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PRESIDENT’S REPORT TO THE UVI BOARD OF TRUSTEES OCTOBER 1 2006 TO JANUARY 31, 2007 The President’s report for this period provides summary documentation of the University’s continued progress in the implementation of VISION 2012. To that end, the report is organized around the four (4) strategic focus areas of VISION 2012, namely, educational excellence, institutional improvement, financial sustainability, and community engagement. In presenting the University’s accomplishments for the reporting period, highlights are provided of the accomplishments of various divisions and component areas, within the framework of the four (4) strategic focus areas. The specific objective of the strategic plan that is being addressed is noted in parenthesizes at the end of the stated accomplishment for your reference. This accomplishments captured in this report were achieved during a period characterized by planning and implementation of activities that recognized the 35th anniversary of UVI being designated a land grant institution; the 45th anniversary of the founding of the institution; and preparation for Middle States’ site visit scheduled for April 2007, to reaffirm our accreditation status. To close out the President’s Report, I have provided a summary statement of the University’s efforts relative to upcoming Constitutional Convention and a summary statement on the issue of shared governance and how the University is moving forward with addressing it. President’s Report to the Board of Trustees Report Period: October 1 – February 28, 2007 LaVerne E. Ragster, Ph.D., President 2 Strategic Focus Area 1: Educational Excellence Strategic focus area one (1) Educational Excellence, has as its goal, “Create a learner-centered experience that fosters excellence and student success through innovative, effective teaching strategies and high quality academic and student support programs.” This strategic goal supports the desire for high quality educational programs, activities and processes linked to UVI’s mission components. ™ On December 7, 2006, faculty endorsed the plan for Curriculum and Technology support that has been developed to provide a technology support system for faculty and students to enhance teaching and learning. (1.A.2) ™ On January 29, 2007, migration to the new library database was initiated in an effort to foster an academic learning environment that promotes student success. (1.A.5) ™ During FY 2005-2006 a comprehensive review and an evaluation of Enrollment Management Policies and Procedures with action recommendations were completed. This action recommendation was completed ahead of schedule (originally scheduled for completion in 2007). The Office of Access and Enrollment Services was realigned based on the review and evaluation to ensure delivery of effective operations process. The new organizational structure, headed by the position of Vice Provost for Access and Enrollment Services, was implemented October 1, 2006. (1.C.1) President’s Report to the Board of Trustees Report Period: October 1 – February 28, 2007 LaVerne E. Ragster, Ph.D., President 3 Strategic Focus Area 1: Educational Excellence (Continued) ™ To date, approximately 350 students have registered for the spring 2007 deferred payment plan representing approximately $506,673 in deferred payments. Of that number, approximately 142 students are on the St. Croix Campus and the remaining 208 on the St. Thomas Campus. Fifty-three percent of enrollees (187) applied online compared to 25% (87) who applied online in fall 2006. Of the $506,673 in deferred tuition, the University has received $181,290 in payments. (1.C.2) ™ Beginning spring 2007, grade rosters are no longer being printed and disseminated to faculty. Faculty will use the online process to access roster information and submit changes on-line. Also, beginning spring 2007, grade reports will not be mailed to students. Students have been informed of this new procedure. Students will be able to request individual grade reports should they require a printed copy. Several other procedures are under review and enhanced procedures will be implemented by fall 2007. Dissemination of information will be critical as the move to the Administration and Conference Center is planned and the “One Stop Shop” approach to service delivery is initiated. (1.C.3) ™ New Student Orientation programs for spring 2007 were held on both campuses. Fifty six (56) new students participated on the St. Thomas campus and 47 new students, along with parents, participated on the St. Croix Campus through a parent-student program. Student Orientation Leaders were added and provided new students with assistance and early connections with UVI. The Alumni Pinning Ceremony, which started in fall 2006, continued in the spring to further promote connecting with the University. (1.C.5) President’s Report to the Board of Trustees Report Period: October 1 – February 28, 2007 LaVerne E. Ragster, Ph.D., President 4 Strategic Focus Area 1: Educational Excellence (Continued) ™ The Athletic Department started a varsity swimming program on the St. Croix campus to compete in the Liga Atlética Interuniversitaria (LAI). The swimming team, which is expected to grow to sixteen swimmers over the next three years, currently has a roster of seven (7) members. One of the goals of this program is to attract as students many of the competitive Dolphin swim