, while completing their residency. Building on UVI’s relationship with BUSM, UVI has begun preliminary work in support of the exploration of the feasibility of establishing a School of Medicine at UVI. An initial meeting with representatives from the Juan F. Luis Hospital and Medical Center, the Schneider Regional Hospital and Medical Center, and BUSM was held in late January. At that meeting, various stakeholders discussed the benefits to the medical facilities and the Territory of UVI’s efforts towards undertaking a feasibility study to determine the viability of adding a medical school to the University. Funding for the feasibility study has been identified through the efforts of Governor deJongh. He was able to identify and request funding through the Public Finance Authority and the Economic Development Authority. President’s Report to the Board of Trustees Reporting Period: October 1, 2012 – January 31, 2013 Dr. David Hall, President 7 Board of Trustees Meeting: March 9, 2013 Albert A. Sheen Campus The feasibility study has begun and we anticipate being able to provide a progress update on this initiative at the June 2013 Board meeting. University Bound When the University received its FY2012-2013 appropriation information from the Office of Management and Budget, it was determined that there was an error in the funding level and through legislation, an adjustment needed to be made. Through the legislation to correct the error, Bill NO. 29-0443, the University was also to have received the restoration of the 8% by which its general fund appropriations had been reduced to support the overall 8% reduction assessed all agencies receiving general fund appropriations from the local government. Because the University’s Upward Bound application was not funded, the University took the opportunity to seek an amendment to Bill No. 29-0443 such that the funding needed to carry out the programs and services traditionally delivered through the Upward Bound program could continue to be provided. The requested funding was received, at a level of $355,901, the full amount requested by the University. Because the program is no longer funded by the federal government, the name ―Upward Bound‖ could not be used. Therefore, the University is now offering the program University Bound, to high school students who would traditionally be served through the Upward Bound program. Anti-Violence and Peace Initiative In October 2012, a Town Meeting was held which connected both campuses and the St. John Academic Learning Center. This initiative has been undertaken in memory of one of our former students, David Payne, who was tragically gunned down only months after graduating with his B.A. in Education and while he was a graduate student pursuing an M.A. in Education. Coming out of the Town Hall meeting were over 40 recommendations on how UVI could be a pro-active force in the reduction of violence in our community. The recommendations fell into one of four general areas, namely advocacy, outreach, research or policy. Following the Town Hall meeting, a Task Force was convened to review the recommendations and propose ―next steps‖. President’s Report to the Board of Trustees Reporting Period: October 1, 2012 – January 31, 2013 Dr. David Hall, President 8 Board of Trustees Meeting: March 9, 2013 Albert A. Sheen Campus To ensure that the early efforts of this initiative are institutionalized, the Anti-Violence and Peace Initiative (AVPI) will be housed in the Eastern Caribbean Center (ECC) and will be co-sponsored by the Center for the Study of Spirituality and Professionalism (CSAP). The strategy moving forward includes the creation of an Advisory Board to provide guidance and support and the hiring of a part-time director who will be responsible for working with Institutional Advancement to secure ongoing funding for the initiative. Seed funding in the amount of $50,000 has been provided by the Foundation for the University of the Virgin Islands to help launch the Initiative. Eventually external funding will be sought through grants and contracts to continue the work of AVPI. Grand Opening of Geospatial Laboratory and Caribbean Green Technology Center The opening of the Geospatial Laboratory and a new facility to house the Caribbean Green Technology Center on the St. Thomas campus of UVI took place on Wednesday, January 30, 2013. The Geospatial Laboratory has been established for the analysis of geographic and spatial data and will be used by researchers at the University of the Virgin Islands and throughout the territory. Capabilities include the production of elevation maps, regulatory maps, and the analysis of environmental data using Geographic Information Systems. The Caribbean Green Technology Center’s vision is to serve as an intellectual hub for learning, networking, and innovation across the Caribbean, in all areas pertaining to green technology. The mission of the Caribbean Green Technology Center is to foster research, education, and public service on sustainability. These infrastructural improvements are significant expansions of the Territory’s research capacity and were funded by the Virgin Islands Experimental Program to Stimulate Competitive Research, VI-EPSCoR. The day before the grand opening the Center sponsored a workshop on renewable energy for members of the 30th Legislature. Grand Opening of Center for Student Success Learning Center The new CSS Learning Center was officially opened during a ceremony held on Thursday, January 31st. The Center is located in Room 101 of the Classroom Administration building (CA101). One of the highlights of the ceremony was a testimonial from a non-traditional student, a working mother, who described how the assistance she had received through the Center for Student Success was critical to her success in a course in which she had been experiencing academic challenges. This success in turn gave her the confidence to continue her President’s Report to the Board of Trustees Reporting Period: October 1, 2012 – January 31, 2013 Dr. David Hall, President 9 Board of Trustees Meeting: March 9, 2013 Albert A. Sheen Campus academic pursuits and she is now on track to graduate within the next year. It is anticipated that the addition of the Learning Center to the Center for Student Success (CSS) will encourage more traffic from students needing assistance and help fulfill CSS’ mission to retain and graduate more students. Gift from Mahogany Run The University continues to be the beneficiary of the largesse of donors. Most recently, the University received five (5) ―gently used‖ golf carts from the Mahogany Run management on St. Thomas. This donation was secured by Trustee Nugent-Hill and we acknowledge her support of the University in this regard. Since the golf carts were turned over to the University late last year, they