Academic Information
and Regulations
Freshman-Year Program
The freshman-year curriculum offers a comprehensive program of educational experiences to first-year students. Designed to encourage intellectual growth and personal empowerment, students participate in common learning experiences, inter-disciplinary study, and career planning activities while developing skills necessary for academic success. The program incorporates two semesters of full-time study consisting of basic skills and general education courses, academic advisement and academic support services.
Basic Skills Courses
The following basic skills courses are required only of students who demonstrate academic need in reading, writing or mathematics, based upon information from SAT / ACT scores, placement test scores and/or transcript evaluations:
WAC 011/ENG 100 .... Writing Across the Curriculum *
RCA 021/ENG 101 .... Reading in the Content Area
MAT 023 .... Introductory Algebra Concepts and Skills with Applications: Course A
MAT 024 .... Introductory Algebra Concepts and Skills with Applications: Course B
* Writing Across the Curriculum and Reading in the Content Area should be taken with their linked general education science (SCI 100) and/or social science (SSC 100) courses.
Recognizing that students may need to enhance basic skills prior to pursuing degree-level work in one or more subjects, the University offers developmental level courses, numbered 011 to 099, which are designed to help students strengthen their preparation for learning at the college level. Credit for such courses cannot be used to meet degree requirements. Placement in preparatory courses is dependent upon SAT/ACT performance, or by class examination. Full-time students' work in preparatory courses may be completed in less than one semester. A grade of "P" must be received in preparatory courses, indicating readiness for college level work. Students registered for these courses may not withdraw during the semester without permission from Freshman Center Coordinator. Developmental courses are normally offered and may be taken during the summer session.
1. Full-time students are allowed a maximum of one calendar year (two
semesters plus one summer) from the date of entrance to complete all basic
skills requirements
2. Failure to earn a passing score for each basic skills course within this
time frame will result in the student being placed on part-time status.
3. A student may petition the Chancellor for an exception to this
regulation. The student placed on part-time status due to failure to complete basic
skills requirements within the allowed time may reapply for full-time status.
4. Full-time status can be reinstated if the student has maintained a
minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.00 ("C") for all courses taken at
the University, and has successfully completed the skills courses.
General Education Courses
All freshman-year courses must be completed by the time a student has amassed 24 credit hours at UVI. The three general education courses required by all students matriculating at UVI with less than 24 degree-credit hours are:
FDS 100. Freshman Development Seminar
SCI 100. The Caribbean: The Natural World
SSC 100. The Caribbean: The Social Dimension
Academic Advisement: Students are encouraged to establish a major of interest upon matriculation. Matriculated students are assigned a faculty advisor in their respective division of interest. Faculty advisors will recommend courses as needed in fulfillment of general education and degree requirements. Students should meet with their advisors regularly.
Academic Support: A program of academic support is provided for all freshman students at UVI. These services are available through the offices of The Freshman Center. Individual tutoring sessions, academic advisement, video-assisted learning, use of The Freshman Center computer lab, support texts and various other services are available free of charge to freshmen.
Prerequisites, Credits, Grades, and Quality Points
Many courses require the fulfillment of prerequisites prior to enrollment. Prerequisites refer to courses, examinations, or other conditions students must meet and receive passing grades before registering for any of the follow up courses. In general, satisfactory completion of a prerequisite means that students receive a grade of at least "D" or "P." However, nursing courses require a minimum of "C." For program planning purposes, students should familiarize themselves with course prerequisites which are listed in the Course Description section of this catalog.
When requirements for each course are completed satisfactorily, credit is assigned on the basis of a combination of time spent in class and time spent in study. One unit of credit is usually assigned for 50 minutes class lecture-discussion plus two hours of study, or for three hours of laboratory activity, each week during a university term.