team members who now leave for colleges on the mainland for the opportunity to swim competitively. (1.E.2) Strategic Focus Area 2: Institutional Improvement Strategic focus area two (2), Institutional Improvement, has as its goal, “Insure that the strategic goals and objectives are met by enhancing the University’s capacity to achieve results.” This strategic goal supports the desired future state for high levels of instructional performance and effectiveness linked to UVI’s mission components. ™ The University Compensation Committee (UCC) is reviewing a proposal to address a performance incentive award program for FY 2007 and beyond for the University community. The UCC has been meeting weekly and is preparing to distribute the proposal for feedback from the University community. The University Budget Committee (UBC) has also targeted approximately $200,000 to cover the program, which is projected to be presented to the Board of Trustees for review and approval in June 2007. (2.A) President’s Report to the Board of Trustees Report Period: October 1 – February 28, 2007 LaVerne E. Ragster, Ph.D., President 5 Strategic Focus Area 2: Institutional Improvement (Continued) ™ The University has engaged the services of the Hay Group, Inc. to conduct a Position Classification Study. The University is presently collecting data from the University community in an effort to present it to the consultants for consideration. The report is projected to be completed by May 2007 and presented as part of the Comprehensive Compensation Plan for Board approval in June 2007. (2.A) ™ On the St. Croix Campus, in an effort to promote cross-functional teams and better communication across the Component, the Operations area met with staff from the Student Affairs Division. The topics discussed included security and maintenance, particularly for the residence halls, the student security patrol, utilities and energy conservation. The groups have agreed to coordinate these meetings on a regular basis with the purpose of overall improvement to campus life. Additionally, on November 21, 2006, the St. Croix Campus Executive Administrator (CEA) held a Campus Affairs Forum where all managers, directors and division heads came to share information as well as receive updates about campus initiatives. These sessions will be held each semester. The next Campus Affairs Forum is scheduled for April 19, 2007. (2.A) ™ The Acceptable Use Policy for Information Technology Resources has been updated and approved by the Cabinet following a period of review and input from the University community. The purpose of the Policy is to articulate the rights and responsibilities that users share when using the electronic resources made available to them by the University. (2.B.2) President’s Report to the Board of Trustees Report Period: October 1 – February 28, 2007 LaVerne E. Ragster, Ph.D., President 6 Strategic Focus Area 2: Institutional Improvement (Continued) ™ Equipment providing wireless access across the St. Croix Campus has been installed and this accomplishment was announced to the campus in January. The wireless access is generally available outside of buildings and is available across approximately 70% of the campus. (2.B.2) ™ Network upgrade equipment has been received and installation of upgrade equipment began February 2007. (2.B.2) ™ Information Technology and Learning Resources developed and implemented a plan to test and maintain uninterrupted power source (UPS) systems on both campuses. (2.B.2) ™ Pursuant to VISION 2012, the Purchasing Office instituted a procurement card program during the period. The University selected JP Morgan Chase as the card provider for this activity. The procurement card program is a useful tool in streamlining the university’s acquisition processes and providing departments flexibility to make small and routine purchases. The University has defined small value items as those items that cost less than $999. The use of a procurement card in higher education is considered a ‘Best Practice’ standard. The procurement card program, which will be piloted for one year, has 26 participants. (2.B) President’s Report to the Board of Trustees Report Period: October 1 – February 28, 2007 LaVerne E. Ragster, Ph.D., President 7 Strategic Focus Area 2: Institutional Improvement (Continued) ™ To ensure compliance with federal, state, local and institutional regulations and requirements for programs and services, the University has commenced Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) training on both campuses and has developed cross-functional teams to address concerns with the Federal Student Aid (FSA) and Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) programs. (2.B) ™ The Office of Institutional Research & Planning (OIRP), under a Title III grant, conducted a training session for the UVI campus on linking VISION 2012 to the Budget. (2.B) ™ The Office of Information Technology has developed a list of business practices and processes that can address the needs of Access and Enrollment Services (ACES). With the assistance of a consultant, several areas of attention are being developed to alleviate student and faculty concerns relative to class scheduling and the registration process. One major development that was instituted during the month of February was the training of the administrative assistants of each division to input their respective schedules in Banner. A “dynamic” version of the class schedule has also been installed on the non-secure Banweb site. The consultant is also assisting in determining priorities for financial aid processing via Banner. (2.B.3) President’s Report to the Board of Trustees Report Period: October 1 – February 28, 2007 LaVerne E. Ragster, Ph.D., President 8 Strategic Focus Area 2: Institutional Improvement (Continued) ™ To align with the security structure on the St. Thomas Campus, the St. Croix Campus has hired two students to serve as the Student Security Patrol. These students are provided special uniforms and receive training from the security supervisor. They are meant to provide the security force with additional support, particularly in areas and at times with large student gatherings. (2.B.4) ™ The Business process and analysis for Finance and Human Resources has been completed and the final report will be presented to the Cabinet in March. (2.B.5) ™ EPA Compliance: On or about December 8, 2006, the Consent Agreement and Final Order (CAFO) document was signed by EPA. As a condition of the Supplemental Environmental Projects (SEP) agreed upon, UVI is obligated to pay a penalty of $20,000 by January 22, 2007 and file a Letter of Certification regarding its compliance with EPA’s Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) regulations. In addition, UVI is also obligated to expend approximately $100,000 in the support and performance of the SEP program over the next three years. The first phase of the SEP program will commence with a training program for UVI employees working with hazardous materials by the middle of the 2007 spring semester. (2.B.6a.) President’s Report to the Board of Trustees Report Period: October 1 – February 28, 2007 LaVerne E. Ragster, Ph.D., President 9 Strategic Focus Area 2: Institutional Improvement (Continued) ™ The Northwest Wing construction which began in the fall of 2005 is now complete. Classes are being held in the facility’s three new classrooms and the six double faculty offices are occupied. The completion of this construction has allowed for 20 office relocations which provided the basis for the CSS and the creation of three (3) more single offices for faculty. The number of single offices for faculty has increased from nine (9) to 12. (2.B.7) ™ Construction on a facility to house office space and classrooms for CELL commenced in September and is progressing on schedule. Completion is scheduled for mid-March 2007. The facility will add three classrooms and two offices on St. Croix. (2.B.7) ™ The Public Relations Office (PRO) was tasked with a redesign of the UVI website to enhance internal and external communication needs by 9/30/07. In November, the PRO created and advertised a Request for Proposals, seeking a vendor to redesign the UVI website to reflect the high standards the University strives to maintain in all its public images. The website redesign was intended to increase effective admissions prospecting to meet recruitment goals while maintaining a strong UVI brand identity. It was also intended to improve site navigation and provide an admissions microsite capable of processing online applications. Five companies responded to the RFP. However, none was selected to complete the project. The University is seeking alternate options to address the goals within budget. (See Table 1, p. 15.) (2.C) President’s Report to the Board of Trustees Report Period: October 1 – February 28, 2007 LaVerne E. Ragster, Ph.D., President 10 Strategic Focus Area 2: Institutional Improvement (Continued) ™ All UVI users have migrated to Outlook/Exchange, thereby simplifying the technical operation of scheduling, e-mailing and document sharing. To date, 45% of staff has been trained in the use of Outlook/Exchange. (2.C.1) ™ The University’s Public Relations Office has a goal of achieving national recognition for at least one publicity event per year. The PRO was able to generate interest in UVI’s being selected by Black Entertainment Television (BET) as the site for the BET network’s top-rated television reality show, “College Hill.” Eight students living off-campus on St. Thomas were continuously filmed during the Fall Semester 2006, for the fourth season of the weekly half-hour series, which premieres nationally on March 6. Some of the national, BET- targeted media that will receive publicity on the upcoming airing of the series include USA Today, the New York Times, the Los Angeles Times, Washington Post, Chicago Tribune, Houston Chronicle, Philadelphia Inquirer as well as magazines such as Ebony, People, TV Guide, US Weekly and electronic media such as Entertainment Tonight and Access Hollywood. In addition, “College Hill” has been pitched by BET to nationally syndicated television talk programs including “Good Morning America,” the “Today Show,” “Good Day LA,” “The View” and “Regis and Kelly.” (2.E) President’s Report to the Board of Trustees Report Period: October 1 – February 28, 2007 LaVerne E. Ragster, Ph.D., President 11 Strategic Focus Area 2: Institutional Improvement (Continued) ™ In an effort to continue to strengthen relationships with alumni and alumni association chapters, several alumni chapters were visited during the first quarter, specifically, the South Atlantic Chapter; the St. Croix Chapter and the St. Thomas-St. John Chapter. Additionally, there was an alumni chapter retreat on St. Maarten and we had alumni participating in the St. Croix Festival