have been primarily used by the Security and Physical Plant Departments. The President for a Day Initiative was implemented in fall 2012. A nominating committee comprised of one cabinet member, two administrators, SGA presidents, and two faculty members reviewed applications and selected the top three students and subsequently the finalist, Marsha Laurencin, Biology major, was selected in December 2012 to serve as UVI’s first ever, President for a Day. During the week of February 11-15, 2013, Ms. Laurencin shadowed President Hall, attending various meetings to get acquainted with the President’s schedule as well as his Cabinet. Then, on Monday, February 18— President’s Day—President David Hall and Biology major Marsha Laurencin reversed roles as part of UVI’s first- ever President for a Day initiative, held on the St. Thomas campus. Student Hall gave up his corner office and executive assistant for a backpack and science classes. Ms. Laurencin swapped classes and textbooks for executive meetings and a brief case. Student Hall began his day of course work and student activities by walking to the upper campus and attending an Organic Chemistry class, while Laurencin spent the morning meeting with the President’s executive staff, touring the Administration and Conference Center and visiting with staff, and meeting with the leadership of the St. Thomas campus Student Government Association. Her afternoon included lunch with UVI Trustee Edward Thomas and a special meeting of the President's Cabinet. Student Hall’s afternoon involved walking to President’s Report to the Board of Trustees Reporting Period: October 1, 2012 – January 31, 2013 Dr. David Hall, President 10 Board of Trustees Meeting: March 9, 2013 Albert A. Sheen Campus the McClean Center of Marine and Environmental Studies to attend a two-hour lab where he dissected a lionfish and analyzed lionfish behavior. His class schedule ended his day with a Zumba Class at UVI’s Wellness Center. Following his last class, Student Hall settled into his room as West Hall and also had dinner in the Dining Pavilion. President for a Day Laurencin ended her day at the office with a Seaside Chat with the leadership of Sisters with Purpose at the Presidential Guest House, where she also spent the night. The experience concluded with a public presentation three days after the role switch. The session, video- conferenced to both campuses and the St. John Learning Center, was well attended by students, staff, and faculty. Largely due to the University’s ―50 for 50 Challenge‖ given to the Institutional Advancement Component at the start of the University’s Golden Jubilee Celebration, UVI’s alumni giving rate skyrocketed to an unprecedented 42% (from 13%), one of highest in the nation. The increase in the alumni giving rate from 13% to 42% represents a 223% increase in the giving rate from the beginning to the end of the fiscal year. This miraculous achievement was captured in an opinion piece entitled The Virgin Islands Miracle, which I wrote in December 2012. Through the efforts of the Public Relations Office, the article has been shared with the rest of the nation. To date, the article has received placement in five national publications, including the Huffington Post College. The specific locations where The Virgin Islands Miracle, or a report on the alumni giving rate has been published are noted below:  Academic Impressions, Jan. 25, 2013: https://www.academicimpressions.com/news/taking-campaign- beyond-campus-events-case-study  Tom Joyner Foundation, Jan. 9, 2013: http://tomjoynerfoundation.org/school-of-the-month/virgin- islands-miracle/  Huffington Post College, Jan. 8, 2012: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/dr-david-hall/college-alumni- fundraising_b_2432389.html  HBCU Connect, Dec. 24, 2012: http://hbcuconnect.com/cgi-bin/blog.cgi?cid=1&blog_id=243098. HBCU Connect also featured a link to the article on their Facebook page (which has 70,726 likes) and on their Twitter Page (which has 30,651 followers). [In addition HBCU Connect also posted the entire UVI Strategic Plan video on its website at this link: http://hbcuconnect.com/content/243672/get-connected- to-our-featured-hbcu-university-of-the-virgin-islands.] President’s Report to the Board of Trustees Reporting Period: October 1, 2012 – January 31, 2013 Dr. David Hall, President 11 Board of Trustees Meeting: March 9, 2013 Albert A. Sheen Campus  HBCU Digest, Dec. 17, 2012: (http://hbcudigest.com/letter-to-the-editor-the-virgin-islands-alumni- giving-miracle/#more-77175). Additionally, The Virgin Islands Miracle is available on the UVI website from the Office of the President Homepage at http://www.uvi.edu/sites/uvi/Pages/President-Home.aspx?s=OS and from the direct link: http://www.uvi.edu/sites/uvi/Pages/News_Show.aspx?newsId=488&s=CO&sectionCode=President&typeCode During the reporting period the University hosted the 3rd Annual Male Empowerment (Man Up) Conference during the period February 4 and 5, 2013 under the theme ―Man Up: Discovering Your Gifts and Talents.‖ Numerous participants reported that the conference was well presented and included many moments of motivation, inspiration and encouragement for young men to realize their potential and discover the inherent gifts and talents that lie dormant within them. Featured speakers and presented included Dr. Benjamin Carson, Professor M. K. Asante, Mrs. Celia Carroll, Mr. Keidran Jones, Mr. Omari George, and Mr. Delyno Brown. Mr. Rashidi Clenance also did an outstanding job in guiding the activities of the day. A special feature of the conference was the hosting of two well attended meet and greet events with Dr. Carson. A significant cross-section of the medical, legal, and business communities supported these events and approximately $45K was raised to establish an endowed scholarship in support of the male initiative as well as to help defray some of the costs associated with hosting the conference. Planning has already begun for the 4th Annual Male Empowerment Conference set for February 3 and 4, 2014 on St. Croix and St. Thomas, respectively. The annual male empowerment conference is a production of Brothers with a Cause and is supported by numerous University personnel and volunteers. This year’s sponsors included the USVI Departments of Education and Human Services, College Access Challenge Grant, the Prior Family Foundation, and Title III. Safety and security have been key focus areas for the University over the past several years. This focus has been sparked in part because of the reality that both campuses of the University are open campuses. This has been coupled with the trend nationally relative to incidents on various college and university campuses. As such, the President’s Report to the Board of Trustees Reporting Period: October 1, 2012 – January 31, 2013 