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Welcome Summer Programs Center for Student Success Quarterly Newsletter students referred to us by faculty. We invite faculty, staff and students to support us with your suggestions. We are available during the following hours: Monday - Friday 8:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m. The goal of this newslet- ter is to keep the cam- pus community in- formed about the Cen- ter for Student Success (CSS) and invite ideas on how we can improve the services CSS provides to students. The over- arching goal of CSS is to contribute to UVI’s re- tention rate which last academic year stood at 70% for first time, full time degree-seeking fresh- men. For this academic year, the goal is to achieve a 72% retention rate for the same catego- ry of students. While the staff of CSS is committed to achieving this goal, we admit that it is not achievable without collaboration with all other units serving our students. The Center will continue to assist students as they strive to meet their academic goals, strong in the view that such assistance will promote retention. We will provide advisement, counselling refer- rals, learning support through the Learning Cen- ters on both campuses and targeted outreach to seamless transition into col- lege level classes. During the summer, students converge on the Albert A Sheen and the St. Thomas Campuses for a five-week resi- dential program which fea- tures intensive classes in criti- Summer Bridge: Despite state and territory efforts to improve the math and literacy skills among sec- ondary school students, an increasing percentage of stu- dents enter college unpre- pared for college-level cours- es. In response to this and the growing number of freshmen students taking non-credit skills courses, the University of the Virgin Islands in June 2011 launched a new summer pro- gram designed to assist pro- spective freshmen to close the academic gaps that exist be- tween high school education and the requirements for Inside this issue: Welcome 1 Writing Center 2 Math and Science Center 2 Staff Spotlight 3 Black History 3&5 University Bound 4 Special points of interest:  Summer Programs  University Bound  Learning Center opening Published by Center for Student Success Spring 2013 March, 2013 Volume 1, Issue 1 The Writing Center on the Albert A. Sheen Campus of the University of the Virgin Is- lands has entered its eighth year of tutor- ing students in a wide range of sub- jects. Our primary objective is embedded in our mission statement to provide “personal support to all University writers through a variety of delivery systems. We assist at any phase of the writing process, empowering our students to become more riculum. This semester, we have engaged on the effective writers, thinkers, and learners as we help them achieve their academic, pro- fessional, and personal goals.” The opera- tive word is “empowering,” which re- quires us to equip students with the skills and techniques they need to help them- selves. As service providers, we work with students in a variety of subjects, which validates our belief that our students should write in all classes across the cur- Math and Science Center 232, Chemis- try 151, 152 Call (340) 692-4224 The Science and Math Enrichment Center is located in MB103: up the hill from the Bookstore, across from the Great House/ Nurse Office. Learning Assistants are avail- able for your assistance through your courses. If your course is not listed, come on by and check with us, we may be able to help or if not direct you to someone who can. And remember, the tutoring is for Free! Hours: Mondays-Fridays, 9:00 a.m.—7:00 p.m. Richardson Edwards: Math 023, 024, 140, 143, 153, 232, 241, 242, Chemistry121, CSC 117, 118 Latoya Benjamin: Math 023, 024, 140, 143, 235, Spa 131, 132, 231 Trichelle Ekpe: Math 023, 024, 140, 232, Science 100, Eco 221, 222 Ismael Rosado: Math 023, 024, 140, 143, Summer Bridge cont’d Writing Center “Be yourself. Above all, let who you are, what you are, what you believe, shine through every sentence you write, every piece you finish.” John Jake Center for Student Success Quarterly Newsletter cal reading, writing, mathematics and col- lege success. These courses are specially geared towards preparing students for the UVI Placement tests which are adminis- tered at the end of the program. Addition- ally, participants engage in seminars de- signed to assist them in clarifying and ar- ticulating their career goals; heighten their awareness of financial aid processes, and introduce them to campus resources, such as the library, Center for Students Success, and Admissions. A number of recreational and social activities enhance the summer experience. The simulated University ex- perience; the opportunity to live on cam- pus and to meet administrators, faculty, and staff, assist students in making smooth- er transitions when they begin their col- lege education. During the summer of 2011 and 2012 a total of 184 high school graduates benefitted from the Summer Bridge Program. A similar program was offered for non- traditional students. This program was offered on a part-time basis from March 2012 through August 2012. Students were offered the same courses and were given placements tests at the end of each course. A number of these students registered for the Fall 2012 semester. 