UVI Festival Troupe. (2.F.1) ™ Efforts to increase the number of alumni contributions continued through our Phonaton, during which volunteers contacted over 2,000 alumni, raising over $24,000 in pledges. (2.F.2) Strategic Focus Area 3: Financial Sustainability Strategic focus area three (3), Financial Sustainability, has as its goal, “Enhance and diversity the University’s financial base through the development of new revenue streams and realization of cost savings. This strategic goal supports the desired future state for a strong, diverse financial base in support of high quality educational programs and institutional change and success. ™ The Office of Sponsored Programs (OSP) staff attended the NCURA “Fundamentals of Sponsored Programs Administration” course in Orlando in January. This three-day program is the national standard training course for grants administrators in U.S. universities. OSP staff also attended a two-day workshop sponsored by the Virgin Islands RC&D Council and the UVI Cooperative Extension Service entitled “Project Design and Evaluation” in January. (3.A) President’s Report to the Board of Trustees Report Period: October 1 – February 28, 2007 LaVerne E. Ragster, Ph.D., President 12 Strategic Focus Area 3: Financial Sustainability (Continued) ™ CELL gross revenues for the period October 1 through December 31, 2006 totaled $84,739, which represents 30% of its gross revenue target for FY 2007. Of the $84,730, $29,609 was received from training courses and $55,136 from corporate training and professional services. Other pending revenues for FY 2007 include contracts for professional services with the Department of Education in the amount of $39,000 and with the Department of Planning and Natural Resources in the amount of $34,000. Additionally, CELL anticipates receiving a $100,000 legislative appropriation, under Act No. 6886. The Office of Homeland Security has requested additional intensive training for a specialized unit and will be adding $100,000 to the current Memorandum of Understanding. CELL also received a $100,000 subsidy from UVI. Notwithstanding this subsidy, CELL fully expects to meet its revenue target for FY 2007 – with a stretch objective of $250,000. (3.A.3) ™ On November 11, 2006 the University Board of Trustees approved the University’s operating budget for Fiscal Year 2006-2007 with revenues totaling $45,087,218 and expenditures totaling $43,415,340. The University will present a spending plan for the difference of $1,671,878 upon the completion of the Position Classification Study. (3.B) ™ The University received an appropriation of $400,000 from the 26th Legislature of the Virgin Islands for the Federal Grants Match for the Virgin Islands Experimental Program to Stimulate Competitive Research (VI-EPSCoR) program. This appropriation enables the University to meet its federally required match and provides funds to assist in the sustainability of this program. (3.B) President’s Report to the Board of Trustees Report Period: October 1 – February 28, 2007 LaVerne E. Ragster, Ph.D., President 13 Strategic Focus Area 3: Financial Sustainability (Continued) ™ The University’s Family Life Center received an appropriation of $150,000 from the 26th Legislature for the continuation of its program in FY 2007. This program provides assistance to disadvantaged elementary school students and their families to improve their educational outcomes. The program director has been tasked with seeking additional funding needed to ensure the viability of this program. (3.B) ™ Under Act No. 6890 the University of the Virgin Islands was awarded $100,000 by the Government of the Virgin Islands to organize and implement an Annual Medical Conference. The conference is coordinated through the UVI Caribbean Export Center, the Schneider Regional Hospital and Medical Center and the Cleveland Clinic of Florida. The funds were received January 2007. (3.B) ™ On January 23, 2007 the President’s Cabinet approved a two-year budget calendar for Fiscal Years 2008 and 2009 to improve the development and management of the University’s resources. (3.B) ™ Since spring 2005, the University has been aggressively engaged in the recruitment of an internal auditor. To date, three (3) searches have been conducted. One candidate was offered the position and declined same. Other candidates were not deemed appropriate either by the Search Committee, the President or the Chair of the Finance Committee. Currently, the University is reviewing two Internal Auditor candidates and hopes to fill the Internal Auditor position before the end of the spring semester. (3.B) President’s Report to the Board of Trustees Report Period: October 1 – February 28, 2007 LaVerne E. Ragster, Ph.D., President 14 Strategic Focus Area 3: Financial Sustainability (Continued) ™ During the first quarter, the Annual Giving Fund secured 233 gifts totaling $223,927.06. Unrestricted giving for this period was $13,680.00, with restricted giving totaling $208,439.50. Certified gifts in-kind totaled $1,807.56. (3.C.2) ™ Alumni contributions generated 148 gifts from 141 donors for a total of $20,644.00 for this period. This total is a 6% percent decrease from the FY 2006 figure ($21,873.00) from the first quarter. This reduction was due to the drop in the number of payments received from FirstBank through the Affinity Card Program ($2,618.86 compared to $9,252.41). (3.C) ™ Gifts in support of the Reichhold Center