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President’s Report to the Board of Trustees Reporting Period: October 15, 2016 to February 15, 2017 Dr. David Hall, President PRESIDENT’S REPORT TO THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF THE UNIVERSITY OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS REPORTING PERIOD: OCTOBER 15, 2016 TO FEBRUARY 15, 2017 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 Pathways to Greatness, 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. 1 Board of Trustees’ Meeting on March 04, 2017 Albert A. Sheen Campus President’s Report to the Board of Trustees Reporting Period: October 15, 2016 to February 15, 2017 Dr. David Hall, President STUDENT ACHIEVEMENTS  Through the Business Design Grant Program, students can transform their general business concepts into a detailed blueprint for their new business. This rigorous process started in October 2016 on both campuses. The program involves interviewing potential customers, researching the competition, detailing the proposed new business model, and testing its viability. While a blueprint ensures you have a structurally sound design, it does not tell you how you will construct the item or how you will operate it once it is built. Those later steps are the focus of the 13D Student Entrepreneurship competition, where UVI students will compete for $60,000 in prizes to start their viable business proposals. The below students successfully completed the Business Design Grant Program and each were awarded a $750 grant. o Gerald Bellot, Mile High Athletic Training, provides serious athletic and diet training for serious athletes. o Jiame Berry, The Fun Zone, an active arcade and eatery for creating a family fun atmosphere for all to enjoy and have a grand experience each visit. o Joy Grant, the da Vinci Health and Fitness, an app-based business that allows users to increase and maintain physical health, increase cognitive functions and monitor their diets. o Aron A. Gumbs, King Events, an event creation and planning firm. o Jessica LaPlace, VI Coupons, an online discount and coupon site for the Territory. o Benaiah Nicholson, BWA, a paintball and adventure-arena firm. o Nina Scott, Au Pair Everywhere, a firm that matches au pairs (nannies) with host families. o Jeanna Sujanani, Lots A’ Lattes, a coffee cart providing its patrons with the highest- quality coffee and pastries. o Jessica Taylor, Twisted Toppings, a mobile pizza shop/parlor.  The University had the distinct honor to host The Honorable Sonia Sotomayor, Associate Justice of the United States Supreme Court, as part of its 2017 Student Convocation on February 9, 2017. Students had the opportunity to submit questions ahead of time for consideration. Fifteen students were selected to ask Justice Sotomayor one of the approved questions. (Iris Battiste, Kerdersah Boland, Taylour Butler, Alex Cintron, Duryan Cozier, Kevin Dixon, Andre'a Dorsey, Sherecia Gumbs, Dwane Hendricks, Brittane Peter, Jerome Philbert, Nikyla Stapleton, Ki- Ana Tonge, Alicia Taylor, and Devon Williams). Students ranged from undergraduate, graduate and doctoral majors across a cross-sector of disciplines and from both campuses. The event was spearheaded by the Office of the President with widespread institutional and student support. Student leaders from the UVI Criminal Justice Club (Charles Cyrpee, Ashlyn Xavier, Trevesia Queeley, Nikyla Stapleton, and Brittane Peter) played an important role in the hospitality area. Student Government Association Presidents DeWein Pelle (STT) and Jeanette Ferdinand (STX) served as platform guests and speakers at the Convocation. Student musicians on the program (Sherwin Williams-saxophone (UVI), Tariq Lionel-piano (UVI), Uriel Rogers- bass (Charlotte Amalie High School) and Joshua Farrell-drum (Antilles School)) from the VI Youth Ensemble under the leadership of Dion Parson, UVI’s Musician in Residence, serenated 2 Board of Trustees’ Meeting on March 04, 2017 Albert A. Sheen Campus President’s Report to the Board of Trustees Reporting Period: October 15, 2016 to February 15, 2017 Dr. David Hall, President guests with jazz music.  Dwane Hendrickson, a senior majoring in Accounting, served as President for a Day on November 16, 2016 on the Albert A. Sheen Campus. Dwane is the fourth student selected to serve in this role while President David Hall took on the role of a student. The University holds the role reversal once a year and alternates between both campuses. The initiative was created to offer UVI undergraduate students a unique professional development experience and insight into the realities of running UVI, and to give the institution’s top administrator a better understanding of the student experience. The student selected for this honor also receives a $1,000 scholarship.  In collaboration with the Cooperative Extension Service (CES), the Agricultural Experiment Station (AES) developed a scholarship that was made available to students working in either AES or CES. A scholarship in the amount of $500 was awarded to Samuel Joseph for the Spring 2017 semester. Funds are available for a second scholarship that will be offered for the Fall 2017 semester.  Four students (Augustus Laurencin, Amran Nero, Micaiaha Forde and Shamali Dennery) were selected to participate in an Agriculture Education Tour of the University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences campus and off-campus Research and Extension Centers. The activity is supported by a grant to the Agricultural Experiment Station from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, National Institute of Food and Agriculture (USDA-NIFA) Program for Resident Instruction in the Insular Areas.  Four UVI students were featured in Volume 30 of The Caribbean Writer’s anniversary issue. The students were Rodney Joseph, a senior business administration major, D’Yanirah Santiago, a senior English major, Anurie Oliver, a sophomore business administration major who was also nominated for the coveted Pen Awards, and Alexis Camarena, a business administration major who was also shortlisted for the Daily News prize.  Twenty-four students participated in the Dual Credit Program in Fall 2016. All students successfully passed their courses. Twenty-one continuing students and two new applicants were selected to participate in the program for the Spring 2017 semester. All public high schools are represented in the program. PRESENTATIONS & PUBLICATIONS Student names are bolded. Faculty names are italicized.  Twenty UVI students presented at the Annual Biomedical Research Conference for Minority Students (ABRCMS) in Tampa, FL November 9-12, 2016. Three students (Lorne Joseph, Michael Rosario, Villisha Gregoire) won awards. 3 Board of Trustees’ Meeting on March 04, 2017 Albert A. Sheen Campus President’s Report to the Board of Trustees Reporting Period: October 15, 2016 to February 15, 2017 Dr. David Hall, President  Bennett, Lewis, Michelle C.D. Bridi, Ph.D., and Alfredo Kirkwood, Ph.D. “Do Inhibitory Synapses Change Throughout the Day?” Annual Biomedical Research Conference for Minority Students (ABRCMS). November 11, 2016. Poster Presentation.  Brown, Annalyn, Sehrish Javaid, and Adrienne Cox. “The Role of CDK4/6 in Colorectal Carcinoma Cell Lines.” Annual Biomedical Research Conference for Minority Students (ABRCMS). November 10, 2016. Poster Presentation.  Cassel, Nakeshma, Sharadha Sambasivan, Ph.D., and Wayne Archibald, Ph.D. “Doping of Nanomaterials: Investigation of Chemical Environment and Electronic Structure Effects.” Annual Biomedical Research Conference for Minority Students (ABRCMS). November 12, 2016. Oral Presentation.  Commodore, Nirisha, Alejandra Ramirez-Cardenas, and David Sherr, Ph.D. “Identification of Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor Antagonists with Biological Activity In Vitro.” Annual Biomedical Research Conference for Minority Students (ABRCMS). November 11, 2016. Poster Presentation.  Durand, Torhera, Bernard Castillo, Ph.D., Narome Belus, and Anayah Ferris. “Total Antioxidant Activity in Virgin Islands Plants.” Annual Biomedical Research Conference for Minority Students (ABRCMS). November 12, 2016. Poster Presentation.  Esdaille, Shanece, Theanne Schiros, and Wayne Archibald, Ph.D. “Chemical Modifications to Tailor Electronic Structure of 2 Dimensional Nano Materials.” Annual Biomedical Research Conference for Minority Students (ABRCMS). November 10, 2016. Poster Presentation.  Ferguson, Sojourna and Antonio Brathwaite, Ph.D. “Single-Atom Catalysis in the Gas Phase.” Annual Biomedical Research Conference for Minority Students (ABRCMS). November 12, 2016. Poster Presentation.  Ferris, Anayah, Bernard Castillo, Ph.D., Narome Belus, and Torhera Durand “Hydrophilic Antioxidant Activity in Parent and Hybrid Strains of Sorrel (Hibiscus sabdariffa).” Annual Biomedical Research Conference for Minority Students (ABRCMS). November 12, 2016. Poster Presentation.  Gregoire, Villisha, Karl C. Alcover, and Hui Cheng, Ph.D. “Estimating the Risk of Alcohol Onset Soon after Cannabis Onset: A Triggering Process?” Annual Biomedical Research Conference for Minority Students (ABRCMS). November 10, 2016. Poster Presentation. Award Winner.  Hodge, Shaniqua and Stewart Ehly, Ph.D. “Relation Between Marijuana Use and ADHD Symptoms Among High School Sophomores.” Annual Biomedical Research Conference for Minority Students (ABRCMS). November 10, 2016. Poster Presentation. 4 Board of Trustees’ Meeting on March 04, 2017 Albert A. Sheen Campus President’s Report to the Board of Trustees Reporting Period: October 15, 2016 to February 15, 2017 Dr. David Hall, President  Jeffers, Gejae, Rima Mouawad, and David Arnosti. “Exploratory Study of Gene Regulation by Rbf1 in Drosophila with Focus on the Apoptotic Pathway.” Annual Biomedical Research Conference for Minority Students (ABRCMS). November 11, 2016. Poster Presentation.  Joseph, Lorne and Lisa C. Klein, Ph.D. “A Novel Solution for Powering Our Planet: A Comparative Study of a Novel Titania Sol and a Titania Powder for the Improved Efficiency of Dye-sensitized Solar Cells.” Annual Biomedical Research Conference for Minority Students (ABRCMS). November 12, 2016. Oral Presentation. Award Winner.  Natta, Shanaliz and Wendy Slutske, Ph.D. “How Are Rural Residency Related to Alcohol Involvement Among Adolescents?” Annual Biomedical Research Conference for Minority Students (ABRCMS). November 11, 2016. Poster Presentation.  Nicholas, Genique, Wenbin Cui, and Yong Cai. “Bioavailability of Methylmercury in Rice Cereal and Fish.” Annual Biomedical Research Conference for Minority Students (ABRCMS). November 11, 2016. Poster Presentation.  Pelle, DeWein, Robert Stolz, Ph.D., Jonathan Jossart, M.S., and Richard Nemeth, Ph.D. “Migration of Yellowfin Groupers during Solar and Lunar Periods.” Annual Biomedical Research Conference for Minority Students (ABRCMS). November 10, 2016. Poster Presentation.  Rosario, Michael, Andres Velez Lopez, Rachel Nauer, and Karin Schon, Ph.D. “Cardiovascular Fitness is Positively Correlated with Left Entorhinal Cortical Thickness in Healthy Young Adults.” Annual Biomedical Research Conference for Minority Students (ABRCMS). November 10, 2016. Poster Presentation. Award Winner.  Scotland, Brianna, Michael J. Celestine, M.D., Jayden Eppley, and Alvin A. Holder, Ph.D. “Synthesis, Characterization, and Electrochemical Studies of cobalt(III)-containing Species.” Annual Biomedical Research Conference for Minority Students (ABRCMS). November 11, 2016. Poster Presentation.  Shaw, Ryan and Sayeepriyadarshini Anakk, Ph.D. “Identifying the Role for SHP in Preventing Cholestasis.” Annual Biomedical Research Conference for Minority Students (ABRCMS). November 11, 2016. Poster Presentation.  Tison, Krislen, Max R. Bernstein, Ph.D., and Matthew Rockman, Ph.D. “Towards the Understanding of Extreme Crossover Interference in Model Species C. elegans , sp. 29, and C. briggsae.” Annual Biomedical Research Conference for Minority Students (ABRCMS). November 10, 2016. Poster Presentation.  Yabba, Elangeni, Manjari Kiran, Ph.D., Brian Reon, and Anindya Dutta, M.D. /Ph.D. “Androgen Regulates tRNA Fragments (tRFs) in Prostate Epithelium.” Annual Biomedical Research Conference for Minority Students (ABRCMS). November 10, 2016. Poster Presentation. 