New and Updated Items...
UVI RTPark Real Estate Administration Committee Meeting Set for May 31 on St. Croix
UVI's Research and Technology Park Board of Directors will hold a meeting of the RTPark Real Estate Administration Committee at 4:15 p.m. on Thursday, May 31, at the RTPark Offices on UVI's Albert A. Sheen Campus on St. Croix. The session will be available via teleconference. Seating is limited. Call (340) 692-4200 to arrange for participation or to get more information.
Today's CSAP May 'Gathering' on St. Thomas to Focus on Health, Nutrition
UVI's Center for the Study of Spirituality and Professionalism (CSAP) invites members of the University community and other interested persons to participate in its May "Gathering" on the St. Thomas campus from noon to 1 p.m. today (Thursday, May 24). Gatherings are the monthly series of informal conversations designed to stimulate dialogue around the theme of nurturing the whole person. Esther Lynch-Izaak, a nutrition specialist for the Virgin Islands Department of Education, will lead the conversation on the patio of the Administration and Conference Center. She will focus on both individual and family health, drawing on experience as a teacher in the food and nutrition area and as director of the School Food Authority for the District of St. Thomas-St. John. This month's St. Croix Gathering, held May 23, on the Albert A. Sheen Campus, was led by Health Services Supervisor Maritza DeCosta.
CSAP provides a light lunch for participants at all Gatherings. Interested students, faculty and staff who wish to participate are asked to contact Tregenza A. Roach, Esq., at (340) 693-1240 or send email at troach@uvi.edu.
UVI to Close for Memorial Day on Monday, May 28
The University of the Virgin Islands will be closed on Monday, May 28, in observance of the Memorial Day holiday. UVI's libraries and the St. John Academic Center will also be closed. Computer labs on UVI's campuses on St. Thomas and St. Croix will be available for student access. Labs that will be available are the 120 Lab in the North West Wing on St. Croix and the 24/7 library lab on St. Thomas. Students may also access online library resources at any time by going to library.uvi.edu.
Volunteers Needed for UVI's 2012 Alumni Phonathon
Volunteers are needed for UVI's 2012 Alumni Phonathon which will be conducted in the Administration and Conference Center on the St. Thomas campus from June 4 through 7. Volunteers from the UVI community - students, alumni, faculty and staff - are needed to make calls, update contact information, process pledges and to help organize call sheets. Calling will take place from 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. nightly.
The annual Alumni Phonathon has become one of the University's primary vehicles for communicating with its alumni body. During the effort, particular attention is paid to updating alumni contact and career information.
Volunteers will each receive a special thank you gift and dinner will be provided. Prizes will be awarded to the top callers each night and to the overall top callers for the four days of the Phonathon. The 2012 Alumni Phonathon is sponsored by the UVI's Offices of Institutional Advancement.
To volunteer, contact UVI's Office of Institutional Advancement at (340) 693-1047 or send email to acarmon@uvi.edu.
VIMAS Offers Free 'Coral Reef Discovery Week' Program for High School Students
UVI's Virgin Islands Marine Advisory Service (VIMAS) is offering its free "Coral Reef Week" program for high school-aged students who are seriously interested in studying coastal, marine and environmental science, natural resource management and conservation, and in learning about careers in these fields. Coral Reef Discovery Week is a fun and intense hands-on course that involves short presentations and lectures from UVI faculty, staff and community partners. It will focus on learning scientific techniques with tools in the field. The program runs from June 25 through 29. Participants report to the UVI Center for Marine and Environmental Studies, but can expect to travel with staff to other on-island locations for field work and activities. Snorkel gear and instructional materials are provided for the week.
Space is limited. Applications accepted until June 11. Notification to qualified students will be issued on a rolling basis. For details and application forms, contact Christine Settar at (340) 693-1392, or send email to: csettar@uvi.edu.
Registration for 4-H Summer Academies Opens May 30
The UVI Cooperative Extension Service's annual 4-H Summer Academies will be offered on St. Thomas and St. Croix from June 25 through Aug. 3. This year's Summer Academy theme is "Get in the Groove." The fee for five to 14 year old campers is $200 for the first child and $150 for each additional child in the same family.