bought in $16,490 from 58 gifts. The total is a 107% increase from the FY 2006 figure ($7,952.50) from the first quarter. (3.C.4) ™ Additionally the major gifts department is actively analyzing potential prospect and current donors located throughout the Virgin Islands. Donor and prospect database is being formulated and updated. Coordination between major gifts and annual giving departments in order to identify current annual giving donors to progress into major gifts status is also an ongoing task. (3.C) ™ In coordination with NY consulting firm, major gifts department is diligently assisting the promotion, development and successful marketing of annual golf tournament. (3.C) President’s Report to the Board of Trustees Report Period: October 1 – February 28, 2007 LaVerne E. Ragster, Ph.D., President 15 ™ Strategic Focus Area 3: Financial Sustainability (Continued) ™ During the reporting period, of the University issued six (6) Requests for Proposals (RFPs). Of these, contractors were selected for four (4) of the six projects. A brief summary of the RFPs appear below: Table 1. RFP No. RFP TITLE SUMMARY DESCRIPTION OF PROJECT RFP 2006-03 Employment Classification Study The University requested proposals from consultants who specialize in conducting employment classification studies in higher education. Based on the review, the evaluation committee recommended that the University enter into a contract with the Hay Group. RFP 2006-07 Music Building Roof Project The University requested proposals from qualified contractors to provide labor and equipment for the installation of an elastomeric polyurethane roof coating system for the Music Building on the St. Thomas campus. Upon completion of the review process, the evaluation committee recommended that the University enter into a contract with Roy’s Construction. RFP 2006-08 Upper Academic Campus Building Roof Project The University requested proposals from qualified contractors to provide labor and equipment for the installation of an elastomeric polyurethane roof coating system for the four Academic Buildings on the St. Thomas campus. Upon completion of the review process, the evaluation committee recommended that the University enter into a contract with Roy’s Construction. RFP 2006-12 Administrative and Conference Center Communications Cabling The University requested proposals from qualified contractors to provide labor and equipment for the installation of a data network via single-mode fiber, and internal voice and data copper and fiber cabling within the Administration & Conference Center. Upon completion of the review process, the evaluation committee recommended that the University enter into a contract with Caribbean DataComm. RFP 2007-01 Marketing Services - Constitutional Convention The University requested proposals seeking to retain the services of a marketing specialist/advertising agency to support the University’s mandate to initiate a public education campaign in support of the Constitutional Convention. The evaluation committee is in the process of reviewing the proposals received. RFP 2007-03 Web Site Design Project The University requested proposals seeking to retain the services of a consultant/ web designer to support a redesign of the University’s web site. After a review of the proposals received, the evaluation committee recommended that all proposals be rejected since bidders were deemed unqualified to complete the project. President’s Report to the Board of Trustees Report Period: October 1 – February 28, 2007 LaVerne E. Ragster, Ph.D., President 16 Strategic Focus Area 3: Financial Sustainability (Continued) ™ The Center for Marine and Environmental Studies (CMES) received $10,000 from The Ocean Conservancy in December 2006 for the extension of the Juvenile Grouper Habitat Project. (3.D.1) ™ During the first quarter of the fiscal year (October – December), UVI received seven (7) awards totaling $2,081,603. The FY2007 Title III grant from the U.S. Department of Education for $1,618,500 was the predominant grant (77.75% of the overall amount) received during this period. Other grants include an Assistive Technology grant from the U.S. Department of Education in the amount of $114,548; a grant to support work on coral reefs and other tropical resources in the VI National Park and VI Coral Reef National Monument from the U.S. Geological Survey in the amount of $105,000; a subcontract to promote prevention of substance abuse and HIV/AIDS from McFarland & Associates for $85,000; a USDA subcontract from the University of Florida to study the benefits of crop diversification and beneficial pests and other organisms in the amount of $83,400; a grant from HOPE, Inc. to conduct a community assessment regarding HIV risks in St. Thomas and St. John for $30,000; and a contract from the VI Office of Highway Safety for a study of seat belt usage for $45,155. (3.D.1) ™ The St. Croix Health Services Center has received its certification as a licensed service provider. This certification means that the Center can now accept insurance and provide a broader range of services for fees that are competitive with the local market such as vaccinations, general physical exams, and routine check ups. The CEAs are now exploring how the certification might be extended to the St. Thomas campus. (3.D.4) President’s Report to the Board of Trustees Report Period: October 1 – February 28, 2007 LaVerne E. Ragster, Ph.D., President 