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Center for Student Success CENTER FOR STUDENT SUCCESS Student Success Newsletter Volume 4 Issue 1, September 2015 Newsletter Editor: Jacinthe Proctor Newsletter Co-Editor: Julie Cruz In This Issue  Executive Director’s Message  Tutor Trac Instructions  CSS Academic Service Hours  Workshops  Conferences  Seven Secrets to College Success  University Bound  Summer Bridge  CSS Messages UVI - Specializing in Futures - Historically American. Uniquely Caribbean. Globally Interactive. Center for Student Success Happy Fall 2015! The Center for Student Success with support from several departments and individuals have made many wonderful contributions this summer. The College Reading and Learning Association recognition of our tutor training and certification programs is a direct reflection of the quality work done by Dr. Valerie Combie (Writing Center STX), Leslie Green (Math & Science Center STX), and Jennifer Palmer-Crawford (Learning Center STT). We thank Rosalia Rhymer-Rohan for yet another successful University Bound program. In her 36 years (yes, it is not a typo) at the helm Ms. Rohan has made significant progress beyond working with students by building an engaged University Bound Parent’s Association. The influence of her program can be felt, not only in the entire USVI, but worldwide, as many of the graduates from this program have genuinely happy stories about success and achievement. I was fortunate to be the invited guest speaker at her most recent graduation / closing ceremony and could feel the power and joy of her contribution from every member in the audience. Summer Bridge, led by Jennifer Palmer Crawford (STT) and Maria Fleming (STX) brought 79 new students to UVI for the summer, all of them registering for classes this fall. The outreach and connection of Summer Bridge to the community is growing and making an impact. Frazly Alexander and Andrea Dorsey (Academic Advisors / Student Success Specialists) and I wrote a successful proposal for a presentation at the Caribbean Tertiary Level Conference in Tobago titled Data-driven Decisions for Student Service Personnel. With a tight budget our team could send only one person to present; as such, Frazly was asked to represent CSS and UVI. Julie Cruz has made significant contributions this year to the operation of Summer Bridge and Math Behind the Science. Additionally, when Ms. Crawford was called away on short notice due to a family emergency, both Jacinthe Proctor and Julie Cruz stepped up to take the reins of Summer Bridge. We thank the faculty who supported Summer Bridge: Patricia Harkins Pierre, Linda Wymer, Glen Monticeux, Vanda Espinosa, Mary Jo Wilder, and Kodzo Ekpe. These faculty make a significant contribution to Summer Bridge students and UVI. They provide the Summer Bridge students the opportunity to work with college professors and create bonds that will take them through their college careers. Michelle Santesteban, who has 5 years’ experience in Student Success, has joined the team on the Albert A. Sheen Campus, St. Croix and will be working as an Academic Advisor II / Student Success Specialist and assisting with grant writing and other duties. Dr. Stephen Moore, Judith Rogers, and David Capriola led a two-day faculty development workshop for Freshman Development Seminar (FDS 100) instructors. The contributions we have made are too numerous to list. If we can assist, please contact us. Regards, Dr. Stephen Moore Executive Director of Student Success and Honors Program Executive Director’s Message Dr. Stephen Moore Executive Director of Student Success and Honors Program Interested in learning more about UVI’s accreditation process… Interested in being involved with reaccreditation… For more information about UVI’s Greatness by Design Moving the Needle or interested in participating Contact Mrs. Tina Koopmans, Vice President for Information Technology Services and Assessment, at GreatnessbyDesign@uvi.edu or (340) 693-1460. Center for Student Success Maximize Your Learning Potential by Making an Appointment with a Learning Assistant  Log into mycampus  Click on the TutorTrac Icon  Click ‘search availability’  Select ‘STT Learning Center’  Make selection by selecting a Learning Assistant (LA) OR select a reason  Click search for the LA times Question of the Issue “What strategy do you use for coping with stress?” Email your answer to the CSS newsletter editor at jprocto@uvi. edu with the subject line “My strategy for coping with stress” for a chance to see your response in our next CSS newsletter. All About Trac: Logging On to Tutor Trac St. Thomas Campus CSS Learning Center Mondays - 9:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m. Tuesdays - 9:00 a.m.– 7:00 p.m. Wednesdays - 9:00 a.m. - 7: 00 p.m. Thursdays - 9:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m. Fridays - 9:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m. Saturdays - 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Albert A. Sheen Campus, St. Croix Science & Math Enrichment Center Mondays - 9:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m. Tuesdays - 9:00 a.m.