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Center for Student Success CENTER FOR STUDENT SUCCESS Welcome to the CSS Newsletter We invite the entire University community: faculty, staff, administrators, alumni, and students to work together as we embark on the development of new university-wide student support and retention initiatives. Everyone and every function connected with UVI has a role in sup- porting and retaining students. Retention includes both academic and student life support ser- vices and requires a university-wide team effort to achieve. In addition to faculty instruction and advisement, quality of life services such as dining, housing, information technology ser- vices, campus facilities maintenance, and various other departments make a very positive impact for the UVI student experience. All of our University’s departments and constituents make it possible for us to enjoy our time here at UVI. As we work toward university-wide initi- atives that impact student success and retention, every UVI constituent will be invited to par- ticipate in collaborative efforts that enhance student support and retention developments. CSS staff are here to help students. They are dedicated and make student success their priority. Faculty can refer students to us through their personal communication, Early Alerts, and mid-term reports. Students can take advantage of our help in writing, math, Spanish, French, or any of our other subject areas by meeting with their Student Success Specialist or visiting our Learning Center in Classroom Administration Building (CAB) 101 or Writing Center and Math and Science Enrichment Center in the Modular Building (MOD) 103 and 104. In this newsletter, you will read a success story from a male student who experienced success by getting help from Leslie Greene, Math and Science Enrichment Center Coordinator, and the Learning Assistants on the Albert A. Sheen Campus, St. Croix. Also, you will read about student experiences with University Bound (UB) led by Rosalia Rohan, Director of University Bound and our CSS summer opportunities with UB and Summer Bridge (SB). Additionally, you will share our excitement about the Writing Center achieving the College Reading and Learning Association (CRLA) certification. Regards, Dr. Stephen Moore Executive Director of Student Success and Honors Program Center for Student Success Newsletter Volume 3 Issue 2, March 2015 Newsletter Editor: Jacinthe Proctor Newsletter Co-Editor: Julie Cruz In This Issue  Welcome to our Newsletter  CSS Summer Opportunities  CSS Success Stories  Learning Assistant Spotlight  Writing Center CRLA Certification  Upcoming CSS Workshops & UVI Reminders  Congratulations UVI —Dedicated to Student Success and Committed to Excellence—Go BUCS!!! Center for Student Success The Center for Student Success (CSS) is inviting applications from high school seniors for the 2015 Summer Bridge Program. The program, valued at more than $4,000 per student, is offered at no cost to participants. It is designed to assist students in making the high school to college transition. This year’s program is scheduled to run from June 21 to July 24. During the five weeks, students will reside on campus and take the equivalent of 13 credits. Classes in critical reading, writing, mathematics, and college success will prepare students to take the UVI placement tests and allow them to move directly into college-level, credit-bearing courses instead of spending time taking college preparatory courses in their freshman year. Students also learn about campus resources and campus life while they form important relationships with faculty, staff, and students at the University. Application forms can be obtained from the schools’ guidance counsellors or from CSS on the St. Thomas Campus and the Albert A. Sheen Campus, St. Croix. For further information, please call Jennifer Palmer Crawford at 340-693-1196. Do You Know CSS Student Success Specialist / Academic Advisor services are available Mondays through Fridays from 8:30am-7:00pm. (On the St. Thomas Campus, services from 4:30pm-7:00pm are located at the CSS Learning Center - CAB 101). Question of the Issue “Why have you chosen to attend UVI?” Email your answer to the CSS newsletter editor at jproctor@uvi.edu with the subject line “Why UVI for Me” for