Registration will be available from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., May 30 through June 2, in Room 139 of the Research and Extension Center on the Albert A. Sheen Campus on St. Croix, and at the Cooperative Extension Service's New House Building on the St. Thomas campus. Birth certificates and immunization records are required at registration. To qualify, children must be five years old on or before June 25, 2012. Registration is on a first-come, first-served basis. Lunch and snacks during the academies will be provided by the V.I. Department of Education-Summer Feeding Program.
For more information on St. Croix contact Lois Sanders at (340) 692-4096 or Sarah Smith at (340) 692-4084. For details on St. Thomas, call Carlos Robles at (340) 693-1083 or Dr. Caryl Johnson at (340) 693-1082.
UVI RTPark Directors to Hold Annual Meeting June 2
UVI's Research and Technology Park Board of Directors will hold its annual meeting at 9 a.m. on Saturday, June 2, at the Buccaneer Hotel on St. Croix. According to the RTPark's annual meeting notice, the session will be available via teleconference. Individuals who wish to participate should contact the RTPark office at (340) 692-4200. Seating is limited.
'We Are UVI' Stories Added Each Week
Can you identify this week's contributor to "We Are UVI?" For more, visit "We Are UVI" at: http://weareuvi.blogspot.com/.
"We Are UVI" is the University's Golden Jubilee blog. It features individuals sharing their CVI/UVI stories from the past 50 years. New submissions are added each week, this one was posted Sunday, May 20.
It joins stories from Sinclair Wilkinson ('72), Rafe Boulon, Jr. ('76), Carmie Thompson ('10), Frank Mills ('67), James Rakocy, Arah Lockhart ('78), Utha Williams ('82), former UVI President LaVerne Ragster, Marthious Clavier ('02,'08), John Lucas, Maxine Nunez, Rosary Harper, Yegin Habtes, Gloria Callwood, Laurent Javois ('76), Helen Dookhan ('79, '84, '98), Curtis Gilpin ('80), Carolyn O'Neal-Morton ('85), Ali McClean ('93) and Constance Gumbs ('87, '91).
Other Current Items...
UVI Accepting Applications for 'Mathematics Behind the Science' Summer Bridge Program
UVI's College of Science and Mathematics invites incoming and prospective UVI freshman with an interest in biology, marine biology, chemistry, computer science, mathematics, applied mathematics (engineering) or physics to apply to a new Mathematics Behind the Science summer bridge program. This residential program will take place on UVI's St. Thomas campus from June 18 to July 27, 2012. There is no cost to participants.
Mathematics Behind the Science is a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) college preparation program. It serves students who have completed grade 12 and will enter university as freshmen in the fall, or students already attending UVI who have successfully completed the MAT 024 course. The program provides an introduction to the demands of a college STEM program. In addition to mathematics coursework, this year three new classes are being introduced: computer science, scientific writing and a Success in STEM course. They are designed to give incoming freshman students a head start on how to navigate college life. Students will also participate in workshops that introduce them to academic resources available on campus and take fieldtrips to local businesses to learn what jobs are available to students who major in STEM fields. Mathematics Behind the Science is intended to serve as a bridge between high school curriculum and expectations at the university level.
Admission applications can be obtained from the Emerging Caribbean Scientists (ECS) website - http://ecs.uvi.edu. ECS will continue to accept applications on a rolling admission basis until all slots are filled. For details, call Amanda Wright at (340) 693-1397 or send email to awright@uvi.edu.
UVI's Summer Programs Tailored to Diverse Audience
In addition to its two, regular academic Summer Sessions, UVI offers a host of other summer programs tailored to meet the needs of a diverse audience ranging from UVI students, to grade school students and the general public. Programs included are: Coral Reef Discovery Week, SAT Prep, Summer School Credit Recovery, Mathematics Behind the Science Bridge, the Summer Undergraduate Research Experience, the Summer Sophomore Research Institute, the Summer Institute for Future Global Leaders, Upward Bound Summer, 4-H Summer Academies and the Summer Bridge Program.
Details on these 10 special programs are featured on a new Summer Enrichment Programs page available from the Community tab of the UVI website - http://www.uvi.edu - and from this direct link. Brief descriptions of the programs, the dates and locations they are available, contact information and links to more information are included.