Dr. David Hall, President 12 Board of Trustees Meeting: March 9, 2013 Albert A. Sheen Campus University has renewed its commitment to proactively address safety and security issues across both campuses. Thus, we are pleased to report progress in this area on both campuses. To address some of the security issues on the Albert A. Sheen campus, the installation of electronic gates for access control to the campus was substantially completed January 2013. The gates include electronic, programmable card access and two-way (voice and video) communication with the Security Department. The access gates were installed towards the entrance of the campus on Palm Drive. Once fully functional, the gates will be in operation between the hours of 11:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. daily as well as during periods when the institution is closed. Outstanding work to complete this project includes the data and video connection to the Security Department. On the St. Thomas campus, in an ongoing effort to enhance the safety and security, additional security cameras are being installed throughout the campus and positioning of existing cameras is being evaluated. Some cameras have been repositioned to provide constant surveillance of areas that have been identified as critical. Targeted critical areas for additional cameras include student residential units, dining facility, Marine Science, Penha House, the Administration and Conference Center, roadways and parking areas. One of two approved electronic gates has been installed. The gate is located on the main campus road between Pehna House (Security Headquarters) and New House (Cooperative Extension Services). The gates will be closed between the hours of 12:00 am and 5:00 a.m. during normal working days and on holidays. Gate access will be provided via an intercom system and a card swipe system. The Security Department is collaborating with the Information & Technology Services (ITS) Component with respect to programming of the access systems and with Student Services on testing with student IDs. These security enhancements were possible through a grant received from the Foundation for the University of the Virgin Islands. As mentioned in my October 2012 President’s Report to the Board, the University has been experiencing a downward trend in our enrollment at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. Of particular note has been the enrollment decline on the Albert A. Sheen campus. We are experiencing lower numbers at the graduate level also President’s Report to the Board of Trustees Reporting Period: October 1, 2012 – January 31, 2013 Dr. David Hall, President 13 Board of Trustees Meeting: March 9, 2013 Albert A. Sheen Campus across both campuses. After many discussions, we have adopted a strategy to reverse the current trend, which includes the use of a firm that has experience in the area of recruitment. One of the long-term actions focuses on positioning the University to be able to increase enrollment through the offering of online bachelor, associate, and master programs. To do so, the Office of the Provost, through the Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning, has contracted with the former director of Distance Education at the University of California, Irvine, to deliver a course aimed at training a cohort of 15 UVI faculty representing all colleges and schools to deliver online or hybrid courses. The aim is to develop standards and uniformity for UVI online courses. The course is being offered during spring 2013 Through a power point presentation, I will provide a more comprehensive review of this challenge and other strategies we have employed to date, as well as the anticipated results from the current strategy. At the October 2010 Board of Trustees meeting, I began awarding the Presidential Appreciation Awards. At that time, I indicated that this award would be given for exemplary work by a Component during the reporting period covered in the President’s Report to the Board. The scope of the Presidential Appreciation Awards has since expanded to include academic and administrative units, as well as other entities. As such, I am today, recognizing the University’s Emergency Management Committee under the leadership of Ms. Nereida Washington, Director of Campus Operations for the Albert A. Sheen Campus. The Emergency Management Committee leads the University’s efforts in preparedness and is responsible for reviewing and updating all hazard plans; preparing training curricula; serving as ex-officio members of the Preparedness Disaster Teams; training the Emergency Preparedness/Disaster Teams and Emergency Operations Area Representatives; selecting the Emergency Service Coordinators (ESCs) and alternates to VITEMA annually, and sharing information for promulgation to the UVI community. Under the able leadership provided by Ms. Washington, the University has, for the first time, a comprehensive disaster management plan, the Emergency Response Plan. I salute the members of the EMC and look forward to their continued leadership in the area of emergency preparedness to ensure that UVI is engaged in President’s Report to the Board of Trustees Reporting Period: October 1, 2012 – January 31, 2013 Dr. David Hall, President 14 Board of Trustees Meeting: March 9, 2013 Albert A. Sheen Campus meaningful and ongoing training and related activities so that the institution is poised to deal with various emergency situations that arise. PART II: MAJOR ACCOMPLISHMENTS PRESENTED WITHIN THE FRAMEWORK OF PATHWAYS TO GREATNESS In presenting major accomplishments for the reporting period within the framework of the new strategic plan, ―Pathway to Greatness,‖ a brief summary statement of each of the six focus areas will be provided, followed by associated accomplishments. The University of the Virgin Islands is a learner-centered institution dedicated to the success of its students and committed to enhancing the lives of the people of the U.S. Virgin Islands and the wider Caribbean through excellent teaching, innovative research, and responsive community service. This commitment has been articulated in the University’s 2012-2017 strategic plan, Pathways to Greatness, through the development of performance goals that address the following seven academic issues: accredited programs, improved classrooms, research collaborations, community outreach, creation of academic centers, producing global students, and excellent faculty. The accomplishments that follow speak to progress during the reporting period in addressing one or more of the seven academic issues.  As a result of opportunities for faculty research and scholarship provided by the Caribbean Exploratory Research Center (CERC), the following presentations were made at the Council for the Advancement of Nursing Science, Annual Conference, September 2012 {UVI faculty are noted in bold.