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Center for Student Success CENTER FOR STUDENT SUCCESS “So many of our dreams at first seem impossible, then they seem improbable, and then, when we summon the will, they soon become inevitable” - Christopher Reeve Executive Director’s Message The Center for Student Success congratulates all of our graduates. This is a very proud moment for each of you. Your hard work is not over when you graduate; set your goals high because this is just the beginning of a bright future for you. As you go forward, take with you the lessons you learned at the University of the Virgin Islands and make your dreams come true. Good luck and congratulations once again! To our returning students, the Center for Student Success can be instrumental in helping you along your path toward academic excellence. Continue to use our services such as the Learning Center, and Math & Writing Labs. There are many tutors and support staff to assist you. In this newsletter, you will read a reflection from a past University Bound student and the Learning Assistants on the Albert A. Sheen Campus, St. Croix. You will be updated on the progress of our summer programs. Additionally, you will share our excitement about the Learning Center achieving the College Reading and Learning Association (CRLA) certification. Regards, Dr. Stephen Moore Executive Director of Student Success and Honors Program Student Success Newsletter Volume 3 Issue 3, May 2015 Newsletter Editor: Jacinthe Proctor Newsletter Co-Editor: Julie Cruz In This Issue  Executive Director’s Message  CSS Spotlights and Reflections  CSS Summer Program Update  Step It Up with CSS Reflection  Congratulations  Getting to Know Your College Professor UVI - Specializing in Futures - Historically American. Uniquely Caribbean. Globally Interactive. Manefa O’Connor-Francis - UVI Alumna CSS Spotlight - Student Success p. 2 Center for Student Success Manefa O’Connor-Francis, UVI Alumna In my third semester at UVI I idly completed a survey seeking feedback about students’ college experiences. How do you find the school, its facilities, and assistance in any area were some of the questions asked. I submitted the survey with no further thought. Weeks later I received a call to meet with the new Executive Director of the Center for Student Success (CSS). I was told that as a result of my participation in the survey, and after reviewing my grades, he was aware of my struggles with mathematics. I was offered solutions to my dilemma. I was hesitant as this was not my first time getting help for MAT 023. I just could not pass this class. I tried tutoring several times before and had no success. I figured the tutors probably thought I was dumb since I failed MAT 023 twice, so I vowed to stay away. However, my mathematic struggles continued. I was reassured by CSS staff that this time would be different. I was assigned two tutors that would meet with me every day based on my schedule. I was tutored at a peer level which gave me insight into a subject for which I have had such a love hate relationship with for so long. That semester I passed MAT 023, and moved on to fulfill my other mathematics requirements applying the same principles learnt. I was no longer ashamed to visit the Center for Student Success, realizing that they were there for my success. I spent every free moment among the scholars. I was a familiar face and found myself helping others in the areas in which I was strong. Whenever a peer expressed exasperation in a subject area, I was quick to recommend a tutor. Due to the camaraderie and the services offered, I sought to become a tutor. Not only did I tutor in English, but my understanding of the frustrations endure by others struggling in the areas, I was provided an opportunity to become a Peer Led Team Learner (PLTL) tutoring in MAT023. It was at this time I realized that my knack for sharing was a gift and that truly I was destined for the classroom. After graduating from UVI Magna Cum Laude in 2014, I was employed by the Government of the Virgin Islands Department of Education as a substitute teacher teaching English at the Charlotte Amalie High School. Plans are in place for changing this role as I now seek certification to teach as a fulltime teacher. In addition to certification I plan to pursue a master’s degree in education with a concentration in English Language Arts. My success is greatly attributed to the foresight given in implementing an opportunity for student support and success from which I have greatly benefitted. CSS Spotlight Student Success Mrs. Manefa O’Connor-Francis shares about her University of the Virgin Islands experiences, challenges, and