5 Board of Trustees’ Meeting on March 04, 2017 Albert A. Sheen Campus President’s Report to the Board of Trustees Reporting Period: October 15, 2016 to February 15, 2017 Dr. David Hall, President  Brown, J. “Spatiotemporal Characteristics of a Red Hind, Epinephelus guttatus, Spawning Aggregation in St. Croix, US Virgin Islands: Using Acoustic Telemetry for Conservation and Management.” Oral presentation at the Gulf and Caribbean Fisheries Institute Meeting, November 7-11, 2016, Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands.  Thomas, S. (2016) “Preliminary Size Differences of Queen Triggerfish, Balistes vetula, across Island Shelves and Gear Types in the US Virgin Islands.” Oral presentation at the Gulf and Caribbean Fisheries Institute Meeting, November 7-11, 2016, Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands. ALUMNI UPDATES  Ward, Charisse, MD (Biology) an interventional cardiologist at Abilene Regional Medical Center, has developed two apps for physicians (InterventionalProLog and EPProcedureLog) and a medical app for patients called Cardio Tracker. The physician apps cost $0.99 to download, with the proceeds being used to help veterans. Ward is also a former Navy officer. Cardio Tracker, is at no cost to patients, and helps patients track their blood pressure, blood glucose levels and manage their diabetes and other medical information.  Garbutt, Tiffany (Biology) successfully defended her Ph.D. thesis in genetics at North Carolina State University.  Cannonier, Shellese (Biology) just completed her Ph.D. in the field of cancer biology at Vanderbilt University.  Hospitality and Tourism Management graduates have be placed in management and supervisory positions at Walt Disney World in Florida, Westin Resorts on St. John, Dominica, Anguilla, St. Croix and Tortola, Tamarind Reef on St. Croix, both Frenchman’s Reef and Frenchman’s Cove on St. Thomas and the Governor’s Mansion on Tortola.  Knight, April (Communications) has left TV2 and is now in Austin Texas preparing to begin a Master’s degree at the University of Texas at Austin in their School of Journalism.  Martin, Charles (Communications) has been hired as the Public Information Officer for My Brother’s Workshop, getting the organization’s message to the people, highlighting their work and the support they get from community and private sector organizations and businesses. He was a UVI Communications major.  Smithen, Corlis (Business) has been hired at the Virgin Islands Department of Justice as the Public Media Officer. She works full-time providing information to the local media about actions at the Department of Justice. 6 Board of Trustees’ Meeting on March 04, 2017 Albert A. Sheen Campus President’s Report to the Board of Trustees Reporting Period: October 15, 2016 to February 15, 2017 Dr. David Hall, President  Graduates of the Master in Marine and Environmental Science program also continue to obtain employment in their field of study: o Bright, Allan was a member of the first Master of Marine and Environmental Science (MMES) cohort and is currently working as a technician with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) in Miami, FL. o Eanes, Scott has been offered a position with Coral Bay Community Council of St. John. o Groves, Sarah has been hired by NOAA as contractor at their laboratory in Beaufort, NC. o Keller, Jessica is now working as a Biological Scientist with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. o Kamman, Matthew became a Fisheries Biologist II with the Virgin Islands Department of Planning and Natural Resources. 7 Board of Trustees’ Meeting on March 04, 2017 Albert A. Sheen Campus President’s Report to the Board of Trustees Reporting Period: October 15, 2016 to February 15, 2017 Dr. David Hall, President FACULTY ACHIEVEMENTS PRESENTATIONS (FACULTY AND STAFF)  Allen-Williams, Emily. The Book of Negroes. Accepted for presentation at the International Modern Language Association (MLA) Convention in Philadelphia, PA in January 2017.  Cooper, Vincent. “Literary Perspectives on Migration Literature on the Danish West Indies, Haiti, and Cuba: 1850-1917.” University of Aarhus-related Workshop on Danish West Indian Colonial Literature. Gallean House Hotel, St. Thomas, USVI, January 12, 2017.  Brown, K. H. “Navigating Change: Developmental Monitoring in the USVI.” Association of University Centers on Disabilities (AUCD). Washington, D.C. December, 2016. Presentation.  Brown, K. H., Bridges-Bond, S. & Hao, G. “Building Capacity in Speech-Language Pathology: The U.S. Virgin Islands in Partnership with North Carolina Central University.” American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) Convention. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. November, 2016. Presentation.  Combie, Valerie. “Reviving Education in the Virgin Islands: All In” Writers Workshop. TEACH Conference. October 24, 2016.  Combie, Valerie. “Building Capacity by Investing in Teacher Leadership through Advanced, Open, and Virtual Institutes and Other Leadership Opportunities.” National Writers Project 2016 Annual Meeting, November 17, 2016. Atlanta, GA.  Combie, Valerie. “Writing and Growing Up Female in Antigua and Barbuda in the 1960s.” Antigua and Barbuda Studies Association and Lecture’s 11th Anniversary Conference on Gender Equality in Antigua and Barbuda, 12 August, 2016.  Cummings, Lawanda. Conference presentation at New York University/Faculty Resource Network under the title, “Standing on the Box You’ve Built: Using Technology and Learning Tools to Build Knowledge and Agency among 21st Century Students.” November 18-20, 2016.  Ekici, Celil, & Plyley, Chris. "Mathematical Modeling Perspectives on Population Dynamics Modeling with Continuous and Discrete Approach." Presented at STEM Teacher Circles Events. Research and Tech. Park, St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands: VI Institute of STEM Education Research and Practice, November, 2016.  Ekici, Celil. "What is a STEM Alliance?" Presented at EPSCoR Joint Partners and STEM Alliance Meeting. St. Thomas, Univ. of Virgin Islands: VI Institute for STEM Education Research and Practice, November, 2016. 8 Board of Trustees’ Meeting on March 04, 2017 Albert A. Sheen Campus President’s Report to the Board of Trustees Reporting Period: October 15, 2016 to February 15, 2017 Dr. David Hall, President  Ekici, Celil, Henry, Michael, Gibbs, Ann-Marie, Lawrence, Steve, Santana, Nora, Gordon, Risa, and Castillo, Bernard. "Local Best Practices with Community Partners in Project-based Interdisciplinary STEM Learning." Presented at EPSCoR Joint Partners and STEM Alliance Meeting. St. Thomas, Univ. of Virgin Islands: VI Institute for STEM Education Research and Practice. November 2016.  Ekici, Celil, White, Risa, & Boneque, Juanita. "Mentoring and Leadership for Integrated STEM learning with project-based approach." Presented at American Federations of Teachers (AFT): Teach Annual Conference. Kingshill, USVI: Technical Education Center (CTEC) and St. Croix Educational Complex. October, 2016.  Faley, Timothy L. (2016), “UVI’s Model for Community and Economic Development Engagement,” National APLU (Association of Public and Land-grant Universities), November 13- 15, 2016, Austin, TX.  Gendre, Bruce. “An Ultra-Long Review of Ultra Long Gamma-Ray Bursts.” Invited review presented at the Bergamo IV National Conference on Gamma-Ray bursts, November 2016, Italy.  Hamilton, Dara. “Peacekeeping: The process of Integrating Multiple Identities in Counseling.” Caribbean Regional Conference of Psychology.  Hoffart, Rebecca, and Boumedine, Marc. “Community Partnerships Increase Sustainability in Cybersecurity Education Initiative Programs.” Presentation at the National Initiative for CyberSecurity Education, Kansas City, MO, November 1-2, 2016.  Kahina, Chenzira Davis. (Keynote) “Healing, Belonging and Expansion: Revolutionary Empowerment of Multicultural Transformations in Our Caribbean” at the International Conference on Caribbean Literature (ICCL) in St. Martin (November 3. 2016) (Funded by ICCL)  Mills, K. & Smith, C. “Person Centered Behavioral Supports towards Employment Support of People with Disabilities in the U.S. Virgin Islands.” Association of University Centers on Disabilities (AUCD). Washington, D.C. December, 2016. Presentation.  Montilla, Carlos, Pascal, Tyrone and Zimmerman, Thomas. “Papaya Growth: Comparison Over Four Non-Consecutive Generations.” Sixty-Second InterAmerican Society for Tropical Horticulture meeting in Anasco, PR September 5-10, 2016.  Moore, Stephen, Executive Director of the Center for Student Success submitted a conference presentation proposal to the 2017 HBCU Title III conference entitled: “Activating Data-Driven Partnerships and Technologies for Student Success at the University the Virgin Islands: The SSC- Campus Platform and the Educational Advisory Board - Student Success Collaborative Data Analytics Technology for Student Success.”  Platenberg, R. and S. Matthews. “Life on a Small Island: Population Trends of Bats on St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands.” Poster Presentation; North American Society for Bat Research 9 Board of Trustees’ Meeting on March 04, 2017 Albert A. Sheen Campus President’s Report to the Board of Trustees Reporting Period: October 15, 2016 to February 15, 2017 Dr. David Hall, President Annual Symposium, San Antonio, TX. October 2016.  Zimmerman, Thomas and Montilla, Carlos. “Developing a Better Purple Sweet Potato.” Sixty- Second InterAmerican Society for Tropical Horticulture meeting in Anasco, PR, September 5-10, 2016.  Presentations by in-service teachers in UVI courses taught by VI Institute for STEM Education Research and Practice (VI ISERP) faculty: o Gordon, Risa. Nora Santana, Analine Acosta, & Ekici, Celil. "Critical Study & Community Based Approaches to Lionfish Problem for a Culturally Responsive STEM Education in the Caribbean." Presented at International STEM Education Association Meeting. Branson, MO, October 2016. o Henry, Michael, Ann Marie Gibbs, Dianne Theophilus, & Ekici, Celil. "Integrated STEM Learning Through Modeling Water Runoff". Presented at International STEM Education Association Meeting. Branson, MO, October 2016. o Henry, Michael, Gibbs, Ann-Marie, Theophilus, Dianne, Lawrence, Steve, Ekici, Celil, Hewitt, Tatyana, & James, Kelsey. "Integrated STEM Learning–Modeling the Runoff, Storage, and Quality of the Water". Presented at American Federations of Teachers (AFT). Kingshill, VI: Teach Annual Conference. St. Croix Educational Complex. October 2016. o Lawrence, Steve, James, Dante, Ekici, Celil, White, Rosa, & Gordon, Krystahl. "Environmental Impact of Waste Bin sites in St. Croix Heavy Metal Presence and Dissemination." Presented at American Federations of Teachers (AFT): Teach Annual Conference. Kingshill, VI: St. Croix Educational Complex. October 2016. o Santana, Nora, Gordon, Risa, & Ekici, Celil. "Integrated STEM Behind the Study of Lionfish and their Invasion, and Community-based Solutions." Presented at American Federations of Teachers (AFT). Kingshill, VI: Teach Annual Conference. St. Croix Educational Complex. October 2016. o Wilkins, Anne Louise, Bernard, Janet, & Ekici, Celil. "STEAM ahead with Green Homes for Learning Natural, Social and Mathematical Sciences." Presented at American Federations of Teachers (AFT): Teach Annual Conference. Kingshill, VI: St. Croix Educational Complex, October 2016. o Wilkins, Anne Louise, Bernard, Janet, Polimis, Jewel, & Ekici, Celil. "Green Homes for Integrated STEM Research.” Presented at International STEM Education Association Meeting. Branson, MO, October 2016. 10 Board of Trustees’ Meeting on March 04, 2017 Albert A. Sheen Campus President’s Report to the Board of Trustees Reporting Period: October 15, 2016 to February 15, 2017 Dr. David Hall, President PUBLICATIONS AND PAPERS ACCEPTED  Abbott, B.P., ET. al., Gendre, Bruce "Supplement: The Rate of Binary Black Hole Mergers Inferred from Advanced LIGO Observations Surrounding GW150914," Astrophysical Journal Supplement (2016), 227.14A.  Abbot, B.P.; … Gendre, Bruce; … et al.; “Prospects for Observing and Localizing Gravitational- Wave Transients with Advanced LIGO and Advanced Virgo,” Living Review in Relativity, 19.1 (2016): 1. (Print)  Abbot, B.P.; … Gendre, Bruce; … et al.; “The Rate of Binary Black Hole Mergers Inferred from Advanced LIGO Observations Surrounding GW150914,” Astrophysical Journal, 833.1 (2016): L1. (Print)  Abbot, B.P.; … Gendre, Bruce; … et al.; “The Rate of Binary Black Hole Mergers Inferred from Advanced LIGO Observations Surrounding GW150914,” Astrophysical Journal Supplement Series, 227.1 (2016): 14. (Print)  Allen-Williams Emily, Writing the Harlem Renaissance: Revisiting the Vision. Rowman & Littlefield/Lexington Books, 2017.  