Summer 2012 Financial Aid Update
UVI's Office of Financial Aid has announced the release of the Summer 2012 Financial Aid Guidelines and the Summer Aid Application form. Please visit the links below for the Summer 2012 Financial Aid Information. Completed applications must be submitted to the Financial Aid Office for review and processing.
For additional information concerning Summer Aid, please contact UVI Financial Aid Offices - St. Croix: (340) 692-4193; St. Thomas: (340) 693-1090.
UVI Schedules Summer Class in Website Creation
UVI will offer a new class on How to Create a Website during the upcoming summer session. The class will cover all phases of setting up a web site. Students will have a chance to secure their own URL (a web address like www.yoursite.com), secure hosting for the site and develop the pages that will be seen by everyone. Creating the art, music, backgrounds and the message are all part of this class. No prior experience is assumed when it comes to creating a web site. For more information call UVI Professor of Communication Dr. Alexander Randall at (340) 514-9995.
Virgin Islands Small Business Week Observance Set May 28 to June 2
The Virgin Islands Small Business Development Center (VI SBDC) and the U.S. Small Business Administration will honor small businesses during Virgin Islands Small Business Week, which is scheduled to take place May 28-June 2, 2012.
The week will provide small businesses with the opportunity to participate in an array of specialized trainings to foster business growth, with the highlight being the annual awards ceremonies. "I am honored to have three major financial institutions, both private and public, assisting us this year to offer specialized trainings to small businesses," said SBDC State Director Leonor Dottin. "It demonstrates their interest in furthering their commitment to the territory's small business owners." Small Business Week awards will be presented on St. Thomas on Thursday, May 31, and on St. Croix on Friday, June 1, 2012. A news release is available from the UVI homepage - http://www.uvi.edu - and from this direct link.
UVI Plans Commemorative Programs to Mark 40th Anniversary of Land Grant Designation
The staff and directors of UVI's Cooperative Extension Service (CES) and the Agricultural Experiment Station (AES) have planned a number of activities to commemorate this year's 40th anniversary of the University's designation as a Land Grant institution on the Albert A. Sheen Campus on St. Croix. The College of the Virgin Islands and the University of Guam became land-grant institutions of higher learning, when President Richard Nixon signed into law the Education Amendments Act of June 23, 1972. The public is invited to come out and participate in the celebration of this milestone in the University's history.
Commemorative Event Calendar
- Wednesday, June 20 - CES and AES directors appear on the Virgin Islands Public Television "Face to Face" program with Addie Ottley on WTJX, from 8 to 9 p.m.
- Thursday, June 21 - Ag Forum discussion - Great Hall on UVI's Albert A. Sheen Campus on St. Croix - 6 to 8 p.m. - Topic: The Role of Land Grant Programs in the Development of Agriculture and The Role of Agriculture in the Economic Development of the Local Community.
- Sunday, June 24 - Anniversary Celebration - 1 to 6 p.m. - Albert A. Sheen Campus grounds.
- Opening ceremony, open house, tree planting and workshops. The celebration will feature farmers and food vendors, the distribution of vegetable seedlings and musical entertainment.
For more information, call Clarice Clarke at 692-4060.
University Budget Committee FY 2012-2013 Recommendation Posted to Website
The Fiscal Year 2012-2013 budget presentation, which was presented to the University community in a videoconferenced forum held by the University Budget Committee on May 2, 2012, is now available from the Administration and Finance section of the UVI website - http://www.uvi.edu - and from this direct link. The presentation contains recommendations developed by the University Budget Committee regarding the University's FY 2012-2013 Operating Budget.
Testing and Registration Notes...
UVI Schedules Math, English Placement Testing
The University of the Virgin Islands is conducting Math and English placement testing on the following schedule. The tests are computer-based and are administered simultaneously. A picture ID is required. Calculators will not be permitted on the math placement test. A preparation guide is available at this link: http://bit.ly/taGZ6q. For reading and writing, sample tests can be found at www.accuplacer.org.
St. Thomas Campus
Tests: English and Math
Dates and Times:
Tuesday, May 8 at 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. & Tuesday, June 19 at 2 p.m. and 5 p.m.