successes, in addition to her life after UVI graduation as a high school educator. Interested in learning more about UVI’s accreditation process… Interested in being involved with reaccreditation… For more information about UVI’s Greatness by Design Moving the Needle or interested in participating contact Mrs. Tina Koopmans at tkoopma@uvi.edu. Center for Student Success CSS Math & Science Lab CSS recognizes outstanding performance of Learning Assistants During the Spring 2015 semester, the CSS Learning Center was staffed by a dedicated group of students who must all be recognized for their commitment in helping students to achieve their fullest potential. In this issue of the CSS Newsletter, special recognition will be bestowed upon Fabian Tobierre for his efforts and dedication in promoting and aiding in student success. Fabian Tobierre Math & Science Center Learning Assistant Mr. Fabian Tobierre is a statistical genius who uses his stats “x-ray” vision to see through practically any statistics or analytical problem thrown his way. Possessing a gentle manner and a rapier-quick sense of humor, Fabian makes statistics and other math concepts as easy as reading a cake recipe. One of his teaching gifts is the ability to disarm his students with crystal-clear examples that help dispel their analytical confusion. He does this with a natural and easygoing grace that characterizes nearly all he does. He has worked for the Science and Math Enrichment Center for four years and has dedicated uncountable time, energy, and sweat-equity to the success of this Center. In addition to the talents and knowledge already referred to, Fabian is also a psychology undergrad and puts his knowledge in this discipline to work when diagnosing math and science misconceptions among his clients. Without doubt, they are the better for his presence and all-around abilities. CSS Learning Center Updates... Great News... The Center for Student Success Learning Center will continue to provide academic support for students during the Summer 2015 sessions. Summer Session 1: May 18 - June 22, 2015 Summer Session 2: June 25 - July 30, 2015 Operational Hours: 10:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m. Operational Days: Mondays through Fridays Location: CAB 101 (CSS Learning Center) Help Wanted…Summer employment opportunity... Students interested in becoming PLTL leaders are encourage to visit the CSS Learning Center for application form. Center for Student Success Eighty students will converge on the Albert A. Sheen Campus, St. Croix and St. Thomas Campus to participate in the Summer Bridge 2015 Program. Program Timeline: June 22 - July 26, 2015 Benefits: Students will live on campus Students will be registered for Fall 2015 Students will learn about campus resources Students will meet University faculty and staff Summer Bridge 2015 Sherika Jacobs, University Bound student, Class of 2014 My first semester at the University of the Virgin Islands (UVI) was a memorable one. As a former member of the University Bound Program, I was exposed to UVI, and was somewhat prepared for the rigors of university life. I had a basic idea of what to expect; however; I quickly realized that there were many things that I still had to get accustomed to. It was hard for me to transition into the dorms, and I left campus almost every weekend to go home to my family. I must admit, that University Bound helped to prepare me for the intense academic work load I encountered. I used much of the study skills that I gained from University Bound and I experimented with different study methods gleaned from other students I met on campus, which greatly enhanced my study habits and patterns. Perhaps the biggest adjustment I had to make was studying in groups. Throughout high school I studied alone. I stayed clear of any type of assembling during study time. As it turned out working in groups became the best tactic learned throughout the entire semester. I also had to get conditioned to living independently and I had to improve my time management skills and a greater sense of responsibility. All in all, I gained an amazing experience this first semester at UVI and I look forward to making numerous improvements in subsequent ones. I performed at my best and was able to obtain a 4.0 GPA. I look forward to a repeat performance next semester. University Bound has helped to make the best choice of schools. My journey at UVI thus far has been a learning experience of a life time. No regrets! CSS University Bound Alumni Reflection Positive reflections received from our past University Bound student provides compelling reasons why the Center for Student Success must continue to help students succeed. Students gain a grounded sense of identity and plan for the future. University Bound continues to be a gateway to success. Question of the Issue “What is your ideal college experience?” Email your answer to the CSS newsletter editor at jprocto@ uvi.edu with the subject line “My ideal college experience” for a chance to see your response in our next CSS newsletter. Do You Know Summer 2015 session hours for CSS Academic Advisors / Student Success Specialists are Mondays through Fridays from 8:30 a.m.