– 7:00 p.m. Wednesdays - 9:00 a.m. - 7: 00 p.m. Thursdays - 9:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m. Fridays - 9:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m. Saturdays - 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. Writing Center Mondays - 10:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m. Tuesdays - 10:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m. Wednesdays - 10:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m. Thursdays - 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. Fridays - 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. Saturdays - 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. Sundays - 12:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. Do You Know... CSS Student Success Specialist / Academic Advisor services are available Mondays through Thursdays from 8:30am - 7:00pm and Fridays from 8:30pm - 4:00pm. (On the St. Thomas Campus, services after 4:30 p.m. are located at the CSS Learning Center - CAB 101.) CSS Academic Learning Assistance Service Hours Center for Student Success Freshman Development Seminar Workshop On Course Workshop Center for Student Success Workshops CSS facilitated a Freshman Development Seminar workshop on May 11 and 12, 2015. The workshop was conducted by Dr. Stephen Moore, Judith Rogers, and David Capriola. Other FDS 100 workshop presenters included Dr. Donna Nemeth, Dr. Teresa Turner, Dr. Patricia Harkins Pierre, Dr. Stuart Ketchum, Charmaine Smith, Celia Richard, and Tanisha Mills. There were 26 participants. CSS facilitated an On Course workshop on May 18 and 19, 2015. The workshop was presented by Dr. Robin Middleton. There were 51 participants, including faculty from H. Lavity Stout Community College. The Freshman Development Seminar 100 workshop was created as a learning and sharing environment for current and future FDS 100 instructors. The workshop intent was to create a faculty learning community to work on pedagogy and best practices in teaching and learning. Connecting freshmen to the University of the Virgin Islands enhances the overall academic mission of the University by providing a quality education to our students and increasing faculty-student engagement. The On Course workshop provided a foundation in learner-centered interactions and proven educational strategies to better assist their students. The On Course approach is designed to significantly improve student learning, academic success, and retention. Participants develop a specific plan to implement one or more strategies learned in addition to receiving access to a web resource with hundreds of innovative ways On Course workshop strategies have been used by other educators across the curriculum. The Center for Student Success extends appreciation and thanks to UVI and HLSCC* faculty and staff for their active participation. Elmo Adams Michelle Albany Frazly Alexander Aletha Baumann Myron Brown David Capriola Julie Cruz Violeta Donovan Andrea Dorsey David Edgecombe Daryl Edwards Maria Fleming Paul Fleming Joseph Gaskin Cindy Glasgow* Dion Gouws Sherna Gumbs Stephanie Hanlon-Nugent Patricia Harkins-Pierre Averil Henry* Terese Henry* Marion Howard Lonnie Hudspeth Ikysha James Michael Kent* Stuart Ketcham Stanley Latesky Suzette Lettsome Lenette Lewis* Alan Lewit Stephen Moore Tanisha Mills Mary Myers Jennifer Palmer Crawford Adam Parr Michelle Peterson Celia Prince Richard Jacinthe Proctor Elroy Richards Judith Rogers Tonecia Rogers Rosalia Rohan Rosalyn Rossignol Michelle Santesteban Charmaine Smith Nandi Sekou Patricia Towal Leroy Trotman Mary Jo Wilder Linda Wymer Jasmattie Yamraj* Center for Student Success Conferences Congratulations to Dr. Stephen Moore, Ms. Andrea Dorsey, and Mr. Frazly Alexander on their successful proposal, Data Driven Decisions for Student Success Personnel, which was presented at the Caribbean Tertiary Level Personnel Association in Tobago on June 14, 2015 by Mr. Frazly Alexander. The presentation was well received. Ms. Andre’a Dorsey attended the 2015 Redrock Conference in Phoenix, Arizona, as the lead Advisor/ Tutor Trac person for the Center for Student Success. Ms. Dorsey received training on the use and operation of the Advisor/Tutor Trac system. Mrs. Jennifer Palmer Crawford attended a three-day Supplemental Instruction (SI) Supervisor Training at the International Center for Supplemental Instruction at the University of Missouri – Kansas City from April 20 – 23, 2015. It is the goal of the Center for Student Success to collaborate with various University departments to offer Peer Assisted Study Sessions (PASS) and Supplemental Instruction (SI) to enhance student success in traditionally difficult classes. The Center for Student Success staff presented in and attended several conferences over the last few months. Presenting and / or attending conferences allow the CSS staff to showcase CSS strategies in addition to networking and learning additional strategies to implement to further enhance student success. Center for Student Success Congratulations. You have made the decision to pursue higher education and to meet your goal of obtaining a college degree. You are embarking on a journey that can take you places you may have only dreamed of. Being in college can be fun but it can also be challenging. In this article I have put together ten steps that can help you to be successful at your collegiate goals. 