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President’s Report to the Board of Trustees Dr. David Hall, President Reporting Period: October 2018 - February, 2019 Board of Trustees’ Meeting – March 2, 2019 1 PRESIDENT’S REPORT TO THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF THE UNIVERSITY OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS The President’s Report for this reporting period is organized into two sections. Part I provides highlights of new and ongoing presidential initiatives and institutional accomplishments since the last report. Part II highlights major accomplishments within the framework of Greatness Through Innovation, the University’s current 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 critical to our future success. I continue to be extremely impressed with the productivity and commitment of our University’s students, faculty, staff and administrators. PART I: PRESIDENTIAL INITIATIVES AND ACCOMPLISHMENTS I am honored to share with the Board of Trustees highlights of the University’s activities and achievements for the reporting period. This section contains some of the major achievements of the University. These accomplishments speak to the commitment and resilience of our students, faculty, staff and administrators. President’s Report to the Board of Trustees Dr. David Hall, President Reporting Period: October 2018 - February, 2019 Board of Trustees’ Meeting – March 2, 2019 2 STUDENT ACHIEVEMENTS  Miss UVI, Kendra Kent, attended the 2018 National Black College Alumni (NBCA) Hall of Fame Queen’s pageant from September 26-30, 2018, in Atlanta, GA, at the Hyatt Regency Hotel. Ms. Kent competed against other representatives from Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU’s) around the nation for the title of Miss NBCA Hall of Fame. Ms. Kent captured the title of Miss Congeniality during the final competition.  UVI senior, Sherwin Williams, was the opening act for Jazz by the Sea at Coral World Ocean Park on October 21, 2018, on St. Thomas.  Shemeeka Stanley, Hazel Boissiere, Ana Asad and Carole Hendley artwork in Art 117 (Basic Design) were on display during the months of October and November at the Henry Rohlsen Airport in the departure lounge display case just before one enters the U.S. Customs area. The instructor for the course was Nairus Benjamin.  Geraldine Bryan, Earl Morris Jr., Matthew Perry, Hailey Tresch, and Tarika Woods artwork in ART 218 (Caribbean Art I) were featured at a local gallery, Art @Top Hat, on November 15, 2018. The instructor for the course was Danica David.  Communication major, Nijencia James, was chosen to conduct research with Fraser Kenshaw, documentarian/activist. Kenshaw, a noted independent filmmaker and producer collaborates with the department via the internship program and courses COM497/498 (Senior Seminars).  Communication major Asia Vetter engaged in graphic design, public relations and research efforts with United Jazz Foundation.  Joash Liburd, was one of the winners of a $500 scholarship offered by the National Association of Historically Black Colleges and Universities Title III Administrators Inc.  Seventeen UVI students attended the Annual Biomedical Research Conference for Minority Students (ABRCMS) in Indianapolis, IN from November 14-17, 2018. Students from 700 universities presented 2,100 posters. While more than one best poster award was awarded in each category, UVI’s performance was notable given its size relative to other higher education institutions in attendance. There were 14 poster presentations and one oral presentation with three students (Azriel Williams, Anthony Jolly, and Samuel Liburd Jr) winning poster awards, as listed below:  Anayah Ferris. “Tight Junction Dysfunction: Altered ZO-1 and Occludin in the Diabetic Cornea.” Annual Biomedical Research Conference for Minority Students. 17 November, 2018. Poster Presentation.  Anthony Jolly. “Phenolic Content in Virgin Islands Plants.” Annual Biomedical Research Conference for Minority Students. 16 November, 2018. Poster Presentation. Award Winner: Best Poster in Chemistry. President’s Report to the Board of Trustees Dr. David Hall, President Reporting Period: October 2018 - February, 2019 Board of Trustees’ Meeting – March 2, 2019 3  Azriel Williams. “Body Self-Perception, Depression, and Obesity in a Sample of United States Virgin Islands Youth.” Annual Biomedical Research Conference for Minority Students. 17 November, 2018. Poster Presentation. Award Winner.  Breton Hairol. “The Search for Metabolite Structures formed in Atropa belladonna (Deadly Nightshade) Plants that make Scopolamine and Hyoscyamine.” Annual Biomedical Research Conference for Minority Students. 17 November, 2018. Poster Presentation.  Carlan Romney. “Using CRISPR-Mediated Mutagenesis to Analyze Protein Phosphatase Regulatory Subunit Functions in Arabidopsis thaliana.” Annual Biomedical Research Conference for Minority Students. 16 November, 2018. Poster Presentation.  Christopher McDonald. “Using NASA Earth Observations to Monitor Land-Use Change of Saint Croix (United States Virgin Islands).” Annual Biomedical Research Conference for Minority Students. 16 November, 2018. Poster Presentation.  D'Shaunique Walters. “The Blood Traveler Detection of Infection using Microscopy and PCR.” Annual Biomedical Research Conference for Minority Students. 16 November, 2018. Poster Presentation.  Deidre Lee. “Bile Duct-On-A-Chip Device to Study Cholangiocyte and Fibroblast Interactions in the Peribiliary Extracellular Matrix.” Annual Biomedical Research Conference for Minority Students. 17 November, 2018. Poster Presentation  Josette John. “Population Dynamics and Differences Between Deep (Mesophotic) and Mid-Shallow Orbicella spp Corals in the U.S.V.I.” Annual Biomedical Research Conference for Minority Students. 15 November, 2018. Poster Presentation.  Kwame Forbes. “Multiple Genotypes of Halophilia stipulacea Found Around St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands.” Annual Biomedical Research Conference for Minority Students. 15 November, 2018. Poster Presentation.  Narome Belus. “Spectroscopic and Electrochemical Studies of Cobalt(III) Cubane Catalysts.” Annual Biomedical Research Conference for Minority Students. 15 November, 2018. Poster Presentation.  Makeda Mills. “Apicomplexa Gone with the Wind: Infection Rate in Dusky Damselfish Before and After Hurricanes Irma and Maria, St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands.” Annual Biomedical Research Conference for Minority Students. 15 November, 2018. Poster Presentation.  Samuel Liburd Jr. “Development and Delivery of CRISPR Ribonucleic Protein Complexes in Macrostomum lignano.” Annual Biomedical Research Conference for Minority Students. 16 November, 2018. Poster Presentation. Award Winner.  Shabree Anthony. “PTEN Phosphatase Activities in Large Unilamellar Vesicles.” Annual Biomedical Research Conference for Minority Students. 15 November, 2018. Poster Presentation.  Torhera Durand. “Characterization of Metastatic Progression.” Annual Biomedical Research Conference for Minority Students. 15 November, 2018. Oral Presentation. President’s Report to the Board of Trustees Dr. David Hall, President Reporting Period: October 2018 - February, 2019 Board of Trustees’ Meeting – March 2, 2019 4  The 18th Annual Thurgood Marshall Leadership Institute Conference was held in Washington, D.C. from October 26-30, 2018. Eight Thurgood Marshall College Fund (TMCF) Scholars were selected from the St. Thomas and Albert A. Sheen campuses by the TMCF talent acquisition team: Raven Phillips, Le-Anne Angol, Jair Smith, Sherkquan Henry, Daria Scott, Nigencia James, Matthew Perry and Akilah Brown. Students had the opportunity to interview with 16 major companies and network with recruiters from at least 50 companies during the recruitment fair including: Koch Industries, Wells Fargo, Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC), Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), J.P Morgan and Chase, Microsoft, US Marines, Pfizer, Georgia Pacific, Boeing, John Deer, Caterpillar, Alliance Bernstein, United Airlines, Boez Allen, Lancer Hospitality, Lily, Kellogg’s, Koch Industries, and John Deer. PRESENTATIONS & PUBLICATIONS (Student names are bolded. Faculty names are italicized.)  Resa Gordon. (October 2018). Oral Presentation. Eat to Beat Campaign for Critically Conscious Community Based STEM Learning. 7th Annual ISEA STEM Exposition and Conference, Branson Convention Center, Branson, MO.  Cassandra King, Keith Smith Sr., Michael Henry, Chris Plyley. (October 2018). Oral Presentation. Integrated STEM Projects With Robotics And Web Development; Exposing Students To Advanced Computer Coding In High School. 