New & Updated Items...
UVI Student Competition Promotes Role Swap with President; Winners Get $1,000 Scholarship
Ever wondered what it would be like to be President of the University of the Virgin Islands?
If you had a chance, what would you say or do to make a difference in the lives of UVI students, faculty and staff? UVI's first President for a Day Competition will give two UVI students - one on St. Thomas and one on St. Croix - an opportunity to trade places for one day with UVI President Dr. David Hall. All UVI students are eligible for the competition.
During the Fall 2012 semester, President Hall will swap roles with one UVI student on St. Thomas. The contest will shift to the Albert A. Sheen campus on St. Croix during the Spring 2013 semester. The winning students will also receive $1,000 scholarships. The deadline for entering the competition on St. Thomas is Oct. 1, 2012. The deadline on St. Croix will be Feb. 7, 2013.
Details on the program and application forms are available from a link button on the UVI homepage - http://www.uvi.edu - and from this direct link.
Focus Groups to Encourage Public Input to Develop USVI Science and Technology Plan Start Today
Members of the public are invited to contribute to the creation of the Territory's first Science and Technology Plan by participating in a series of public consultations beginning with focus group sessions planned for Sept. 12, 13 and 14, on St. Croix, St. Thomas and St. John, respectively.
Developing a VI Science and Technology Plan is an early goal of the STEP UP Initiative, announced on Aug. 17, by Gov. John P. deJongh, Jr. The initiative's name - STEP UP - stands for Science, Technology, Education and Economic Progress. The governor, who serves as chair of the VI Science and Technology Council, described the effort as an opportunity to take good science from the laboratories of the University of the Virgin Islands to the local and global marketplace. He said the VI Science and Technology Council was established to "act as a catalyst for leveraging resources in the U.S.V.I. in the areas of science, technology, engineering, and innovation for economic development."
Research and development initiatives are not confined to UVI and ideas for involvement of other public and private sector entities are encouraged.
Focus groups are scheduled for the following dates:
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St. Croix:
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Wednesday, Sept. 12 - 6 to 8 p.m. at the VI-Small Business Development Center in Sion Farm
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Thursday, Sept. 13 - 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. in Research and Extension Center Room 143 on UVI's Albert A. Sheen Campus
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St. Thomas:
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Thursday, Sept. 13 - 6 to 8 p.m.
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Friday, Sept. 14 - 2:30 to 4:30 p.m.
Both sessions in UVI Administration and Conference Center - first-floor conference room
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St. John:
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Friday, Sept. 14 - 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. at St. Ursula's Multipurpose Center, Cruz Bay
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For more information contact the VI-EPSCoR Office at (340) 692-4003.
UVI Final 2012 Phonathon Slated Sept. 17-20; Volunteers Sought
Volunteers are needed for UVI's final Phonathon of 2012, which is now scheduled from Sept. 17 through 20, on St. Thomas. Volunteers will work from 5:30 to 9 p.m. each evening in the first-floor conference room of UVI's Administration and Conference Center. They will make calls and process on-line pledges from Reichhold Center for the Arts patrons as well as traditional and special alumni. Prizes will be awarded to top performers and dinner will be served. Persons interested in volunteering one or more evenings should call the Office of Institutional Advancement at (340) 693-1047.
UVI Cuts Ribbon on Newest Residence Hall - West Hall
The University of the Virgin Islands held a grand opening for its newest residence hall - West Hall - on the St. Thomas campus on Thursday, Sept. 6. The first 96 students moved into a state-of-the-art, 100-bed, four-story, air conditioned, co-ed facility early this semester.
Students, faculty, staff, government representatives and invited guests turned out for an afternoon of grand opening tours. A news release and photo from the ribbon cutting is featured on the UVI homepage - http://www.uvi.edu - and from this direct link.
The Caribbean Writer Publishes Volume 26; Dedicated to Nature and Ecology
The University of the Virgin Islands continues the celebration of its 50th Anniversary with the release of Volume 26 of its international literary gem, The Caribbean Writer, a volume dedicated to nature and overflowing with brilliant writing and art in celebration of the natural environment.
