Information for Current Students

Academic Calendar

Campus Bookstores:

• St. Thomas
• St. Croix 

2020 - 2022 Undergraduate Catalog

• 2013 - 2014 Graduate Bulletin (1,700 KB PDF file)
  • Graduate Programs Offered
  • Graduate Education
  • General Admission Requirements
  • Admission Procedures
  • Student Classifications
  • Registration
  • Assessment of Learning
  • Grades, Standards and Points
  • Advisement
  • Probation and Dismissal
  • Academic Withdrawal
  • Transcripts
  • FERPA
  • Thesis
  • Course Descriptions

Updated Information

• Services Directory
• Board of Trustees
• President's Cabinet
• Academic Calendar
• Tuition and Fees
• Graduate Programs:  
  • Master of Business Administration
  • Master of Arts in Education
  • Education Specialist in School Psychology
  • Master of Arts in Psychology
  • Master of Public Administration
  • Master of Arts in Mathematics for Secondary Teachers
  • Master of Science in Marine and Environmental Science
  Albert A. Sheen Campus Map
• St. Thomas Campus Map

• National Student Exchange Program provides students with the opportunity to gain transferable college credit while learning at almost 200 institutions in the Unites States including Puerto Rico, Alaska, Guam and Hawaii. Opportunities are also available in Canada.  Students learn about different cultures, experience different geographical locations, explore graduate school and employment options, enroll in courses not presently offered at UVI, expand their world view, and experience personal growth and enrichment. For information regarding UVI's National Student Exchange Program, contact Ms. Dahlia Stridiron on St. Thomas and Mrs. Patricia Towal on St. Croix.  
  • Information for current UVI students
  • Information for incoming NSE students

• International Study Abroad Program offers classes and opportunities in over 45 different countries for a variety of major. Studying in a foreign country expands your intellectual growth and professional potential and enables you to immerse yourself in a foreign culture, exposing you to different world-views, environments, history, cuisine and religions.  This international program can be customized and designed to extend from one summer session to a full academic year.  For information regarding UVI's International Study Abroad Program, contact Dr. Rocio Delgado or Prof. Robert Terrasi.

• The Washington Center Program offers semester and summer term internships that are tailored to each student's interests and goals.  The program includes rigorous academic coursework that are enhanced through special lectures and other programming. Students who attend may receive credit through UVI's independent study courses.  UVI is seeking undergraduate students to participate in the Washington Center's Internship program for the Fall 2013 semester. Interested students are urged to contact the Office of the Provost at (340) 693-1200 or visit http://www.twc.edu. 

• Xavier University of Louisiana Program offers 46 majors at the undergraduate, graduate and professional degree levels in the arts, sciences and pharmacy. Its pre-medical program ranks first in the nation in the number of African American graduates admitted to medical school. Its College of Pharmacy is among the nation’s top three producers of African American Doctor of Pharmacy degree recipients.  If selected to participate, students continue to pay UVI tuition for the semester. Room and board must be paid to Xavier University, but these costs will not exceed those of UVI.  To apply, contact Prof. Robert Terrasi or Dr. Rocio Delgado. Information on Xavier University of Louisiana is available at http://www.xula.edu.

Click to learn more about UVI's study abroad enrollment policy and guidelines 

Disability Services (St. Thomas Campus) and the Learning Assistance Program (LAP - Albert A. Sheen Campus on St. Croix) serves students with hearing, mobility, speech, and visual impairments; chronic illnesses, seizure disorders, psychological disabilities, and learning disabilities. Students with temporary disabilities may request services for the period during which they are disabled.

Accessibility services, may include, but are not limited to:

• Personal Counseling
• Academic Counseling
• Tutorial Assistance in conjunction with Center for Student Success
• Registration Assistance
• Instructional & Testing Accommodations
• Referral Services
• Advocacy with Faculty and Staff
• Special Interest Group Sessions
• Campus Orientation

Counseling Offices:

• Learning Assistance Program on Albert A. Sheen Campus - 340-692-4187
• Disability Services on St. Thomas Campus - 340-692-1136

Click to learn more about the Disability Services on the St. Thomas Campus and the Learning Assistance Program (LAP) on the Albert A. Sheen Campus on St. Croix.

The Student Handbook includes the following information:

• Section I. Policies and Procedures
• Section II. Academic Resources and Procedures
• Section III. Student Life and Resources
• Section IV. Code of Student Conduct
• Fire Safety

Click to access UVI's Student Handbook.  