7th Annual ISEA STEM Exposition and Conference, Branson Convention Center, Branson, MO.  Steve Lawrence, Ann Marie Gibbs, Michael Henry. (October 2018). Oral Presentation. Modeling of Environmental Impact of Improper Solid Waste Disposal in the Virgin Islands. 7th Annual ISEA STEM Exposition and Conference, Branson Convention Center, Branson, MO.  Kenique Liburd and Marc Boumedine, Ph.D. Engaging Undergraduates in Artificial Intelligence: Path Finding in Game Development. IEEE International Conference on Computational Science and Computational Intelligence (CSCI) Las Vegas, NV, December 2018.  Makeda Mills, D’Shaunique Walters, Akacia Halliday, Antonae Anthony, Nadia Blake, Keryl Liburd, Shakilah Liburd, Andrew Campbell, Paul Sikkel and Jennilee Robinson. 2018. “The Blood Traveller: Apicomplexan Blood Parasite of Dusky Damselfish” Poster Presentation by Mills, Walters and Robinson at the American Society for Cell Biology-European Molecular Biology Organization (ASCB-EMBO) 2018 Annual Meeting. San Diego, CA, December 2018.  Anne Louise Wilkins, Chris Plyley. (October 2018). Oral Presentation. Developing and Assessing Integrated STEM Learning Outcomes in a Green Homes Project Focusing on Energy Conservation. 7th Annual ISEA STEM Exposition and Conference, Branson Convention Center, Branson, MO.  Jaynae Williams, Shana Gilbert. (October 2018). Oral Presentation. Using Robotics to Engage Middle School Students in Integrated STEM Learning. 7th Annual ISEA STEM Exposition and Conference, Branson Convention Center, Branson, MO. President’s Report to the Board of Trustees Dr. David Hall, President Reporting Period: October 2018 - February, 2019 Board of Trustees’ Meeting – March 2, 2019 5  At the 70th Anniversary of United Nations Day Program held on October 24, 2018, UVI Student Panel Presentation featured Darryle Cyrille, Michael Finch, Sheriffe Francis, Jemmeni Moore, Matthew Perry, Jeaneve Simmonds, and Aylahnique Thompson. ALUMNI UPDATES  Shareece Cannonier (BA in Psychology 2010 and Master of Arts in Psychology with a Concentration in Counseling 2013) earned her PsyD in Clinical Psychology in December 2018 from Albizu University in Florida.  Her dissertation was entitled “At-Risk Children’s Success in Afterschool Programs with Psychotherapy.”  Simona Thomas is now a Psychology instructor at Ivanna Eudora Kean High School in St. Thomas and is also a Positive Behavior Interventionist.  Curlis Joseph is now hired at the Family Resource Center in St. Thomas.  Charles Goodings, Jr. is a 9th grade English Teacher at St. Croix Educational Complex. Mr. Goodings also trains UVI students on the culture of entrepreneurship in Virgin Islands & Caribbean Cultural Center (VICCC) and studio operations related to cultural education for the VICCC at WUVI radio station.  Lauren Arnold published work she participated in during a summer research program while she was a UVI student: o A.D. Feinstein, four others, Lauren Arnold, and nineteen others. 2018. K2-NNNBb: A Small Temperate Planet in a Low-Mass Binary System Discovered by Citizen Scientists. The Astronomical Journal. President’s Report to the Board of Trustees Dr. David Hall, President Reporting Period: October 2018 - February, 2019 Board of Trustees’ Meeting – June 2, 2018 6 FACULTY ACHIEVEMENTS FACULTY PUBLICATIONS (listed as a citation) (Student names are bolded. Faculty names are italicized.)  Dion Parson performed with Jon Faddis Quartet (Dion Parson, Jon Faddis, Todd Coolman and Davis Hazeltine) in West Chester, PA at the West Chester High School on November 16, 2018.  Dion Parson, Dionne Donadelle, Sherwin Williams, and Jacintho Carty participated in a workshop presented by Carnival Cruise Line in partnership with Department of Education and UVI on Monday November 26, 2018 at WICO dock on St. Thomas, VI.  Dion Parson performed with Elio Villafranca Afro Caribbean Trio on December 6, 2018 at Harlem Stage Gatehouse, NYC featuring Dion Parson, Russell Hall and Elio Villafranca.  Dion Parson, Elio Villafranca, Auturo Stable, Sam Dillon and Peter Salov performs at NYU, in New York City with Elio Vilafranca's group’s Presentation of "Cinque", from Elio's recent CD release - October 23, 2018.  Gylchris Sprauve, UVI Adjunct Faculty, presented an Orchestra Concert to Honor Alfred Heath at St. Peter and Paul’s Cathedral on Sunday, October 28, 2018, featuring the Virgin Island-Puerto Rico Chamber Orchestra. Featured soloists: Khefren Sackey, Clarinet (BA ‘18), Sherwin Williams, Saxophone, Lorna Freeman and Shakima Jones, Soprano, Melita Etienne, Mezzo-Soprano, Gylchris Sprauve, Tenor, Howard Jones, Baritone and the UVI Concert Choir directed by Jeannette Rhymer.  Karen H. Brown, Ph.D. was granted a Service Award for her years of service as Chair of the National Training Director’s Council from the Association of University Centers on Disabilities.  Lois Hassell-Habtes, Ph.D. was invited by Senator Myron D. Jackson, and Senator Janelle K. Sarauw to give testimony on Bill No, 32-0308 before the Committee on Workforce Development, Consumer Affairs and Culture on September 21, 2018. The testimony was regarding the Virgin Islands Cultural Heritage Institute being recommended to place under the Division of Tourism.  Sheena Walker, Ph.D. was accepted into APA International Learning Program in Tanzania. Program dates were Jan 5-15, 2019.  Sharon Honore, Ph.D. served as book reviewer for the Caribbean Writer, Spring 2019 Volume. She reviewed the book Mediatized Political Campaigns: A Caribbean Perspective, by Indrani Bachan- Persad, University of the West Indies Press, 2017.  Sharon Honore, Ph.D. continues to serve as state monitor of the Dow Jones News Fund (Internship) and administered electronic tests to 15 students on both campuses for the 2019 summer program. President’s Report to the Board of Trustees Dr. David Hall, President Reporting Period: October 2018 - February, 2019 Board of Trustees’ Meeting – June 2, 2018 7  Tom Zimmerman, Ph.D. developed two slide presentations in collaboration with Mr. Stafford Crossman of Cooperative Extension Service (CES) for presentation at World Food Day on the topics of sweet potato and passion fruit, the featured crops. Dr. Zimmerman, together with staff and students in the Biotechnology & Agroforestry program of Agricultural Experiment Station (AES), was featured in a video shown on the government television channel. The video highlighted a research project funded by the VI Dept. of Agriculture Specialty Crops Block grant that investigated the use of pre-emergent herbicide to control weeds. Also covered in the video were efforts to develop a better sweet potato for the Virgin Islands and Caribbean.  Robert Godfrey, Ph.D. graduated from the Food Systems Leadership Institute (FSLI) as a member of Cohort 12 at the annual meeting of the Association of Public and Land Grant Universities (APLU). This program, supported by APLU, offers high quality, executive leadership development for current and emerging senior leaders in higher education, government and industry as related to global food systems. The program provides leadership development through residential sessions, webinars, leadership coaching, mentoring, personal development plans, leadership projects and distance learning. FACULTY PRESENTATIONS (Student names are bolded. Faculty names are italicized.)  R.D. Grant, D. Hamilton & S. Parrilla. (2018). Mental health issues and therapy with Caribbean peoples: Reflections of seasoned psychologists. Caribbean Journal of Psychology.  C. Alagoz, C. Ekici., R. Gordon, C. Plyley, Ph.D., and N. Santana. (2018). Integrated Development and Assessment of Mathematical Modeling Practices for Culturally Responsive STEM Education: Lionfish Case Study. The Eurasia Proceedings of Educational & Social Sciences.  K.H. Brown, Ph.D. with Fifer, R. (2018). Facilitating Interdisciplinary Professional Practice to Zika in the US Virgin Islands. The American Speech – Language-Hearing Association Convention, Boston.  Chis Plyley, Ph.D. & C. Ekici. (2018) Developing Strategic Competence with Growth Modeling in Calculus. Proceedings of the 21st Annual Conference on Research in Undergraduate Mathematics Education.  L.M. Wedding, S.M. Reiter, G.M. Verutes, H.E. Hartage G. Guannel, Ph.D. & L. Good, 2018. Values at the Land-Sea Interface: Mapping Ecosystem Services in the Coastal Environment. Journal of Marine Education.  D. Cox, T. Arikawa, A. Barbosa, G. Guannel, Ph.D.reg, D. Inazu., A. Kennedy, … R Slocum 2018. Hurricanes Irma and Maria Post-Event Survey in US Virgin Islands. Coastal Engineering Journal, In Press. President’s Report to the Board of Trustees Dr. David Hall, President Reporting Period: October 2018 - February, 2019 Board of Trustees’ Meeting – June 2, 2018 8  T. Vegh, T. Troxler, K. Zhang, G. Guannel, Ph.D.reg, E. Castañeda-Moya, A. Sutton-Grier, … B. Murray. 