Volume 26 boasts literary content that covers a number of genres, including poetry, personal essays, short stories and book reviews. The visually stunning cover art by Amy Laskin, from Jamaica, features a detailed painting of a croton set into a pristine, verdant, Caribbean landscape.
A news release and look at the cover art are available on the UVI homepage - http://www.uvi.edu - and from this direct link.
UVI Writing Center on St. Croix Lists Schedule; Seeks Input on Workshop Topics
The UVI Writing Center at MB 104 on the Albert A. Sheen Campus on St. Croix is open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday. During the fall semester the center is planning to conduct workshops on areas that pose the most problems for students, such as subject/verb agreement, Modern Language Association (MLA) and American Psychological Association (APA) formats, and sentence structure and development. Professors are asked to suggest other areas of concern to the center. All are also invited to visit the center and become familiar with its offerings. Students are strongly encouraged to work with the center consistently, rather than only when they are in crisis. Send suggested topics for workshops via email to Writing Center Director Valerie Combie at vcombie@live.uvi.edu.
UVI Center for Students Success Encourages Students to Take Advantage of Tutorial Services
UVI's Center for Student Success issued the following information regarding tutorial services. Students are encouraged to take advantage of the services provided for their success.
St. Thomas
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CAB 118 (former CATS) hours: Monday through Thursday 9 a.m. to 7 pm; Friday 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m; Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
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CSS - Library (northeast corner) variable hours: Monday through Friday, as well as on Sundays until the Library closes
Students who require tutoring in particular courses or at other times or locations should contact the Center at (340) 693-1583, Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
St. Croix
Tutorials are also provided on the Albert A. Sheen Campus at various hours in both the Math Center and Writing Center. For more information, call (340) 692-4140 or 692-4183.
UVI Soccer Squad Drops 2012 League Opener 2-1 to Sacred Heart; Season Schedule Announced
UVI opened play in its second season of LAI soccer play with a 2-1 loss against University of Sacred Heart. The match was played on Saturday, Sept. 8, in Puerto Rico.
The Athletic Department has released the following finalized season schedule.
Sept. 8 3:00 p.m. UVI at University of Sacred Heart Lost 2-1
Sept. 12 3:00 p.m. University of Puerto Rico at UVI - St. Croix
Sept. 15 3:00 p.m. UVI at Caribbean University
Sept. 18 2:00 p.m. Politechnica University at UVI - St. Croix
Sept. 22 2:00 p.m. UVI at UMET
Sept. 26 2:00 p.m. University of Puerto Rico - Bayamon at UVI - St. Croix
Sept. 29 2:00 p.m. University of Puerto Rico - Carolina at UVI - St. Croix
Oct. 6, 13, 20, 27 Crossover Divisional Matches (based on September record)
Nov. 3 Playoffs Start
UVI Staff Council Seeking Nominations for Group II Officers and UVI Senate
The UVI Staff Council (UVISC) is seeking nominations for Group II officers and for UVISC representatives on the UVI Senate. Regular, professional and administrative staff members are asked to return their ballots to Staff Council Chair Raquel Silver at rsantia@live.uvi.edu or to Nominations/Elections Chair Dale Morton at dmorton@live.uvi.edu by Friday, Sept. 21.
Nominations are open for the positions of Vice Chair, Secretary/Treasurer, Regular Staff Representative-STT, Administrative Staff Representative-STT, Chair-Human Resources Committee and Chair-Membership Committee. There are also four UVI Senate positions - two STT and two STX - open for nomination.
For more information contact Raquel Silver at rsantia@live.uvi.edu.
Free Student/Teacher and Public Workshops on Ivanna Eudora Kean Aquaponics Program Set
The VI Network of Environmental Educators (VINE), in collaboration with the VI Experimental Program to Stimulate Competitive Research (VI-EPSCoR), will host two free informational workshops introducing the Aquaponics Tilapia Farm and Garden at Ivanna Eudora Kean High School. All students and educators in the territory are invited to attend the first workshop Friday, Sept. 14. The general public is invited to the second workshop on Friday, Sept. 21. Both workshops will be held at the school and will run from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m.