}  Prevalence of Intimate Partner Abuse and Associated Injury Outcomes in African Caribbean and African American Women, Campbell, J.; Campbell, D.: Bertrand, D.; Sharps, P.; Bolyard, R.; & Yarandi, H.  Associations between Intimate Partner Abuse and Reproductive Outcomes Among Women of African Descent. Paterno, M; Bertrand, D.; Campbell, D.; Chappell; Stockman, J.; Sharps, P.; & Campbell, J. President’s Report to the Board of Trustees Reporting Period: October 1, 2012 – January 31, 2013 Dr. David Hall, President 15 Board of Trustees Meeting: March 9, 2013 Albert A. Sheen Campus  Mental Health Outcomes of Partner Abuse in African Caribbean and African American Women, Callwood, GB, Campbell, D.; Bertrand, D.; Sutton, L.; Campbell, J.; Sharps, P.; Sabri, B.; & Yarandi, H.  The Effect of Intimate Partner Violence and Substance Abuse on Exchange Sex: Investigating the SAVA Syndemic Among African American and African Caribbean Women, Lucea, M.; Stockman, J.; Draughon, J.; Bertrand, D.; Campbell, J.; & Campbell, D.  Traumatic Brain Injury in African Caribbean and African American Women Experiencing Intimate Partner Abuse, Campbell, J.; McFadgion, A.; Campbell, D.; Yarandi,H.; Bertrand, D.; & Bolyard, R  As a result of opportunities for faculty research and scholarship provided by the Caribbean Exploratory Research Center (CERC), the following presentations were made at the ICOWHI 19th International Congress on ―Women’s Health 2012: Partnering for a Brighter Global Future‖. Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand, November 14-16. {UVI faculty noted in bold.}  Investigating the Effect of Intimate Partner Violence and Substance Abuse on Exchange Sex Among Women of African Descent, Lucea, M. Stockman, J.; Draughon, J; Bertrand, D.; Campbell, J.; & Campbell, D.  Recurring Health Problems in African Caribbean and African American Women Experiencing Intimate Partner Violence, Bertrand, D.  In support of academic expansion, the College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences (CLASS) added two new minors: Political Science and Caribbean Cultural Studies. Additionally, beginning in spring 2013, CLASS started offering music courses on the Albert A. Sheen campus in response to students’ interest as well as building on the residency of artist Dion Parsons for the academic year. [P2G 1B]  Faculty in the Agricultural Experiment Station (AES) unit of the Research and Public Service (RPS) arm of the Provost Component had scholarly work published in peer-reviewed journals during the reporting period, as noted below.  Godfrey, R.W., M.C. Vinson and R.C. Ketring. 2012. Evaluation of split-feeding regimens on growth and productivity of hair sheep ewes and lambs in the tropics. J. Anim. Vet. Adv. 11:2747- 2752.  Nandwani, D. 2012. Growth and yield response of hot peppers in the US Virgin Islands. Ag. Sci. Res. J. 2:635-657. [P2G, 1A; MV-1] President’s Report to the Board of Trustees Reporting Period: October 1, 2012 – January 31, 2013 Dr. David Hall, President 16 Board of Trustees Meeting: March 9, 2013 Albert A. Sheen Campus  As part of the Beginning Farmer and Rancher Program on vegetable production, the AES and CES units within RPS, and the VI Department of Agriculture (VIDA), worked collaboratively to provide training on eggplant and okra cultivation to 30 participants. The Agronomy section (of AES) presented a workshop and conducted hands-on training on St Thomas for 15 sheep and goat producers. The training focused on how to better manage grazing and parasites in animals. [P2G, 1C; MV-1, MV-2]  AES staff made two presentations to students at Ivanna Eudora Kean High School (IEKHS) on St. Thomas about aquaponics. IEKHS has installed an aquaponic system that is being used by teachers to instruct students enrolled in biology, chemistry, or mathematics classes, through the system’s operation. This connection of UVI with the high school increases the potential of recruitment of IEKHS graduates to UVI. [P2G, 1C; MV-1, MV-2]  ECC began its fifth year of data collection for the Parent Satisfaction Survey for Special Education Services, an annual survey of all parents of children receiving special education services in the St. Thomas/St. John and St. Croix school districts. [P2G, 1D; MV-2] As noted previously, UVI’s mission explicitly articulates its commitment to the success of its students and has as one of its core values ―Students First‖. As such, Pathways to Greatness delineates five (5) key areas specific to student development and success, namely: student access and enrollment, student retention and graduation, student development services, student achievement and recognition, and student satisfaction. The accomplishments that follow speak to progress during the reporting period in addressing one or more of the five areas.  The School of Nursing has a number of service learning projects involving students. The following projects represent students’ research as part of the clinical experience for the NUR 418 Community Health: [P2G 2A; MV-1]  Health Teaching on Diabetes Care: hypertension diets and natural (local herbal) medications to treat individuals in a communal residence for elderly; President’s Report to the Board of Trustees Reporting Period: October 1, 2012 – January 31, 2013 Dr. David Hall, President 17 Board of Trustees Meeting: March 9, 2013 Albert A. Sheen Campus  Teaching sessions at shelter for victims of Domestic Violence on abusive behaviors;  Breaking the cycle of abuse and health topics for young mothers;  Teaching sessions at Family Planning Clinic on teen pregnancy and STDs;  Implementation of the Health Connections program which teaches fifth graders about such topics as nutrition, conflict management and bullying;  Teaching sessions aimed at troubled teenagers who receive schooling daily at a community based facility;  Weekly health promotion sessions for mentally ill who participate in a community day program;  Group teaching and physical examination of residents in a homeless shelter.  The Department of Education’s St. Thomas-St. John district reported that four of the 50 participants were currently on the honor roll, and 75% of the participants successfully progressing through their courses. As a follow up to the summer program, UVI has partnered with Delta Sigma Theta (DST) Sorority, Incorporated and the Department of Education, St. Thomas-St. John district, to have Saturday sessions with the participants and offer DST’s EMBODI (Empowering Males to Build Opportunities for Developing Independence) program that is designed and offered by DST nationally to address issues pertinent to African American males. EMBODI commenced on February 16, 2012, with members of Brothers With A Cause serving as mentors.  