2018. Ecosystem Services and Economic Valuation: co-benefits of coastal wetlands. In A Blue Carbon Primer: The State of Coastal Wetland Carbon Science, Practice and Policy.  Azriel Williams. (2018, November). Body self-perception, depression, and obesity in a sample of USVI youth. Presentation at the Biomedical Research Conference for Minority Students, Indianapolis, IN.  Dara Hamilton, Ph.D. (2018, November). Small community, large impact: A case study of history, trauma and violence in the Caribbean with a focus on recovery. Invited Speech at the 2018 Caribbean Regional Conference of Psychology, Jamaica, WI.  Dara Hamilton, Ph.D. (2018, November). Caribbean private practice, ethical treatment and cultural adaptations. Panel presentation at the 2018 Caribbean Regional Conference of Psychology, Jamaica, WI.  Sheena Walker, Ph.D., Ph.D. (2018, November). Intersection of gender role conflict and Double- Consciousness among African-Caribbean men. Poster presented at the 2018 Caribbean Regional Conference of Psychology, Jamaica, WI.  Chenzira Davis Kahina, Ph.D., Ph.D. (2018, October). Lecture presentation on 70th Anniversary of United Nations Day. Commemorative UN Day Bamboula, University of the Virgin Islands, Albert A. Sheen (AAS) St. Croix Campus, Virgin Islands.  Chenzira Davis Kahina, Ph.D., Ph.D. (2018, October). Public address on Virgin Islands Liberty Day and David Hamilton Jackson month. Commemorative VI Liberty and D. Hamilton Jackson Bamboula, University of the Virgin Islands, AAS St. Croix Campus, Virgin Islands.  Chenzira Davis Kahina, Ph.D. (2018, November). Lecture/panel presentation on Barbados to Carolina: unearthing buried pasts—legacy of Ay Ay St. Croix maroon sanctuary. Museums of the Caribbean- International Museums Conference themed “Itinerant Identities: Museum Communities/Community Museums”, University of the West Indies- Cave Hill Barbados.  Chenzira Davis Kahina, Ph.D. (2018, November). Lecture/panel presentation on indigenous native Amerindians: culture, heritage and identity in the Virgin Islands Caribbean. Eastern Caribbean Island Cultures Conference-Islands In Between Conference organized by University of Puerto Rico-Rio Piedras, University of the West Indies-Cave Hill Barbados and VI Caribbean Cultural Center at the University of the Virgin Islands, Oranjestad, University of Aruba.  Chenzira Davis Kahina, Ph.D. (2018, November). Panel presentation/public address on dimensions for assessing disaster effects and recovery: viccc@uvi survives 2 category 5 hurricanes-IrMaria in September 2017. U.S. Virgin Islands Alliance for Response Forum, University of the Virgin Islands, Administration Conference Center, St. Thomas, Virgin Islands. (1st Alliance for Response Forum in a President’s Report to the Board of Trustees Dr. David Hall, President Reporting Period: October 2018 - February, 2019 Board of Trustees’ Meeting – June 2, 2018 9 United States Territory per FEMA) Virgin Islands & Caribbean Cultural Center (VICCC) informational video edited by Lawrence Thomas Lewis with narration by Chenzira Davis Kahina, Ph.D. featured.  Chenzira Davis Kahina, Ph.D. (2018, December). Public address on Caribbean region delegation report. 60th Anniversary of the All African People’s Conference themed Africa Must Unite: A Mission for Our Generation organized by Kwame Nkrumah Pan African Centre and Pan African Federalist Movement. GRANTS AND SPECIAL PROJECTS FUNDED  Grant funding received for the reporting period amounted to approximately $2 million dollars. The table below provides additional details: Project Title UVI Dept. Funding Agency Amount Requested Comprehensive Territorial Hazard Mitigation Plan EPSCoR VITEMA $ 4,932,697 From sea to land: The use of Sargassum as biomass in animal feed and agriculture CSM NOAA $ 299,712 OSHA 21 D Consultation Program UVI CELL OSHA $ 363,800 Establishing a biomaterials and materials science laboratory at the University of the Virgin Islands CSM Department of Defense $ 446,256 4-H Youth Advocating for a Healthier VI CES National 4 H Council $ 51,000 UVI AES FY 19 Hatch Multistate AES USDA-NIFA $ 161,199 UVI AES FY 19 Hatch Regular AES USDA-NIFA $ 1,391,720 Renewable Resources Extension Act (RREA) CES USDA-NIFA $ 13,500 CES Program in the Virgin Islands CES USDA-NIFA $ 1,491,048 VI Small Business Development Center SBDC SBA $ 611,000 UVI Approach to Student Growth and Success Provost APLU $ 250,000 VI Marine Advisory Services CMES University of Puerto Rico $ 283,600 President’s Report to the Board of Trustees Dr. David Hall, President Reporting Period: October 2018 - February, 2019 Board of Trustees’ Meeting – June 2, 2018 10 OTHER ACTIVITIES  Chenzira Davis Kahina, Ph.D. (2018, November 30). Lecture/public address on freedom, justice and sovereignty within disaster capitalism’s reign in the Virgin Islands of the United States: revolutionary empowerment of multicultural transformations in our Caribbean sovereign legacy perspectives— honoring vi act 6285— V.I. Freedom Fighter’s Day annually on November 23rd. VI Freedom Week Panel organized by St. Jan Co. Cruz Bay, St. John, Virgin Islands.  Chenzira Davis Kahina, Ph.D. (2018, December 18). Lecture/professional development on St. Croix- VI Caribbean culture for elementary educators. Co-presented with George A. Franklin for Claude O. Markoe Elementary School teachers and administrators, Frederiksted, St. Croix, Virgin Islands. Davis Kahina, C. (2018. November 25). Abstract for Panel entitled Reparatory Justice: A Dialogue Process accepted for presentation at 44th Annual Caribbean Studies Association conference being hosted in Santa Marta, Colombia, 3-7 June 2019 with international colleagues Angelo Luidens (Curacao) and Okama Ekpe Brook (Nigeria/St. Maarten).  Chenzira Davis Kahina, Ph.D., VICCC Director in collaboration with Denise Humphrey, Reichhold Center Director/UVI Institutional Advancement with logistics and organizational planning support from Susan Laura Lugo of FEMA, awarded the Performing Arts Readiness Project New Networking Grant Award to fund the Alliance for Response (AfR) Forum hosted on November 27, 2018. Additional support from the Performing Arts Readiness-LYRASIS; FEMA; Heritage Emergency National Task Force (HEART), UVI Institutional Advancement, VI Council on the Arts (VICA), National Coalition for Arts’ Preparedness and Emergency Response (NCAPER), and American Institute for Conservation of Historic and Artistic Works provided $25,000.00.  Chenzira Davis Kahina, Ph.D. Lecture presentation on West Indies Solidarity Day (Annually 1st Monday of September per VI Legislative Act) 16 UVI students. 7 UVI staff/community members.  Chenzira Davis Kahina, Ph.D. and Kenneth Olasee Davis presented a lecture and cultural heritage education tour in Frederiksted as part of annual commemorations for AyAy St. Croix Maroon Sanctuary Lands and 134th Anniversary of the birth of David Hamilton Jackson on September 28, 2018.  Chenzira Davis Kahina, Ph.D. - lecture presentation for the 140th Anniversary of Contract/Fiyahbun Day on October 1, 2018. 9 UVI students and 13 UVI staff/community members attended this activity.  Chenzira Davis Kahina, Ph.D. Lecture presentation for the 526th Anniversary of Caribbean Discovery Day on October 12, 2018. 7 UVI students and 9 UVI staff/community members attended this activity.  