Students enrolled at the University of the Virgin Islands (UVI) are assumed to be of good moral character and are expected to exhibit acceptable standards of conduct both on and off campus. The policies and regulations of the University are based on the expectations that students will be responsible for their own behavior during their years at the University. In all cases, it is expected that students will be governed by a respect for the rights of others and for the commonly accepted standards and morals of our society. Thus, the University’s Student Code of Conduct (“Student Code”) is designed not only to maintain order but also to foster positive student development at UVI by establishing behavioral standards conducive to a higher educational learning environment.

The goals of the Student Code are:
a) To maintain order and to ensure the freedom, due process, and privacy of all members of the UVI community;
b) To maintain a way of life that is physically and psychologically healthy;
c) To provide an atmosphere in which students can achieve their educational objectives.

UVI students are members of both the University community and the wider Virgin Islands community. Thus, a student’s conduct may be subject to concurrent review both by the University community and by local law enforcement authorities. A student whose conduct violates the UVI Student Code also may be held responsible for the same conduct in civil court or in criminal court (if the conduct violates existing local and/or federal law). Therefore, it is important for students to become familiar with both the Student Code and local laws that govern their behavior while attending the University.

Click to access UVI's Student Code of Conduct.  

The University is committed to creating and maintaining a community in which students, faculty and staff can work together in an atmosphere free of all forms of assault, sexual harassment, exploitation, or intimidation. Every member of the UVI community should be aware that such behavior is prohibited by both federal and local law, and by University policy.

UVI CARES (Crisis Awareness Response Evaluation Safety)
The University of the Virgin Islands provides a variety of prevention programming including prevention, awareness, advocacy, risk reduction, bystander, initiatives, campaigns, and others. By offering a variety of programs, UVI strives to create an environment and culture that is safe for all community members and is respectful of all individuals as we work together to respond to and prevent sexual and interpersonal violence.

Members of the UVI community are encouraged to promptly report observance of and/or complaints about sexual harassment, sexual misconduct, and unlawful sexual contact to a supervisor or manager, Title IX Coordinator, EEO Officer, Human Resources, or any other UVI administrator.  Persons found to be in violation of this policy shall be subject to a transfer, or may face disciplinary action which may include, but is not limited to, written warning, demotion, suspension, expulsion, dismissal or termination.   

Additional resources are available on the sexual misconduct prevention webpage. 

All members of the University community are urged to assist in making the campuses safe places by being alert, cautious, security conscious, responsible and by not taking safety for granted. Everyone who utilizes campus facilities must assume responsibility for the security of personal belongings and their own personal safety. Suspicious persons, dangerous or unusual situations, and all other crimes or attempted crimes including assault or attempted assault should be reported immediately to the Security Department. Everyone is urged to protect personal property by keeping residence hall rooms, entrance doors and vehicles locked and by not leaving keys or valuables in cars.

• Parking Policy & Traffic Regulations (PDF)

All vehicles of UVI students and employees parked on campus must have valid parking permits which are visible to security officers. Vehicles must be parked in appropriately designated color coded parking areas, i.e. residential student parking (red lots), commuter student parking (purple lots), faculty and staff parking (green lots), visitor parking (orange lots) or open parking (yellow lots). The Security Department will issue tickets or citations and/or immobilize vehicles for lack of properly displayed valid parking permits and other parking violations (e.g. parking in handicap parking spots, etc.).  Click to learn more. 

• Annual Crime Statistics and Security Measures (PDF)

The safety and security of UVI students, faculty, staff and guests are of primary concern. Through interdepartmental collaboration, many individuals are involved in keeping our campuses and their facilities safe and secure for all users. The Security Department on both campuses is open 24 hours a day, providing round-the-clock protection and services to the campus communities. Officers are on duty seven days a week, 365 days a year. The Security Department enforces UVI rules and regulations and aids in the enforcement of federal, territorial and local laws and statues. UVI Police officers have full Peace Officer powers, and the Security officers have citizen’s arrest authority and all receive ongoing training from various law enforcement officials and agencies located in the Virgin Islands. 