Allen-Williams Emily. Chapter: “Exposed on Film: The [Un] Promised Land of Nova Scotia in the Mini-Series in The Book of Negroes.” Accepted for publication in Celluloid Chains: Images of Slavery on Film. Ed. Rudyard Alcocer. University of Tennessee Press, 2017.  Boxman, S.E, Z. Qiong, D. Bailey and M.A. Trotz. 2016. “Life Cycle Assessment a Commercial- Scale Freshwater Aquaponic System.” Environmental Engineering Science DOI: 10.1089/ees.2015.0510. (In Press)  Bright Allan J, C Rogers, Brandt, Marilyn, Muller E and Smith, Tyler B. “Disease Prevalence and Snail Predation Associated with Swell-generated Samage on the Rhreatened Coral,” Acropora palmata (Lamarck).” Frontiers in Marine Science (2016) 3:77.  Campbell DW, Campbell JC, Yarandi HN, O'Connor AL, Dollar E, Killion C, Sloan E, Callwood GB, Cesar NM, Hassan M, Gary F. (2016). Violence and Abuse of Internally Displaced Women Survivors of the 2010 Haiti Earthquake. Int J Public Health. Nov; 61(8):981-992. PubMed PMID: 27624625.  Combie, Valerie. Review of If Only the Dust Would Settle: Selected Poems by Althea Romeo- Mark, The Antigua and Barbuda Review of Books, Fall 2016, pp. 185-190. Reprinted in The New Liberian, The Liberian Listener, and The Liberian Observer, October, 2016. 11 Board of Trustees’ Meeting on March 04, 2017 Albert A. Sheen Campus President’s Report to the Board of Trustees Reporting Period: October 15, 2016 to February 15, 2017 Dr. David Hall, President  Dalmida, S.G., Hunte-Ceasar, T., Martinez, G.C.B., Schweizer, A., Freeman, B., DiValerio, E. “HIV Risk and the HIV/AIDS Epidemic in the US Virgin Islands.” Journal of AIDS & Clinical Research, 7(10), 1-4.  De Pasquale, M.; … Gendre, Bruce; … et al.; “The 80 Ms Follow-up of the X-ray Afterglow of GRB 130427A Challenges the Standard Forward Shock Model”, Monthly Notices Of the Royal Astronomy Society, 462.1 (2016): 1111. (Print)  Ekici, Celil, & Gard, Andrew "Inquiry-based Approach to Transcendental Functions in Calculus." PRIMUS. Problems, Resources, and Issues in Mathematics Undergraduate Studies. http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/10511970.2016.1214654, 2016.  DiValerio, E., Dalmida, S.G., Hunte-Ceasar, T., Schweizer, A., Martinez, G., Savinkina, A., Harker, L. et al… (2016). “Perceptions of HIV-associated Stigma in the US Virgin Islands.” HIV/AIDS Research and Treatment, s23-s30.  Ennis, Rossi, Marilyn E Brandt, Kristin R Wilson, and Tyler B Smith. “Coral Reef Health Response to Chronic and Acute Changes in Water Quality in St. Thomas, United States Virgin Islands.” Marine Pollution Bulletin (2016) (waiting for assignment to a volume number).  Faley, Timothy L. (2016), “Future Industry Cluster Design Methodology,” J. Economic Development in Higher Education, October, Volume 1, Issue 1 (October).  Faley, Timothy L. (2016), Entrepreneurial Finance: An Entrepreneur’s Guide, Kindle Press, Seattle.  Faley, Timothy L. (2016), “Leading Institutional Change: A Case Study of the Creation of Innovation Centers at the University of the Virgin Islands,” International Conference on Leadership, Management and Strategic Development Conference Proceedings, Vol. 1.  Ferrarezi, R.S., S.A. Weiss, T.C. Geiger and K.P. Beamer. 2016. “Edible-pod Peas as High-value Crops in the U.S. Virgin Islands.” HortTechnology 26(5): 683-689.  Gabriel NC, Sloan E, Gary F, Hassan M, Bertrand DR, Campbell J. (2016). "The Women, they Maltreat Them… Therefore, We Cannot Assure that the Future Society will be Good": Male Perspectives on Gender-based Violence: A Focus Group Study with Young men in Haiti. Health Care Women International Jul; 37(7):773-89. Doi: 10.1080/07399332.2015.1089875. PubMed PMID: 26361648; PubMed Central PMCID: PMC4818188.  Gayle, Michael. Published a co-authored paper in the Journal of Humanistic Psychology entitled “DSM-5: Do Psychologists Really Want an Alternative?” 12 Board of Trustees’ Meeting on March 04, 2017 Albert A. Sheen Campus President’s Report to the Board of Trustees Reporting Period: October 15, 2016 to February 15, 2017 Dr. David Hall, President  Kuruwita, Rajika L., et. al., Staff, Jan "Considerations on the Role of Fall-back Discs in the Final Stages of the Common Envelope Binary Interaction," Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society (2016), 461.486K.  Michael, N, Valmond, J.M. (2016). Comprehensive Community Health Needs Assessment Report: St. Thomas East End Medical Center Corporation, Inc. St. Thomas, USVI: University of the Virgin Islands, Caribbean Exploratory Research Center (CERC).  Michael, N., Valmond, J. M., Callwood, G. B., Francis, E. A., and Brown, D. E. (2016). Human services programs in the US Virgin Islands: Environmental scan report. St. Thomas, USVI: Caribbean Exploratory (NIMHD) Research Center, School of Nursing, University of the Virgin Islands.  Orange, Norton, et. al., "Solar Atmospheric Magnetic Energy Coupling: Broad Plasma Conditions and Spectrum Regimes", Astrophysical Journal (2016), 833.257O.  Orange, N.B.; Chesny, D.L.; Gendre, Bruce, Morris, D.C.; Oluseyi, H.M.; “Solar Atmospheric Magnetic Energy Coupling: Broad Plasma Conditions and Temperature Scales,” Astrophysical Journal, 833.1 (2016): 257. (Print)  Platenberg, Renata. “US Virgin Islands Invasive Non-Native Species Action Plan.” Report for the Department of Planning and Natural Resources Division of Fish and Wildlife, St. Thomas, USVI. 2016.  Smith Tyler B, Viktor W Brandtneris, M Canals, Marilyn E Brandt, J Martens, Robert S Brewer, E Kadison, Matthew Kamman, Jessica Keller, and DM Holstein. “Potential Structuring Forces on a Shelf Edge Upper Mesophotic Coral Ecosystem in the US Virgin Islands.” Frontiers in Marine Science (2016) 3: 115.  Terrasi, Robert (2016), Presentation: “d’un programme dual language et du modèle GLAD (Guided Language Acquisition Design).” In B. Maurer (Ed.). Les approches bi-plurilingues d’enseignement-apprentissage Ecole et langues nationales en Afrique (ELAN –Afrique) (pp. 121- 127). Paris: Éditions des archives contemporaines.  Toy, Vicki L., et. al., Cucchiara, Antonino "Exploring Damped Ly-alpha System Host Galaxies Using Gamma-Ray Bursts," Astrophysical Journal (2016), 832.175T.  Troja, Eleonora, et. al., Gendre, Bruce "An Achromatic Break in the Afterglow of the Short GRB 140903A: Evidence for a Narrow Jet," Astrophysical Journal (2016), 827.102T. 13 Board of Trustees’ Meeting on March 04, 2017 Albert A. Sheen Campus President’s Report to the Board of Trustees Reporting Period: October 15, 2016 to February 15, 2017 Dr. David Hall, President OTHER ACTIVITIES  The Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory (LIGO) and Virgo interferometer scientific collaboration, the group whose work led to the confirmation of gravitational waves in support of the Theory of Relativity, was awarded the 2016 Special Breakthrough Prize in Fundamental Physics and the 2016 Gruber Cosmology Prize. Bruce Gendre, UVI Physics, is a member of the Collaboration.  NAF of St. Croix Advisory Board presented Professor John Morosco with a Certificate of Appreciation for the outstanding work he has done with the organization.  The Agricultural Experiment Station (AES) published its 2016 Annual Report. This document contains information on some of the research conducted by the scientists (faculty, staff and students) of AES. It also contains lists of grants received and publications produced in the past year by our research faculty, staff and students. The 2016 Annual Report can be downloaded at http://aes.uvi.edu. GRANTS AND SPECIAL PROJECTS FUNDED  Antonino Cucchiara, Brad Cenko, Edo Berger, Ryan Chornock, Bethany Cobb, Wen-fai Fong, Andrew Fruchter, Tanmoy Laskar, Andrew Levan, Daniel Perley, Nial Tanvir." High-Redshift Gamma-Ray Bursts as Probes of Cosmic Dawn.” National Optical Astronomy Observatory Gemini Observatory Time request proposal: Granted December 2016.  Biotechnology & Agroforestry program received a $4,000 grant from Ventria BioScience to establish Guinea grass in the former rice plot.  Dr. Laurie McPearce has transferred her research on schizophrenia mirror neuron from Iowa State University to UVI under the auspices of the Caribbean Exploratory Research Center (CERC). The funding amount is $30,802.85  A conference grant to fund (in part) the planned 2017 Tenth Annual Health Disparities conference was successfully submitted by CERC. 14 Board of Trustees’ Meeting on March 04, 2017 Albert A. Sheen Campus President’s Report to the Board of Trustees Reporting Period: October 15, 2016 to February 15, 2017 Dr. David Hall, President SIGNIFICANT INSTITUTIONAL ACHIEVEMENTS SUPREME COURT JUSTICE SONIA SOTOMAYOR FEATURED AT UVI 2017 STUDENT CONVOCATION In commemoration of the Transfer Day Centennial and the University’s 55th Anniversary, UVI had the distinct honor and privilege of hosting The Honorable Sonia Sotomayor, Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States, at its 2017 Student Convocation on February 9, 2017 at the Sports & Fitness Center on the St. Thomas Campus. Nominated by President Barack Obama on May 26, 2009, Sonia Sotomayor became the first Latina Supreme Court Justice in U.S. history. Justice Sotomayor is also the first Justice of Hispanic descent and the third woman Justice in the history of the U.S. Supreme Court. Her visit to UVI also marks the first time in the institution’s history that a sitting Justice visited the campus and interacted with students and the entire University community. 15 Board of Trustees’ Meeting on March 04, 2017 Albert A. Sheen Campus President’s Report to the Board of Trustees Reporting Period: October 15, 2016 to February 15, 2017 Dr. David Hall, President As part of the Convocation, Justice Sotomayor was awarded an honorary Doctors of Laws degree from the University. President Hall also presented her with a commemorative medallion, which was commissioned by UVI to mark the Virgin Island’s Centennial and UVI’s 55th Anniversary. Justice Sotomayor was the first to receive this commemorative gift. President Hall also extended thanks to the Honorable Wilma A. Lewis, Chief Judge of the District Court of the Virgin Islands, for her efforts in bringing Justice Sotomayor to the University. He presented the second commemorative medallion to Judge Lewis. During the Convocation, UVI students had the opportunity to directly ask Justice Sotomayor a variety of questions previously approved by her logistics team. The questions ranged from issues regarding diversity on the Supreme Court, self-determination and equal voting rights for U.S. possessions like Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, the impact of her role on the highest court in the land, issues impacting minorities and women, and success in academia and in life despite humble or otherwise disenfranchised beginnings. Justice Sotomayor was generous with her time and in responding to questions, often walking through the entire arena and touching all of those she came in contact with during her visit. The event on the St. Thomas Campus was well-attended by students, faculty, staff and alumni. The Convocation was live-streamed to the Albert A. Sheen Campus which also had strong attendance. The Office of the President also flew from St. Croix twenty-two students and three chaperones to ensure that some students from the Albert A. Sheen Campus had the opportunity to personally be a part of this historic event. UVI BOARD APPROVES 2017 SELF-STUDY FOR MIDDLE STATES COMMISSION ON HIGHER EDUCATION At the special meeting of the Board of Trustees on January 19, 2017 that was recessed in Executive Session until January 31, 2017, the Board approved the Self-Study document which guides the University’s reaffirmation of accreditation process with the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE). The document was submitted to MSCHE. The Self-Study document will guide the questions and work of the Middle States visiting team when they arrive on March 19, 2017. They will meet with students, staff and faculty as well as Board members. The three-day visit will culminate in a reporting out to the entire University Community on March 22. The team will write a report to MSCHE that will be considered at their meeting in June 2017. At that time, MSCHE will decide on our reaffirmation of accreditation. UVI was selected by Middle States to participate with fourteen other colleges and universities to pilot a new set of standards. The new standards came with a new approach for the document that included demonstrating how the University meets the MSCHE standards within its mission, strategic plan, and Seven Management Values. 