Chenzira Davis Kahina, Ph.D., Nicholas Faraclas and George A. Franklin. Lecture and Roundtable Moderator for Commemorative event for VI Liberty Day and David Hamilton Jackson Month in accordance with VI Legislative acts and resolutions on October 31, 2018. President’s Report to the Board of Trustees Dr. David Hall, President Reporting Period: October 2018 - February, 2019 Board of Trustees’ Meeting – June 2, 2018 11 UVI MOURNS THE LOSS OF FIRST CVI PRESIDENT, DR. LAWRENCE WANLASS On December 18, 2018, the first president of the University of the Virgin Islands, Dr. Lawrence Wanlass, passed away in California. He is survived by his wife, Anita, and their four children. For nearly two decades – from 1962 to 1980 – Wanlass worked to establish the then College of the Virgin Islands and to create a world- class curriculum for its students. UVI President Dr. David Hall, on the behalf of the entire University family – the Board of Trustees, foundation boards, faculty, staff, students and alumni – extended his sincerest condolences to the family, friends and loved ones of Dr. Wanlass. Under Dr. Wanlass’ leadership, the institution was designated with land-grant status and a large endowment was bestowed on the College through federal legislation. During his tenure, Hubert Sugden donated his St. Croix home, which would become UVI’s Albert A. Sheen Campus on St. Croix and the institution received an endowment for the establishment of the Reichhold Center for the Arts. Dr. Wanlass was instrumental in the establishment of CVI’s initially offering two-year transfer programs in humanities, social sciences, physical science and mathematics, business administration, engineering and teacher education, as well as occupational programs in business management, accounting, executive secretarial studies, hotel and resort operation and management, electrical technology and construction technology. Later, he was instrumental in the establishment of four-year academic programs and in the accreditation of the College for five years by the Middle States Association. In 1980, upon Dr. Wanlass’ retirement, in honor of his accomplishments, leadership and impact that he had on the development of the College of the Virgin Islands, was conferred the status of President Emeritus. President’s Report to the Board of Trustees Dr. David Hall, President Reporting Period: October 2018 - February, 2019 Board of Trustees’ Meeting – June 2, 2018 12 SIGNIFICANT INSTITUTIONAL ACHIEVEMENTS UVI BECOMES FIRST HBCU TO OFFER FREE TUITION AND THE SECOND JURISDICTION TO OFFER FOUR-YEAR FREE TUITION On January 4, 2019, Governor Kenneth E. Mapp signed into law Act 8155, entitled the Virgin Islands Higher Education Scholarship Program, as one of his last acts as Governor. This Act is part of a national movement that is attempting to transform the nation’s understanding of the role and importance of higher education to the future of this country. This Bill was introduced by Senator Tregenza Roach, who now serves as Lieutenant Governor, and was unanimously supported by the 32nd Legislature. Through the recent support of our local government, students can now receive free tuition at the University of the Virgin Islands. Presently, the Virgin Islands lags behind all states in regards to the percentage of individuals with college degrees (11.4%). This reality stifles the economic development of the Territory and deprives businesses of the trained workforce that is necessary for them to remain and prosper. The adoption of this policy also places the Territory and UVI as national leaders in higher education. The U.S. Virgin Islands now stands as the first Territory in the U.S. to fund this innovative approach, following the lead of only one other state that provides tuition free bachelor degrees. UVI is also the first Historically Black College and University (HBCU) in the nation to offer free tuition to residents of its home state/territory. In a special session on January 23, 2019, the UVI Board of Trustees approved policies and procedures to aide with the implementation of the free tuition legislation. The Free Tuition Scholarship will be available to all Virgin Islanders, as defined in the legislation, who enroll as full-time students pursuing their first associate’s degree or bachelor’s degree regardless of age, date of graduation or household income. Recipients of the free tuition aid, which would supplement students’ federal scholarship awards, University scholarships, and private donations, will be required to maintain a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 2.5 and to work in the Territory for a specific length of time upon completion of their studies. The University will collaborate with the Department of Labor to secure job placement opportunities for scholarship recipients. The deadline for students to apply for the Fall 2019 semester is March 1. This landmark legislation has received considerable local, national and social media attention. An editorial by President Hall entitled “A Compelling Case for Free Tuition” was published in the Avis, Source, Daily News and other local media online newspapers. A national editorial is also currently being finalized. President’s Report to the Board of Trustees Dr. David Hall, President Reporting Period: October 2018 - February, 2019 Board of Trustees’ Meeting – June 2, 2018 13 FREE TUITION RETENTION AND ACADEMIC SUPPORT FRAMEWORK What truly makes the Virgin Islands approach to free tuition unique and compelling is that funds are also being set aside to support students in their quest to excel. The Free Tuition Act provides funding so that the University can establish new academic support programs to help more students in high school obtain a 2.5 GPA and new programs at the college level that will allow them to maintain a 2.5 GPA. Since financial assistance alone is not enough for some students, this Act creates a comprehensive remedy to what ails higher education. This aspect of the Act strategically empowers the University to make free tuition eventually available to every student in the Virgin Islands, regardless of their present performance. If they are willing to work hard and embrace the insights, support and guidance which will be provided, they can take advantage of this opportunity. The regulations passed by the Board of Trustees permit high school students who have not obtained a 2.5 GPA in high school, to still receive funding if they obtain it while at UVI. The University has developed a comprehensive retention and academic support strategy aimed at improving student success and persistence. The framework includes both a pre-college and in-college approach to assist students and will consist of the following: Pre-College 1. UVI will develop a 10th Grade Academic Boost Summer program, based on its current UVI Boost Program. The local high schools will identify 10th grade students whose GPA is below 2.5 (converted from the high school average) but who have an interest and desire to attend college. These students will participate in an intensive 5-week program on campus that empowers them to develop skills which will increase their chances in excelling in the courses that they will take for the next two years. Additionally, the program will focus on non-cognitive skills to strengthen self-efficacy. The program will include tutors and near peer coaches (college students) available to work with students throughout the academic year. The program and all materials will be free to the students, and if they achieve the goal, they will be eligible for the Free Tuition Scholarship. 2. Working with the Commissioner of Education, UVI will identify ways in which students will be tested/identified at various intervals while in middle, junior high and high school. If they are deemed to have a deficient background, special support will be provided. UVI Mathematics and English/Language Arts professors will work with school (K-12) mathematics and language arts teachers to identify curricular enhancement materials that will serve as a resource for the middle, junior high and high schools. 3. Expand and appropriately fund the Dual Enrollment program by connecting the Dual Enrollment program to our 3-year accelerated option. This will require hiring adjunct faculty to offer more college credit courses in the secondary schools. President’s Report to the Board of Trustees Dr. David Hall, President Reporting Period: October 2018 - February, 2019 Board of Trustees’ Meeting – June 2, 2018 14 In College Program 1. Expand the UVI Boost program to include all students whose GPA are below 2.5, and especially target those who are not Pell Grant eligible. 2. Expand the Peer Academic Coaches program and assign each student participating in the UVI Boost Program a Peer Academic Coach. Students will need to meet with their Peer Academic Coach once per week.  