The University of the Virgin Islands (UVI) will host its first Virtual Fall 2020 convocation for new and transfer students from both the Albert A. Sheen and St. Thomas Campuses. The joint ceremony will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, Aug. 13, via Zoom.
“Our theme “All Aboard on Your Journey to Success” is exactly the spirit that our student Convocation will send to students,” said Hedda Finch-Simpson, dean of students on the Albert A. Sheen Campus on St. Croix. “Their future is not on hold due to COVID-19 and they will be able to build the foundations of new and bright careers at UVI.” Finch-Simpson continued, “We have an all-inclusive approach to accommodate all of our students, ensuring that they are equipped and prepared as they embark on academic quest.”
“Just as commencement is the official stamp of completion, convocation serves as the official stamp of approval for students to commence their academic journey here at UVI,” said Finch-Simpson.
“We welcome new and returning Buccaneers to the University of the Virgin Islands,” said Verna Rivers, dean of students on the St. Thomas Campus. “As we innovate to keep all of us safe during this public health crisis, we have created a dynamic and flexible orientation platform to start you on your journey to success,” Rivers said. “The key is to get connected and stay involved as we navigate the challenges. We are in this together.”
Consistent with UVI’s tradition, the New Student Convocation features a procession, a formal UVI presidential address, and the recitation of the charge by a student leader. Students will also be bestowed with a symbolic medallion. Faculty and staff will participate in full regalia, as is traditionally done.
The ceremony, which will be hosted via Zoom, will also feature musical renditions and feature student addresses by the Student Government Association presidents of both campuses.
During the virtual student orientation to be held today, Tuesday, Aug. 11, students will participate in resource presentations, meet and engage with academic deans, and be introduced to the reopening guidelines, their academic schedules and student support services.
Orientation activities will continue through to Friday, Aug. 11, on the St. Thomas Campus with an activities fair, student forum and Kickbacks at Night. All orientation activities will take place on online platforms. For more information about orientation activities on both campuses, visit the New Student Orientation pages on www.uvi.edu.
The Fall Semester classes begin on Monday, Aug. 17, for both campuses via online modalities.