2012 Summer Bridge Students tact the Division of Student Affairs at 692- 4000 on the Albert A. Sheen Campus Students on the Albert A. Sheen Cam- pus pose for a picture at the 9th Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Commemora- tive march on January 21, 2013 hosted by the Central Labor Council of the Virgin Islands. A total of thirty eight (38) repre- sentatives from the student body and members of the staff were in attend- ance at this event. This year marks the second year the Division of Student Affairs Office of Student Activities coordinated ensuring UVI’s full participation in this event in honor of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. To find out more about opportunities for leadership development, service and vol- unteer opportunities, health and wellness programs, living /learning initiatives, stu- dent clubs/organizations or cultural and academic exchanges and much more con- Staff Spotlight Black History Month - MLK March St. Thomas campus Shawn Auguste: SSC 100, FDS, Communi- cation, English, Spanish, Humanities Kishma Herbert: English, Humanities, Communication, CIS, Psychology Briana Henley: Education, English, Spanish, Philosophy, Humanities, Commu- nication, Economics Manefa O’Connor: SCI 100, SSC 100, Eng- lish, Communication, Philosophy Crystal Watson : English, Communica- ambitious task of taking our Learning As- sistants to another level by working at making them certified. While certification will not change their already professional performance, it will authenticate their abil- ity to work professionally and effectively with students. We welcome all stu- dents. Please note that the hours of opera- tion on both campuses are as follows: Albert A Sheen campus Sunday 1:00 p.m.– 4:00 p.m. Monday to Friday 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Saturday 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. St. Thomas campus Sunday (library) 1:00 p.m.— 8:00 p.m. Monday to Friday 8:30 a.m.—7:00 p.m. Saturday 10:00 a.m.—4:00 p.m. The Learning Assistants in the Writing Cen- ter assist students in all areas, but their primary areas are as follows: Albert A Sheen campus Wyndi Ambrose: English, Psychology, and Journalism Virginia Carino: English and Psychology Joey Emmanuel: English and Psychology Thalia George: English. an indirect way. The Center for Student 1. Can you describe your role at UVI? I currently serve as the Interim Provost at the University of the Virgin Islands. The Provost is the Chief Academic Officer at the University, and has oversight of all the academic programs. In addition, im- portant to UVI's designation as a Land Grant institution, the Research and Public Service (RPS) sector is also integral to our core mission. The provost also has over- sight of RPS, though there is a Vice Provost for Research and Public Service who han- dles that area more closely. I work with the Deans of the Colleges and Schools, the Deans of student affairs, and others to en- sure that student life, and the academic programs are achieving their goals, and are at a very high quality. 2. How do you support UVI students? Much of the support that is provided to students from the Office of the Provost is in Writing Center cont’d “From the equality of rights springs identity of our highest interests; you cannot subvert your neighbor's rights without striking a dangerous blow at your own.” Carl Schurz Volume 1, Issue 1 University Bound, formerly Upward Bound, is a college preparatory program de- signed to generate skills and motivation for academic success in high school and be- yond it. University Bound is for high school students from low income families and potential first generation college students. The program helps students who have aca- demic ability but may lack the preparation, motivation, or opportunity to realize their college goals. Since its inception in the summer of 1966, at the then College of the Virgin Islands, University Bound has helped thousands of Virgin Islands students attain the goal of higher education. Students who meet the following criteria can apply for University Bound:  You’re a U.S. citizen or permanent resident  You’re in the 9th grade  Your parents meet federal low - income criteria, or you are a potential first generation college student  You’re willing to make a commitment to pursue post-secondary education.  