a chance to see your response in our next CSS newsletter. Stay the path...Determination is the Key to Success! Summer Bridge—Getting Ready for College University Bound—Preparing for Academic Rigor University Bound (UB) is accepting applications from high school students to attend the 2015 UB summer program. This year’s program is scheduled to operate from June 21 to July 17. The program will accept 25 students on each campus on a first come first serve basis. This intense 6-week residential preparatory program will expose students to cultural enrichment, social engagement, and recreational activities. The students will attend daily classes including: composition, literature, math, laboratory sciences, and foreign language. Students also be engaged in non-curricular offerings such as steel pan, concert choir, drama, dance, and beginning swimming. For further information or to get an application, please contact Rosalia Rohan on the St. Thomas Campus at 340-693-1133 or Michelle Albany on the Albert A. Sheen Campus, St. Croix at 340-692-4182. CSS Summer Opportunities Center for Student Success 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 has been a gateway to success. CSS Success Story An Albert A. Sheen Campus, St. Croix student shares his CSS experience and his academic success. Ayanna Phillip, University Bound Class of 2014 Ambitious, determined, proactive, and outgoing are some words that describe Ayanna Phillip. Helping students is something that she enjoys doing. One way she did this was as a Beacon Schools of the VI Inc. After School Program homework tutor. Being a member of the University Bound program (formally Upward Bound) has helped her academically. “Being a University Bounder has really been a good experience for me and taught me the concept of giving back. Because I have the support, I can really focus on my education and before I can do anything, my education has to be ‘on-point’.” Ayanna shares more about the importance of education. “Education is very important because without it, you won’t get very far in life. Oprah Winfrey once said, ‘Do the one thing you think you cannot do. Fail at it. Try again. Do better the second time. The only people who never tumble are those who never mount the high wire. This is your moment. Own it.’ Therefore, I try my best in everything I do and overcome the most difficult obstacles that are placed in front of me with strength and determination.” Rakeem Gumbs, Criminal Justice Major Rakeem Gumbs has taken full advantage of the Math & Science Enrichment Center on the Albert A. Sheen Campus, St. Croix. He shares that from the first day he came to the Math Lab he has been treated with care and professionalism. He also shares that Ms. Greene and the Math Lab tutors explain the work in a very clear and precise manner. “In turn, I am now understanding the work that is being presented and my grade in every math class increases. I wish that Ms. Greene would be my professor for every math class I have to take. The Math Lab has been the reason for my success over the past few years.” Center for Student Success Gena’Lee Gordon, Biology Major The Center for Student Success (CSS) is pleased to highlight the contributions of Gena’Lee Gordon for her service to the CSS Learning Center, St. Thomas Campus. Gena’Lee, who is scheduled to graduate with a BS in Biology in May 2015, joined the staff at the Center for Student Success in Spring 2013. She assists students with nursing, chemistry, biology, and mathematics. Gena’Lee is an outstanding Learning Assistant who demonstrates a very high level of conscientiousness and skill in her responsibilities with the CSS Learning Center. She is always punctual for her sessions and constantly receives positive evaluations from her tutees. Gena’Lee’s effectiveness is evidenced by the large number of students who make repeat appointments with her. It is not uncommon for visitors to appear at the CSS Learning Center to observe Gena’Lee leading group sessions in the conference room. We applaud Gena’Lee’s initiative in taking charge to organize group sessions and providing excellent client service. She is an excellent role model for our UVI students. For more information about CSS Learning Center Contact Jennifer Palmer Crawford #2 John Brewer’s Bay St. Thomas, USVI 00802-9990 (340) 693-1196 