16 Board of Trustees’ Meeting on March 04, 2017 Albert A. Sheen Campus President’s Report to the Board of Trustees Reporting Period: October 15, 2016 to February 15, 2017 Dr. David Hall, President The Self-Study was prepared by the Self-Study Initiative Steering Committee, which is led by Co-chairs Dr. Frank Mills, Vice Provost for Research and Public Service and Dr. Magdalene Tobias, Assistant Dean for Unit Accreditation. Vice President for Information and Technology Services and Assessment Tina Koopmans has administrative oversite of the entire accreditation process. ST. CROIX CAMPUS RECEIVES FIRST PEACE OFFICER In an effort to enhance overall campus security, on November 28, 2016, one of UVI Security Officers on the Albert A. Sheen Campus graduated from the VI Police Officer Training Academy, after completing eight months of training. Hussein Abdiruhman became the first peace officer ever on the St. Croix campus. The peace officer certification provides him with additional responsibilities and duties on campus, including the authority to arrest, if necessary, carry a firearm, as well as enforce the laws and rules of the Territory. The addition of peace officers on the ranks of the Security Department will enhance policing concepts directed toward maintaining a safe and secure University environment. The St. Thomas Campus already has three peace officers. UVI UNVEILS BUY A BRICK PROGRAM Members of the community can cement their legacy or establish a permanent presence on UVI campuses through the new “Buy A Brick” fundraising campaign. The Development Office planned and executed two successful donor stewardship and UVI brick unveiling activities on October 21, 2016 at the Reichhold Center for the Arts and on November 9, 2016 at the Student Housing Pavilion on the Albert A. Sheen Campus. Over 100 individuals attended the events. The bricks were placed at three different sites: • Albert A. Sheen Campus, east of the residence hall on the southern side of the entrance from the Queen Mary Highway to campus; • St. Thomas Campus, upper campus, south of the School of Nursing; and • Reichhold Center for the Arts, near the Box Office. The bricks purchased for placement at the Reichhold Center will support the Center’s operational activities. Forty-seven bricks were sold during the initial period. The brick program serves as a participatory activity for donors, of all levels, to become actively engaged with the Campaign for UVI. Buy A Brick will be a year-round, annual activity, with purchases available throughout the year. 17 Board of Trustees’ Meeting on March 04, 2017 Albert A. Sheen Campus President’s Report to the Board of Trustees Reporting Period: October 15, 2016 to February 15, 2017 Dr. David Hall, President UVI PASSPORT TO THE WORLD MAKES GLOBAL FOOTPRINT UVI Passport to the World Travel-Learning program is an initiative led by the Office of Graduate, Global and Academic Affairs in the Office of the Provost. The goal of the program is to advance some of the goals set forth in the 2012-2017 Strategic Plan to internationalize and globalize UVI as an institution of higher learning. Faculty, students, staff and alumni traveled to India from December 10-22, 2016. They visited five cities: Hyderabad, Mumbai, Bangalore, New Delhi and Agra where they not only immersed themselves in the Indian culture but learned more about India from different perspectives. In Hyderabad, the students engaged in lectures at the Administrative Staff College of India. The lectures focused on bridging the gap in communication between academicians and policy makers to ensure that the end result benefits the most marginalized populations. The session on collaborative leadership identified ways in which teams can work together to achieve greater success. The final session was on traditional medicine and how to treat common health conditions through stimulation and non-medicinal therapies. In Bangalore, the group spent the day with a joint-family of over 65 members. The exchange of culture included exchanging stories, eating traditional Indian food, dressing in traditional Indian clothing and understanding how the typical joint family structure works. Traditional Indian theatre allowed the group to understand how other tribes across India live and survive through the changes that are taking place as a result of technological advancements. India offered, not only an opportunity to learn about the country, but an opportunity to participants to learn about themselves and understand how they fit into the world around them. Ensuring that UVI produces graduates who are also globally sensitive and maintains a staff, faculty and administrative body who are knowledgeable about the world and ready to serve the world in a meaningful way, is one measure of success of the UVI Passport to the World initiative. SUCCESSFFUL FUND RAISER INCREASES AWARNESS OF UVI MEDICAL SCHOOL The University recently hosted a reception benefiting the medical school on February 16, 2017 at Paradise Point on St. Thomas. The fund raiser was co-hosted by Paradise Point owner, Ron Tuner. The event was attended by approximately 125 individuals including leaders in the Territory’s medical field, potential donors, physicians and other leaders in the community. The event raised awareness about the goals of the medical school and progress to date. The reception featured UVI School of Medicine (UVISOM) Dean, Dr. Benjamin Sachs, Dr. Bernard Wheatley, CEO of Schneider Regional Medical Center, and UVISOM donor Peter Corr on the program portion of the event. The event raised over $55,000. 18 Board of Trustees’ Meeting on March 04, 2017 Albert A. Sheen Campus President’s Report to the Board of Trustees Reporting Period: October 15, 2016 to February 15, 2017 Dr. David Hall, President DEAN’S LIST RECEPTIONS HONOR HIGH ACHIEVING STUDENTS The annual Dean’s List Receptions were hosted by President David Hall on November 6, 2016 at the Great Hall on the Albert A. Sheen Campus and November 13th at the Reichhold Center for the Arts on the St. Thomas Campus. The event honors full-time undergraduate students who have excelled academically and earned the distinction of being named to the Dean’s List. These receptions recognized the University’s high-achieving students for the Fall 2015 and Spring 2016 semesters on both campuses. The number of students who are named to the Dean’s List continue to grow with 288 students for the Fall 2015 semester and 350 students for Spring 2016. Event attendance has also grown and now feature significantly larger crowds than in the past with students attending with their families and loved ones. The November receptions featured approximately 850 guests. CAMPUS IMPROVEMENTS The St. Thomas Campus shuttle operation designated several areas as Bus Stops. Two of the areas widely used left students exposed to the elements (rain) while waiting for Shuttle service. Bus shelters were installed at the Music Building and East Hall Bus Stop locations. The Student Government body played a major role in identifying the need as well as the location of the shelters. The Physical Plant Department completed the Receiving Room Enhancement Project on the Albert A. Sheen Campus in December 2016. The ceiling was painted and the vinyl floor tiles in the 390-sq. ft. facility were replaced with an acrylic floor coating which is recommended for high traffic warehouse areas. The acrylic coat along with the wet look sealer on the flooring protects the floor, minimizes discoloration and is a long-lasting and low-maintenance solution which also creates a modern type environment. The ceilings in the mailroom and receiving area were also painted. 19 Board of Trustees’ Meeting on March 04, 2017 Albert A. Sheen Campus President’s Report to the Board of Trustees Reporting Period: October 15, 2016 to February 15, 2017 Dr. David Hall, President PRESIDENT’S APPRECIATION AWARD Providing salary increases to employees in a fair, thoughtful and efficient manner was one of the highest priorities of the Administration during this last period. As part of the strategic plan, the University is committed to establishing and maintaining levels of employee compensation that are sufficiently competitive to enable the institution to carry out its mission. To that end, it was important that our compensation study be developed in such a way that would provide the Administration with reliable and thoughtful information upon which to base our decisions in regards to distribution of the $1.2 Million received from the Government of the Virgin Islands for implementation of salary increases. The Human Resources Department, led by Ron Meek, was key in making sure that the compensation study was completed in a thoughtful and inclusive manner. Once the compensation adjustment plan was approved, the implementation of salary increases across the institution required the collaborative and efficient work of the Human Resources, Payroll and Budgeting Offices. The outstanding work of these areas ensured that all employees – over 400 faculty and staff – received timely their salary increases retroactive October 1, 2016. The Payroll and Budgeting offices, led respectively by Sharlene Fahie and Delicia Henley, were also very instrumental in this process and ensured that all the necessary information was provided so that all employees could receive their correct salary increase. The long hours combined with the integral and tireless contributions of our Human Resources, Payroll and Budgeting teams helped to ensure that all employees felt valued and appreciated. These areas were collectively responsible for the seamless implementation of the salary adjustments, update of all salary grade classifications, notification to all employees of increases and the processing of payroll. All of this had to be done in a very intense and short period of time, and it was done in a high- performing manner and in accordance with the timeframe stipulated by the President with minimal oversights. It is for the aforementioned reasons and others, that I present the President’s Appreciation Award for this period to the offices of Human Resources, Payroll and Budgeting. 20 Board of Trustees’ Meeting on March 04, 2017 Albert A. Sheen Campus President’s Report to the Board of Trustees Reporting Period: October 15, 2016 to February 15, 2017 Dr. David Hall, President PART II: PATHWAYS TO GREATNESS INITIATIVES AND ACTIVITIES AREA OF FOCUS #1: ACADEMIC QUALITY AND EXCELLENCE  The UVI Libraries are working with various internal stakeholders to entrench the libraries in academic programs and support services throughout the campuses. This includes the provision of research workshops for the Honors Program and information literacy sessions for other courses. Librarians are also working with the University of St. Martin on the provision of library services for students and faculty.  Institutional Research and Planning is completing the annual Consortium for Student Retention Data Exchange (CSRDE). There are two sections for completion. Section I focuses on the retention survey of all first time, full-time baccalaureate-seeking freshman attending four-year institutions and Section II focuses on the retention survey of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) majors. Final distribution to institutions for Section I are usually by June and Section II by August of the academic year.  Institutional Research and Planning (IRP) will collaborate with Noel-Levitz to administer the Noel-Levitz Student Satisfaction Inventory on March 6-31, 2017. The Noel-Levitz “Student Satisfaction Inventory” (SSI) will provide UVI with important data from our students that will help improve the quality of student life and learning and assess our students’ perceptions of their experiences at UVI and identify areas for improvement. The report will help UVI to better promote student retention and to identify issues that influence retention. The SSI measures student satisfaction and priorities as well as what issues are important to them. After IRP receives the results from Noel-Levitz, it will be shared with the University community.  