17 Strategic Focus Area 4: Community Engagement Strategic focus area four (4), Community Engagement, has as its goal, “Become a leader and partner with the community to address social, economic, environmental, political, educational and cultural issues impacting the U.S. Virgin Islands through a range of higher education initiatives.” This strategic goal supports the desired future state to enhance the lives of the people of the U.S. Virgin Islands and the wider Caribbean through educational initiatives. ™ The Small Business Development Center (SBDC) St. Croix office received notification from the SBA District Office of final approval of the 504 Loan for the business, St. Croix Business Machines. The total loan of $350,000 will allow St. Croix Business Machines to construct its own business site and expand its services on the island of St. Croix. (4.B) ™ The first of an annual V.I. Woodworkers Expo was held on December 8 and 9, 2006 at the U.V.I. Sports and Fitness Center. Twenty-two wood workers from all four Virgin Islands and Hassell Island gave demonstrations on various styles and types of woodworking. The Cooperative Extension Service (CES) secured a $10,000.00 grant from the VI Council on the Arts, along with sponsorships from the West Indian Company Limited, the V.I. Resource and Conservation District and the V.I. Department of Agriculture to help support this event. Of the 3000 persons who attended the two day event, 120 students from the Bertha C. Boschulte Middle School and the Addelita Cancryn Junior High participated in a special morning session geared for the students. Many of the workshop attendees said that they were unaware that there was this level of skill and craftsmanship in the Territory. (4.B) President’s Report to the Board of Trustees Report Period: October 1 – February 28, 2007 LaVerne E. Ragster, Ph.D., President 18 Strategic Focus Area 4: Community Engagement (Continued) ™ The annual St. Thomas Agriculture and Food Fair took place the weekend of November 18-19, 2006 on the grounds of the Reichhold Center on St. Thomas. The Fair was sponsored by the Cooperative Extension Service (CES) in partnership with the V.I. Department of Agriculture, FINTRAC, and the St. Thomas-St. John Agriculture and Food Fair Committee. Over 5,000 people were able to sample the wide variety of foods and local drinks, and most importantly to get an “up-close” look at agriculture in St. Thomas. (4.B) ™ At the Agricultural Fair, the Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE) Program of CES presented a poster exhibit. The exhibit was designed to disseminate information regarding CES’ services and programs, particularly, the SARE program. The presentation’s theme focused on research and outreach initiatives of the program. These include student training initiatives on farm research, professional development training, and technical support for crop and livestock producers. The public (farmers, gardeners, and other interested persons) benefited from an on-site Plant Pest Diagnosis Clinic which was offered in partnership with FINTRAC, a local agribusiness establishment. This initiative was intended to assist farmers, home gardeners, and others with the diagnosis of plant pest problems. Interested persons were asked to bring plant and pest specimens to the CES exhibit at the Fair for evaluation. More than 300 individuals increased their knowledge of CES and the SARE program as well as their knowledge of pest identification and the use of non-conventional, organic products for pest control and agreed to adopt sustainable production and pest President’s Report to the Board of Trustees Report Period: October 1 – February 28, 2007 LaVerne E. Ragster, Ph.D., President 19 Strategic Focus Area 4: Community Engagement (Continued) control practices in their garden and farm operations. Sixty persons received technical assistance regarding pest control. (4.B) ™ The CES Natural Resources Program made significant progress with its Watershed Protection and Management and Outdoor Recreation (ecotourism promotion) program initiatives. CES has partnered with the Conservation Data Center (CDC) and the Center for Marine and Environmental Studies (CMES) in a pilot study funded by VI EPSCoR to investigate the effects of watershed land- based activities on near-shore coral reefs. CES and CDC have produced Geographic Information System (GIS) maps characterizing three St. Thomas-St. John watersheds (Perseverance Bay, Magens Bay and Lameshur Bay). This “Land - Sea” study has already detected sources of potential land-based threats to the coastal impact zones associated with these watersheds. (4.B) ™ CES also conducted environmental assessments of three watersheds on St. Croix (Ham’s Bluff, Blue Mountain, and Spring Bay). This resource data is shared with CES clients during workshops, presentations and site visits. Through CES- conducted hikes to natural areas on St. Croix and St. Thomas, over 360 students and their instructors have learned about how watersheds impact the marine environment and impair water quality if they are not properly managed. During post-hike class discussions, teachers reported that 70%-80% of the students indicated that they would try to implement changes in their lives to protect the islands’ watersheds and natural resources. (4.B) President’s Report to the Board of Trustees Report Period: October 1 – February 28, 2007 LaVerne E. Ragster, Ph.D., President 20 