The quality of performance in a course is indicated by a grade given at the close of each term. Grade points are granted on the basis of grades earned. The following grades may be assigned.
| Grade | Standard | Grade Points |
| A | Superior | 4.00 |
| A- | < Excellent /td> | 3.67 |
| B+ | Very High | 3.33 |
| B | High | 3.00 |
| B- | Good | 2.67 |
| C+ | Above Average | 2.33 |
| C | Average | 2.00 |
| C- | Below Average | 1.67 |
| D+ | Passing | 1.33 |
| D | Low passing | 1.00 |
| F | Failure | 0.00 |
| W | Withdrawn | 0.00 |
| WP | Withdrawn passing | 0.00 |
| WF | Withdrawn failing | 0.00 |
| AW | Administrative Withdrawal | 0.00 |
| I | Incomplete | 0.00 |
| AUD | Audit | 0.00 |
In the skills courses which carry non-degree credit and are numbered 001 to 099 in this catalog, the following evaluations are given:
P indicates that the student is promoted to a credit course.
NP indicates that the student must continue in the skills course.
A failing grade in a course and/or a course that must be repeated does not count toward graduation. Many colleges do not honor "D" grades for transfer purposes.
Auditors receive no grades, credits or quality points. Auditing a course requires regular attendance in class and completion of all required work except that which is graded. An audit will be entered upon a student's transcript only if these requirements are fulfilled. In the event requirements are not fulfilled, a grade of "W" will be entered. Tuition and fees will be charged at the same rate as for credit.
The deadline for a student to change from regular status to audit and vice-versa coincides with the deadline for student withdrawal from a course without prejudice to grade. A matriculated student may normally audit one course per semester without permission from the Chancellor.
A student planning to withdraw from a course should first refer to the section on Withdrawal. Administrative withdrawals may be approved by the Chancellor for reason of illness or other serious documented circumstances.
The University maintains a transcript record of all courses taken by each student. A grade report is provided to all students at the end of each semester and summer session. Copies of the complete transcript may be obtained upon written request to the Registrar's or Academic Services Office and payment of the requisite fee.
Incomplete: Grades of "I" are expected to be used only when, in the opinion of the instructor, there is likelihood that the student can satisfactorily complete the missing work which will substantially influence the final grade. The grade of must be removed by mid-term of the semester following the one in which the grade of I was earned. Failure to remove the grade of I by this time will result in a conversion of the I to an F. The instructor must file a "change of grade request with, the final grade, at the Registrar's Office on the St.Thomas campus or the Academic Services Office on the St. Croix campus.
Change of Grade: Changes of grades other than incomplete are normally allowed for computational errors only and must be approved by the Chancellor. A request to change a grade after official grades have been deposited in the Registrar's or Academic Services Office may be made by an instructor by filing a "Change of Grade" slip with the Chancellor. Requests must be made by mid-term of the semester after the grade was submitted.
Repetition of Courses: Undergraduate students may repeat credit courses for which grades of C-, D+, D, or F were earned. If a student wishes to repeat a grade of C or better, the approval of the appropriate Division Chair is required before the course is repeated. In general, no course may be repeated more than once and no more than four courses may be repeated. Only the highest grade earned will be used in computing the grade point average; all grades will be shown on the transcript. Any exception to this policy requires approval by the Chancellor on the respective campus.
Quality Points: To compute the quality points earned in a course, multiply the number of credits of that course by the grade points earned. To compute the grade point average (GPA) for a semester, divide the total quality points earned that semester by the number of credits attempted that semester. To compute the cumulative grade point average, divide the total quality points earned at UVI by the number of credits attempted at UVI. Twice the number of quality points as registered credits (equivalent to a C grade average) is required for graduation.
Reports on work of less than degree-standard (C) quality are issued to students at mid-term. Final grades are issued at the end of the term. Only final grades are recorded on the student's permanent record.
Banking Credits: Part-time students who do not wish to pursue studies toward a degree may enroll as non-matriculated students. Any credits earned will be "banked" until the students have been formally matriculated. Upon matriculation, any credits earned by the students which are applicable to their degree program will be counted.
It is recommended that part-time students who intend eventually to matriculate receive advisement on course selection from the chair and/or faculty of the academic division in which they plan to pursue a degree.
Individuals may be admitted formally as matriculated students to the University's degree programs for part-time study if they meet admission requirements. Non-matriculated students may register for non-degree credit courses, or they may take credit courses to earn a maximum of thirty credits as part-time students before being required to matriculate. For admission procedures, see page 28 of this catalog.
Registration Procedures
All students are required to register on the dates announced.