ECC also produced written reports based on the results of the UVI Graduate Exit Survey and UVI Dining Pavilion Survey. The results of both surveys were shared with the staff of Student Affairs. Both reports implemented research-based approaches to inform administrators, faculty and staff of student opinions regarding their experiences at UVI. [P2G 2B; MV-2]  The new Blackboard Learn course management system was rolled out after a year of focus group and intense testing by faculty. The Center for Excellence in Training and Learning (CETL) is offering training sessions throughout the spring 2013 semester for faculty and students to effectively and efficiently use BlackBoard Learn. A self‐paced tutorial has been developed that will help orient users to the look and feel of this new version. Improvements include expanded and updated Browser Support to better support Firefox, Chrome, Safari, and Opera, eliminating the need to jump between browsers. Faculty also have the President’s Report to the Board of Trustees Reporting Period: October 1, 2012 – January 31, 2013 Dr. David Hall, President 18 Board of Trustees Meeting: March 9, 2013 Albert A. Sheen Campus ability to drag and drop to move courses, the introduction of course structures that realign the navigation menu to be consistent with the pedagogical needs of the course type, and the distinction between lab, lecture and course themes. [P2G 2H; MV-1]  The Libraries are now offering access to several new trial research databases. Trial access is available for 90 days. To begin utilizing these new databases, go to http://library.uvi.edu; click on Databases in the silver bar; click on EBSCO Host Research Databases; click on the name of the database(s) you wish to use. The trial research databases are:  Academic Search™ Complete is the world's most valuable and comprehensive scholarly, multidisciplinary full‐text database. Featuring thousands of full‐text journals, this scholarly collection offers unmatched coverage of information spanning a broad range of important areas of academic study.  Business Source® Premier: This is the industry's most popular business research database, features the full text for more than 2,100 journals. Full text is provided back to 1965, and searchable cited references back to 1998. Journal ranking studies reveal that Business Source® Premier's full‐text coverage outshines its competitors in all business disciplines, including marketing, management, MIS, POM, accounting, finance and economics.  Newspaper Source™ Plus includes more than 1,000 full‐text newspapers, providing more than 38 million full‐text articles. The database contains comprehensive full text for major national and international newspapers.  World Politics Review: a daily online publication and resource for foreign policy professionals and readers with a serious interest in international politics and foreign affairs.  Environment Complete™: This resource offers deep coverage in applicable areas of agriculture, ecosystem ecology, energy, renewable energy sources, natural resources, marine & freshwater science, geography, pollution & waste management, environmental technology, environmental law, public policy, social impacts, urban planning, and more. [P2G 2H; MV-2] Recognizing its responsibility in the areas of service, collaboration, and leadership in the local and regional communities, UVI, particularly through the Research and Public Service (RPS) arm of the Provost Component, focuses on community engagement, service, and outreach. There is also a variety of specific initiatives with a local President’s Report to the Board of Trustees Reporting Period: October 1, 2012 – January 31, 2013 Dr. David Hall, President 19 Board of Trustees Meeting: March 9, 2013 Albert A. Sheen Campus or regional community focus, many of which are spearheaded by one of the academic units across the University. Mechanisms have been put in place to obtain input from the wider community so as to be more responsive to community needs. The University’s current strategic plan, Pathways to Greatness, clearly conveys the University’s commitment to expanding its role to more significantly impact the lives of the people of the Virgin Islands, the Eastern Caribbean, and the world. The accomplishments that follow speak to progress during the reporting period in addressing various aspects of community engagement and globalization.  The Caribbean Exploratory Research Center hosted the 5th Annual Health Disparities Institute, with the theme, Ending Health Disparities: Health, Environment and Social Justice in the Caribbean and Beyond in October 2012. [P2G 3A; MV-2]  The Virgin Islands Writing Project culminated its 10th anniversary celebration in November, 2012 with its 4th annual conference on literacy. The conference theme was, Literacy for All Times. [P2G 3A; MV-2]  The Virgin Islands University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities (VIUCEDD) had a number of activities that were service oriented, and community focused: [P2G 3A; MV-2]  Collaborated with Head Start, St. Croix in The Back to School Meet and Greet. This program, attended by 75 parents, facilitated the review of Head Start policies and procedures.  ―The Magic Wand of Positive Consequences‖ workshop, sponsored by VIUCEDD, the Disability Rights Center and Inter-Island Parent Coalition for Change, focused on helping parents and caregivers to understand their children’s misbehavior and provide steps for parents that could improve the behavior. A total of 62 persons attended (St. Thomas and St. Croix)  Hosted its Ninth Annual Voices That Count forum: ―An Inclusive Workforce is a Strong Workforce‖. This four-day forum addressed policy and legislative issues through a format that enabled persons with disabilities and their family members, advocates, service providers and the general public to interface with and ask questions of candidates for the legislature and the U.S. congress. There were 225 attendees over the four-day period (St. Thomas and St. Croix)  The Eastern Caribbean Center (ECC) completed the first phase of the 2012 Virgin Islands Community Survey (VICS). In Phase I, approximately half of the housing units on the Territory were mapped using geographical information systems technology. Phase II, interviewing, is currently in progress on all three President’s Report to the Board of Trustees Reporting Period: October 1, 2012 – January 31, 2013 Dr. David Hall, President 20 Board of Trustees Meeting: March 9, 2013 Albert A. Sheen Campus islands. VICS provides socioeconomic data that are regularly needed by local government agencies and private-sector businesses throughout the Territory. [P2G 3A; MV-2]  The Cooperative Extension Service (CES) conducted two 7-hour Usefulness of the Internet courses to 34 individuals in November; several workshops in MS PowerPoint to 22 participants in November; observed World