Strategic Focus Area 4: Community Engagement (Continued) ™ CES continued its successful efforts to promote conservation and economic growth through ecotourism development, especially on St. Croix. Teachers regularly scheduled the popular CES-led field trips to natural areas. Over 250 students learned about St. Croix’s potential for ecotourism development during these field trips. (4.B) ™ CES further stimulated the ecotourism potential on St. Croix by conceptualizing and working with others to establish SUCCEED (St. Croix Unified for Community, Culture, Environment and Economic Development, Inc.), a community-based coalition of government and non-government agencies, businesses and private individuals. SUCCEED promotes resource conservation and sustainable development in St. Croix’s mostly undeveloped northwest quadrant. SUCCEED’s vision includes the establishment of the Marine Sanctuary Territorial Park. CES helped provide a forum for international experts who presented information to 80 attendees about ecotourism development during a two-day symposium on St. Croix sponsored by SUCCEED. Following the symposium, over 200 persons attended a town hall meeting at UVI to further discuss ecotourism development on St. Croix with the visiting consultants. (4.B) ™ During the period October 1, 2006 February 28, 2007, the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) offices have assisted clients in preparing loan packages which have received financing totaling $339,000 through SBA Loans and the Business Loan Express – Community Express Loan (CEL) Program. (4.B) President’s Report to the Board of Trustees Report Period: October 1 – February 28, 2007 LaVerne E. Ragster, Ph.D., President 21 Strategic Focus Area 4: Community Engagement (Continued) ™ The St. Croix CEA coordinated a campus-wide committee to coordinate a troupe to participate in the 2007 Crucian Festival. The troupe’s theme, “Play Mas – From Many Cultures, One Virgin Islands,” featured an array of characters and cultures that are representative of the Virgin Islands’ rich heritage. With more than 100 participants, including individuals from various cultural and social groups, the troupe took second place in its division. (4.B) ™ Community Engagement and Lifelong Learning (CELL) enrollment for the first quarter of fiscal year 2007 for traditional and on-line students was 182. In addition, 80 students were enrolled for the fall session of the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) prep program for a total of 262 students. If this trend continues, CELL will exceed its enrollment target. In addition, 104 participants were tested under the agreement with Performance Assessment Network. (4.D.2) ™ Constitution 2008 Update On every island of the Territory, Virgin Islanders are speaking about the upcoming Fifth Constitutional Convention and its potential impact on their lives and on the lives of generations to come. This dialogue is largely the result of the public education project mandated by the 26th Legislature of the Virgin Islands and presently being conducted by the University of the Virgin Islands. As a clear indication of the interest in the project, the University’s website, www.itsourfuture.vi dedicated to the public education component registered in excess of 6,000 visitors for the month of January 2007. The website is but one component of the project. President’s Report to the Board of Trustees Report Period: October 1 – February 28, 2007 LaVerne E. Ragster, Ph.D., President 22 Strategic Focus Area 4: Community Engagement (Continued) The University has sponsored several public forums featuring informative presentations and a myriad of opportunities for resident participation. The University has emphasized that the public education project is a collaborative effort and so has engaged community organizations such as the Rotary clubs, the Bordeaux Farmers Association, the Educational Complex Parent Teachers Students Association, the Democratic Party, the American Federation of Teachers, the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP), the Close Up Organization and others in this dialogue. Project participants have made numerous appearances on both radio and television and have so engaged thousands of Virgin Islands in this essential dialogue about our future. On the campus of the University, the project has engaged the Board of Trustees and has met students both in the classroom and in civic functions. A recent forum staged by the students of the UVI Golden Key Honor International Society clearly demonstrated the success of the program in helping students to make the necessary link between academic scholarship and active community engagement as a responsibility of citizenship. Project participants are now engaged in a critical marking component of the project which will feature radio, television and print ads, utilizing all the print and electronic media and mass mailings of critical information regarding the convention to each registered voter in the Territory. President’s Report to the Board of Trustees Report Period: October 1 – February 28, 2007 LaVerne E. Ragster, Ph.D., President 23 Shared Governance Update Within the context of the core values and goals of VISION 2012, the reaffirmation of accreditation with the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, and the University’s own desire to revisit its form of shared governance, a Shared Governance ad hoc Committee was