Students will receive financial support from private sources that will be dependent on their attendance and completion of all support activities. Peer Academic Coaches and the Center for Student Success will have to certify that the students have in good faith fulfilled their responsibilities. This will be recorded in BucsConnect. UVI TO LEAD THE DEVELOPMENT OF MULTI-HAZARD MITIGATION PLAN FOR THE U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS As part of a joint effort between the Virgin Islands Territorial Emergency Management Agency (VITEMA) and the University of the Virgin Islands serving as project lead, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) awarded $4,932,697 for the development of a Territorial Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan (HMRP) for the U.S. Virgin Islands. Our Virgin Islands Experimental Program to Stimulate Competitive Research (VI- EPSCoR) and the Caribbean Green Technology Center will work in conjunction with VITEMA on the development of the hazard mitigation plan over the course of the three-year project. We view this effort as an opportunity to enhance the position of the University as a key resource of intellectual and technical capacity for the Territory and the region, as part of our collective recovery and rebuilding efforts. This goal aligns with the University’s strategic plan to develop a Disaster Mitigation and Resiliency Center. NOAA ENVIRONMENTAL LITERACY PROGRAM AWARDS UVI $500,000 IN FUNDS TO ADVANCE USVI COMMUNITY RESILIENCE TO HURRICANES UVI was awarded $500,000 in funding from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Environmental Literacy Program (ELP) for its U.S. Virgin Islands (USVI) Storm Strong Program. The five- year project will create the Territory’s first sustained, community-based, hurricane hazard preparedness program. Through new and strengthened partnerships and the development of a long-term community‐based program, middle- and high school youth and their families across the Territory, will engage in on-the-ground projects that increase individual, family, and community preparedness for hurricanes. This project joins previously ELP-funded resilience education projects that support the education of K-12 students and the public so they are knowledgeable of the ways in which their community can become more resilient to extreme weather events and or other environmental hazards, and become actively involved in achieving that resilience. President’s Report to the Board of Trustees Dr. David Hall, President Reporting Period: October 2018 - February, 2019 Board of Trustees’ Meeting – June 2, 2018 15 UVI SELECTED TO CONDUCT 2020 V.I. CENSUS The University was selected by the U.S. Census Bureau to conduct the data collection requirements of the 2020 census for the U.S. Virgin Islands. UVI will execute and manage all activities associated with the collection and reporting of the decennial census data to include demographic, social, economic and housing characteristics of the Territory. The total estimated contract award amount is $15,454,102. As part of the scope of the contract, UVI will establish U.S. Census Virgin Islands offices on both St. Thomas and St. Croix. The University project lead for the 2020 VI Census is Dr. Frank Mills, Vice Provost for Research & Public Service. WEST RESIDENCE HALL OPERATIONAL ON ST. THOMAS CAMPUS The University is continuing with its campus restoration projects post hurricanes Irma and Maria. Repairs to West Residence Hall was a priority to accommodate the number of students seeking residence on campus and in preparation for the Spring 2019 semester. The immediate task was remediation of mold in the facility which were successfully completed by an external vendor. Roof repairs, mitigation and wall replacement were also completed. Furniture was ordered and installed. The West Hall project is complete except for minor finishing touches. The West Residence Hall is now back on line with students occupying the facility. This is a major achievement for the institution in its rebuilding process and significantly reduces the number of students who were on a wait-list for on-campus housing. UVI PHD RESIDENCY IN INDIA The Creativity in Leadership, Innovation and Change (CLIC) Ph.D. program held its inaugural global residency in India from December 12-22, 2018. A total of 17 persons participated in the program including ten students in Cohort 2, two students from Cohort 1 and one student from Cohort 3. The students were engaged in lectures and workshops conducted by Indian officials and scholars on topics including women empowerment, leadership and creativity. The focus of the residency was on ethics and social justice and included visits to Mother Teresa’s house and to a home for young women rescued from the sex trade in Kolkata, India. Other international residencies are planned for the future. UVI HUMAN RESOURCES PROFESSIONALS SERVE AS CERTIFIED TSA TRUSTED AGENTS Three Human Resources professionals are Certified Trusted Agents with the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) authorized by IDEMIA to enroll individuals for security identification programs offered by IDEMIA. IDEMIA is a third party administrator hired by the TSA to conduct pre-check screening certification for land, sea and air, requested the UVI Human Resources (HR) Department to serve as an enrollment center for the U.S. Virgin Islands and to allow representatives from our HR Department to serve as Trusted Agents to enroll individuals requesting TSA pre-check authorization and Transportation Worker Identification Certification (TWIC). The HR Office enrollment center began processing enrollees on November 5, 2018 and has completed approximately 400 applications thus far. President’s Report to the Board of Trustees Dr. David Hall, President Reporting Period: October 2018 - February, 2019 Board of Trustees’ Meeting – June 2, 2018 16 UVI MUSIC DEPARTMENT HOSTS SUCCESSFUL COMMUNITY CONCERTS On St. Croix, UVI’s Voices of Inspiration Community Choir hosted its first fundraising Gala on Sunday, December 2, 2018 under the theme, Pay it Forward: Meet the Voices. Voices of Inspiration once again transformed the Great Hall on the Albert A. Sheen Campus and impressed the audience with Christmas songs, and original pieces composed by Director Josephine Thomas-Lewis. The overarching goal of this initiative was to provide an intimate setting to introduce the 35 members to the community and celebrate its successes and share the next phase of the organization. Additionally, Voices of Inspiration recognized and thanked Dr. Simon Jones-Hendrickson who was very instrumental in the choir gaining exposure by travelling and performing in St. Kitts in 2016. President Hall was also among those recognized for his vision and support in reinvigorating a choir on the St. Croix campus. The next phase of Voices of Inspiration will include the production of an original CD and travel to London, UK in summer 2019. The fundraising event received overwhelming support from the community and local businesses and raised over $11,000 to support upcoming initiatives. Several supporters included TEAM Consultants, Sunny Isle Baptist Church, Acute Alternative Medical Group and the University’s Office of the President. On St. Thomas, a Pre-Holiday Concert was held on November 9, 2018 at the Prior Jollek Hall featuring UVI’s Concert Band, Concert Choir, Jazz Ensemble and Steel Pan Ensemble to a well-received audience. The concert opened with selections from our newly formed Chamber Ensembles (these Ensembles will officially be part of our new Music Bachelor’s in Fine Arts (BFA) degree program which comes on line in Fall 2019). The other concert performances included the Saxophone Ensemble, led by UVI Music major Mr. Sherwin Williams ('20) and the Trombone Ensemble, directed by Dr. Leroy V. Trotman; the Concert Band directed by Ms. Georgia Francis; the Concert Choir directed by Ms. Jeannette Rhymer; the Steel Pan Ensemble directed by Ms. Shenelle Warner; the Jazz Ensemble directed by Mr. Dion Parson, UVI Music Department Chair. All the performances showcased our talented students performing many of the holiday classics as well as an original Christmas song, written specifically for this concert. GREATNESS THROUGH INNOVATION STRATEGIC PLAN The UVI Board of Trustees approved the University’s new strategic plan, “Greatness Through Innovation,” at its October 2018 Board meeting. The adoption of the new strategic plan is the first major step towards creating a culture of innovation. Throughout Greatness Through Innovation, the goals and measurable objectives all point towards the creation of an university where its emphasis, incentives, and processes stimulate and nurture innovative ideas. Excellent teaching, research, and community engagement are still the fundamental pillars upon which the institution stands, though we plan to fulfill this mission through creative and innovative strategies and initiatives. The University is planning an official public launch of the new strategic plan in March 2019. The Greatness Through Innovation promotional materials have been finalized and will be available at these planned events. President’s Report to the Board of Trustees Dr. David Hall, President Reporting Period: October 2018 - February, 2019 Board of Trustees’ Meeting – June 2, 2018 17 MSNBC CORRESPONDENT JOY-ANN REID SELECTED AS UVI COMMENCEMENT 2019 KEYNOTE SPEAKER Ms. Joy-Ann Reid has agreed to serve as UVI’s 2019 commencement keynote speaker on May16-17, 2019 on St. Croix and St. Thomas, respectively. Ms. Reid is a host, author and political analyst at MSNBC and host of “AM Joy,” which airs Saturdays and Sundays