The Office of the Provost sponsored the Faculty Development Writing (FDW) Group. The purpose of the group was to provide a support system for writing grants, writing publications, and overall scholarly productivity at UVI. The FDW met for 10 weeks during the Fall 2016 semester. Specific products that are attributed to participating in the group are: o Submission of a Research Initiation proposal to the National Science Foundation o Submission of Targeted Infusion proposal to the National Science Foundation o Submission of a Discovery Research PreK-12 proposal to the National Science Foundation o Submitted manuscript to The Negro Educational Review Journal o Submitted manuscript to Journal of Health Care for the Poor and Underserved o Submitted manuscript to Fielding University Press o Submitted abstract for American Society of Public Administration Conference o Submitted abstract to Public Integrity Symposium 21 Board of Trustees’ Meeting on March 04, 2017 Albert A. Sheen Campus President’s Report to the Board of Trustees Reporting Period: October 15, 2016 to February 15, 2017 Dr. David Hall, President o Completed a submission and delivered presentation on “Increasing student engagement by incorporating collaborative learning and technology in the classroom” for the VI Writing Project 8th Annual Conference o Completed a submission and delivered presentation on “Leader in You” for the VI Writing Project 8th Annual Conference o Completed a submission and delivered a presentation on “Standing on the box you’ve built: Using technology and learning tools to build knowledge and agency among 21st century students” for the Faculty Resource Network National Symposium in Atlanta, GA o Accepted as Reviewer for the Journal of Social Sciences o Submitted 20-page literature review for CLIC 800, Leadership Theory & Creativity Practice. o Completed the evaluation component and section of the HBCU-UP Targeted Infusion Project grant proposal o Completed a multi-year analysis and report for a National Science Foundation (NSF) HBCU-UP grant (BWSTEM) and began the subsequent development of an article for submission to the Journal of STEM Education entitled: “Black Women in STEM: The Role of Contextual Supports in Academic Self Efficacy.”  The School of Nursing (SON) prepared a Focused Visit Report and hosted the visit by a team from the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) November 7-10, 2016. This visit was required based on three of the five substantive change reports submitted to ACEN in Spring 2016. This review of the quality of the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program and the operations of the SON, focused on the major revision of the BSN program curriculum; the decision to offer the BSN program on the Albert A Sheen Campus and the outcomes of the BSN program. The team recommended continuing accreditation with some conditions, specifically concerning faculty and outcomes. The recommendation was presented to the ACEN Board at a meeting in January 2017. The School of Nursing aims to recruit qualified faculty, and implement strategic actions aimed at improving student outcomes, and ultimately pass rates on the NCLEX. In addition, the School of Nursing implemented strategic approaches to promote academic success through advising and early identification of students at risk. These efforts are coordinated with the support of the Center for Student Success and Student Services.  In November 2016, the College of Science and Mathematics (CSM) approved a concentration in Cybersecurity, which provides a means for Computer Science majors to specialize in this highly important area.  A workshop on Peer Lead Team Learning (PLTL) was held on November 1, 2016, with funding from the National Science Foundation (NSF). Dr. Pratibha Varma-Nelson led the workshop for approximately 20 faculty and staff to discuss the PLTL model and how to develop PLTL instruction for a course. 22 Board of Trustees’ Meeting on March 04, 2017 Albert A. Sheen Campus President’s Report to the Board of Trustees Reporting Period: October 15, 2016 to February 15, 2017 Dr. David Hall, President  A workshop on Growth Mindset was held on December 13-14, 2016, with funding from NSF. Representatives from Mindset Works, Inc., including UVI alumni Dr. Afiya Fredericks, led activities and discussions concerning teaching and integrating the growth mindset into the undergraduate curriculum. The workshop was attended by 25 faculty and staff, including representatives from the Center for Student Success.  The Eastern Caribbean Center provided a statistical assessment of the degree of success of the Fall 2016 New Student Orientation. This assessment could present empirical evidence to the Student Affairs Offices of those areas that were clearly effective in the eyes of the students. The quantitative metric results could also help to shape future programs and initiatives that are congruent to the Strategic Plan’s goals of enrollment and retention. AREA OF FOCUS #2: STUDENT DEVELOPMENT AND SUCCESS  In the School of Business, Dr. Timothy Faley, Professor of Entrepreneurship, launched a new experiential entrepreneurship program “Health Design Slam” in October 2016. This product development competition takes place over four months. The Slam brings together students from across both UVI campuses to conceptualize, design, build, demo and test health-promoting digital apps, devices, and games that address critical and well-articulated problems in healthcare delivery or individual health and wellness. The Slam experience is composed of a series of events and activities that started in October 2016 and culminated in January 2017. The program deliverable is a functional (“clickable”) demo of the health-promoting digital product. Teams can win both cash prizes and a chance to compete in a national Games4Health Challenge in the Spring.  The 16th Annual Thurgood Marshall Leadership Institute Conference was held in Washington, DC from November 17-22, 2016. Five Thurgood Marshall College Fund (TMCF) Scholars were selected from the Albert A. Sheen Campus. They were joined by an additional eleven students from the St. Thomas Campus. The Career Services offices on both campuses worked with students to prepare them for the conference. They helped students refine their resumes, prepare business cards, discuss networking opportunities, and provided guidance on interviewing tips, dining etiquette and appropriate conference attire. Before traveling to the conference, two Thurgood Marshall Scholars secured interviews. One scholar secured an interview with Miller Coors and The Marines and the other Scholar secured an interview with Altria. The other students who were not selected for interviews before the conference were encouraged to network with the representatives throughout the conference to secure interviews. During the conference, students were able to secure interviews with various companies to include: Wells Fargo, Kellogg’s, Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC), Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), Walmart, AB Global, and Hershey’s. 23 Board of Trustees’ Meeting on March 04, 2017 Albert A. Sheen Campus President’s Report to the Board of Trustees Reporting Period: October 15, 2016 to February 15, 2017 Dr. David Hall, President  The Office of Student Activities, with the support of the Office of Student Affairs, held the Annual UVI Campus Leadership Development Conference November 4-5, 2016, at the St. Croix Carambola Beach Resort. Approximately, eighty-two students attended the two-day conference. The Fall 2016 keynote speaker was Nicholas Powell, a motivational speaker and athletic psychologist. Conference topics included conflict resolution, finding the winner in you, deciphering body languages, social networking for professionals, etc.  Fourteen Student Government Association (SGA) officers, accompanied by their advisor, attended the “We Are SGA” conference in St. Louis, MO on October 13-16, 2016. The purpose of the trip was for SGA officers to attain skills that will assist in their professional development and build on their leadership capabilities.  There are four UVI students participating in the National Student Exchange (NSE) this semester. The students are attending Emporia State University, Florida International University, Binghamton University, and University of Alaska Anchorage. There are also sixteen NSE students at UVI this semester. The students are from several institutions including: University of Nebraska at Kearney, Boise State University, Indiana University- Purdue University Fort Wayne, Indiana University of Pennsylvania, Iowa State University, Lewis-Clarke Sate College, Northern Arizona University, Plymouth State University, Towson University, University of Kentucky, University of Minnesota Morris, University of Nebraska, University of Toledo, University of Wisconsin- Eau Claire, University of New Mexico, and the University of Quebec.  The University of the Virgins Islands Athletics programs have participated and completed the Fall 2016 season calendar in Liga Athletica Interuniversitaria (LAI). Men’s Soccer has continued the outstanding representation of UVI Athletics by making the playoffs for a second consecutive year. The team had a roster of thirteen players and earned a 3.19 team GPA. Cross Country participated with a roster of seven players and earned a 3.17 team GPA. The Weightlifting team also participated with a roster of three players and earned a 3.10 team GPA. As we move forward, the Athletics Department will be focused on obtaining full active membership in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) during the 2017-2018 academic year.  UVI hosted the 17th Annual Paradise Jam Tournament November 18-26, 2016. A total of sixteen National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) (D-I) teams provided fans with an entertaining and competitive basketball tournament. During the tournament, UVI Men’s Basketball team participated in an exhibition game against the British Virgin Islands National Team, which resulted in a UVI victory. Paradise Jam continues to be a very successful and well-attended event for the promoters and the University.  As part of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between Agricultural Experiment Station (AES) and the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences College of Agriculture (UF-IFAS) and life Sciences Agroecology Program, a UF graduate student, pursuing a Master of Science (MS) Certificate in Agroecology, is working in the AES Agronomy program 24 Board of Trustees’ Meeting on March 04, 2017 Albert A. Sheen Campus President’s Report to the Board of Trustees Reporting Period: October 15, 2016 to February 15, 2017 Dr. David Hall, President during the Spring 2017 semester as part of his graduate research activity. The program also allows UVI students to enroll in the MS program at UF-IFAS. AREA OF FOCUS #3: COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT AND GLOBALIZATION  The Cooperative Extension Service (CES) conducted several outreach programs and activities: o Arborist workshops were conducted on St. Croix and St. Thomas with fifty-five attendees, and there were thirty-one participants in an educational presentation on composting and recycling. o A Community Garden Initiative for housing community residents and youth was conducted in collaboration with Lutheran Social Services on St. Croix. The community gardens were established in Flamboyant Garden Senior Community, Watergut Homes, Bethlehem Village and Profit Hills residential communities. o In partnership with the VI Department of Agriculture, CES hosted and conducted training workshops on “Farm to School,” which was recorded and shown on the local Government Access Channel; “Women, Infants and Children (WIC) Farmers Nutrition Program,” and “Water Management Workshop.” o CES conducted two Basic Computer Training Courses from September to November, 2016 to increase computer literacy. Twenty–three participants received their certificates during the closing ceremony in November, 2016. o The VI Department of Human Services education component of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP-Ed) was re-initiated in the Nutrition Program at CES to educate the community’s food stamp recipients regarding good nutrition and healthy lifestyle issues. During this period, the Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP) certified twenty-four adult residents on St. Croix who participated in and completed 6-8 week educational sessions. Participants were from Aureo Diaz, Williams Delight, Bethlehem Village, Profit Hills, and Candido Guadalupe communities.  