{"id":61090,"date":"2018-03-03T22:42:45","date_gmt":"2018-03-03T22:42:45","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/viconsortium.com\/?p=61090"},"modified":"2018-03-03T22:46:17","modified_gmt":"2018-03-03T22:46:17","slug":"uvi-board-of-trustees-approve-new-online-degree","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/wp.viconsortium.com\/?p=61090","title":{"rendered":"UVI Board Of Trustees Approve New Online Degree"},"content":{"rendered":"

In the regular session of its quarterly meeting on March 3, on the Albert A. Sheen Campus on St. Croix and the Administration and Conference Center Building on the St. Thomas Campus, the\u00a0University of the Virgin Islands\u00a0Board of Trustees<\/a>\u00a0unanimously approved a bachelor of arts degree in interdisciplinary studies \u2013 strategic communications to be offered as part of the UVI Online program. the university said on Saturday.<\/span><\/p>\n

With the inclusion of the BA in strategic communications, UVI, in collaboration with Level Playing Field (LPF), will offer 16 degrees in an online format this spring. Classes are expected to begin on March 15.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI am confident that we will be able to meet that launch date,\u201d said UVI President David Hall.\u00a0 \u201cThere has been a lot of work that has had to occur in developing platforms for us to be able to host these programs.\u201d Several University systems had to be changed, including UVI\u2019s Banner system, financial aid and changes with the registrars\u2019 office, he said.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWe do have applicants who have been applying for these programs,\u201d said Mr. Hall. The actual numbers of those who have been accepted and that have been enrolled will be shared with the Board as the process continues.<\/span><\/p>\n

The Communication Program of the College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences (CLASS), the Curriculum Committee of CLASS, and the faculty of CLASS approved the strategic communications degree based on the\u00a0Level Playing Field\u00a0framework.<\/span><\/p>\n

In December 2017, the board approved the creation of 15 online degrees. In February 2017, the board approved of a service agreement with Level Playing Field to provide instructional course design, technology infrastructure and academic support for online courses and degrees.<\/span><\/p>\n

The University of the Virgin Islands has been working toward this goal for several years. The University\u2019s strategic plan, Pathways to Greatness, approved by the Board of Trustees in June 2012 with input from faculty, staff and students, required the institution to develop and offer online degrees.<\/span><\/p>\n

As customary, Mr. Hall recognized those UVI employees or units that have performed exceptionally with the President\u2019s Appreciation Award.\u00a0 \u201cOne of the major accomplishments during this reporting period has been the development, approval and implementation of 15 online degrees,\u201d said Mr. Hall. \u201cThis is the most strategic development in the University that has the potential to address ongoing educational and revenue concerns or challenges in the territory and nationally.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThis has been a team effort led by Provost Camille McKayle but has included the tireless and creative work of various individuals,\u201d said Mr. Hall.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

This quarter\u2019s award was presented to:<\/span><\/p>\n