Workshop sessions will include tours of the facility, multiple guest speakers and demonstrations. The focus will be on aquaponics methods, the system's benefits for the USVI community and economy, and how individuals can get involved. Refreshments will be provided. Space is limited. Those planning to attend should send an email to apenn@friendsvinp.org or (340) 779-4940. They may also contact Kean High School at (340) 775-6380.
UVI's Fall Research Symposium to Planned on St. Thomas for Sunday, Sept. 23
UVI's Fall Research Symposium will be held on Sunday, Sept. 23, on the St. Thomas campus in the first-floor conference room of UVI's Administration and Conference Center. Students will set up beginning at 11 a.m. and the symposium will be open to the public from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. For details, contact Aimee Sanchez at (340) 693-1249, aimee.sanchez@live.uvi.edu.
The symposium, sponsored by UVI's College of Science and Mathematics and the Emerging Caribbean Scientists (ECS) program, is part of an overall effort to increase research training and promote excellence among UVI students. It provides an opportunity for students to display the results of their work from their summer research experiences and for the public to interact with them. Student presentations are evaluated by a panel of judges from the community for their scientific content and their clarity of presentation.
UVI 'Fall Fest' Scheduled for Thursday, Sept. 27, on St. Thomas Campus
A Fall Fest focusing on the Student Affairs, Health Services, Career Services, Counseling and Placement and Student Activities areas on UVI's St. Thomas campus is scheduled for 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 27. Fair activities will include a Health and Wellness day, a Majors Fair and a Student Activities Fair. The Fall Fest theme is "Gateway to Golden Opportunities." It will take place in the Sports and Fitness Center.
UVI RT-Park to Accept Bids for Sale of Used Vehicle
The UVI RTPark has announced it will accept sealed bids for the sale of a 2005 Ford Freestyle. Bid documents may be obtained from the UVI Purchasing Department between the hours of 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. from Sept. 17 through Sept. 21. The vehicle, a one-owner with 70,365 miles on odometer, will be sold as-is (no warranty), and is located at the RTPark offices on the Albert A. Sheen Campus on St. Croix, at the dorm complex (the first completed building) on the right side of the Palm Drive entrance. For more information, contact Melissa Miller at (340) 692-4200.
Do you know this week's "We Are UVI" contributor?
To find out who it is, visit "We Are UVI" at: http://weareuvi.blogspot.com. "We Are UVI" is the our Golden Jubilee blog. It features people sharing CVI/UVI stories from the past 50 years. A new submission is added each week.
This submission was posted Sunday, Sept. 9. 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), Constance Gumbs ('87, '91), Malcolm Kirwan ('67), Sharleen Fahie ('86, '93), Sam Hall Jr., Richard Lippke, Randy Brown, Paul Flemming ('95, '98, '99), Kishma Allen ('09), Lawrence Lewis ('73), Aimery Caron, Quilin Mars ('08), Alvincent Hutson ('76), Vincent Cooper ('72), Dennis Parker, UVI President Emeritus Orville Kean, Richard Schrader and Albert Bryan ('04).
Other Current Items...
Water Resources Research Institute Issues Call for Project Proposals
The Virgin Islands Water Resources Research Institute (VI-WRRI) at the University of the Virgin Islands has issued a Call for Proposals for the 2013 - 2014 U.S. Geological Survey Water Institute Program. Proposals that address water resources issues in the U.S. Virgin Islands are being sought. Funds for this program are made available through the Section 104 Institute Program of the U.S. Department of Interior - U.S. Geological Survey. All faculty and staff of the University of the Virgin Islands are eligible to apply for these funds through the VI-WRRI. Collaborations with non-UVI personnel are allowed.