jpalmer1@live.uvi.edu For more information about CSS Math & Science Lab or Writing Center contact Leslie Green (Math & Science Lab) RR1 Box 10000 Kingshill, St. Croix, USVI 00850-9990 (340) 692-4224 lgreen@live.uvi.edu Dr. Valerie Combie (Writing Center) RR1 Box 10000 Kingshill, St. Croix, USVI 00850-9990 (340) 692-4126 vcombie@uvi.edu Visit us on the web at www.css.uvi.edu Learning Assistant Spotlight Center for Student Success The Center for Student Success (CSS) Writing Center on the Albert A. Sheen Campus, St. Croix has earned certification through the College Reading and Learning Association (CRLA). This is a very high level certification for any university student support center to earn. The CRLA provides guidelines for the training and certification of tutors and tutoring services and support. Dr. Valerie Combie, Associate Professor of English and Albert A. Sheen Campus, St. Croix Writing Center Coordinator, was instrumental in gathering data and submitting the proposal for certification. Students who work for the Center and earn the CRLA Level I Tutor Certification can list it on there resume as a major achievement. This certification is a prestigious honor for the Center and we congratulate and thank Dr. Valerie Combie for her efforts. CSS has been and is continually striving to improve services to students and the campus. We expect great progress with exciting changes and innovations in the coming year. Congratulations CSS Writing Center CRLA Certification Dr. Valerie Combie and Dr. Stephen Moore celebrating CSS successes. “Accept responsibility for your life. Know that it is you who will get you where you want to go, no one else.” - Les Brown Center for Student Success  English Proficiency Exam Workshop Date: March 31, 2015 Time: 12:15-1:15 p.m. Location: CSS Learning Center, CAB 101 Need tips on how to be successful on the EPE?  Study Habits - Good vs Bad Date: April 2, 2015 Times: 10:00-11:00a.m. and 2:00-3:00p.m. Location: SFC 222 Gain tips and learn strategies on a variety of learning and study habits  Stepping It Up with CSS—Days 1 and 2 Dates: March 23 and 25, 2015 Time: 11:30a.m.-1:30p.m. Locations: Ralph M. Paiewonsky Library Courtyard on March 23 Dining Pavilion Courtyard on March 25 Learn more about CSS services, success strategies, and early advisement and registration.  Stepping It Up with CSS—Day 3 Date: March 27, 2015 Time: 3:00p.m.-4:00p.m. on March 27 Location: Classroom Administration Building (CAB) in front of the CSS Learning Center Learn more about CSS services, success strategies, and early advisement and registration.  March 18 - End of WP/WF grades  March 19 - Start of AW/Dean’s permission needed  March 20 - Start of Fall 2015 advisement and online registration  March 23-27 - UVI Pride Week  Register for the upcoming Computer Literacy Exam (CLE)  Register for the upcoming English Proficiency Exam (EPE)  Visit the Learning Center in the CAB building Upcoming CSS Workshops & Activities UVI Reminders Center for Student Success Congratulations!!! Mrs. Trudi Golphin has served as a Student Success Specialist / CSS Academic Advisor at the Center for Student Success (CSS) and has provided excellent “students first” service during her time. Mrs. Golphin will continue to serve our students on the Albert A. Sheen Campus, St. Croix as the Director of Residence Life at Student Housing. Congratulations goes out to Mrs. Trudi Golphin!!! Mrs. Trudi Golphin Director of Residence Life Academic Centers Hours CSS Learning Center Mondays - 9:00a.m.-7:00p.m. Tuesdays - 9:00a.m.-7:00p.m. Wednesdays - 9:00a.m.-7:00p.m. Thursdays - 9:00a.m.-7:00p.m. Fridays - 9:00a.m.-7:00p.m. Saturdays - 10:00a.m.-4:00p.m. Writing Center Mondays - 9:00a.m.-5:00p.m. Tuesdays - 9:00a.m.-8:00p.m. Wednesdays - 9:00a.m.-8:00p.m. Thursdays - 9:00a.m.-8:00p.m. Fridays - 9:00a.m.-8:00p.m. Saturdays - 1:00p.m.-4:00p.m. Sundays - 2:00p.m.-4:00p.m. Science & Math Enrichment Center Mondays - 9:00a.m.-5:30p.m. Tuesdays - 9:00a.m.-5:30p.m. Wednesdays - 9:00a.m.-5:30p.m. Thursdays - 9:00a.m.-5:30p.m. Fridays - 9:00a.m.-5:30p.m. Saturdays - 10:00a.m.-4:00p.m. St. Thomas Campus Albert A. Sheen Campus, St. Croix 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 Learning in Action. CSS Learning Center. St. Thomas Campus Teaching and Learning. Writing Center. Albert A. Sheen Campus, St. Croix