USVI Public Records

Document text

From the Desk of the Executive Director PLTL - Peer-Led Team Learning Center for Student Success Quarterly Newsletter portant people you will meet during your time here. You can contact them by tele- phone at 340-692-4140 (Albert A. Sheen campus) or 340-693-1583 (St. Thomas cam- pus) or email at css@live.uvi.edu. We are available from Monday - Friday 8:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m. Congratulations on your choice to contin- ue your learning at the University of the Virgin Islands! To the Class of 2017 and returnees: Welcome to a new excit- ing adventure and learning experience at the University of the Virgin Islands. We are so happy you are either returning to our family or joining our family for the first time. I hope you will have a rewarding and successful academic year. The Center for Student Success and the other academic offices are here to support your success as a member of the University of the Virgin Islands community. To that end, we want to ensure that you know how to locate the wide variety of resources available to you and that you are aware of and have easy access to the policies and regulations that pertain to you as a student. I am sure you will get to know your area dean (that is, the dean for your academic program), the office of dean of students, your academic as well as faculty advisors, access and enrollment services, to mention a few. These people will assist you in many ways including facilitating your registration, answering financial aid questions, and helping you to learn your way around the University. The staff members of the center for student success are among the most im- Mathematics courses. During this hour, students working in small groups meet with a team leader to engage in prepared problem sets. This semester there are 52 groups of students working with 28 leaders on both campuses. Preliminary research at UVI, as Peer-Led Team Learning (PLTL) in Mathematics is a new concept at the University of the Virgin Islands. The implementation of this initiative is a joint venture of the Mathematics Department and the Center for Student Success. PLTL is a mandatory component of the MAT 023 and MAT 024 courses. This semester, the PLTL program supports over 250 students enrolled in ten MAT 023 and MAT 024 classes. In order to implement this pro- gram, an additional hour has been added to the Foundation Inside this issue: Welcome 1 PLTL 2 Meet the Learning Center 3 Tutors & PLTL Assts 3 Staff Spotlight 4 Special points of interest:  Peer-Led Leadership Team Published by Center for Student Success October 2013 October, 2013 Volume 1, Issue3 well as research nationwide, has demonstrated that participation in the PLTL program improves stu- dent success. Dr. E. Esdaille Executive Director Kurt Alexander works in the learning center on the St. Thomas Campus. He is a graduate student in the envi- ronmental sciences program. He earned a BS in Biology from the University of the Virgin Islands in 2010. Sharone Richards is a PLTL Assistant on the St. Thomas Cam- pus. He’s a sophomore majoring in Applied Mathematics with aspi- rations of attaining a degree in Civil Engi- neering. He also enjoys a riveting game of chess. Fabian Tobierre is a PLTL Assistant and Learning Assistant on the Albert A. Sheen Campus, St. Croix. He is a Junior pursuing a B.A. i degree in Psy- chology . His specialties are statistics and Mathematics and is at the math center four hours daily. Antonios Doliotos is a Learn- ing Assistant on the St. Thomas campus Donde Dias is a PLTL As- sistant as well as a Learning Assistant on the St. Thomas campus Lorne Joseph is a PLTL Assis- tant on the albert A. Sheen Cam- pus, St. Croix. She is also a rising Sophomore pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry. She is an active student leader and volunteer, who is dedicated to proudly serving the student body. She believes that as a PLTL leader, she is giving back to the university in a meaningful way through the students that she interact with during each session. Davindra Ramsundar Jr. is a PLTL Assistant . He is a sophomore, majoring in Computer Engineering. He enjoys doing PLTL because he likes to help others out especially when it comes to their educa- tion. Meet the CSS Learning Assistants & PLTL Team Center for Student Success Quarterly Newsletter Trichelle A. Ekpe is a senior obtaining a Bachelors of Arts Degree in Accounting at the University of the Virgin Islands- Albert A. Sheen Campus. She works as a Mathematics and General Sciences Learning As- sistant in the math center. After graduation, Trichelle plans to further her education by obtaining a masters in Accounting and becoming a Certified Public Accountant. Richardson L. Edwards, better known by his friends and col- leagues as “Richie”, is cur- rently a senior pursuing a Bach- elors of Science Degree in Com- puter Science at the University of the Virgin Islands- Albert A. Sheen Campus. He works as a Mathematics/General Sciences/ Computer Science Learning Assistant in the math center . After graduation, Richie plans to pursue his masters as a computer systems information analyst and ultimately create his own application development company. Gilana Williams works with the PLTL team on the Albert A. Sheen Campus, St. Croix. She’s pursuing a B.S. in Nursing. Upon graduating she would like to attend Cornell Uni- versity to pursue a Masters in the specialized field of Pediatric Nursing. After graduate school, she plans to return to the Virgin Islands. Manefa O’Conner is a Learning Assistant and also a PLTL Assistant on the St. Thomas campus Gena Lee Gordon is a Learning Assistant on the St.. Thomas cam- pus Nicholas Cromwell is a PLTL Assistant as well as a Learning Assistant on the St. Thomas campus Joel Drew is a PLTL Assistant on the St. Thomas campus Joshua Hazell is a PLTL Assistant as well as a Learning Assistant on the St. CSS Learning and PLTL Assistants Volume 1, Issue3 PLTL TEAM MEMBERS IN TRAINING Training for the PLTL team took place on both campus. The first set of trainings took place during the summer and follow-up training took place at the beginning of the fall semester. The facilitator for the trainings was Ms. DeGanes, who is the coordinator for the program on the St. Thomas campus. She is also a full –time Instructor of Mathe- matics. On the St. Croix campus Cletus Emmanuel is the coordinator and is a part- time Instructor of Mathematics (remedial courses). to student clubs and organizations. In an