Place: English testing - Classroom Administration Building (CAB) Computer Lab 103.
Math testing - Classroom Administration Building (CAB) Computer Lab 101 A & B.
Albert A. Sheen Campus - St. Croix
Tests: English and Math
Dates and Times:
Tuesday, May 8 at 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. & Tuesday, June 19 at 2 p.m. and 5 p.m.
Place: English testing - North West Wing, Room 131
Math testing - North West Wing, Room 133
Online Registration for UVI's 2012 Fall Semester
Online registration for UVI's 2012 Fall Semester is continuing. Fall Semester classes begin on Aug. 20. More information is available from the Registrar's section of the UVI website - http://www.uvi.edu - with updated web registration instructions available from this direct link.
CELL Notes...
CELL Summer Program Offers Test Prep for SAT Exam
Summer vacation is already upon us and with so many parents searching for something suitable for their teenagers to do, the University of the Virgin Islands - Community Engagement and Lifelong Learning (UVICELL) Center will offer a summer SAT preparatory program. The program is ideal for high school students who want to prepare fall SAT exams while participating in other enrichment activities, summer school or summer employment.
The 10-week program will be held 9 a.m. to noon every Saturday, beginning June 9, 2012. Interested students must submit their application by Friday, June 1, 2012, to enroll in the program. The program is open to any high school student with a GPA of 2.0 to 3.5.
The SAT is a standardized measure of college readiness used in the admission process of more than 95 percent of four-year, not-for-profit undergraduate colleges and universities in the United States. Aligned to high school curriculum, the SAT tests reading, mathematics and writing skills that students acquire during high school. The exam also measures how well students apply acquired knowledge, a factor that educators and researchers agree is critical to success in college.
The UVICELL SAT Prep course utilizes various forms of assessments, interactive instruction, test-taking strategies and practice exams to aid students in improving their scores. Additionally, participants will receive a Barron's SAT Prep Book and an SAT approved calculator.
For fees or more information, call 693-1106 or visit http://cell.uvi.edu.
Golden Jubilee Items...
Golden Jubilee Commemorative Plates Available at UVI Bookstores
Commemorative plates, prepared for UVI's Golden Jubilee celebration, are now available for sale at the UVI Bookstores on St. Croix and St. Thomas.
UVI Looking for Historic UVI Photos for Golden Jubilee Publication
UVI is seeking historic photos from alumni, faculty, students and the general public for a book that will celebrate the University's 50th Golden Jubilee. Examples would be photos from sporting events, class activities, dormitories and queen contests. Early photos from the 1960s through 1980s are especially needed. Clearly labeled originals should be brought to the UVI Public Relations Office, Room 229 of the Administration and Conference Center, on the St. Thomas campus, and to The Caribbean Writer office, on the St. Croix campus. They may also be mailed to UVI Public Relations, #2 John Brewers Bay, St. Thomas, V.I., 00802.
All photos will be returned. Please attach labels to the back of photos with contact, as well as complete descriptive, information. High resolution scans (full size at 300 dpi) are especially welcome and should be sent to uvijubilee@gmail.com. Photo credit and special thanks will be included in the book. For more information, contact the UVI Public Relations Office at (340) 693-1057.
Submissions for UVI Golden Jubilee Time Capsules Sought
Submissions of commemorative items for inclusion in UVI Golden Jubilee time capsules on both campuses are sought by the Time Capsule Subcommittee of UVI's Golden Jubilee Committee.
Contributions will be accepted from UVI students, alumni, departments and staff members through Oct. 31. Please submit items to be considered for inclusion in the time capsule. Indicate the contributor's name, department and campus, and include contact information. Items can be mailed or dropped off as follows:
- Albert A. Sheen Campus - St. Croix: Raquel Silver / rsantia@uvi.edu / extension 4061 / Research and Extension Center Room 106
- St. Thomas campus: Dr. Angela Dikou / adikou@uvi.edu / extension 1284 / Quarters B Room 202
The time capsule will be capped in December 2012. Members of the subcommittee are Raquel Silver and Dr. Angela Dikou (faculty), Sharon Pickering (student), Maria Friday, Shelly Ansyln-Jones and Lorna J. Williams-Sutton (staff/alumni).