There will be approximately $80,000 available to fund projects in the U. S. Virgin Islands. Individual projects should not exceed this amount. Projects in the $15,000 to $20,000 range are preferred. Projects will last one year, a starting date of March 1, 2013, and an ending date of Feb. 28, 2014. Proposals are due by Friday, Nov. 16, 2012.
The local VI-WRRI Advisory Committee will review proposals and recommendations for funding will be made to the Director of the VI-WRRI. Criteria used in the evaluation process will include:
- Technical merit
- Feasibility of completion
- Competence of the principal investigator
- Training and education opportunities provided
- Plans for the dissemination of knowledge gained
- Local relevance
Interested persons should contact the VI-WRRI for instructions for preparing the proposal at (340) 693-1628 or send email to hsmith@uvi.edu.
Phase I of V.I. Community Survey Underway; Phase II to Begin in September
The Eastern Caribbean Center of the University of the Virgin Islands is conducting its annual Virgin Islands Community Survey (VICS) among a sample of households in the territory. Now in Phase I - mapping - UVI employees are on St. Thomas, St. Croix and St. John mapping residential areas. During the first phase of this project, UVI employees will travel to selected areas to map housing units using GPS devices. Phase II - interviewing - will begin in late September and end in December. During the second phase, UVI employees will administer a housing and population survey to sample households. All mappers and interviewers will have official UVI identification cards.
The goal of the VICS is to provide a clearer understanding of the changing population and housing statistics in the US Virgin Islands. A news release is available on the UVI homepage - http://www.uvi.edu - and from this direct link.
CELL Notes...
PRAXIS Prep Course to be Offered at UVICELL on St. Thomas in September
Registration is now open for the PRAXIS preparation course offered by the University of the Virgin Islands - Community Engagement and Lifelong Learning (UVICELL) Center in collaboration with the V.I. Department of Education.
The six-week course will be held 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturdays beginning Sept. 22. Classes will be held at the UVICELL Center on the St. Thomas campus.
The course is designed for secondary school teachers or elementary content area teachers (art, music, physical education, etc.) hired after the 1995-1996 school year who are required to take the PRAXIS exam. The prep course prepares teachers for the exam so that they can be designated as highly qualified in order to meet the mandates of the Federal No Child Left Behind Act. For more information or to register, call the UVICELL Center at (340) 693-1100 or visit http://cell.uvi.edu.
UVI-CELL to Offer Six-week Praxis II Preparation Course on St. Thomas
UVI's Community Engagement and Lifelong Learning (CELL) Center will offer a six-week, classroom course designed to prepare teachers to take and pass the Praxis II exam. The course will be offered from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on six Saturdays - Sept. 22 and 29, and Oct. 6, 13, 20 and 27. The course will use clear explanations, numerous examples, and graphics and animation, to prepare teachers to take the Praxis II test. Sessions take place at the CELL Center on UVI's St. Thomas campus. The fee is $500. For more information and to sign-up for the course call UVI-CELL at (340) 693-1100.
October Course to Focus on Getting the Most of Your Smart Phone or Tablet
Smart phones and tablets - the latest technological advances - are designed to make lives easier, but the novice user can be overwhelmed. To unravel the mystery of these devices, the UVI Community Engagement and Lifelong Learning (CELL) Center will conduct a course to help novice users understand their devices and use their capabilities to the fullest.
Although titled Mastering Your iPhone/iPad, the course is open to individuals with any smart phone or tablet device. The three-week course will be held 6 to 8 p.m. on Mondays and Wednesdays beginning on Oct. 8. The cost is $150 for 15 hours of instruction. Students will learn to master basic features and functions, efficiently operate their devices, integrate apps into their daily lives, sync with other devices and other applications, and personalize their devices. Sessions will be held at the UVICELL Center on the St. Thomas campus. For more information on the workshop, call Debra Stevens (340) 693-1108 or visit http://cell.uvi.edu./import/sites/uvi/Pages/news/import/sites/uvi/Pages/news/News_Show97fa.html News_Show97fa StandardAnnouncements/Article Page2009-01-08T12:00:00.185Z