A student is regularly registered for a course only when in registering, the student has conformed to all applicable University regulations and requirements.
Students not properly registered in a course may not receive credit for the course.
All students registering for courses in any term shall submit their programs of study to their advisors for approval before officially registering in the courses.
All prerequisites to courses listed in the catalog must be met by students prior to registering in those courses. Students must document that they have completed the prerequisites. Questions concerning prerequisites should be addressed to faculty advisors, or the Registrar's Office, or Academic Services Office prior to registration. Substitution of a program course requirement can be made only if approved by the Chancellor. Students seeking such approval must make their request to the Division Chair who will submit a written recommendation to the Chancellor for consideration.
Changes of Registration: In no case may a course be added or a change of section be made after the date indicated in the current semester schedule.
To make any change of registration, the student must complete the Change of Registration form from the Registrar's or Academic Services Office. The deadline for adding a course is posted in the current semester schedule. The deadline for dropping a course without penalty is also listed.
Following the formal registration period, a non-refundable fee of $10.00 will be charged for each Petition for Change of Registration form unless the course change is necessitated by a change in the University's course offerings, other needs of the University, or a student's performance on placement exams.
Change of Major: Students who wish to change their major must obtain a Change of Major form from the Registrar's or Academic Services Office. The Change of Major form must be signed by the student, faculty advisors, division chairs and the Chancellor.
Withdrawal
Withdrawal from Courses: Students may withdraw from a course without penalty up to about six weeks after the course begins. They must, however, secure a course withdrawal form from the Office of the Registrar or Academic Services and obtain the signatures of the instructor and advisor. This form, containing the proper signatures, must be returned to the Office of the Registrar on St. Thomas or Academic Services on St. Croix. The students will then receive a grade of W on their permanent record. The last date to receive WP or WF is specified on the academic calendar.
WP means that the student is doing passing work at the time of withdrawal. WF means that the student is doing failing work at the time of withdrawal. A course dropped by any other means will result in the student automatically receiving an "F" for the course.
After mid-semester and in case of unusual circumstances, such as extended illness, the Chancellor may give a student special permission for a late withdrawal. This is designated AW (administrative withdrawal). In situations where an administrative withdrawal from a class is necessary, students are required to apply for the withdrawal when it becomes evident that they cannot complete the course. Students are required to provide documentary evidence in support of requests for administrative withdrawal. Applications will not be accepted after the last day of instruction within that semester.
The policy for withdrawing from courses which are given out of the normal academic calendar sequence is as follows:
1. The last day to withdraw from a course will be at the conclusion of
40 percent of the total instructional period, or at the end of three weeks for
an eight-week course and two weeks for a six-week course.
2. The last day to withdraw from a course without special permission from
the Chancellor will be at the conclusion of 50 percent of the
instructional period, or at the end of four weeks for an eight-week course and three
weeks for a six-week course.
3. Students who withdraw between the end of the third or fourth weeks for
an eight-week course, or between the end of the second and third weeks for
a six-week course (or another analogous period for courses of duration
other than six or eight weeks) will receive either a WP or WF.
4. Students seeking to withdraw after 50 percent of the instructional
period can do so only by means of an administrative withdrawal (AW) which
will be governed by the same policy as stated above.
Withdrawal from the University: A student who withdraws from the University either during the term or between terms must complete a withdrawal form in the Office of the Registrar or Academic Services. Failure to comply with this regulation may prejudice the student's standing.
A student not attending full-time for two consecutive semesters who desires readmission to full-time status at the University must apply to the Admissions Office for consideration. Application must be received by April 30 for the fall semester and by October 30 for the spring semester, with the appropriate readmission fee.
Re-matriculation
Students who have been awarded one degree from the University and who wish to pursue a second degree must apply for re-matriculation. Such students must complete the catalog degree requirements in effect at the time of re-matriculation. Applications for re-matriculation should be sent to the Admissions Office on the campus the student plans to attend with the accompanying re-matriculation fee.
Transcripts
Official transcripts of academic records at the University of the Virgin Islands are issued only upon the authorization of the student. Requests for transcripts will not be filled until written authorization has been secured from the individual student. When these requests can be anticipated, the student should send authorization in advance, to avoid delay in the issuing of the transcript.