effort to better meet the diverse needs of our student body, the Division often collaborates with Academic Affairs and other units of the University as well as with partners in the broader Virgin Islands community. How do you support UVI students? My support of students and the University lies in ensuring that the goals and objectives of the aforementioned programs and services are effectively achieved; that they contribute to the a very fair and objective manner. Finally, I listen to student concerns and address them as expeditiously as possible; those beyond my purview are forwarded to the Provost, to whom I directly report. What is the favourite part of your job? The job of a Student Affairs Administrator is multifaceted as the Dean of Students is in- volved in all aspects of students’ life outside of the classroom. As a student affairs profession- growth and development of well-rounded, civic -minded students; that they provide training and opportunities for student leadership devel- opment; that they have an academic compo- nent that challenges students to utilize and combine what they have learned both in and outside of the classroom; and that co- curricular activities provide experiences that are both educational and “fun.” I also support students through consistent and equitable policy adherence and dealing with students in through service. I believe that much learning takes place outside of the class- room and by becoming involved in co- curricular activities, honing leadership skills and experiencing campus life, stu- dents grow and develop. Once in the work world, it is often these skills that contribute to one’s personal and profes- sional success. I would also advise stu- dents to create balance throughout their academic journey. Besides studying and attending classes, the journey should al for over 25 years I love the work that I do and there are very few parts that I dislike. However, seeing students grow and develop from new student orientation, to graduation, and beyond gives me great joy. Knowing that I have contributed to their academic, person- al,and professional development is the most satisfying aspect of my position. What do you do when you are not work- ing? When I am not working I hang out with my family and very close friends. I come from a large family and enjoy doing things with them. We travel and spend a considerable amount of time together. . I also like going to the beach, doing aerobics, and playing tennis, which I don’t do as often as I would like to. What advice will you give to students? I would advise students to always keep focused on their academics, but to also get involved in a club, committee or or- ganization and make a contribution to UVI as well as to our broader community Staff spotlight Dr. Doris Battiste, Dean of Students, St. Thomas Campus Center for Student Success Quarterly Newsletter opment, and facilitate the attainment of their career goals. The Division of Student Affairs is also respon- sible for the implementation of programs and activities that complement instruction outside of the classroom such as New Student Orien- tation, Peer Education, the National Student Exchange, the Golden Key International Hon- or Society, Drug Education and Prevention, and HIV/AIDS Education. The Division also provides services that meet the needs of students with disabilities and offer assistance ferent. Departments, programs and services under the auspices of the Dean of Students include Counseling and Career Services, Stu- dent Housing and Residence Life, Student Activities and Leadership Development, Stu- dent Employment, Food Services, Health Services, Student Judicial Affairs (Student Code of Conduct), and the Student Govern- ment Association. Together these entities ensure that the goals and objectives of the Division are achieved as we assist students in their acclimation to the University, foster their personal and professional growth and devel- Can you describe your role at UVI? The primary role of the Dean of Students at colleges and uni- versities across the nation is to provide leadership for and oversight of the Division of Student Affairs and to serve as liaison be- tween students and the administration of the institution. My position as Dean of Students on the St. Thomas Campus of UVI is no dif- involve meeting new people, experienc- ing new things, and gaining an apprecia- tion for the diversity that exists in our society and on our campuses. Finally, I would strongly advise students to use the resources available to them when they have questions or are uncertain about how to proceed in resolving personal, social and academic issues. My favourite quote is from Win- ston Churchill: "You make a liv- ing by what you get, but you make a life by what you give.” UP-COMING EVENTS—WORKSHOPS  ST. THOMAS CAMPUS Workshop entitled “Making Your Journey Great” is scheduled to take place at the following days and time: October 9 10:00-11:00 B-206 04:15-05:15 T-101 October 10 10:00-11:00 SFC 222 04:15-05:15 SFC 210 Volume 1, Issue3 Staff spotlight continued Nothing could be worse than the fear that one had given up too soon, and left one un- expended effort that might have saved the world.” ~Jane Addams~ Miss UVI represents us in HBCU Contest in Atlanta Murchtricia Charles who was crowned Miss University of the Virgin Islands 2013-2014 at the 33rd Annual Miss UVI Ambassadorial Competition held on Sunday, April 21, repre- sented us at the Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) queens contest held in Atlanta, GA. Information on this activity will be in the next issue of this news letter.  . ST. CROIX CAMPUS Workshop entitled “Study for Success” is scheduled to take place at the following days and time: October 15 10:30-11:30 (TBA) October 16 5:30-6:30 (TBA) Albert A Sheen campus, St. Croix University of the Virgin Islands RR1 Box 10000 Kingshill St. Croix, USVI 00850-9781 Phone: 340-692-4140 Fax: 340-692-4141 E-mail: eesdail@live.uvi.edu St. Thomas campus University of the Virgin Islands 2 John Brewers Bay, St. Thomas, USVI 00802-9990 Phone: 340-693-1583 Fax: 340-693-1627 E-mail: eesdail@live.uvi.edu CENTER FOR STUDENT SUCCESS Specializing in the success of our students We’re on the web! Www.uvi.edu/current students The contents of this newsletter were developed under a grant from the US Department of Education. How- ever, those contents do not neces- sarily represent the policy of the Department of Education, and you should not assume endorsement by the Federal Government.