Food Day with a ―Hunger Banquet‖ in October with 108 youth and partnered with AES and the VI Department of Agriculture on other awareness activities for this event to over 200 individuals; received participation of over 100 youth from grades 3-12 in the 4-H Youth Garden Project, entitled Grow, Eat, Live!; held sewing classes for over 25 participants; conducted nutrition sessions at Head Start facilities and elementary schools as well as baking workshops. [P2G 3A; MV-2]  CES staff presented technology and other resources to assist farmers at the St. Thomas-St. John Agriculture & Food Fair in November where approximately 3,200 persons attended. [P2G 3A; MV-1, MV-2]  During this quarter, three programs featuring staff from the CES Healthy Homes Program were aired on Wake-Up VI, an informative talk show on local CBS - TV2. [P2G 3A; MV-1, MV-2]  Red Ribbon Week occurred in October, 2012, and there were activities on both campuses. The St. Thomas event included the Ivanna Eudora Kean Marching Band, a Speak-Out Rally, and a keynote address from former Police Officer Vanterpool, a recovering alcoholic. The Albert A. Sheen campus hosted an event for 500 seventh grade students, who were provided with information about the effects and impacts of using drugs and the importance of remaining or becoming drug free. [P2G 3A; MV-2]  Reichhold Center hosted almost 700 local school students for Aga-BOOM and Tito Puente, Jr. artist residencies at the Center. Students received hands-on, interactive instruction in comedic performance arts and music. [P2G 3A; MV-2]  The Public Relations Office (PRO) completed the first phase of the UVI Website Re-design Project. As part of the project, the PRO formed the UVI Website Redesign Committee and the Website Homepage Subcommittee. Under the direction of the PRO, the Website Redesign Committee surveyed faculty, staff, President’s Report to the Board of Trustees Reporting Period: October 1, 2012 – January 31, 2013 Dr. David Hall, President 21 Board of Trustees Meeting: March 9, 2013 Albert A. Sheen Campus students, components, and departments to ascertain their vision of the next generation of the UVI Website. Using the survey results, the PRO created the Scope of Work for the Website Redesign Request for Proposals. The RFP #201313 was distributed on January 10th and advertised shortly after. The PRO has also created a website redesign timeline, benchmarks, and content strategy. [P2G 3F; MV-1]  The Etelman Observatory held a number of Public Open Observing Sessions, where the public viewed planets and stars through the telescope. In three events (October, November, December), there were 280 persons attending. [P2G 3G, 3J; MV-2]  The College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences hosted a Summit on Virgin Islands and Caribbean Cultural Issues in September, 2012, and also hosted the Islands In Between Conference. Both events served as part of the formal launch of the Virgin Islands and Caribbean Cultural Center, which took place in November, 2012. [P2G 3I; MV-2]  In November 2012, Prof. Marc Boumedine and the Computer Science Department, College of Science and Mathematics, organized and hosted a Computer Day on both campuses. More than 20 high school students attended each session, which featured talks, presentations and activities led by researchers and graduate students from the Ana G. Mendez University system’s Caribbean Computing Center for Excellence. UVI collaborates on a grant funded project with Universidad Metropolitan for Broadening Participation in Computing, aimed at introducing pre-college students to computer and computational sciences. Also, as part of that project, thirty-one Virgin Islands pre-college students participated in winter 2012 Saturday Research Academy in Puerto Rico. Three teams were selected among the best twenty poster presentations at the symposium. This was a culminating activity for the sixteen week research program in computer science, held at UVI. [P2G 3J; MV-2]  The Caribbean Green Technology Center collaborated with Brookhaven National Laboratory to host a workshop for local high school teachers and their students. The focus of the workshop was on Open Space Stewardship. [P2G 3J; MV-2] President’s Report to the Board of Trustees Reporting Period: October 1, 2012 – January 31, 2013 Dr. David Hall, President 22 Board of Trustees Meeting: March 9, 2013 Albert A. Sheen Campus The focus on a modern and safe university environment is integral to the University’s 2012-2017 strategic plan, as there is a recognition that the environment in which we work and learn greatly influences performance. Recognizing that there are several threats to safety and security with regards to the University’s facilities and technology infrastructure that could threaten the goals and mission of the University, this focus on a modern and safe university environment provides a position from which to continually address these vulnerabilities. By placing this as a focal point of Pathways to Greatness, the University is reaffirming its commitment to fostering and sustaining a modern and safe environment in which our students can learn, our faculty can impart knowledge to our students, staff and administrators can incorporate this focus area in their day to day activities, and friends and supporters can support the University in this regard. Progress towards fostering and sustaining a modern and safe environment at UVI is captured below.  The Environmental Compliance and Hazardous Materials Office (ECHMO) began collection of a backlog of electronic waste including computers, monitors and various other types of spent electronic devices. This waste is being consolidated, inventoried and processed for disposal. As soon as all existing waste on STT campus has been obtained and properly prepared, it will be shipped to a recycler via VIWMA. This process is ongoing and will carry over into the next quarter. Once this initial backlog is removed from campus, a new system utilizing monthly collection will be implemented on the STT campus, much like the one utilized on the STX campus. This will provide a much better organized and user friendly service to the STT user group.  