appointed in early February and an initiative designed to revisit and update our approach to shared governance at the University of the Virgin Islands was proposed. It is understood that this initiative embodies a proposal to be used as a starting point for further discourse relative to shared governance involving faculty, staff, students and administration. It is anticipated that this process will lead to the development of a policy and model on shared governance that will subsequently be presented to the University’s Board of Trustees for approval later this year (See Appendix I.). Meetings were held with students and staff regarding shared governance and the importance of their role in the same was highlighted. Previously scheduled conversations between the Provost and the faculty regarding shared governance will take place shortly. One proposed model for discussion has been posted on the UVI "intranet" and the University community is currently engaged in reviewing the document and actively participating in the conversations regarding shared governance. President’s Report to the Board of Trustees Report Period: October 1 – February 28, 2007 LaVerne E. Ragster, Ph.D., President 24 APPENDIX I SHARED GOVERNANCE EXTENDED DOCUMENT INCLUDING TIMELINES President’s Report to the Board of Trustees Report Period: October 1 – February 28, 2007 LaVerne E. Ragster, Ph.D., President 25 APPENDIX I SHARED GOVERNANCE The ad hoc committee on Shared Governance, chaired by Mr. Stevie Henry, is tasked with leading the process to develop a policy and model on shared governance for the University. Mr. Henry was elected by the committee members to serve as Committee Chair. Other members of the committee are: Faculty Students Staff Administrators Richard Hall, Dennis Griffith, Maxine Nunez, Mary Provost, David Gould, Patricia Rhymer-Todman, Shirley Highfield Rick Grant and Maudiana John- Baptiste Diana Freas-Lutz, Zaida Castro, Wesley Joyce, David Capriola, Verna Rivers, Author Joseph, Barbara Maynard, Ashley “Ashanti” George Judith Edwin, Robert Godfrey, Yegan Habtes, Doris Battiste, Rick Nemeth, Nereida Washington The process is being guided by the following timeline: November-December 2006 • Unofficial conversations on governance at UVI Cabinet • Creation of UVI faculty, staff, student and administration facilitated conversation on governance • Commission the creation of a Draft UVI Shared Governance Model January 2007 • Cabinet approves Draft Shared Governance Model • Establish a UVI Shared Governance Ad hoc Committee President’s Report to the Board of Trustees Report Period: October 1 – February 28, 2007 LaVerne E. Ragster, Ph.D., President 26 February 2007 • President addresses University staff and students regarding Shared Governance and the importance of formal/organized staff representation (Feb. 1,2) • President launches UVI Shared Governance Initiative and presents charge to the UVI Shared Governance Ad hoc Committee (Feb. 8) • Distribute the proposed Model to UVI Shared Governance Ad hoc Committee and University community (Feb 9) • First meeting of the UVI faculty /administration facilitated conversation on Governance • Initiate the process to establish appropriate Staff organizational structure • Official meetings of the UVI Shared Governance Ad Hoc Committee begin • Components, faculty, staff, students and Cabinet begin separate discussions of process and the proposed Model for UVI Shared Governance • Feedback and input from all stakeholders on the Model for UVI Shared Governance to be sent directly to the UVI-SGAC March 2007 • UVI-SGAC provides the revised UVI-SGAC Draft Shared Governance Proposal to the UVI community • Present revised Draft Shared Governance Proposal to Cabinet • UVI-SGAC Draft Shared Governance Proposal provided to BOT as input only document. No action required • UVI-SGAC assembles, reviews and provides the Final Draft Shared Governance Proposal to the entire University • Components, faculty, staff, students and Cabinet begin separate discussion of Process and the UVI-SGAC Draft Shared Governance Proposal • Feedback and input from all stakeholders on the UVI-SGAC Draft Shared Governance Proposal sent directly to the UVI-SGAC President’s Report to the Board of Trustees Report Period: October 1 – February 28, 2007 LaVerne E. Ragster, Ph.D., President 27 April 2007 • UVI-SGAC assembles, reviews and provides the Final Draft Shared Governance Proposal • Convert Draft Shared Governance Proposal into UVI Shared Governance Policy • Final Draft Shared Governance Policy made available to all stakeholders • UVI-SGAC officially presents the Final Draft Shared Governance Policy to the President • Cabinet discuss, modify if necessary and adopt document as the UVI Shared Governance Policy • UVI Shared Governance Policy approved by the Cabinet made available with the modifications by Cabinet, if any, to the University Community May 2007 • UVI Shared Governance Policy presented through ARSA to the BOT Executive Committee for Approval • Members of the UVI Senate and Standing Committees elected pending approval of the UVI Shared Governance Policy June 2007 • ARSA move the UVI Shared Governance Policy to full Board for action • If Approved by the BOT, the UVI Shared Governance Policy becomes effective and implementation begins July 2007 • UVI-SGAC establishes operational logistics for the UVI Senate August 2007 • UVI-SGAC is disbanded • Official UVI Senate operations commence.