The charge for each copy of a student's transcript is $5.00. All checks and money orders should be made payable to the University of the Virgin Islands.
Courses Taken at Other Institutions
Matriculated students who expect to take courses at another institution for transfer to the University of the Virgin Islands must obtain a Permit to Attend Another Institution from the Registrar's Office or Academic Services Office. The appropriate division must certify that the course will fulfill the University of the Virgin Islands degree requirements and the permit must be signed by the Registrar or Director of Academic Services before the student enrolls. Students are responsible for ensuring that an official transcript will be sent to the Registrar's Office or Academic Services Office after the completion of the off-campus course work. No credit will be evaluated until an official transcript has been received.
Privacy Act
The Federal Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (P.L.93-308) grants students access to the records which the University keeps on their academic career with certain exceptions. It also limits access to all except those who have legitimate educational interests.
Parents or legal guardians have access to students' records only if the students are financially dependent on them, as defined by the Internal Revenue Code of 1954.
The University is required to notify students of their rights under this law, either by letter or by the University's catalog. The University's guidelines for implementing this law and a list of records maintained by various University offices are available in the Registrar's office. For additional information, contact the Registrar.
Academic Standards
The following attitudes are important for success in the academic programs of the University:
• A willingness to go beyond the minimum required in an assigned task, and dissatisfaction with superficial work.
• Intellectual curiosity, integrity and responsibility. In university studies, the students are expected to contribute as well as to receive, to cooperate fully with what is asked of them in courses, and to take an interested and active part. Instructors are expected to make clear the specific demands and procedures of their courses.
• A critical spirit that recognizes the relationship among the different fields of knowledge and their relevance to the needs and problems of our time.
Students are expected to maintain an academic record which will qualify them for graduation. It is the responsibility of the students to complete all assigned work, to strive for the best performance of which they are capable, to meet graduation requirements, and in many other ways to take charge of their own academic welfare. Instructors, faculty advisors, the University counselors, the Registrar and the Associate Chancellor, are available for consultation and assistance, but this in no way diminishes the responsibility of students for familiarizing themselves with the contents of the University Catalog, satisfying the requirements of the degree they are pursuing, and adhering to those rules and regulations which pertain to them.
Most students are able to judge their own progress through periodic grades and reports from instructors. At the end of each semester, the Registrar will review the academic records of all students and forward, to the Chancellors, a list of students whose performance did not meet the established standards. The Chancellors also issue an Academic Honors List comprised of students who were registered for at least 12 degree credits, maintained a semester grade point average of 3.20 or higher and earned no grade less than C. Students who have demonstrated excellence also will be appropriately recognized by the faculty (see Awards and Honors)
Credit Load: A full load is considered to be from 12 to 16.5 credits. A load of 15.5 credits ordinarily is sufficient to complete the associate degree in two years and the baccalaureate degree in four. Any student proposing to take more than 16.5 credits must have the approval of the faculty advisor and the Chancellor. In general, overloads are granted only to students with cumulative grade point averages of 3.00 or higher in accordance with the following guidelines for overload approvals.
| GPA: | 3.00 - 3.49 | 3.50 - 3.74 | 3.75 - 4.00 |
| FR | up to 17.0 crs | up to 17.5 crs | up to 18.0 crs |
| SO | up to 18.0 | up to 18.5 | up to 19.0 |
| JR | up to 19.0 | up to 19.5 | up to 20.0 |
| SR | up to 20.0 | up to 20.5 | up to 21.0 |
Exceptions may be made in the case of a senior planning to graduate.
Academic Grievance: There is, in each academic division, a Grievance Committee to which a student has recourse. The committee consists of a faculty member and a student. All grievances must be submitted in writing. The student has the right to appeal from the Grievance Committee, to the Division Chairperson and through him/her, to the Chancellor.
Academic Probation, Suspension, Dismissal: The University wants and expects students to remain in good academic standing. For those who do not, there is a three-step procedure which may lead to dismissal from the University if the student's academic performance does not improve. All full-time and part-time enrolled students are subject to these standards and procedures. Once a student has attempted 12 degree credits, these regulations become applicable.