The VI Small Business Development Center (VI SBDC) partnered with WUVI to deliver a weekly radio program series “Small Business Showcase” to promote its services to the Virgin Islands’ small business community. The VI SBDC also collaborated with Dr. Timothy Faley, Professor of Entrepreneurship, to provide a small business training presentation. The unit also attended the Virgin Islands Charter Yacht League’s “41st Annual Fall Charter Yacht Show” and the St. Thomas/St. John Chamber of Commerce Business After Hours events hosted by the Reichhold Center for the Arts, the Crown Bay Shopping Center, the St. Thomas Federal 25 Board of Trustees’ Meeting on March 04, 2017 Albert A. Sheen Campus President’s Report to the Board of Trustees Reporting Period: October 15, 2016 to February 15, 2017 Dr. David Hall, President Credit Union and First Bank. In addition, the VI SBDC also participated in several events which included the Small Business Administration (SBA) Lenders Workshops, the Economic Development Authority’s Town Hall meetings, Vendors Showcase and the Virgin Islands Office of the Lieutenant Governor’s Small Business Financing Conference. A total of 945 clients were reached during these collaborative efforts.  The VI SBDC, in collaboration with the Small Business Administration (SBA), Department of Labor (DOL), Virgin Islands Department of Planning and Natural Resources (DPNR), General Services Administration (GSA), St. Thomas/St. John Chamber of Commerce, Virgin Islands Economic Development Authority (EDA), Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), and the Virgin Islands Department of Licensing and Consumer Affairs (DLCA) provided several training seminars to the small business community in the Virgin Islands, reaching a total of 573 attendees and clients. In addition, the VI SBDC counseled 100 clients during forty-one training sessions, three of which became new businesses for a total capital infusion of $610,000.  Volume 30 of The Caribbean Writer’s anniversary issue highlighting “Journeys and Pathways,” was launched in the Great Hall of the Albert Sheen Campus on December 8, 2016. The edition has a wide range of selections from various areas in the diaspora including: New York, Switzerland, Argentina, Spain, Jamaica, Guyana, Antigua, Trinidad, Bermuda, Canada, St. Kitts, Nevis, Belize, Tortola, St. Croix and St. Thomas. Representatives from The Caribbean Writer made four visits to Central High School and St. Croix Educational Complex to provide creative writing sessions.  Vincent Osier, Chief of the Geographic Standards, Criteria & Quality Branch of the US Census Bureau, and Josh Coutts, Team Lead for the Island Areas, visited with the Eastern Caribbean Center (ECC) over a week to review and update the geographical boundaries that will be used in the 2020 Census of Population and Housing.  ECC also conducted the Special Education Services Parent Satisfaction Survey 2014 on behalf of the VI State Office of Special Education, and delivered its reports at two public meetings in St. Croix and St Thomas.  On St. Croix, the Golden Key International Honour Society invited the Career Services Coordinator/Administrative Specialist to participate in a community outreach activity to present to two 4th grade classes at the Alexander Henderson Elementary School on Friday, October 7, 2016. The title of the community outreach activity was SPARK-Nurturing Young Minds to Become Golden Students. The goals of the outreach activity were to instill in young minds the importance of getting good grades while focusing, researching, and working toward their career choices. A total of approximately forty students and two teachers from the Alexander Henderson Elementary school participated in the activity.  Hospitality and Tourism Management students started the “Hospitality and Tourism Organization Care Program,” which assists the homeless by supplying donated food items and hygiene necessities. The students also participated in the Merchant’s Market Food Show and continue to volunteer at the Sky Bar at Reichhold Center for the Arts, which has become an outdoor classroom 26 Board of Trustees’ Meeting on March 04, 2017 Albert A. Sheen Campus President’s Report to the Board of Trustees Reporting Period: October 15, 2016 to February 15, 2017 Dr. David Hall, President for students. They prepared an information booth, spa station, and pop-up restaurant during Fall Fest to showcase their talents to local high schools as well as recruit new members into the Hospitality program.  UVI’s Psychology Club co-hosted the International Survivors of Suicide Loss Day event on the Albert A. Sheen Campus. This year’s film from the American Foundation of Suicide Prevention was entitled “Life Journeys: Reclaiming Life after Loss” explored the ripple effects of suicide within a family, social circle, and community and how tragedy can be turned to hope. Dr. Aletha Baumann led the panel discussion with Dr. Dara Hamilton. UVI students, faculty, and community members attended the event of reflection and healing.  The English100 classes, under the direction of Professor Mary Jo Wilder, organized the Fourth Annual International Day of Peace Observance. The observance incorporated student centered participation and community experts with local and global concerns for alternatives to violence, the elimination of racism and personal balance. This year over 100 UVI students, staff, faculty, and community members participated in the Day of Peace Observance. Community members included Federal Judge George Cannon, Alternative to Violence Project (AVP) Trainer Xawntoia Franklin, Golden Key Club members, and the UVI Poetic Roots Club. Musical selections included student organized steel pan and jazz ensembles as well as YouTube video clips. Prior to the event, the English100 students spoke on WUVI and local radio stations about their commitment to peace. The VI Source, the online local newspaper, covered the event.  As part of summer workshop follow-up activities, faculty in the VI Institute for Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Education Research and Practice (VI-ISERP), the College of Science and Mathematics, and the Center for Marine and Environmental Studies worked with local middle and high school STEM teachers on action research projects throughout the Fall semester. There were 5-10 teachers on each island who met weekly working on these projects. Some of the teachers presented their work at local, national, and international conferences. In addition, two events were held each on St. Thomas and St. Croix, led by the model teachers working with VI-ISERP, to share their work with all VI Department of Education in- service middle and high school science and math teachers.  Dr. Renata Platenberg, College of Science and Mathematics, organized and led two science events for the general community in October 2016. “Meet the Bats at Magen’s Bay,” was attended by over 200 community members. The Great VI Frog Count included over twenty community members using personal cell phones to record evening sounds to learn more about VI frog activity patterns and distributions.  The Virgin Islands University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities (VIUCEDD) under the direction of Dr. Yegin Habtes, hosted several events and community outreach activities: 27 Board of Trustees’ Meeting on March 04, 2017 Albert A. Sheen Campus President’s Report to the Board of Trustees Reporting Period: October 15, 2016 to February 15, 2017 Dr. David Hall, President o In October 2016, VIUCEDD hosted the 13th Annual Voices that Count Forum. The forum is focused on public policy issues and challenges faced by persons with disabilities, including parents of children with disabilities and other family members. The forum brings together persons with disabilities, advocates, and the VI Legislative body to address these issues. During this year’s forum, persons with disabilities and parents of children with disabilities participated in focus groups to discuss current barriers faced by many in the disability community and developed questions that they would ask a panel of Senatorial candidates and the current Delegate to Congress. The forums were held at the UVI St. Thomas Campus on October 11th and at the Albert A. Sheen Campus on October 13th. There were sixty-five participants on St. Thomas and forty-seven on St. Croix. Both forums were broadcasted by WUVI. o VIUCEDD held the Best Beginnings Conference for early care and education providers hosted by the Department of Human Services Office for Child Care and Regulatory Services and the Self-Advocacy and Parent Advocacy Conference hosted by the Virgin Islands Developmental Disabilities Council. Dr. Karen Brown presented information at both conferences. The conference was held in St. Croix at the Divi Carina Bay Resort on October 25, 2016, and in St. Thomas at the Marriott Frenchman’s Reef Resort on October 27, 2016. There were forty-five persons in attendance on St. Croix and forty-one persons in attendance on St. Thomas. o The Self-Advocacy and Parent Advocacy Conference was held on September 30, 2016. Dr. Karen Brown presented on “Full Inclusion: What it Means” to thirty-two adults with disabilities, parents of children with disabilities, and representatives of agencies charged with providing services to the disability community. o A Beginner’s Level I, American Sign Language class was offered to VI residents on St. Croix and St. Thomas for 10 weeks from September 19 to December 21, 2016. Nine students in St. Croix and ten students in St. Thomas completed the course successfully. The goal for the classes is to provide students with language skills to communicate with persons who are deaf or hard of hearing. o VIUCEDD continued its partnership activities with the Virgin Islands Department of Education, The Disability Rights Center of the Virgin Islands, Island Therapy Solutions and the Virgin Islands Developmental Disability Council on its yearlong Training Institute for educators, parents, and community laypersons. Each of the trainings highlighted a research-based best practice in the field of special education and disability studies. Professional staff who attended the trainings were given the opportunity to receive Continuing Education Unit credits (CEUs) through the University of the Virgin Islands Community Engagement and Lifelong Learning Center (UVICELL). Two trainings were held from September to December 2016 on St. Croix and St. Thomas and focused on the following topics: (a) Harassment, Bullying and Cyberbullying in School (nine participants on each island), (b) Transition Services for Youth with 28 Board of Trustees’ Meeting on March 04, 2017 Albert A. Sheen Campus President’s Report to the Board of Trustees Reporting Period: October 15, 2016 to February 15, 2017 Dr. David Hall, President Disabilities (six and nineteen participants in St. Croix and St. Thomas, respectively). The yearlong training series is scheduled to end in May 2017. Satisfaction data regarding the training process were gathered and included both quantitative and qualitative measures. o VIUCEDD staff designed trainings specifically for Head Start personnel on St. Thomas. The Annual Father and Child Activity Day was co-sponsored by VIUCEDD along with the UVI Cooperative Extension Service and other community partners. Each father received a tote bag provided by VIUCEDD with website information on who to contact for developmental concerns and materials on child development, including the Amazing Me book. At this event, Dr. Karen Brown presented information on developmental monitoring using the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Learn the Signs. Act Early (LTSAE), the Milestone Booklet and the