1. Be punctual: Being late for class is a sign of disrespect. It tells the instructor you don’t want to be in his class or that you don’t take the class seriously. You also miss important information when you are late. Do you like it when people are late for something you’ve planned? Of course not. The instructor has spent time preparing for the class and you should give the instructor the time you have scheduled for his class. Besides, you have spent money for the class so you should show up on time to get what you paid for. Being punctual also helps when it comes time for grading. Grading is subjective and you want to do everything you can to leave a positive impression in your instructor’s mind so he can remember you this way doing grading. Being late for class doesn’t make a positive impression. So if you are habitually late, why should he sweat over your grade? Take my word for it, show up on time. 2. Do the homework: It is a waste of your time and the instructor’s time if you just sit in class but never do the assignments. Not doing class assignments is a guaranteed way to fail. Instructors use assignments to determine your knowledge and your grade. Assignments also help you to learn more about your field of study. Instructors can also tell if you half-heartedly completed an assignment. And don’t wait until the last minute to do your assignment. If you start early you will have a better product than if you waited until the due date to start on it. 3. Ask questions: Some people think asking questions is dumb. In reality it’s just the opposite. Instructors like students who ask questions. It shows you are interested in the class and that you really want to learn more about the subject the instructor is an expert in. The question you ask is probably the same question several other students in the class want answered so you’ll be doing them a favor. 4. Be confident: As an instructor, I like students who are confident in their abilities and act on them. Many times students are afraid to speak up in class or write a paper about an interesting subject because they are afraid what the instructor or their fellow students may think. As a result research papers or projects are sometimes dull and boring because they cover safe topics. It’s okay to be afraid. It’s not okay to let fear keep you from doing something you really want do. So go ahead and write that paper you’ve been longing to write or start on that project that you truly believe in. Be confident and be able to back up your findings or conclusions with evidence. 5. Volunteer: College instructors like students who volunteer. Volunteerism shows you want to really want to get involved in your major or your school. You don’t have to volunteer for something big. It could be something as simple as agreeing to be a group discussion leader or leading a class project. It could be volunteering to be on a student committee or to be on the board of a student chapter of an organization. Find ways to volunteer. This will not only help your grades but it can also enhance your studies. 6. Be prepared for tests: Depending on your instructor, you may not know when she may call a pop quiz. Successful students are prepared and always ready. You can be prepared by reading the class material before the class, participating in class discussions, and by doing the assignments and exercises in your textbook. 7. Get to know people: Successful people network. You have to do the same too, even on a college campus. When you get to know people on campus they share with you information that they have. This information can help you in a class, help you to save money or a purchase, assist you in choosing a class, or even choosing a major. Networking is a very important tool in the world of business so you might as well practice the skill while you are in college. Remember that you can be a success in college. Yes it’s hard, but you can do it! Seven Secrets to College Success by Bruce Gibbs Center for Student Success University Bound Update The Center for Student Success University Bound 2015 Summer Program. For further information contact Rosalia Rhymer- Rohan at (340) 693-1133 or rrohan@live.uvi.edu University Bound’s 2015 Summer Session took place from June 21 to July 17, 2015 on the St. Thomas Campus and Albert A. Sheen Campus, St. Croix of the University of the Virgin Islands. During this four week program, 54 students participated and gained exposure to a typical college experience. They were enrolled in courses that mimicked their class schedules from their respective schools, for the upcoming school year. These classes included Geometry, Algebra II, Trigonometry, Calculus, Biology, Physics, and Writing. SAT preparation and college/career readiness courses were also incorporated into the students’ schedules. Classes were taught by qualified teachers and professors who did their best to simulate a college course. The students were assigned homework and projects, in addition to being given tests, midterms, and final exams. Outside of the classroom setting, students spent ample time at the libraries developing healthy study habits. Between classes and study hall, students participated in a wide range of fun and engaging activities including: learning how to tie-dye clothes, going swimming with the sea turtles, and learning how to make Johnny Cakes. The students were constantly entertained with creative, cultural, team building, and bonding activities. One of