from 10 A.M. ET to noon ET. She is the author of the book Fracture: Barack Obama, the Clintons and the Racial Divide (William Morrow/Harper Collins 2015) and the co-editor, with Washington Post columnist E.J. Dionne, of We Are the Change We Seek: The Speeches of Barack Obama (Bloomsbury, 2016). Her columns and articles have appeared in The New York Times, The Guardian, the Miami Herald, New York Magazine, The Daily Beast and other publications. This year’s local honorees will be Cornel Williams on the St. Thomas Campus and Dr. Simon Jones-Hendrickson on the Albert A. Sheen Campus. Mr. Williams is a well-respected business leader, community philanthropist, visionary and dedicated UVI alumni. Dr. Jones-Hendrickson, who last served as Dean of the College of Liberal Arts & Social Sciences before his retirement, is an accomplished scholar, economic guru, Caribbean cultural keeper and superb professor. President’s Report to the Board of Trustees Dr. David Hall, President Reporting Period: October 2018 - February, 2019 Board of Trustees’ Meeting – June 2, 2018 18 PRESIDENT’S APPRECIATION AWARD During this past fiscal year, we witnessed a significant increase in the number of external awards received by the University from various federal agencies for research projects and other programs. For fiscal year 2018, UVI received $19.3 Million in externally funded grants and contract awards as compared to the prior fiscal year of $7.7 Million. This substantial increase is due to the hard work, creativity and dedication of numerous Principal Investigators at UVI. Our faculty researchers have made a significant contribution to this increase as well as other administrators and teaching faculty. UVI continues to be ranked among the top institutions in regards to external research dollars in comparison to its peer and aspirational peers and this result has been consistent over the years. This significant achievement has occurred despite the fact that the University’s research infrastructure needs to be enhanced. President’s Report to the Board of Trustees Dr. David Hall, President Reporting Period: October 2018 - February, 2019 Board of Trustees’ Meeting – June 2, 2018 19 PRESIDENT’S APPRECIATION AWARD In recognition of the outstanding contributions of the Principal Investigators to the University of the Virgin Islands, the President’s Appreciation Award for this period is presented to the following Principal Investigators. PI Name Department Aletha Baumann College of Liberal Arts & Social Science Amy Dreves Cooperative Extension Service Antonino Cucchiara College of Science & Mathematics Bernard Castillo College of Science & Mathematics Camille McKayle Provost Caryly Johnson Cooperative Extension Service Chenzira Davis-Kahina College of Liberal Arts & Social Science Christina Chanes Cooperative Extension Service David Morris College of Science & Mathematics Denise Humphrey Institutional Advancement Desiree Bertrand School of Nursing Donald Bailey Agricultural Experiment Station Edwin Cruz College of Science & Mathematics Frank Mills Eastern Caribbean Center Gregory Guannel Caribbean Green Technology Center Haldane Davies President Office Ilene Garner Community Engagement and Lifelong Learning (CELL) Center Jan Staff College of Science & Mathematics Janis Valmond School of Nursing John Munro School of Business Karen Brown School of Education Kim Waddell Virgin Islands Experimental Program to Stimulate Competitive Research (VI-EPSCoR) President’s Report to the Board of Trustees Dr. David Hall, President Reporting Period: October 2018 - February, 2019 Board of Trustees’ Meeting – June 2, 2018 20 Kimberly Mills VI University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities (VIUCEDD) Kristin Wilson Grimes Center for Marine & Environmental Studies Linda Thomas School of Education Lois Sanders Cooperative Extension Service Louis Petersen, Jr. Cooperative Extension Service Malik Sekou College of Liberal Arts & Social Science Marc Boumedine College of Science & Mathematics Marilyn Brandt Center for Marine & Environmental Studies Maxine Nunez School of Nursing Noreen Michael Caribbean Exploratory Research Center Paul Jobsis Center for Marine & Environmental Studies Richard Nemeth Center for Marine & Environmental Studies Robert Godfrey Agricultural Experiment Station Sarah Dahl-Smith Cooperative Extension Service Sennai Habtes Center for Marine & Environmental Studies Shirley Lake-King Administration & Finance Stafford Crossman Cooperative Extension Service Steen Stovall Small Business Development Center Stuart Weiss Agricultural Experiment Station Teresa Turner College of Science & Mathematics Thomas Zimmerman Agricultural Experiment Station Timothy Faley School of Business Tyler Smith Center for Marine & Environmental Studies Valerie Combie College of Liberal Arts & Social Science President’s Report to the Board of Trustees Dr. David Hall, President Reporting Period: October 2018 - February, 2019 Board of Trustees’ Meeting – June 2, 2018 21 PART II: GREATNESS THROUGH INNOVATION INITIATIVES AND ACTIVITIES AREA OF FOCUS #1: INNOVATION & DISTINCTION  Through funding from Title III, the on-campus child-care center on St. Thomas is near completion. Contractors renovated 3,168 square feet of each of the two designated buildings and added approximately 2,300 square feet of back yard fencing.  The Medical School Simulation Center on St. Croix has resumed construction. A revised construction schedule for Phase 2 was submitted with a completion date of March 6, 2019 due to delays caused by rain and problems experienced with shipping containers of materials, roof and windows to St. Croix. All required materials for Phase 2 are now on-site. Completion of the final phase (Phase 3) is anticipated to occur in late summer. AREA OF FOCUS #2: LEADERSHIP & EXCELLENCE IN ACADEMICS, RESEARCH, & PUBLIC SERVICE  The College of Science and Mathematics held its 19th Annual Student Research Symposium on Saturday, September 22, 2018, in the UVI Administration and Conference Center. The Symposium included 43 presentations by over 60 UVI students.  The Office of Research and Public Service, together with the Eastern Caribbean Center (ECC), conducted and reported on a Local Food Consumer Survey and a Local Farmers Survey, which contributed to the USVI Agricultural Processing/Packaging Plant Feasibility Study report (prepared by UVI’s Institute for Leadership and Organizational Effectiveness). In August 2018, ECC completed the report of the Parent Satisfaction with Special Education Services Survey 2016 to the VI State Office of Special Education and made public presentations of the special education survey results on both St. Thomas and St. Croix in September 2018. President’s Report to the Board of Trustees Dr. David Hall, President Reporting Period: October 2018 - February, 2019 Board of Trustees’ Meeting – June 2, 2018 22  Virgin Islands Experimental Program to Stimulate Competitive Research (VI- EPSCoR) St. Croix staff executed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Claude O. Markoe Elementary School for their “Elementary STEM” Pilot Project. Through this agreement, VI-EPSCoR provided 25 Lego WeDo 2.0 kits, pilot project support through access to STEM project implementation personnel, instruction in Creative Problem Solving, and the assistance of project evaluation specialists for pre- and post-test assessments. The school will utilize the equipment provided by VI-EPSCoR to introduce students to the basic principles of coding and robotics. The estimated value of the financial support is $5,000. AREA OF FOCUS #3: STUDENT SUCCESS AND ACHIEVEMENT  Two students are participating in the Danish Student Exchange/Scholarship Program in Denmark at the University of Copenhagen for the Spring semester. The program is part of UVI’s global student exchange programs which has resulted in UVI hosting students from those institutions over the past few years. Funding for UVI student participation comes from the Danish Government Scholarship, which provides for their housing and living expenses while in Denmark.  Eight St. Croix students from MAT 557, Action Research in Mathematics, traveled together with faculty member Dr. Chris Plyley to present their educational research projects at the 7th Annual International STEM Educators Association STEM Exposition and Conference from October 7-9, 2018, in Branson, Missouri.  The campus student newspaper, UVI Voice 2.0, has been reactivated. The Office of Public Relations is working closely with Dr. Sharon Honore to create a quality product, which is produced by students. Plans are underway to structure the paper as a self-sustaining business endeavor, complete with a paid editorial staff, marketing component and in-house advertising division.  