Amazing Me book. This interactive presentation engaged fathers in reading the Amazing Me book out loud to their 3 and 4-year-old children as they followed along with their own copies. Dr. Kimberly Mills conducted a training that highlighted behavioral strategies for setting up the school year for success. There were forty-five participants in attendance. An additional training was led by Dr. Mills on behavioral strategies to get kids to eat healthier foods. There were sixteen participants in attendance. o Dr. Karen Brown provided an introduction to developmental monitoring, the CDC's learn the Signs. Act Early campaign, Watch Me! Continuing education opportunities for early care and education providers, and free LTSAE resources to engage parents. There were forty-four (44) early care and education providers. o In collaboration with the Westchester Institute for Human Development (WIHD), Dr. Kimberly Mills presented on the topic of Understanding Applied Behavior Analysis to an interdisciplinary group of trainees in the WIHD Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and other related Disorders (LEND) program. There were twenty- eight trainees in attendance. o In continued collaboration with the Virgin Islands Department of Labor, Dr. Kimberly Mills has led the development and implementation of the Person Centered Behavioral Supports for Disability Employment, focused on employment of people with disabilities on the islands of St. Croix and St. Thomas. Activities have included providing an overview of the project, conducting initial intake screening for employers, potential candidates and their guardians, conducting Person Centered Planning meetings, employer and Job Coach training on topics related to disabilities and Positive Behavioral Supports (PBS), conducting assessments for people with disabilities and providing employment workshops for employers and employees. A total of eight-four contacts with employers, Job Coaches and people with disabilities and their families were made during the current reporting period. Additionally, The Virgin Islands Department of Human Services Division of Disabilities and Rehabilitation Services became an official partner with this Disability Employment workshop and contributed an additional $40,950.00 on top of the initial 29 Board of Trustees’ Meeting on March 04, 2017 Albert A. Sheen Campus President’s Report to the Board of Trustees Reporting Period: October 15, 2016 to February 15, 2017 Dr. David Hall, President $55,000.00 from the Department of Labor towards the project development for Job Coach training activities.  The University has increased its social media exposure with the addition of Snap Chat, which many college-age students have migrated to using. The number of likes and/or followers has increased on all our social media platforms. See below: Social Media Likes or Followers Percentage Increase Facebook 4,043 26.1% Twitter 1,342 33.9% Instagram 703 47.3% LinkedIn 6,144 429.6% Snap Chat 21 N/A YouTube 321 N/A  The Public Relations Office has distributed national stories that resulted in approximately 368 national news mentions. The office also worked with Basketball Travelers to create a national feature for CBS Sports shown during Paradise Jam. The feature focused on UVI’s new Ph.D. in Creative Leadership and UVI’s entrance into the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) Basketball League. There were also featured interviews with Provost Camille McKayle, who highlighted UVI’s successes, new programs and initiatives and Athletic Director Wilberto Ramos, who discussed the future of the Athletics program.  The Office of Alumni Affairs continued to stay connected with alumni and friends. In an effort to bolster alumni engagement and support, over 5,000 alumni situated throughout the Territory, the Caribbean, and the U.S. mainland again received fifteen (15) blasts to include Careers Success Network (1,814), Old School Masquerade (4,484) and re-blast (4,478), Juan F Luis Hospital Employment Opportunity (3,750), Jazz in the Park (6,643), UVI Happy Holidays Wish eCard (7,157), End of Year Solicitation (5,989), Brick Unveiling Donor Reception – AAS (41) and re- blast (40), Class of 2016-Fall (87) and re-blast (87), National Black Master of Business Administration Association (NBMBAA) (5,989) and re-blast (5,989); Acute Alternative Medical Group (2 job vacancies) (2,000 per blast).  The Reichhold Center for the Arts (RCA) was selected to participate in two national events as representatives of the US Virgin Islands’ interest in the arts. In September 2016, Denise Humphrey, RCA Director attended the Performing Arts Exchange in Orlando, FL where presenters, artists and agents from across the United States and several countries converged for a week of professional development, showcasing and networking. 30 Board of Trustees’ Meeting on March 04, 2017 Albert A. Sheen Campus President’s Report to the Board of Trustees Reporting Period: October 15, 2016 to February 15, 2017 Dr. David Hall, President The second event was by special invitation from the National Endowment for the Arts in collaboration with the Kennedy Center to attend a convening of over 250 people representing artists, industry leaders, educators, scientists, civic leaders and others from across the nation and other US territories “in a solution-oriented dialogue addressing issues integral to the future of arts and creativity in America.” The convening was entitled “In Pursuit of the Creative Life: The Future of Arts and Creativity in America.” The Center’s Director contributed to the dialogue on “what must be done to ensure that all Americans who want to engage in creative endeavors can do so through their work and daily lives.” A case was presented on the status of the arts in the Territory and described the efforts the RCA, with limited resources, is able to accomplish to fill the art “void” in academics and community engagement. The RCA Director also laid concerns about survival of classic art forms in the digital age, limited access to financial resources for upgrades and talent because of our geographical location, and with the change in political climate, the survival of the arts and the artist. AREA OF FOCUS # 4: MODERN AND SAFE UNIVERSITY ENVIRONMENT  Plans are underway for an upgrade to Banner which would finally free that application from Java. The upgrade would make Banner accessible from cell phones and tablets running any operating system.  Campus Street lights were installed on the St. Thomas Campus, which consisted of 250 Watt High Pressure Sodium Cobra Head pole mounted fixtures. The old system was inherited from WAPA, prior to the completion of our underground Primary Electrical Service throughout the campus (1999). The scope of this project included the addition of the new lights and the replacement of the existing Cobra Head fixtures to facilitate adequate lighting for pedestrians and vehicular traffic on the northern/back roadway. LED fixtures were selected for the projects because of the energy, maintenance and labor savings and increased lumens.  The Classroom Administration Bus Shelter, which also serves as the Public Bus Stop was scheduled for minor renovation and repairs. The Scope of Work (SOW) included roof and rafter replacement, sealing and patching of the floor area, replacement of the benches and painting. In addition to the facility repairs, the area lighting was replaced with contemporary LED lamppost lighting. The work for this project was executed by the Physical Plant staff and resources. Belson’s Jameson Benches composed of Recycled Plastic Resin wood (Cedar Slats) were procured for the replacement of the aged wooden benches. All other materials were purchased locally for the project. The repair of the shelter was expedited over the Christmas recess and was successfully completed for the January 3, 2017, opening date.  The redesign of the rain drain system by the Northwest Wing (NWW) Annex to re-direct rainwater to the nearby pond, thereby mitigating standing water and flooding in the immediate area was completed by Physical Plant in December 2016. The project scope included attaching additional 6” and 3” piping to the downspouts of the NWW Annex and the existing drain system 31 Board of Trustees’ Meeting on March 04, 2017 Albert A. Sheen Campus President’s Report to the Board of Trustees Reporting Period: October 15, 2016 to February 15, 2017 Dr. David Hall, President in the lawn area. The re-designed system takes the water a total of 120 ft. south so it can drain directly into the pond, minimizing further damage to the lawn and field area. JC Backhoe excavated the area to lay the pipes. The project was completed on January 24, 2017.  On December 31, 2016, the maintenance service on all controls for the Building Automation System on the Albert A. Sheen Campus and the RTPark facility were completed. Overall, approximately 60 thermostats for air handlers, chillers, pumps and fan coil units were evaluated on campus along with approximately 30 cooling equipment at the RTPark, which included the cooling tower fan, roof top units, exhaust fans, and pumps. The controls for the AON units servicing the science laboratories at the RTPark facility were incompatible with the main control system, Distech. They were removed from the loop of communication and are operating manually to enable the building automated system to function. Replacement of the AON units control system is required prior to reconnecting them with the building system. Other damaged instruments were replaced, new software updates were installed and all control sequence for operations and communications were tested and verified. In the Evans Center, new chilled water immersion sensors at the return pipe and zone temperature sensors were installed. At the RTPark, two new temperature sensors were installed at the cooling tower open loop. This service enhances the remote control and programming of all air- conditioning units.  The construction drawings of the Simulation Center, which were needed for the bidding review process, were completed by the contractors. The selection for most the interior finishes for the center was completed as of January 17, 2017. The materials selected match the School of Medicine Classroom Building on St. Thomas, already under construction, to create synergies between both facilities. The revised construction schedule of the Simulation Center is due to be completed by December 2017 and the furniture, fixtures and equipment finishes are scheduled for April 2018.  On the Albert A. Sheen Campus, the Physical Plant Department instituted a monthly Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Compliance Day for the department’s storage and work areas to ensure that good housekeeping practices aren’t neglected. Safety guidelines and regulatory compliance mandates would be highlighted at each monthly Compliance Day.  As required by compliance and regulatory standards, Diaz Elevator Solutions was contracted to conduct the annual inspection of the elevators at both the Melvin Evans Center and the RTPark on November 15, 2016. Upon inspection of both elevators, Diaz recommended that the periodic requirement to conduct a loading test be completed before the re-certification in November 2017. The load tests for the 2-stops elevator at the RTPark required a capacity of 3,500 lbs. to be performed for its maximum of 21-passenger capability. The 4-stop elevator at the Evans Center required a test of 1,500 lbs. for its 10-passenger capacity. In addition, both elevators received a pit clean. 32 Board of Trustees’ Meeting on March 04, 2017 Albert A. Sheen Campus President’s Report to the Board of Trustees Reporting Period: October 15, 2016 to February 15, 2017 Dr. David Hall, President AREA OF FOCUS #5: ORGANIZATIONAL AND HUMAN DEVELOPMENT  Government of the Virgin Islands (GVI) Health, established by the Division of Personnel, sponsored the Annual Health & Wellness Expos and Farmers’ Market. The Expos were held at the UVI Sport and Fitness Center on St. Thomas (October 21), Sunshine Mall Center Court on St. Croix (October 18) and at Julius Sprauve School on St. John (October 15). The mission of GVI Health is to “implement initiatives to increase the well-being of all plan members by enhancing all aspects of health, increase awareness of positive healthy behaviors, motivate employees to voluntarily adopt healthier behaviors, and provide opportunities to foster lifestyle changes.” Approximately 4,000 active employees and retirees took advantage of the activities offered during the Expo. All Government Employees Service Commission (GESC) Group Health Insurance Board of Trustee Members including Advisory members from UVI, Director of Employees Benefits and the Benefit Analyst, assisted with activities on St. Thomas.  