UVI To Welcome New Students With Orientation Activities And Events

The University of the Virgin Islands will welcome new and transfer students with a week of orientation activities beginning Sunday on the Albert A. Sheen Campus on St. Croix, and Monday on the St. Thomas Campus, UVI announced via press release today.

Orientation, which is a requirement for new students, begins with residence hall check-in from 2 – 6 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 14, on the Sheen Campus, and from noon to 4 p.m. on Monday, Aug. 15, on the St. Thomas Campus.

Student advisement, registration, getting connected, resource presentations, special dining events and campus tours are just a few of the activities planned for Orientation Week, the goal of which is to acclimate each new student to college life at UVI.

“We are looking forward to welcoming new students on each of our campuses,” said Dr. Camille McKayle, UVI provost and vice president of Academic Affairs. “Our offices of Student Affairs have really done a great job of mixing just enough informational activities with fun. The more formal convocation will signify the students’ transition into UVI and our promise of an excellent educational experience. We are ready for our new students.”

As part of orientation week, UVI will hold its third annual New Student Convocation and Buccaneer Welcome Reception from 6 – 8 p.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 17, on the Albert A. Sheen Campus, and from 9:30 – 11:30 a.m. on Thursday, Aug. 18, on the St. Thomas Campus. Convocation is a formal event that emphasizes the beginning of a unique new phase in the students’ lives. Faculty dressed in academic regalia will attend the ceremony, and President David Hall will deliver a formal address. New students are required to wear white tops and blue or black bottoms, and will receive a medallion which designates them as members of the University.

A talk will be held prior to convocation called “Navigating Your Success as a Buccaneer” by motivational speaker, Keith Brown – also known as “Mr. I’M POSSIBLE.” Named one of the top speakers and educational consultants by Insight Publishing, Brown empowers hundreds of thousands of people every year, many of whom are affiliated with colleges, schools, education and family agencies, foundations, faith-based institutions and the corporate sector.

“Keith Brown is going to bring our new students to their feet,” said Verna Rivers, dean of students on the St. Thomas Campus. “We’re all very excited about this addition to orientation.”

Orientation Week activities will continue on both campuses through Aug. 22. A welcome and Community Resource Information Fair is scheduled for 9:30 a.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 16, on the Sheen Campus. Other sessions will cover a range of topics from UVI’s library and Information Technology offerings to campus security, health services and student activities. There will be workshops for international and national exchange students, along with sessions designed to help local students network among themselves.

“There are a variety of orientation sessions that last for about a day and a half,” said Stephan T. Moore, dean of students on the Sheen Campus. “During orientation, students will receive access to resources and be able to familiarize themselves with the Albert A. Sheen Campus and surrounding St. Croix community. Activities that take place during orientation include a campus tour, learning how to use the MyCampus/UVI Portal, financing your education, safety tips 101 and others. Events hosted by various university departments will also provide guidance and assist students during their time at UVI.”

Complete orientation schedules and information packets have been distributed via email to all incoming students. Still, 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.

Fall semester classes will begin on Monday, Aug. 22 on both campuses.

Feature Image: Aerial view of the Albert A. Sheen Campus, St. Croix. (Credit: ALYK, St. Croix)