You have academic potential and at least a “c” average  You are enrolled in a college prepara- tory or vocational track program in high school. University Bound is funded by the Virgin Islands Legislature and administered through the University of the Virgin Islands Center for Student Success. There is no cost to participating students or their families. Moreover, students receive a weekly stipend based on their compli- ance with University Bound rules and regu- lations such as attendance, punctuality, attitude, scholastics and other social skills. Staff spotlight cont’d University Bound “University Bound is for high school students from low income families and potential first generation college students” Center for Student Success Quarterly Newsletter their work. UVI is more than just the class- rooms and your courses. Success is a part of the Provost's compo- nent. Thus, if you put the academic pro- grams, student life activities, extracurricu- lar support, and athletics together, you note that the component for which the Provost is responsible touches and impacts the lives of all our students 3. What is the favourite part of your job? Though I often do not get a chance to deal directly with students, when I do it reminds me of why I enjoy working in an academic institution. I also enjoy those times when I am able to be a part of new and creative developments at the University, often led by faculty. I also look forward to gradua- tion and awards programs each year, when we can celebrate student success. 4. What do you do when you are not working? You can usually find me attending school or events with my family, or on the soccer field playing soccer. I also enjoy reading. 5. What advice will you give to students? Take care of academics first, but always seize opportunities to grow as a per- son. Seek out speakers, keep abreast of world issues, become involved in student life, and get to know your professors and Students who came for afterschool tutorials University Bound cont’d UVI Center for Student Success – Learning Center was formally opened on January 31, 2013 with a ribbon cutting ceremony. There were approximately 50 persons in attendance to witness this auspicious mo- ment. The main speaker of the event was President David Hall. Also speaking at the event were Provost Camille McKayle and Dr. Eustace Esdaille, Executive Director for the Center, who spoke on the role of the Center and the overall retention strategy. The Center is supervised by Jennifer Palm- er-Crawford and Frazly Alexander and staffed with two professional Learning As- sistants and approximately seventeen (17) Learning Assistants on a rotating schedule to accommodate the students’ needs. Michelle A l b a n y - Crispin at 340-692- 4182. University Bound offers academic and per- sonal counseling to help students make the most of their high school courses and pre- pare them for college. Students get the opportunity to discuss fu- ture plans and acquire personal skills for an easy transition from high school to post secondary education. Students will also re- ceive help with college entrance exams, college applications and assistance with financial aid . During the academic year, students attend University Bound classes on Saturday and after school to supplement high school clas- ses. Students work in small groups or in one-on-one sessions with their tutor or instructor. During the summer program, students enjoy a real college experience by living in the UVI residence halls for six weeks . Students’ sessions feature core curricular classes to prepare them for the upcoming school year. There will also be tutorial and enrichment sessions to allow students to develop socially and culturally. You may contact University Bound by calling Ms. Rosalia Rohan at 340-693-1133 or Ms. Learning Center opening “To catch the reader's attention, place an interesting sentence or quote from the story here.” Volume 1, Issue 1 Student who came for Afterschool tutorials Opening of the Learning Center Black History Month - “A time to learn” In honor of Black History Month, the St. Kitts and Nevis Association (SKNA) partnered with the Student Housing department of the University of the Virgin Islands, St. Thomas Campus to produce a showcase honoring heroes of specific islands in the region. Under the theme, “A Time to Learn and Remember”, Friday 22nd February, 2013, the University’s Dinning Pavilion was transformed into a modern day museum, showcas- ing a remarkable amount of information about regarding black heroes of numerous islands. When the idea first came to mind, the President of the SKNA, Ms. Rieka Audain, reached out to other Associations/Organizations on campus along with the Students Housing department inviting them to be a part of the showcase, an act in which all of them were more than humbled to do. Albert A Sheen campus, St. Croix University of the Virgin Islands RR1 Box 10000 Kingshill St. Croix, USVI 00850-9781 Phone: 340-692-4140 Fax: 340-692-4141 E-mail: eesdail@live.uvi.edu St. Thomas campus University of the Virgin Islands 2 John Brewers Bay, St. Thomas, USVI 00802-9990 Phone: 340-693-1583 Fax: 340-693-1627 E-mail: eesdail@live.uvi.edu CENTER FOR STUDENT SUCCESS Specializing in the success of our students We’re on the web! Www.uvi.edu/current students