Active participants and retirees under age 65 who are enrolled in the GVI health insurance program are required to complete a Health Risk Assessment (HRA) located on CIGNA HealthCare website at mycigna.com. All employees are notified by a series of emails throughout the plan year on how to complete the assessment and penalties associated with non-compliance. For the past three years, the GESC Group Health Insurance Board of Trustees has allotted $10,000 from Wellness Funds supplied by CIGNA HealthCare for the administration of biometric screening at the University’s Health Services Centers on St. Thomas and St. Croix. Biometric screening data is required to accurately complete the assessment and avoid penalty. This year our Centers completed 250 screenings. There were 378 active employees who were required to complete the HRA, however, 65 active employees were penalized for non-compliance.  UVI collaborated with the GVI Health and Wellness group, CIGNA HealthCare and GESC Group Health Insurance Board to offer several health and wellness programs to benefit Government employees and retirees. For Spring 2017, “A New Year, A New Me,” is the third in a series of wellness and exercise programs at Crown Bay Center, which began on January 9, 2017 on St. Thomas and January 23, 2017 on St. Croix. The 18-week program offers various classes on each island including kickboxing, step-aerobics, Zumba and soca-aerobics, Pilates, power-walking and a water exercise class on Saturdays at Brewers Bay. Active and retired members of the central Government may now participate in the fitness program at no cost at the request of the GESC Group Health Insurance Board of Trustees. As a result, registration to participate in the program doubled on both islands from 150 to 300. The cost to UVI employees has always been free.  The Human-Resources Department fully implemented the new PeopleAdmin Performance Evaluation Module. Training for all employees and supervisors was made available through training sessions, open assisted labs, as well as one-on-one sessions.  The Office of Student Activities on the Albert A. Sheen Campus organized its semester-based Wellness Wednesday: “The Big Six” activity on October 5, 2016. The event includes six major 33 Board of Trustees’ Meeting on March 04, 2017 Albert A. Sheen Campus President’s Report to the Board of Trustees Reporting Period: October 15, 2016 to February 15, 2017 Dr. David Hall, President areas of events. Approximately 250 students, faculty and staff attended the events. Students were able to check their weight, BMI (Body Mass Index) and participated in the Great Wheel of Health in hopes of winning various prizes. Student Activities collaborated with an off-campus nutrition establishment to provide students with resources for choosing healthy lifestyles.  The Student Activities Office on the Albert A. Sheen Campus reached out to Frederiksted Health Clinic to provide students with HIV testing. The VI Department of Health and the advisor of Peer Educators provided contraception and abstinence information to students. Micro workshops and challenges were held to guide students’ decision-making. Local barbers provided haircuts for male students and eyebrow shaping for female students.  The Development Office, in collaboration with the Office of the President, secured employee discount opportunities from fifty-two (52) businesses operating in the Territory. Ongoing efforts are in place to continue soliciting various businesses to support this important employee appreciation initiative. AREA OF FOCUS #6: FINANCIAL SUSTAINABILITY AND GROWTH  For Fiscal Year (FY) 2017, the University’s Operating Budget was appropriated a total of $32,246,750 as authorized by Act No. 7920 (Bill No. 31-0427). However, the University then received a memorandum from the Office of Management and Budget dated October 17, 2016 advising of a 1.5% or $483,701 reduction. This reduction has lowered the University’s allotment level to $31,763,049. Therefore, a monthly allotment of approximately $2,646,814 is requested at the beginning of each month from the Department of Finance.  The FY 2016 financial audit is under way. Auditors from Ernst and Young, LLP have requested information from the controller and staff for testing. Audit meetings are held weekly to ascertain the status of the fieldwork. Testing for the Financial Audit has commenced; however, testing for the Single A-133 audit is temporarily on hold. The audited financial statements are slated for completion March 15, 2017. The Accounting Office has also completed work on W-2s, 1098 and 1099.  The Accounting Office and the Human Resources Department have completed work on developing guidelines for the University’s Professional Service Agreements (PSA). The new Independent Contractor PSA process was implemented. Implementation of the new process brings UVI in compliance with Internal Revenue Service requirements and previous audit recommendations. In support of the newly implemented PSA process, employees and supervisors who work with independent contractors were trained by the Human Resources Department. Additional make-up training will be offered in March 2017.  The firm of Abney, Ramsey and Associates (ARAA) was contracted December 14, 2016, in response to a Request for Proposal, to assist with the assessment and training of the Accounting and Budget staff and the documentation of accounting and budget processes. ARAA visited with staff the week of January 9, 2017 and issued a draft report on February 6, 2017. The P-Card and 34 Board of Trustees’ Meeting on March 04, 2017 Albert A. Sheen Campus President’s Report to the Board of Trustees Reporting Period: October 15, 2016 to February 15, 2017 Dr. David Hall, President Corporate card programs are currently being reviewed. The Budget Manual is being updated to include all modifications and monitoring processes. The revised document will be posted on the University’s website.  On the St. Thomas Campus, twenty-three students enrolled in the Tuition Management System (TMS) for Spring 2017. This generated a total of $46,373. On the Albert A. Sheen Campus, five students enrolled in TMS. This generated a total of $7,835. The total amount generated was $54,208.  The Office of Business Services provided administrative support to 854 students registered for Spring 2017 on the Albert A. Sheen Campus. One hundred and sixty-six payment plans, approximately 19% of the student body, enrolled in payment plans, with a total estimated value of $310,942, of which $7,425 was assessed as payment plan fees. Twenty-three percent of the total estimated value, $70,459, was collected as the down payment and 77%, or $239,829, is the balanced owed to be paid in three monthly payments by April 1, 2017.  While there was no change in the Water & Power Authority (WAPA) rates during 2016, WAPA has increased its rates by approximately $.0417/kwh for Large Power Customers. The new rate structure was scheduled to take effect on February 1, 2017. After applying the new rate to the current WAPA bill, it was estimated that there would be an overall increase in energy costs by $46,257.99 per month. An Energy Conservation Plan is drafted with the intent of educating the student body, faculty and staff of the University on the various ways they can take part in helping reduce the University’s overall consumption and energy costs. Once the plan is approved, the Energy Manager will schedule periodic educational seminars and outreach presentations. A thorough analysis of the University’s energy usage indicate an overall dollar savings of 12.4% at UVI over the past 12 months compared to baseline year of 2002. That amounts to approximately $409,616.  UVI is preparing a grant proposal with the help of the Energy Manager, to the Department of the Interior, Office of Insular Affairs’ Technical Assistance Program (TAP). The proposal will include energy projects geared towards investing in Energy monitoring devices (electric sub-meters), LED Lighting upgrades in the Sports & Fitness Center (S&FC) and green transportation for the St. Thomas Campus. Upgrading the court lights in the S&F Center is a time sensitive project due to a contractual obligation. The TAP grant awards are usually awarded during summer months. Further grant research is underway to identify potential funding sources for the above mentioned planned projects. The Energy Manager will continuously seek out grant funding to support the Green Energy initiatives in the Energy Conservation Plan.  The Office of Alumni Affairs continued the institution’s philanthropic efforts through the strengthening of the alumni campaign. A total of ten (10) campaigns were planned and successfully launched during this period; “55 for 55” Alumni Challenge, Golden Key International Honour Society, Food Truck Festival – St. Croix, UVI Masquerade Dance – St. Thomas, ICMC 35 Board of Trustees’ Meeting on March 04, 2017 Albert A. Sheen Campus President’s Report to the Board of Trustees Reporting Period: October 15, 2016 to February 15, 2017 Dr. David Hall, President Jazz in the Park, Reichhold Center for the Ars Esperanza Spalding Concert, Donor Reception/Brick Unveiling Ceremony, Year End Holiday Solicitation, Class of 2016 Campaign (Fall), and UVI Alumni Thank-a-Thon. As of February 10, 2017, the alumni participation rate is over 2.06% compared to 1% last year. A total of 164 gifts were received from 142 donors, compared to 90 gifts received from 66 donors during last campaign year. A total of $16,403 in contributions was received, compared to $9,677the previous year.  The Development Office secured $554,145.22 from 257 donors and 2.2% alumni giving rate during the first quarter of fiscal year 2017. In addition to $453,301 in cash gifts, a boat was donated to the UVI Marine Science program. The donation received from a local family, will be used to transport students to various research sites located throughout the south and western side of St. Thomas. The vessel is currently valued at $100,000.  The Office of Institutional Advancement (OIA) has been Going Green by communicating with our constituents electronically. The Office distributed more than 219,000 emails this quarter. We have compiled numerous invites, information sharing and solicitation of gifts. The Holiday Solicitation generated more than $18,000. OIA was been able to enhance and promote the University by showcasing the achievements of the institution. More graduates have been reading the information due to the use of emails and social media.  During the first quarter, Blackbaud-Kintera processed $19,540 in gifts from 39 donors. The Development Office is in the process of transitioning from the online service Blackbaud-Kintera to MobileCause, which is a cloud-based system. MobileCause is user-friendly and has greater functionality allowing for greater imagery of the University to be shared and displayed in various solicitations. MobileCause enables the University to expand our fundraising base through an aesthetically appealing interface.  The Development Office administered the End of the Year solicitation in December, which was produced internally (crafting of the letter, printing, and Bulk Mailing via USPS and emails). The physical mail distribution was 3,540, alongside 6,587 emails delivered via Constant Contact. Thus far, fifty-seven (57) gifts have been received, the total amount secured is $18,312.  The Reichhold Center for the Arts secured $70,000 in cash sponsorship for the 2016-2017 season. This season’s sponsors include: ICMC, VI Lottery, Innovative, Marriot Frenchman’s Reef, First Bank, BVI Tourism, TIA and Associates, Choice and Southern Glacier. The Center also received a $5,000 grant from the Virgin Islands Council on the Arts for the overall season expenses and $7,500 from the Centennial Commission for Playing Ring: Tea Meeting. 36 Board of Trustees’ Meeting on March 04, 2017 Albert A. Sheen Campus