New Student Fall Orientation

The University of the Virgin Islands (UVI) will welcome new and transfer students with a week of orientation activities beginning Monday, Aug. 9, on both the Albert A. Sheen Campus-St. Croix and the Orville E. Kean Campus- St. Thomas.   

 “Our team of Student Affairs professionals has been working diligently to ensure that our first-year students receive the support needed to transition to higher education,” said Hedda Finch-Simpson, dean of students on the Sheen Campus. “I encourage all our new students to visit the various Student Affairs Offices: Dean's Office, Counseling and Career Services, Residence, Student Life, Health Services, and others to utilize all the resources and opportunities offered by the University. Our resource team is available and eager to jump in where necessary.”   

New students will have a full day of opportunities to get connected with the Sheen campus on August 9th starting at 8 a.m. with “Strolling Our Campus,” an hour-long campus tour beginning from the Great Hall. During the “All Bucs Orientation” students will have the opportunity to get connected to resources that aid in them navigating their success from enrollment to staying safe on campus and everything in-between. On the UVI lawn, there will be a Food Truck Lunch until 1 p.m. Registration is the last event of the day where students can select their courses and meet their advisors.   

“We welcome our students to set sail with us to learn all that campus life has to offer,” said Verna Rivers, dean of students on the Kean Campus. “As you start your journey with us at UVI, I am filled with hope for the coming year that your college experience will be very fulfilling and successful. While at UVI, embrace this unique moment in time to seek new opportunities and build experiences that will last a lifetime. Our dedicated staff and student orientation leaders have crafted a line-up of immersive activities, interactive sessions, and special events to ensure our students will excel at UVI.”    

  The Fall Wave 2021 new student and transfer student orientation week on the Kean campus begins with the National Student Exchange meeting from 2 p.m. - 4 p.m. via Zoom. The first in-person event is the Residence Hall check-in at the cafeteria from noon-7 p.m. on Tuesday. Wednesday includes a welcome party filled with resources, clubs, organizations and engaging activities, advisement and registration where students can select their courses, make payments and receive their UVI ID’s. A tour of the Kean campus will be offered at 5 pm on both Wednesday and Thursday.   

 On August 12, students attending both campuses of the University. Students will be introduced to their deans from 10 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. and receive an official welcome from President Hall at the New Student Convocation at 11 a.m. to noon via Zoom. Students are encouraged to wear white or blue tops for this ceremonial event. 

For those who missed the June and July parent session or Bucs connect can do so at 1 p.m.-2:30 p.m. and 3 p.m. respectively via Zoom.  Campus tours resume at 5 p.m. at the library.   

Friday, Aug. 13, offers late advisement and registration from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. or an island tour for students from St. Croix and Out-of-Territory students.    

The activities conclude on Saturday, Aug. 14th on Brewers Bay Beach with “BucNic,” where food, drinks, fun, games and giveaways await UVI students, faculty, and staff.   

New students are encouraged to check the Prospective Students section of the UVI website – http://orientation.uvi.edu – regularly for the latest scheduling updates and additional details such as campus maps, class schedules, downloadable forms and residence hall information.  

10am                                 Meet the Deans  

11am                                 New Student Convocation  

1pm-2:30pm                      Parent Session  

 3pm                                   Bucs Connect  

5pm                                    Campus Tours  

11am- 12pm                           New Student Convocation