Academic Probation: Academic probation is essentially a warning to the student to show scholastic improvement in order to remain at the University. A student on probation status is not considered in "good standing" at the University and eligibility to continue under scholarship or other financial aid programs, to participate in extracurricular activities, or to run for certain offices may be affected. A student placed on academic probation will be limited to taking 12.5 hours of course work and will remain on probation until the cumulative GPA equals or exceeds the standards set forth in the chart on page 60.
A student who does not achieve the minimum cumulative grade point average for the corresponding number of degree credits attempted is placed on academic probation. Also, a student is placed on academic probation for failing to achieve a semester grade point average corresponding to the cumulative grade point average required for degree credits attempted, as set forth in the chart on page 60.
A student placed on academic probation will be limited to taking 12.5 credits. If a student achieves a semester GPA of at least 2.0 but the cumulative GPA remains below the standard, the student will remain on probation.
Degree Credits Attempted .. 1-29 .. 30-44 .. 45 and above
Minimum Cumulative
Grade Point Average .. 1.70 .. 1.80 .. 2.00
Academic divisions may set higher standards for courses related to their majors.
Academic Suspensions: A student on academic probation will be suspended if, at the end of the probation semester, the cumulative GPA is below the standard in the above chart and the most recent semester's GPA is less than 2.0. Academic suspension means the student must leave the University for the next regular semester, fall or spring. At the end of that semester the student will be automatically reinstated on probation. If the student remains away for more than one regular semester, the student must reapply for admission.
Academic Dismissal: When a suspended student returns, the student must maintain a grade point average of 2.00 for the semester of reinstatement. Failure to do so will result in academic dismissal, which will be permanent unless the student is readmitted under special consideration. A student who contests academic dismissal may appeal to the Senior Vice President and Provost, whose decision will be final.
Student Conduct (Disciplinary Warning, Probation, Suspension and Dismissal): The Student Handbook includes a statement adopted by the Board of Trustees of the University entitled "Rules and Regulations for the Maintenance of Public Order at the University of the Virgin Islands" and a statement entitled "Channels of Communication Available to Students at the University of the Virgin Islands for the Consideration of Problems, Proposals and Grievances."
Disciplinary actions which may be used in response to violations of the University's standards of conduct include: disciplinary warning, disciplinary probation, suspension or disciplinary dismissal. Disciplinary warning is issued when behavior is unacceptable or when repetition will most likely result in more serious action. The student is officially warned that further unacceptable behavior could result in more serious action. Disciplinary probation is a warning that a student's conduct must be improved over a stated period if the student wishes to remain at the University. It means that the student is not considered in "good standing" at the University with resulting restrictions as described for academic probation.
Suspension is a disciplinary action which results in the separation of the student from the University, normally for a stated period of time. Disciplinary dismissal normally means permanent separation from the University and is used only in the most serious cases of misconduct. No student who is suspended from the University or who is dismissed for disciplinary reasons for student misconduct may register for any courses at the University.
In addition to the above, and with reference to student misconduct as well as failure to maintain academic standards, the University of the Virgin Islands assumes that a student who cannot handle important responsibilities in any part of the University program will consider voluntary withdrawal. Following due process procedure, the University may suspend or dismiss students, at any time, when their academic standing, conduct, financial responsibility, or any combination of these, is not in compliance with standards set forth by the University catalog and the Student Handbook.
It is the responsibility of every new student to obtain a Student Handbook upon admittance to the University. Each student is responsible for compliance with the rules and regulations contained therein. The Student Handbook can be obtained from the Office of the Associate Chancellor on both campuses.
Drug-Free Workplace Policy: It is the policy of the University of the Virgin Islands that the unlawful manufacture, distribution, dispensation, possession or use of a controlled or illegal substance is prohibited in and on the University of the Virgin Islands' owned or controlled property. Additionally, the misuse or abuse of legal drugs, including alcohol, is prohibited. Any University employee or student determined to have violated this policy shall be subject to disciplinary action for misconduct, which action may include termination or expulsion. No employee or student is to report to work or class while under the influence of illegal drugs or influenced by the abuse of legal drugs. Violation of these policies by any employee or student will be reason for evaluation or treatment for a drug use disorder or for disciplinary action up to and including termination or expulsion in accordance with University policies and procedures.