• Sexual Misconduct Policy (PDF)

The University is committed to creating and maintaining a community in which students, faculty and staff can work together in an atmosphere free of all forms of assault, sexual harassment, exploitation, or intimidation. Every member of the UVI community should be aware that such behavior is prohibited by both federal and local law, and by University policy. Sexual harassment is defined as deliberate, unsolicited, and un-welcomed sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature or with sexual implications. Personal compliments, social interaction, or relationships freely entered into and welcomed by the recipient do not constitute sexual harassment. Sexual assaults, forcible and non-forcible rape, are considered criminal offenses subject to disciplinary action, arrest and imprisonment.  Click to learn more.  

• Drug & Alcohol Policy Statement (PDF)

The University of the Virgin Islands seeks to encourage and sustain an academic environment that respects individual freedom and promotes the health, safety and welfare of all members of its community. UVI does not condone possession, use, or distribution or marijuana, LSD, hallucinogens or narcotics by anyone in any campus facility or on University grounds. Any individual known to possess, use or distribute such drugs is subject to disciplinary action, which could result in suspension, or dismissal, possible arrest, imprisonment and/or a fine, according to Virgin Islands and federal laws.  Click to learn more. 

Student Learning Outcomes are collected by each program.  UVI defines student learning outcomes assessment as a faculty-driven process that systematically gathers, interprets, and uses data for the purpose of improving student learning. While the professional schools use assessment processes related to their accrediting bodies, the two colleges use the Nichols assessment approach.  It is well-established in the assessment community, based upon best practices, and accepted by accreditation bodies and funding agencies. The Nichols’ approach assures that degree program learning outcomes are aligned to UVI’s institutional mission and meaningful measures indicative of relevant learning experiences. To support this initiative each school or college has an assessment coordinator who reviews faculty assessment activities. Click to learn more.

Bachelor’s degree graduation rates measure the percentage of entering students beginning their studies full-time and are planning to get a bachelor’s degree and who complete their degree program within a specified amount of time.  Not all students at the institution are tracked for these rates. Students who have already attended another postsecondary institution, or who began their studies on a part-time basis, are not tracked for this rate. 

• 26% Overall Graduation Rate and Transfer-Out Rate*

Bachelor's Degrees 6-Year Graduation Rates Grouped by Gender*:

• 26% for Male Students
• 26% for Female Students

Bachelor's Degrees 6-Year Graduation Rates Grouped by Race/Ethnicity*:

• 0% for American Indian or Alaska Native Students
• 27% for Black or African American Students
• 20% for Hispanic/Latino Students
• 12% for White Students
• 23% for Students who did not disclose their race/ethnicity
• 46% for Non-Resident Alien

Bachelor's Degrees 6-Year Graduation Rates Grouped by Receipt of Pell Grant*:

• 23% with Pell Grant 
• 30% without Pell Grant 

*Percentage of full-time, first-time students who began their studies in Fall 2008 and received a degree or award within 150% of "normal time" to completion for their program.

Data Source:  National Center for Education Statistics

• School of Education
  • 2015-2016 Bachelor degree graduates – Content Knowledge = 40%
  • 2014-2015 Bachelor degree graduates – Content Knowledge = 76%
  • 2013-2014 Bachelor degree graduates – Content Knowledge = 75%
  • 2012-2013 Bachelor degree graduates – Content Knowledge = 91%

• School of Nursing
  • 2015 Bachelor of Science in Nursing Program = 38%
  • 2015 Associate of Science in Nursing Program = 93%
  • 2014 Bachelor of Science in Nursing Program = 25%
  • 2014 Associate of Science in Nursing Program = 71%
  • 2013 Bachelor of Science in Nursing Program = 75%
  • 2013 Associate of Science in Nursing Program = 76%

Job placement support for students is distributed throughout the schools and colleges. The Freshman Development Seminar course includes career exploration topics and methods for developing an academic plan tailored to the student’s career aspirations. Some academic models also have a 300 and/or 400-level required course in preparation for required internship experiences. Faculty within each academic area provide varying levels of graduate and professional mentoring.

The Office of Institutional Advancement (IA) and the Office of Research and Public Service (RPS) recently collaborated on contacting the alumni to administer the survey. An in-house survey was developed based on best practices. Responses from the survey of graduates between 2010 and 2014 afford insights into the employment patterns of alumni. With three out of every four alumni employed and almost 20% of the rest continuing their education, there is evidence that UVI is having a positive impact on employability of its graduates. Of the graduates in the USVI, 80% were employed and 14% were in some form of continuing education. Graduates in other Caribbean islands post 75% employment and 25% in a continuing education mode.  The School of Nursing boasts 100% employment among its graduates. However, the School of Business and College of Liberal Arts & Social Sciences are outstanding, with 77% and 75% employment, respectively.  