the larger activities was our very first Spirit Week. Students were required to dress according to a predetermined theme in order to gain points for their dorms. They also received points from winning different challenges and competitions during the week. At the end of the week the points determined which dorm would win an ice-cream party. The week brought students together and fostered great camaraderie through friendly competition. The purpose of the University Bound Program is to guide students to find the joys of learning with and from one another, motivate them to excel, along with the exposure that will nurture a college-ready mindset. The core goal of Uni- versity Bound is to increase the number of Virgin Islands students that not only enroll but graduate from institutions of higher learning. Ultimately, the summer program is geared toward boosting students’ confidence socially, emotionally, and academically to foster brighter futures. Center for Student Success The Center for Student Success Summer Bridge 2015 Program is a program that is designed to assist students better transition from high school to college. The program was held June 21 - July 24, 2015. Summer Bridge Update St. Thomas Summer Bridge Estica Caesar - RA and RC Shelsa Marcel - TA Josia Telesford - TA and RA Nalie Frederick - TA and RA The Center for Student Success held closing ceremonies for the 5th annual Summer Bridge Program on the Albert A. Sheen and the St Thomas campuses on July 23rd. The program, which was launched in 2011 under the leadership of Dr. Haldane Davies - Vice President for Business Development and Innovation, has facilitated the transition of over 400 incoming freshmen. The 2015 program attracted 79 college bound high school graduates on the two campuses. As in the past, the students met and interacted with UVI faculty; administrators and staff; completed tasks related to UVI admission; enrolment and financial aid; learned about various campus resources; met with academic advisors; took placement tests and had the opportunity to register for classes early. St. Thomas Summer Bridge Coordinator and several Resident Assistants and Teacher Assistants (Alana Matthew-TA/ RA, Tanya Bartlette,-RA Jennifer Palmer Crawford-Coordinator, Mervin Shelford- TA, and Jose Martinez-TA) St. Thomas Campus Summer Bridge Faculty Albert A. Sheen Campus, St. Croix Summer Bridge Faculty Vanda Espinosa—Writing Mary Jo Wilder—Critical Reading Kodzo Ekpe—Mathematics Maria Fleming—College Success Dr. Patricia Harkins Pierre—Writing Prof. Linda Wymer—Critical Reading Prof. Glen Monticeux—Mathematics College Success Instructors Mr. Frazly Alexander Ms. Julie Cruz Ms. Andrea Dorsey Mrs. Jennifer Palmer Crawford Ms. Jacinthe Proctor Resident and Teacher Assistants (Non Pictured) Malik Cepeda - TA—AAS Juan Carlos Martinez - RA—STT Fabian Tobierre - RA and TA—AAS Pernilia Xavier - TA—STT Summer Bridge Resident and Teacher Assistants—AAS Center for Student Success CSS Messages… Well Wishes and Congratulations The Center for Student Success welcomes Mrs. Michelle Santesteban as the newest member of our team. Some of you already know Mrs. Santesteban since she served UVI in the temporary capacity of HR Business Partner on the Albert A. Sheen Campus. Mrs. Santesteban comes to us with a wealth of experience and knowledge in student success and advising. She holds a Bachelor of University Studies from the University of New Mexico and a Master of Arts in Psychology from the University of Houston – Clear Lake. She previously worked as a Counselor of Disability Services at San Jacinto College in Houston, Texas. Her role included providing accommodations for students with disabilities, whether learning, psychological, and/or physical, academic advising, and crisis intervention. She has worked extensively on student success and retention initiatives in collaboration with faculty, counselling and advising staff, financial aid staff, and the First Year Experience Office at San Jacinto College. Furthermore, Michelle has previously taught general psychology courses and freshman development seminar. We look forward to working with her in CSS. CONGRATULATIONS AND WELCOME TO THE CSS TEAM!!! Leaving UVI: The Center for Student Success (CSS) wishes Mr. Frazly Alexander much joy and happiness on his new academic adventure as he begins his Master program studies. BEST WISHES AND CONGRATULATIONS FRAZLY!!! The Center for Student Success congratulates Ms. Tonecia Rogers for being accepted into the 2015-2016 HBCU All-Star cohort to serve on the White House Initiative as a HBCUs student ambassador for University of The Virgin Islands. Ms. Rogers will be promoting education by working others to advance President Barack Obama’s Executive Order 13532, Promoting Excellence, Innovation, and Sustainability at Historically Black Colleges and Universities. CONGRATULATIONS TONECIA!!! Mr. Frazly Alexander Academic Advisor I / Student Success Specialist Mrs. Michelle Santesteban Academic Advisor II / Student Success Specialist Ms. Tonecia Rogers CSS Learning Assistant 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 Ikysha James ijames@live.uvi.edu RR1 Box 10000 Kingshill, St. Croix, USVI 00850-9990 (340) 692-4140 Maria Fleming mflemin@live.uvi.edu Mrs. Jennifer Palmer Crawford and Ms. Jacinthe Proctor welcoming new students to UVI!!!