UVI Voice 2.0 will align with other student newspapers and become Caribbean centered, organized and maintained by a student team of journalists.  UVI Voice 2.0 was launched December 8, 2018, with plans for ongoing publications. The general UVI student body is encouraged to submit articles for review and selection. Final selections are then edited and formatted using internet software. The current e-publication may be found at (https://uvivoice2018.wixsite.com/website ).  President’s Report to the Board of Trustees Dr. David Hall, President Reporting Period: October 2018 - February, 2019 Board of Trustees’ Meeting – June 2, 2018 23 AREA OF FOCUS # 4: MEASUREMENT, ANALYSIS, KNOWLEDGE MANAGEMENT, & RESULTS  The University’s Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) application, Banner, was moved outside of the campus environment and Territory to Microsoft’s Azure Cloud. This move ensures uptime and the resilience of this key tool used for human resources, payroll, budgeting, registration, purchasing, financial aid and other University functions. On-the-ground interruptions to electricity, network, air conditioning or other conditions will not impact Banner. As long as one has access to the Internet, Banner will be accessible and University operations can continue. This ensures business continuity no matter the on-the-ground reality with the physical campuses. AREA OF FOCUS #5: OPERATIONAL EFFICIENCIES AND FOCUS  Between October 1 and December 31, 2018, more than $1M has been secured from foundations and corporations since the beginning of the fiscal year. This represents support from twenty organizations. Areas for which funding was procured include support for scholarships, faculty and student research, the Reichhold Center for the Arts, Afternoon on the Green, programs in the College of Science and Mathematics and School of Business, School of Nursing, UVI CELL, and scholarships.  As directed by the Vice President for Administration and Finance, the Human Resources Department implemented the FY2019 Salary Compensation Plan on November 28, 2018 to be processed with the last three payrolls for 2018, (bi-weekly 26, and monthly for administrators and faculty). During this reporting period, the staff was tasked with testing ITS upgrades from BANNER 8 to BANNER 9 and also to BANNER Cloud in a test environment, in addition to entering data in our normal work environment. Although testing proved to be very time consuming and interrupted the normal flow of work in the department, the staff successfully worked in the test environment to finalize timely compensation increases for all applicable employees.  The Grants and Contracts area is starting to draw cash from the federal agencies’ electronic systems again after the federal government shut down ended. Electronic payment systems were down from December 22, 2018, but funds are now accessible for draw. Accountants are submitting FY 2018 waived SF425 reports from FY 2017. Accountants are also involved in the FY 2018 Financial and A- 133 Single Audits. A grant accountant position was filled. The individual started in the Grants and Contracts area November 2018 and is currently being trained on US Department of Education Title III and Title IV programs. In addition, a Post Award Grants Coordinator was hired to assist grant accountants with an overall review of the Accounting Office Service Charter and holding workshops and meetings with principal investigators and administrators. As a result, the Grants and Contract area has been re- assigning existing grants and assigning new grant awards. President’s Report to the Board of Trustees Dr. David Hall, President Reporting Period: October 2018 - February, 2019 Board of Trustees’ Meeting – June 2, 2018 24  The financial and single audit for the year ended September 30, 2018 initially commenced on November 12th, 2018. The audit of fiscal year 2017 was completed and issued on October 12, 2018. The late issuance of the report did not leave sufficient time for the Accounting staff to implement the necessary changes prior to the end of fiscal year 2018. As a result, management determined, and the auditors agreed that the audit should be paused until January 2019. Accounting provided an updated trial balance to the auditors on January 11, 2019 and audit fieldwork resumed on January 14th, 2019. The audit is currently on schedule to be issued by the established deadline of March 31, 2019. The Accounting team, with the assistance of the Office of Administration and Finance is working diligently to ensure the audit is issued on time.  Institutional Effectiveness staff is meeting with unit heads on the recommendations from 2017 and 2018 UVINext recommendations. One-on-one meetings are also being held with persons with responsibility for Greatness Through Innovation objectives. Institutional Effectiveness staff will ultimately establish regular communications with University stakeholders ensuring Unit missions are tied to that of the University, goals and objectives are in line with the new strategic plan, and that assessment activities measure and track progress.  Despite the many challenges the St. Thomas Security department encountered during this quarter, the department received positive recognition from various internal and external constituent groups. The Security Department, though numerically small, demonstrated the strength of the unit by successfully providing security services for the UVI Community and visiting groups to the campus throughout the ongoing restoration following hurricanes Irma and Maria. Additionally, the unit continues to meet Peace Officers Standards and Training (POST) requirements in the following areas: appropriate usage of firearms and non-lethal weapons, handcuffing, CPR and First Aid, search and seizure, self-defense, report writing, ASP baton, pepper/OC spray, and usage and instructions regarding other relevant equipment and general duties of security officers.  Demolition activity of the UVI Research and Technology Park (UVIRTP) as per specifications outlined began on January 7, 2019, with a projected completion date of March 31, 2019. Additionally, materials not noted in the specifications such as the soffit on both floors, multiple layers of drywalls and corroded metal studs were under review. Presently the scope of work is 35% completed and anticipated completion is scheduled for March 31, 2019.  The 120-ton chillers for the Administration & Conference Center building incurred irreparable damage as a result of the hurricanes. The units were successfully replaced and the project was completed in January 2019.  The interior carpet throughout the Administration & Conference building was substantially damaged. In some cases, removal of the carpet was necessary for the maintenance of satisfactory Indoor Air Quality (IAQ). The carpet was successfully replaced in the conference rooms and two hallways. The second floor hallway installation is pending final material procurement. President’s Report to the Board of Trustees Dr. David Hall, President Reporting Period: October 2018 - February, 2019 Board of Trustees’ Meeting – June 2, 2018 25  The Campus Accessible Lifts on the upper St. Thomas Campus sustained considerable damage due to their location outside of the buildings and exposure to the elements. The project is awaiting shipment of the lifts.  The renovation of the Reichhold Center for the Arts is still a work in progress. The main roof that covered the core facility was compromised due to major structural damage as a result of the hurricanes. Do Right Construction was instrumental in removal of the compromised roof structure and remaining roofing sections in the facility. The project was completed in December 2018. Mold remediation work is currently in progress. The As-Built drawing is completed. Building code compliant design and ADA review and design are still in progress. Schematic design to be completed February 2019.  School of Business Building: The As-Built drawing according to measurements and steps is completed. Delivery of auditorium seats, building code compliant design, ADA review and design are still to be completed – scheduled completion of schematic design is expected February 2019.  Quarters B – Incomplete: The As-Built drawing is completed. The building code compliant design and ADA review and design are in progress-- schematic design scheduled completion February 2019.  School of Nursing: The As-Built drawing is 90% completed.  Marine Science Building: UVI received verbal approval to proceed. Building code compliant design and ADA review and design are in progress. Schematic design scheduled completion February 2019.  