In order to comply with the Federal law, the University requires that an employee or student notify the University of any criminal drug statute conviction for a violation occurring in the workplace or classroom no later than five days after such conviction. The University must notify any Federal contracting agency within ten days of having received notice that an employee or student engaged in the performance of such contract or grant has had a criminal drug statute conviction for a violation occurring in the workplace or classroom. The University will discipline any employee or student who is so convicted or require the employee's or student's satisfactory participation in a drug abuse assistance or rehabilitation program in accordance with University policies and procedures.
Sexual Harassment: Sexual harassment is a form of sex discrimination and is prohibited by Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended.
University students and employees have the right to enjoy a workplace free from all forms of harassment, including sexual harassment. Accordingly, 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 harassment, exploitation or intimidation. The University is strongly opposed to sexual harassment and will take whatever action is necessary to prevent, correct, and, if necessary, discipline behavior that violates this policy.
Sexual harassment includes unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature. Students who believe that they have been sexually harassed in violation of the University's policy should notify the Counseling Manager in Rouppe House on the St. Thomas campus or the Counseling & Placement Supervisor in the Great House on the St. Croix campus.
Academic Integrity: Philosophy: Among the purposes of colleges and universities are scholarly and personal growth for all members of the academic community and open communication among members of this community. Such growth requires an atmosphere of honesty and trust. It is for this reason that the University of the Virgin Islands strives to maintain an environment of mutual trust among its students and faculty and will not tolerate academic dishonesty.
Definitions: Academic dishonesty includes, but is not limited to, the following examples of offenses, committed or attempted:
Collaboration
allowing another student to see an examination paper.
Copying obtaining information by looking at the answers on
another student's paper or in any source that has not been
specifically approved for that purpose by the instructor.
Cribbing taking and or using material, which has not been specifically
approved, into an examination or using books, notes or
other resources during on examination without the
instructor's specific approval.
Plagiarism presenting the ideas, works, words or artistry of another as
one's own without appropriate acknowledgment of the
source. Note that this includes sources on the Internet
(world wide web, e-mail, etc.)
Sabotage destroying the work of another student, such as laboratory
experiments or computer programs.
Substitution taking an examination or writing a paper for someone else
or inducing another person to perform such acts.
Theft stealing an examination.
Penalties: For a first offense, the penalty will be an F in a credit course, an NP in a skills course or failure in any non-course exercise such as the English Proficiency Examination, CLEP tests, etc., plus disciplinary probation for the remainder of the student's undergraduate career and notification by the Chancellor to all current instructors of the student. For a second offense, the penalty will be suspension from the University for an academic year and notification to the student's instructors by the Chancellor. The penalty for a third offense will be dismissal from the University, with notation of dismissal and notification to the student's instructors by the Chancellor.
Procedures: In cases of suspected academic dishonesty, the faculty member making the charge will meet privately with the student suspected of the action to discuss the charge within 10 days of the detection of the incident. Within five days, the faculty member shall decide if disciplinary action is to be taken and, if so, shall notify the appropriate Division Chair and Chancellor in writing of:
1. The name of the student.
2. The course or activity where the infraction is alleged to have occurred.
3. The date and time of the alleged infraction.
4. The circumstances of the stated infraction with supportive information.
5. The action taken.
Within 10 days of the meeting with the instructor, the student may appeal, in writing, to the appropriate divisional grievance committee, which will hold a hearing within 10 days of receiving the written appeal. The instructor making the charge of academic dishonesty and the student will be present at the hearing and may be represented by third parties of their own choosing. The committee will send its findings to the student, the faculty member and the Chancellor within 10 days of the hearing.
Within 10 days of being informed of the decision of the divisional grievance committee, the student may appeal the decision to the Faculty Review Committee. This committee shall be composed of one member from each academic division elected by the faculties of each division. Each member shall have one vote. The committee shall be reconstituted by the Chancellor and choose its own chair at the beginning of each academic year. The committee will meet within 15 days of being informed in writing of the appeal. In this administrative hearing, the student and the faculty member involved in the incident shall be present and have the right to be represented by third parties of their own choosing. The committee will inform the student, the faculty member and the Chancellor of its decision within 10 days of the meeting.