The School of Nursing leads with 80% of its graduates who claim that their field or major is “highly related” to their current job, followed by graduates of School of Education and College of Liberal Arts & Social Sciences. In the School of Business, 91% of their respondents asserted that they were prepared by UVI for their present job “adequately” or “more than adequately”; they were followed by College of Liberal Arts & Social Sciences graduates and School of Education with 90% and 89% respectively. Nursing students earn the highest salaries, and graduates of the School of Education, more than any other, would recommend UVI “without reservations”.

The University of the Virgin Islands is accredited by the Commission on Higher Education (Visit the CHE web site for current details.) of the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools, 3624 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104, Phone: 215-662-5606. The Commission on Higher Education is an institutional accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education and the Commission on Recognition of Postsecondary Accreditation.

Additional Accreditations:

• National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission
• Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs
• National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education

Click for a comprehensive list of accreditations and memberships. 

UVI is an active member of the American Association for Higher Education, the American Association of State Colleges and Universities, the American Council on Education, the Association of Caribbean Information Systems, the Association of Caribbean Universities and Research Institutes, the Association of Governing Boards, the National Association for Equal Opportunity and the National Association of State Universities and Land Grant Colleges. UVI is a land-granted institution and the only one of the Historically Black Colleges and Universities outside of the continental United States. The University of the Virgin Islands is an equal opportunity, affirmative action, Title IX, Section 504, PL 101-542 educator and employer.

Click for a list of collaborative agreements or memoranda of understandings established between UVI and other institutions.

Transfer students will receive a summary of their transfer credits. This transfer evaluation will be considered unofficial until approval of credits towards the student’s major is given by the Dean of their respective school or college.  Once approval has been given by the respective Dean, an official evaluation will be finalized and added to the student’s record. Students are encouraged to share this evaluation with his/her academic advisor to assist with the planning of their class schedule. 

Transfer Credit Policy Summary

• Transfer credits will be accepted only for matriculated students.

• No grade lower than “C” will be accepted for transfer credit.

• Full credit may be assigned for degree courses taken at institutions accredited by institutional accrediting groups recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA). 

• Full credit may be assigned to students who have completed degree courses and/or examinations at international institutions that are not accredited by accrediting groups recognized by CHEA. 

• Transfer students must meet the general education requirements and the major requirements of UVI programs. 

• Advisors will evaluate transcripts to determine students’ eligibility for admission to the major and for any specific college or school general education requirements. 

• Thirty (30) of the last 36 credits toward a degree from UVI must be earned at UVI. 

• Courses completed within the preceding ten years may be accepted in transfer. 

• Credits earned by successful completion of certain CLEP and National League for Nursing examinations are generally accepted.

• Credits from foreign institutions are accepted on a case-by-case basis. 

• Appeal of any decision concerning the above policies must be made to the Provost.

Click to access the full Transfer Credit Policy.

Click to access the Transfer Credit Equivalencies for Examination and Prior College Credit webpage.

Click for a list of collaborative agreements or memoranda of understandings established between UVI and other institutions.

Paying for college can be difficult, and with college tuition rates increasing across the United States, financial responsibilities can become overwhelming.  At UVI, we want to help make your higher education goals affordable while keeping your college debt levels as low as possible. 

Source: Current Tuition & Fees

* 2017-2018 Academic Year represents potential Fall 2017 and Spring 2018 charges. Summer rates are not included in this estimate.  

Tuition & fees can be paid by cash, check, credit card, ACH (electronic check), bank wire or with a tuition payment plan.  Online payments by credit card (Visa, MasterCard, American Express, & Discover) and ACH are accepted and processed.

These options are limited to full-time students not receiving scholarships or financial aid.  New UVI students must pay their tuition and fees in full or pay their first installment by August 19.  Returning students must pay their tuition and fees in full or make arrangements for one of the payment options in the UVI Business Office by August 1 to complete enrollment and enter classes for the Fall semester. 

To ensure resources are available for instruction, students must pay their required tuition and fees prior to the start of classes.  Students who do not conform to UVI’s Tuition & Fees Payment Policy will be removed from registered courses, regarded as not enrolled, debarred from attending classes, and prohibited from residing on University property and utilizing student services.  