Bus Shelter Replacement: The bus shelter located adjacent to the Music Building was destroyed during the hurricanes. The shelter was replaced July 2018.  Campus Fleet Upgrade: The STT Campus Vehicle Fleet was plagued with vehicles past their mechanical age for durability and safe operations and a number of them were retired from operation. A fleet upgrade proved necessary – vehicles were replaced and/or purchased. Fleet upgrade completed.  Two 25-ton HVAC units with high Energy Efficient Rating (EER) HVAC Equipment, and EPA compliant R-410a were replaced and installed and the associated ductwork repairs completed at the Research Extension Center. The units will serve the one-story, approximately 10,000 sq. ft. REC Building which was built in 1993. The units were approved for the Albert A. Sheen Campus to assist with “Creating the Foundation of a Sustainable Campus” through its advanced energy monitoring system and equipment upgrades. President’s Report to the Board of Trustees Dr. David Hall, President Reporting Period: October 2018 - February, 2019 Board of Trustees’ Meeting – June 2, 2018 26  Securing and Protection of the College of Science and Mathematics (CSM) Casework and Equipment: The scope of work covered the protection of casework and equipment at the College of Science and Mathematics (CSM) following facility damage experienced at the RTPark from Hurricane Maria in September 2017. The project required removal of all wall mounted cabinets and the casement and equipment stored and protected from construction debris while demolition and reconstruction activities were on-going. Celestine was awarded the contract as a qualified contractor capable of performing the services required. The project was completed January 24, 2019.  The Office of Compliance and Campus Operations on the Albert A. Sheen Campus, collaborated with UVI Physical Plant, in conducting an internal inspection of the Research and Extension Center on January 9, 2019, to evaluate the indoor air quality (IAQ) in areas of concern raised by an employee. ADCON Environmental, Inc. was contacted for a professional inspection of the entire ductwork system which resulted in them being hired on January 11, 2019, to provide cleaning and sanitization of the entire ductwork system. ADCON was contracted as a sole source vendor due to the technical expertise needed. Work was conducted from January 18 through January 25, 2019. During the maintenance cleaning, the facility was closed for operations and all employees were temporarily relocated to other offices on campus. The facility was re-opened on January 28, 2019.  In addition to Human Resources Week, informational sessions were offered annually. During the months of October and November, Supervisor and Administrative Support Training was also conducted, facilitated by one of HR’s Business Partner. Some of the topics discussed were Conflict Resolution, Setting Priorities, How to handle Difficult People, use of the HR Policy Manual, the Benefits of Empowering Employees, and Communication Skills. Eighteen supervisors and staff members attended the Supervisor training and fifteen staff members attended the administrative support training.  One of the services offered with PeopleAdmin, the HR automated applicant tracking and performance evaluation system, is an automated on-boarding process. One of the HR Business Partners is working with a representative from PeopleAdmin to complete the set-up of this module in the PeopleAdmin system. AREA OF FOCUS #6: VALUING OF PEOPLE, RELATIONSHIPS, & CULTURE  On December 10, 2018, the Office of Student Activities, in collaboration with the Golden Key Honor Society, visited with participants of the Caribbean Center for Boys and Girls. Activities included painting and creating Christmas cards for their loved ones. President’s Report to the Board of Trustees Dr. David Hall, President Reporting Period: October 2018 - February, 2019 Board of Trustees’ Meeting – June 2, 2018 27  Cooperative Extension Service (CES) staff organized and participated in the 34th Annual St. Thomas- St. John Agriculture and Food Fair held on November 17-18, 2018. The event was held at Bordeaux Farmers’ Market in collaboration with the V.I. Department of Agriculture and We Grow Food Inc. The theme was “Building Bridges, Strengthening Bonds for a Better Farming Community.”  Culture Pop-Ups: The Reichhold Center partnered with the Department of Education Cultural Education Division to launch a series of hands-on workshops which focused on passing on cultural traditions of the Virgin Islands throughout the course of the academic year. Three workshops, Costume Building and Wire Bending (October); Traditional Games (November); and French Quadrille (December), were successfully conducted during the first quarter, two on St. Croix and one on St. Thomas. The Cultural Pop-Up events were jointly produced with the Department of Education and the Virgin Islands Council on the Arts.  Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault Awareness: A one-woman show, entitled “Momma was a Bad Mutha…Shut Yo Mouth,” was performed on October 2, 2018, by nationally acclaimed playwright Fee King. It relayed a powerful and victorious story about a woman surviving a childhood of sexual abuse, while witnessing domestic violence at her mother’s house party. The event was a collaboration between Counseling Services, the Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Council, Reichhold Center, and the College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences. It was held at the UVI Little Theatre. Khalarni Rivers and Nyaila Callwood, wrote and performed their monologue entitled “It’s a Code World” at the event. A total of 78 persons attended.  The Reichhold Center staff assisted the Virgin Islands Council on the Arts (VICA) in revitalizing the 150-seat Dorsch Cultural Center amphitheater in Frederiksted, St. Croix. The Reichhold Center staff worked along with VICA in creating a small art gallery, office renovation, electrical upgrades and installation of lighting fixtures to enhance the audience and performance spaces. “The Dorsch” opened its doors on December 1, 2018 launching the festival season with Stanley and the Ten Sleepless Knights. Reichhold Center provided technical support for the grand opening.  The Intra-Campus Basketball games were held during the weekend of October 19-21, 2018, on the St. Thomas Campus as an attempt to create an outreach activity that could unite both campuses and encourage intercollegiate sportsmanship.  Sweet potatoes from the Biotechnology & Agroforestry program and lamb from the Animal Science program were donated to the Herbert Grigg Elderly Home, Queen Louis Home, My Brother's Table, The Village and The Lighthouse charities on St. Croix.  The Hunting Ground, a documentary film about sexual assaults on US college and university campuses, institutional cover-ups, and the brutal social toll on victims and their families, was shown on campus as part of the Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault program activities. There were 75 students that participated in a discussion after the showing. President’s Report to the Board of Trustees Dr. David Hall, President Reporting Period: October 2018 - February, 2019 Board of Trustees’ Meeting – June 2, 2018 28  Two interactive training activities, under the theme “Good Coconut Karma,” were conducted throughout the Territory to educate farmers about food safety issues in general and the requirements of the USDA Food Safety Modernization Act Produce Safety Rule. Cooperative Extension Service (CES) sponsored and participated in the 3rd Annual Crucian Coconut Festival, which was organized by St. Croix Farmers in Action and held on the grounds of the historic Estate Bethlehem Sugar Factory.  Virgin Islands Experimental Program to Stimulate Competitive Research (VI- EPSCoR) St. Thomas staff participated and served as an intermediate level instructor for the Virgin Islands Marine Advisory Service (VIMAS) Swimming Program. The VIMAS Swimming Program is a new program. It takes place during six consecutive Saturdays and focuses on teaching local under-represented minorities (URMs) how to swim, both as an important survival skill and as a means of becoming familiar with local near-shore ecosystems.  Virgin Islands University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities (VIUCEDD) held its annual Voices that Count forums on both campuses during this reporting period. These forums brought together political candidates and persons with disabilities and their families and advocates. A total of 224 persons attended.