The Chancellor shall implement the decision of the Faculty Review Committee.
English Proficiency Examination Requirement
Students must satisfy the English Proficiency Examination (EPE) requirement before graduating from the University of the Virgin Islands. The successful completion of this requirement applies to all matriculated students in the associate of arts, associate of science, bachelor of arts and bachelor of science programs. It is strongly recommended that students take the EPE as soon as possible after the completion of COM 201 or its equivalent. If a student may need to take the EPE prior to the completion of COM 201 or the equivalent, he/she must petition the Chancellor, in writing, and receive written approval prior to the administration of the examination.
Students may meet this requirement in one of two alternate ways. They may opt to either:
•Take the English Proficiency Examination
OR
•Successfully complete English 051,
Functional Writing, a course designed to meet English proficiency goals
and objectives
Students who opt to take the examination alternative, and who fail the EPE twice, must register for ENG 051 the semester following the examination.
The English Proficiency Examination is administered on both campuses in November and again in April of each academic year. Specific EPE administration dates are listed in the Academic Calendar.
Computer Literacy Requirement
The University believes that all students must be familiar with computer concepts and the use of computers in order to work effectively in today's high-technology world. Therefore, all students who matriculate for the fall 1994 semester or later must fulfill the Computer Literacy Requirement during the freshman year. Transfer students may complete up to 24 credit hours before fulfilling the Computer Literacy Requirement.
Students to whom this requirement applies and who have completed 24 or more credit hours at U.V.I. and who fail to meet the requirement, will not be allowed to register for additional credit courses until the Computer Literacy Requirement has been fulfilled. Exceptions to this requirement must be approved by the Science and Mathematics Division Chair and the Chancellor .
To fulfill the Computer Literacy Requirement, students must pass the Computer Literacy Examination, which is administered on both the St. Croix and St. Thomas campuses. Students should contact the Science and Math Division to register for the exam. Exam dates are listed under CLE in the Class Schedule for each semester. The student may prepare for the Computer Literacy Examinations using self-taught learning modules, which are available in the bookstore and computer laboratories. Students may enroll in CSC 111 or CIS 021 to prepare for the examinations. However, completion of these courses does not fulfill the Computer Literacy Requirement.
Awards and Honors
Superior student achievement is recognized in a number of ways during each academic year. The Academic Honors List recognizes full-time students (carrying 12 or more degree credits) who have earned a grade point average of 3.2 or higher for the previous semester, with no grade lower than C.
The University of the Virgin Islands is a chapter member of Golden Key National Honor Society. Full-time and part-time matriculated students who have earned at least sixty credits at UVI and a cumulative grade point average of 3.3 may be invited to join.
Full-time and part-time students receiving a baccalaureate degree who have earned at least 60 credits at the University are eligible for commencement honors. For the purpose of computing averages for honors, all grades earned, including transfer grades, will be considered. Honors are based on the following cumulative grade point averages: Cum Laude, 3.25 to 3.49; Magna Cum Laude, 3.50 to 3.74; Summa Cum Laude, 3.75 to 4.00.
The academic divisions and the St. Croix campus of the University may award annually a Trustee Graduate Fellowship/Loan which seeks to highlight academic achievement, encourage post-graduate study, honor outstanding students and help increase the number of highly trained University of the Virgin Islands alumni. Each recipient receives $1000, with half of that amount to be returned to the University when the student is no longer in graduate school.
To be eligible for the Trustee Graduate Fellowship/Loan, a student must normally be a graduating senior who has been accepted into a graduate school for a master's or doctoral program and who has earned at least 60 credits at the University of the Virgin Islands. Students are eligible to receive the fellowship/loan only in the division which advised them while at the University.
The following criteria will be used in selecting recipients of the Trustee Graduate Fellowship/Loan: cumulative grade point average, potential for scholarly or professional achievement, full-time attendance in a graduate program, financial need and the likelihood of return to the Virgin Islands.
A number of awards are made on both campuses at annual Awards Day ceremonies. Information on these awards is available from the Office of the Chancellor.