Refunds - If a student withdraws during a term, the refund for that term will be calculated in accordance with the University’s regular refund policy.  In the event a student covered by one of UVI’s payment plans withdraws, or otherwise leaves UVI, the student may withdraw from the plan and the unutilized balance will be refunded.  

Additional Resources:

• Current Tuition & Fees
• Cost of Attendance/Budgets
• Net Price Calculator
• Payment Methods
• Federal Financial Aid
• UVI Scholarships
• Other Scholarships
• Tuition Payment Plans
• Loan Programs
• Student Employment
• Tuition Payment Plans Poster (JPG)
• Tuition Payment Plans Information Sheet (PDF)
• Tuition Payment Plans webpage
• Tuition & Fees Payment Policy (PDF)
• Tuition Remission Policy & Tuition Exchange Program (PDF)
• Tuition Overload Charge Policy (PDF)

In accordance with federal regulations, UVI’s Financial Aid Office must monitor each student’s Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) toward the completion of a degree.  Financial aid is based on financial need, which is calculated by subtracting the expected family contribution from UVI’s cost of attendance.  Student’s progress is checked at the completion of each term.  The satisfactory academic progress review is based on the percentage rate of attempted credit hours, minimum cumulative and/or semester grade-point average (GPA), and timeframe needed for program completion.  Click for additional information about SAP.

Additional Resources:

• Academic Standards Policy (academic and withdrawal policies)
• Federal Financial Aid Withdrawal Policy
• Net Price Calculator
• Cost of Attendance/Budgets

To be considered for Federal Financial Aid students must complete the Free Application for Financial Aid (FAFSA) at www.fafsa.gov .  Resources are limited.  Apply as soon as possible.

UVI adheres to strict policies regarding the release of student information. The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) affords students certain rights with respect to their educational records.
1. The right to inspect and review the student's education records within 45 days of the day the University receives a request for access.
2. The rights to request the amendment of the student's education records that the student believes are inaccurate or misleading.
3. The right to provide written consent before the University discloses personally identifiable information from the student's education records, except to the extent that FERPA authorizes disclosure without consent.
4. The right to file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education concerning alleged failures by the University to comply with the requirements of FERPA.

Click to learn more about UVI's student confidentiality policy. 

The University of the Virgin Islands has invested institutional resources, both monetary and human, to provide the electronic resources needed for University stakeholders to perform the business of the University. The very nature and expense of these resources make them both valuable and limited and a privilege granted to University stakeholders.

With this privilege, the University imposes the necessary obligations and responsibilities upon its stakeholders. The University is endowing all of these stakeholders with the overall responsibility to maximize the resources and use them in an ethical and efficient way consistent with University policies and contracts, and territorial and federal laws. The University makes resources available to its campuses, its instructional sites and to stakeholders remotely in the expectation that these resources will be used for the purpose of performing University business in the process of achieving the mission and vision of the University. The University accepts the reality that personal calls or emails may be received and/or sent.  Click to access UVI's Acceptable Use Policy.  

ACCREDITATION AND STATE LICENSURE INFORMATION

The University of the Virgin Islands is accredited by The Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE). 3624 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104, Phone: 215-662-5606

The Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE or the Commission) provides opportunities for students, faculty, staff, and members of the public to submit information regarding the qualifications for accreditation of its member institutions. The Commission also provides an opportunity for any individual or entity to submit information regarding the Commission’s compliance with its own policies and procedures as well as requirements for federal recognition or the recognition criteria of the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA).

Inquiries related to this accreditation or complaints against the commission or its accredited institutions can be directed to: https://www.msche.org/complaints/

STATE CONTACT INFORMATION REGARDING FILING OF COMPLAINTS

The University of the Virgin Islands is licensed to operate as an institution of higher education in the Virgin Islands of the United States.

The University of the Virgin Islands is a member of the National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (NC-SARA), which grants authorization through the four regional education compacts to deliver distance education courses and programs. The University of the Virgin Islands is affiliated through the Southern Regional Education Board (SREB). To see if your state is also a member, which would allow you to enroll in UVI’s distance education programs, visit the NC-SARA website.

Students are encouraged to utilize the University's internal complaint or review policies and procedures prior to filing a complaint with a state agency. For access to the contact information from each state in which a complaint may be filed, be directed to:

https://www.nc-sara.org/content/state-portal-entity-contacts