Evision's Argos was selected as the enterprise reporting tool for use by ITS and Banner functional users in the human resources, student, institutional research and finance areas. Programmers will design reports which can be manipulated by report writers or consumed by others via the myCampus portal or directly through the Argos application. Argos accommodates an unlimited number of users and user types and includes a user community where users can share reports. This will allow UVI to upload reports created and download those created by others. Argos is an easy to use application which allows quick access to data President’s Report to the Board of Trustees Reporting Period: October 1, 2012 – January 31, 2013 Dr. David Hall, President 23 Board of Trustees Meeting: March 9, 2013 Albert A. Sheen Campus and timely and informed data driven decisions in all areas. Unlimited free online training is also available for designers, writers and report viewers. ITS and functional staff participated in onsite training the week of November 5th. [P2G 4A; MV-3]  The University has been well‐served for many years by the Definity PBX (telephone switch) and Audix Voice Mail Systems. The Definity was the last in a line of circuit based PBX hardware manufactured since the late 1980s by Avaya. Due to growth, the University has exceeded the capacity of the current system. In order to accommodate continued growth, the telephone system was upgraded to Avaya 8800 Media Servers and G650 Media Gateways. The new system adds features for Call Centers (skill‐based routing, call reporting), Finance Management (least‐cost routing), and End Users (follow‐me features, mobility, and IP Telephony). Overall, the migration to the new system was minimally intrusive to users. [P2G 4A]  Renovations of the North West Wing (NWW) Restrooms to include installing ADA compliance and energy efficiency upgrades began in December 2012. To enhance energy efficiency, two solar water heaters were purchased and installed by Solar Delivered in December 2012. The major scope of the project included installing ADA bathroom stalls in both men and women restrooms as well as completing interior furnishings to create a more up-to-date and appealing facility for customers. The floor and wall tiles were ordered in December 2012 from Elite Tiles, which provided a more modernized look, with a superior high end quality tile decor. Preparations to install the new tiles along with providing adequate space for ADA compliant stalls began in January 2013. Additional interior work, scheduled to be completed by March 30, 2013, includes replacement of the light fixtures, installation of the ADA restroom stalls, and replacement of additional restroom fixtures. [P2G 4B; MV-2]  Substantial completion of the replacement of the Melvin Evans Center water pump distribution system was completed January 2013, after delays experienced in obtaining the equipment from the manufacturer. Now that the installation of the new system is completed, a reduction in the consumption of gallons of water and a reduction in the University’s water expenditures are anticipated. [P2G 4B; MV-2] President’s Report to the Board of Trustees Reporting Period: October 1, 2012 – January 31, 2013 Dr. David Hall, President 24 Board of Trustees Meeting: March 9, 2013 Albert A. Sheen Campus  Infrastructure Improvements on the St. Thomas Campus: The St. Thomas Campus Physical Plant completed several major and minor repair and renovation projects throughout the St. Thomas Campus to upgrade systems and refurbish plant assets to enhance the quality of life in teaching, living and working environments and to improve operational efficiencies. A summary of these accomplishments are provided below: [P2G 4B; MV-2]  Penha House Repairs -- During the reporting period the Physical Plant staff renovated vacant spaces on the second and third floors of the Penha House to accommodate the Center for the Study of Spirituality and Professionalism (CSAP) and the campus radio station, WUVI. The scope of the project included the removal and installation of VCT tiles and other floor surfaces; the installation of hollow metal door frames, metal and wooden doors, locking hardware; demolition of closets and non-functional restroom and installation of new electrical wiring. The campus radio station (WUVI) was dedicated on January 24, 2013.  Campus Shuttle -- A second vehicle was purchased to provide campus shuttle services to meet current demand and to provide additional support to accommodate the future Park and Ride program. The vehicle has been delivered to the campus and is being detailed and licensed for operations.  Campus East Housing Repairs -- The two remaining residential units in the former Faculty East Complex were renovated to provide accommodations to several cohorts of graduate students from Boston University School of Medicine in the spring 2013 semester and to meet future short-term residential needs. The Scope of Work includes the demolition and redesign of the lower level entrances by removal of security bars; make lower level restrooms ADA accessible; the redesign of kitchens with new cabinets and appliances as well as install ceramic tiles on the lower floors. The scope of work on the second floor included the renovation of restrooms, painting of walls and replacement of doors and hardware. Intellectual capital is a prime resource of any organization or institution, but is of particular significance and merit in an academic institution. It represents the communal application of the collective expertise, capabilities, and competencies of its membership in an arena which fosters utilization and expression of these attributes for the betterment of the university and the broader community it serves. The University of the Virgin Islands has a President’s Report to the Board of Trustees Reporting Period: October 1, 2012 – January 31, 2013 Dr. David Hall, President 25 Board of Trustees Meeting: March 9, 2013 Albert A. Sheen Campus longstanding tradition of recruitment and hiring practices which filter applicants in order to hire the most highly qualified available individuals. The process has engaged multi-level stakeholders allowing for collaborative decision making. Any resource, however, has to be deliberately acknowledged and assessed so that it not only remains and is sustained, but also is nurtured and protected so that it remains and thrives.  The Accounting Office collaborated with the Office of Sponsored Programs and the Office of the President in conducting an Interdepartmental Research Workshop held Wednesday, November 14, 2012 on the St. Thomas campus. The workshop covered important accounting topics for University end users. Topics included grant account set up, budget input, time and effort certification and federal requirements for purchases and requisitions. The Controller gave a presentation on indirect cost allocation.  In conjunction with the St. Thomas President’s Advisory Committee, Human Resources led the review of the Performance Evaluation form for full-time staff. Also, an employee survey was conducted for feedback on the current appraisal form and input on the development of a more effective evaluation tool. The revised Performance Evaluation form has four sections: I) Last Year/Evaluation Period Objectives Rating, II) Core Standards III) Upcoming Performance Objectives, IV) Professional Development Plan.  