- 4:30 p.m. Learning and Action = CHANGE Center for Student Success The Center for Student Success spearheaded its first annual successful, fun, and informative week of activities from March 23 to March 27. Students showed interest and participated in CSS Jeopardy which covered University life, services, departments, and much more. The Center for Student Success would like to say thank you to the students, staff, faculty, and departments who participated and contributed generously to this successful event. CSS Jeopardy Day Three with Participants, On Lookers, and CSS Executive Director CSS Jeopardy Topics Day one topic headlines:  Who is who at UVI  What are the requirements for Graduation  Where do you go when you have this issue  What is your status  Miscellaneous Day two topics headlines:  All about UVI  What program is this  What do you know about CSS  Do you know UVI's History  Miscellaneous Day three topic headlines:  Do you know these rules and regulations  What do you know about your campus  Can you concentrate  How much do you know about on campus resources  Miscellaneous Day one and two winners competed in the ultimate CSS Jeopardy game for grand prizes on day three. Step It Up with the Center for Student Success CSS Awareness Week Activity Turnout CSS Ultimate Jeopardy Winners Donte Pole Denine Hurtault Ja Quanie Hansby Sudi-Ann Lewis-Dawkins Center for Student Success The Center for Student Success (CSS) Learning Center, St. Thomas Campus, and the Math & Science Enrichment Center, Albert A. Sheen Campus, have earned College Reading and Learning Association (CRLA) certification. This is a very high level certification for any university student support center to earn. CRLA provides guidelines for training and certification of tutors, tutoring services, and support. Mrs. Jennifer Palmer Crawford, CSS Student Success Specialist / Academic Advisor and Learning Center Coordinator, Ms. Leslie Greene, Math & Science Coordinator, Mr. Frazly Alexander, CSS Student Success Specialist / Academic Advisor, and other CSS staff were instrumental in gathering data and submitting the proposal for certification. This certification is a prestigious honor for the Center and we congratulate and thank the staff members involved in this effort. CSS has been and is continually striving to improve services for students and campus. We expect great progress with exciting changes and innovations in the coming year. Congratulations CSS Learning Center CRLA Certification Congratulations The Center for Student Success congratulates the following staff on achieving well deserving awards and accomplishments. Congratulations to Dr. Stephen Moore, Mr. Frazly Alexander and Ms. Andrea Dorsey on their conference proposal acceptance. Their presentation titled: Data Driven Decision for Student Service Personnel will be presented to the 18th Caribbean Tertiary Level Personnel Association Annual Conference in Tobago on June 14, 2015. Congratulations to Mr. Frazly Alexander and Ms. Julie Cruz on receiving UVI WOW recognition during the UVI Employee Service Award for providing excellent customer service. Congratulations to Dr. Valerie Combie for being honoured as UVI’s first Master Professor during the Student Academic Award Ceremony. Dr. Combie is the Writing Center Coordinator on the Albert A. Sheen campus. CSS Staff The Center for Student Success receives CRLA certification for the CSS Learning Center and Math & Science Lab. Center for Student Success The Center for Student Success would like to congratulate Ms. Tonecia Rogers as the Student Employee of the year. Ms. Rogers is a Math Learning Assistant at CSS Learning Center. Ms. Rogers has made a unique contribution to the university and has demonstrated exceptional reliability, quality of service and professionalism. Congratulations CSS Student Employee Congratulations to Ms. Tonecia Rogers, CSS Math Learning Assistant and the 2015 Student Worker of the Year, for being elected as the new UVI Student Government Association (SGA) Senior Senator. Congratulations to Mr. Cashkim Bussue, CSS student worker, for being elected as the new UVI Student Government Association (SGA) Vice President. Student Representative Elects CSS Student Employees The Center for Student Success congratulates Ms. Tonecia Rogers on her outstanding achievement. The Center for Student Success congratulates Ms. Tonecia Rogers and Mr. Cashkim Bussue on their newly appointed positions in the University of the Virgin Islands Student Government Association (SGA). Center for Student Success CSS Student Employee Congratulations The Center for Student Success wishes all the graduates continued success as they transition to graduate school or on to their chosen careers. Congratulations on your accomplishments and successes...  Monnicia Martin successfully completed a nursing assistant program. Ms. Martin was a Summer Bridge 2013 Program participant and is currently enrolled in the UVI Nursing Program. Ms. Martin sees this accomplishment as one step closer to her dream of becoming a registered nurse.  Shanah Bannis is scheduled to graduate in Spring 2015 with a BA in Psychology.  Xuxa Fraites is scheduled to graduate in Spring 2015 with a BA in Social Work.  Sena Hussein is scheduled to graduate in Spring 2015 with a BS in Chemistry.  Gena Lee Gordon is scheduled to graduate in Spring 2015 with a BS in Biology.  Arige Shrouf is a certified tutor, Level I, and is scheduled to graduate in Spring 2015 with a BA in English. Center for Student Success Getting to Know Your Professors Can Be One of The Most Rewarding Aspects of Your Time in College. You may be totally intimidated by your professors, or you may be eager to meet them but not know what to do first. It's important to remember, however, that most professors are professors because they like teaching and interacting with college students. Knowing how to get to know your college professors might just end up being one of the most rewarding skills you learn during your time in school. Here's How:  Go to class -- every day. Many students underestimate the importance of this. True, in a lecture hall of 500 students, your professor may not notice if you're not there. But if you are, your face will become familiar if you can make yourself noticed a bit.  Turn your assignments in on time. You don't want your professor to notice you because you're always asking for extensions and turning things in late. True, he or she will get to know you, but probably not in the way you want.  Ask questions and engage in discussion in class. This can be an easy way to have your professor get to know your voice, face, and name. Of course, only ask questions if you have a legitimate question (versus asking one just for the sake of asking) and contribute if you have something to say. Chances are, however, that you have plenty to add to a class and can use that to your advantage.  Go to your professor's office hours. Stop in to ask for help with your homework. Stop in to ask for advice on your research paper. Stop in to ask your professor's opinion about some of the research he is doing, or on the book she's talked about writing. Stop in to invite him or her to your poetry slam next week. While you may at first think there's nothing to talk to a professor about, there are, in fact, lots of things you can discuss with your professors. And having a one-on-one conversation is perhaps the best way to start to build a connection!  Go to an event where your professor is speaking, or to a meeting for a club or organization your professor advises. Your professor is most likely involved in things on campus other than just your class. Go hear him or her lecture and stay afterward to ask a question or thank them for the speech.  Ask to sit in on another of your professor's classes. If you're trying to get to know your professor -- for a research opportunity, for advice, or just because he or she seems really engaging -- you most likely are interested in similar things. If they teach other classes that you might want to take, ask your professor if you can sit in on one of them this semester. It will indicate your interest in the field; additionally, it will undoubtedly lead to a conversation about why you're interested in the class, what your academic goals are while you're at school, and what interested you in the topic in the first place. By Kelci Lynn Lucier About Education How To Get to Know Your College Professors Don't Be Intimidated By Someone Who Was Once A Student Like You Center for Student Success Contact Us Give us a call or send an email for more information about our services and products Center for Student Success #2 John Brewer’s Bay St. Thomas, USVI 00802-9990 (340) 693-1583 ijames@live.uvi.edu RR1 Box 10000 Kingshill, St. Croix, USVI 00850-9990 (340) 692-4140 mflemin@uvi.edu Visit us on the web at www.css.uvi.edu