The penultimate draft of the Human Resources Policy Manual was completed and vetted through the constituency groups during the last quarter of 2012. Feedback received was reviewed and relevant modifications incorporated in the final document. Approval was received by the Finance and Budget and Finance Committee on November 15, 2012. Final approval was received by the Executive Committee of the Board of Trustees on November 27, 2012. Additionally, Sexual Harassment Awareness training was conducted for three new incoming full-time faculty members on January 10, during the Spring 2013 orientation session.  On December 7, 2012, a training session was conducted for the Security Department staff on the Albert A. Sheen St. Croix Campus. The training was entitled ―Overview of the Student Code of Conduct‖. The Dean of Students presentation highlighted the changes in the new student code of conduct, the jurisdictional scope as well as the multiple disciplinary levels. [P2G 5; MV-1] President’s Report to the Board of Trustees Reporting Period: October 1, 2012 – January 31, 2013 Dr. David Hall, President 26 Board of Trustees Meeting: March 9, 2013 Albert A. Sheen Campus While taking pride in UVI’s many achievements, there is the recognition that UVI’s potential calls for even greater financial investments. Its future excellence depends on ensuring its financial sustainability and growth now, which means increases in enrollment and retention, improved organizational efficiencies, more funded grant applications, and renewed efforts in philanthropy. To that end, fiscal sustainability and growth is the final focus area of the University’s 2012-2017 strategic plan and what follows are achievements that document our progress in the areas of fiscal sustainability and growth.  The Reichhold Center for the Arts developed partnerships with Seaborne Airlines and two local hotels (Island Beachcomber and Best Western Carib Resort) to provide discount airfare and lodging to make Reichhold more accessible to the residents of St. Croix. [P2G 6B]  Philanthropic support for the University in the amount of $64,000 was received during the reporting period: United Electronic Industry Services: $25,000 -- $20,000 in support of the Emerging Caribbean Scientists program and $5,000 in support of the Reichhold Center for the Arts; Scotiabank: $20,000 in support of student scholarships; Jewish Communal Fund: $1,000; Miscellaneous Donors (in support of Golden Jubilee Galas): $18,000. [P2G 6E]  During the reporting period, the Research and Public Service arm of the Provost Component secured $352,480 in grant funds, specifically:  The Eastern Caribbean Center (ECC) signed an Agreement with Applied Geographics of Boston for $187,105 to conduct Phase II of the Street Addressing Initiative that includes the application of Standard Street Addressing to three pilot areas in the Virgin Islands. [P2G 6F; MV-2]  The Biotechnology & Agroforestry program at AES was awarded a $40,000 grant from Ventria Bioscience to study the influence of herbicides on weed control in rice. This is the fifth successive year Ventria Bioscience has supported research in the Biotechnology area. [P2G 6F; MV-5]  AES’ Horticulture & Aquaculture program received a $15,000 grant from the VI Department of Agriculture to study fruit tree propagation and grafting in mango and avocado. [P2G 6F; MV-5]  AES received funding ($98,375) to support undergraduate students to conduct research projects in AES labs on the St Croix campus during the spring and summer 2013 semesters and funds for a President’s Report to the Board of Trustees Reporting Period: October 1, 2012 – January 31, 2013 Dr. David Hall, President 27 Board of Trustees Meeting: March 9, 2013 Albert A. Sheen Campus UVI student to attend a 4-week summer program hosted by the Northern Marianas College in the summer of 2013. Funds are provided by a USDA grant awarded to a consortium of the insular land grant institutions to enhance resident instruction in agriculture. [P2G 6F; MV-5]  CES received $12,000 in a sub-award from the 2012-2013 Healthy Homes Partnership state projects through an interagency agreement between HUD’s Office of Healthy Homes and Lead Hazard Control and USDA-NIFA. Proposals were competitively awarded for projects that could demonstrate measureable outcomes and deliverables. [P2G 6F; MV-5]  UVI faculty teamed with faculty of other institutions to apply for grant funding, and jointly, they were successful in having grant proposals funded, as noted below. [P2G 6F; MV-5]  Morris, D. and co-investigator Drost, D. received funding in the amount of $1.3 million for a proposal submitted to the NASA Experimental Program to Stimulate Competitive Research: "Development of the Virgin Islands Center for Space Science at Etelman Observatory: Research, Education, and Economic Development through Promotion of NASA's Vision." This project is a collaborative effort with the College of Charleston, Goddard Spaceflight Center, Arecibo Radio Observatory, and the AGMUS University System.  Boumedine, M. & Graham, J.M. (Norfolk State University), received funding in the amount of $96,525 for a proposal submitted to the Dept. of Energy, National Nuclear Security Administration: ―Cyber-Security Capacity Building‖. PART III: OTHER SIGNIFICANT ACCOMPLISHMENTS  The U.S. Department of Commerce recognized the VI-EPSCoR program with the ―Coastal America Partnership Award.‖ It is the only environmental award of its kind presented by President Obama’s Administration.  The Financial and A-133 Single Audit for 2012 officially began January 30, 2013. There was a change in auditors selected for the task. This year’s audit will be conducted by Ernst & Young, LLP. Although the audit is off to a late start, the Accounting Office is confident that the financial audit will be completed by March 31, 2013.  The first phase of a second annual Leave Conversion was rolled out in December, 2012 prior to the University’s holiday break. 108 employees (38%) participated for a total conversion of 7,571 hours of President’s Report to the Board of Trustees Reporting Period: October 1, 2012 – January 31, 2013 Dr. David Hall, President 28 Board of Trustees Meeting: March 9, 2013 Albert A. Sheen Campus Compensatory Time (564 hours), Annual Leave (4,960 hours) and Grandfathered Leave (2,047 hours). As with the 2011 Leave Conversion Program, the second phase distribution is scheduled for February 2013.  During the reporting period, the University received responses to three formal solicitations, two requests for proposals (RFPs) and one request for qualifications (RFQ). The projects addressed by the requested solicitations were: evaluation of the University’s Title III, Part B, Grant Program (RFP); the provision of an HPC Computer Cluster (College of Science and Mathematics) (RFP); and Property and Liability Insurance (RFQ). Contractors have been selected for two of the three projects.