New & Updated Items posted Feb. 25, 2008

Bucs Win Two Home Games
Including Homecoming Matchup

Congratulations to the UVI Buccaneers who won two home games over the weekend, downing Polytecnica 82-75 on Friday and University of Metropolitan 79-59 in Saturday's homecoming contest. UVI Athletic Director Peter Sauer noted that the Lady Bucs also played a good game in their Homecoming matchup against Metropolitan, despite losing 55-43. Sauer also lauded the students, faculty, staff, alumni and fans who came out to support the UVI Bucs on Homecoming weekend. "It was a great crowd and great college atmosphere," Sauer said.

The Athletic Department also issued its thanks the UVI Cheerleading/Dance team for their halftime performances, the UVI Spirit Squad for their loud support of the teams, Radio 1000 for its live radio coverage of both games, and all the people involved in decorating and preparing the Sports and Fitness Center for Homecoming weekend.

The Lady Bucs return to action at 7 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 29, when they host UPR-Aguadilla.

The UVI Men's and Women's teams will take on American University (the LAI league defending champions and the best University team in the Caribbean) on Saturday, March 1, at the Sports and Fitness Center. The women's game starts at 7 p.m. and the men's game follows at 9 p.m.

Black History Week Activities Continue
on St. Thomas with Greek Life Forum

Black History Week activities on UVI's St. Thomas campus continue with a "Greek Life Forum" at 8:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 27, in the Dining Pavilion. The forum panel will include Professor Elmo Adams of Alpha Phi Alpha, Stedmann Hodge of Omega Psi Phi, Danielle Isaac of Sigma Gamma Rho and Dornette Lewis of Alpha Kappa Alpha.

A civil rights debate and presentation of the winning entry in the Black History Month "I Have A Dream" essay contest have been postponed. A new date and time will be announced as soon as possible.

Black History Week activities were organized by UVI's Black Heritage Committee and the UVI Accounting Association. For details, call Dr. Patricia Harkins-Pierre at 693-1357.

Austrian Ambassador to U.S.
to Make Presentation at UVI

UVI's St. Thomas campus Student Government Association will host a presentation by Austrian Ambassador to the United States Eva Nowotny from noon to 1:30 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 28. The presentation is titled "Recent Developments in the European Union and Their Consequences for Transatlantic Relations." It will take place in Chase Auditorium (B-110) with a video conference link to Evans Center room 401. Prior to being named ambassador to the U.S., Nowotny held numerous high-level diplomatic posts, including stints as ambassador to France and the United Kingdom. The session is open to anyone interested.

Access and Security Plan Set for Smart
Classrooms, Video Conference Rooms

UVI has established an access and security plan for the 26 smart classrooms and video conference rooms that are in use on the St. Thomas and St. Croix campuses. The Security Department will collaborate with the University community in administering the plan. The plan lists all smart classrooms and video conference rooms, guidelines for use and specifies which individuals have authorized access. It is available from the Policies and Procedures page of the UVI Security web site and from this direct link. For more information, contact the Security Department at 693-1530 on St. Thomas or 692-4155 on St. Croix.

March 3 is Application Deadline
for UVI's New MMES Program 

Monday, March 3, is the application deadline for the fall semester cohort of UVI's new Master of Marine and Environmental Science (MMES) degree program. The MMES degree is designed to prepare students for a wide array of exciting and regarding careers in the education, government, non-profit and private sectors. Two study tracks are offered - scientific research and resource management. Details are available from the MMES web site - http://mmes.uvi.edu - or from program coordinator Dr. Sylvia Vitazkova at 693-1427.

Stellar UVI Student Accepts
Position at Philip Morris, USA

The corporate offices of Target, Wal-Mart and Philip Morris are all recruiting Athaliah Edwards, and the University of the Virgin Islands student has not yet received her degree. Edwards, a UVI senior majoring in Business Administration with a concentration in Marketing, has also received job offers from the Gallup Organization and Croscill Home. She has chosen to work at Phillip Morris USA, Inc. A news release is available from the UVI web site - http://www.uvi.edu - and at this direct link.

FBLA Awards of Excellence
Dinner Dance Set March 8

The UVI chapter of Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) - Phi Beta Lambda - will host its Awards of Excellence Dinner Dance at 6 p.m. on Saturday, March 8, at the Wyndham Sugar Bay Resort. The evening will honor members of the community who have been instrumental in the pursuit of success for all FBLA members. The honorees are Cecilia Walters-Smith, Elmo Adams and Senator Shawn-Michael Malone. Following the honoring ceremony, the audience will be entertained by CeCe Peniston, a Grammy-award-winning artist and Spectrum Band. Tickets are $75 and can be purchased from any FBLA-PBL members, Modern Music and the campus book store. For more information call Professor Aurelia Donald (340) 693-1316.

Regalia Order Deadlines Near

St. Thomas campus students who still need to place regalia orders at the Bookstore for the May 12 commencement ceremony must do so no later than Wednesday, Feb. 27.

Members of the faculty and staff who need regalia must place orders with the Bookstore no later than Feb. 29 . Late orders will be subject to additional charges. For more information, contact Mervin Taylor at 693-1560.

GERS Pre-Retirement Workshop
Schedule Announced

The next pre-retirement workshops sponsored by the Government Employees' Retirement System (GERS) are scheduled as follows: March 5 on St. Thomas (9 a.m. to 11 a.m.), April 2 on St. John (9 a.m. to 2 p.m.) and April 16 on St. Croix (all day). The workshops are designed to help GERS members to locate resources and assistance in relation to pending retirement. Topics include GERS, Social Security, Medicare and GHI Benefits, and Financial Planning. Details are available from the GERS web site - www.usvigers.com.

Six-week Basic Boating Course
Starts Today at SBDC on St. Thomas

The St. Thomas Sail and Power Squadron's six-week Basic Boating Course will be offered beginning today (Monday, Feb. 25) at UVI's Small Business Development Center training facility at Nisky Center. Classes will be held on Mondays from 6 to 8 p.m. through March 31. The course is free. Materials, including books and navigation aids, cost $60. For details, contact Tom McCoy at 690-0729.

St. Croix Campus to Host Charter Month
Shadow Our Students Program on March 13

A Shadow Our Students (S.O.S.) program connecting high school students with UVI students is scheduled for Thursday, March 13, on the University's St. Croix campus. The program, part of UVI's Charter Month activities, is sponsored by the Office of the Provost, the Campus Executive Administrator's office and the Student Government Association. During the day, high school seniors from various St. Croix high schools will have the chance to shadow UVI students as they participate in class, go to lunch and socialize. UVI students interested in participating should visit the Student Government Office in Evans Center room 707 or call 692-4191.

Other Current Items ...

UVI to Administer Noel-Lovetz
Student Survey in March

UVI's Office of Institutional Research and Planning has announced that it will administer the Noel-Levitz 2008 Student Satisfaction Inventory (SSI) Survey from March 24 through 28.

The SSI is the first survey of its kind to measure student satisfaction and the importance of campus issues to students. UVI will benefit from consulting and data services provided by Noel-Levitz by identifying where attention is needed, especially in the area of student retention and enrollment. An initial overview of the survey and details of the requirements for UVI students, faculty and staff are included in this Noel-Levitz 2008 Student Satisfaction Survey document. For more information, call the Office of Institutional Research and Planning at 693-1013.

GRE Study Sessions
Planned on St. Croix Campus

UVI's St. Croix campus Psychology Club is sponsoring three Graduate Record Exam (GRE) study group sessions for individuals interested in preparing for the GRE. Meetings, which are not limited to psychology majors, will take place from 3 to 5 p.m. on Feb. 23, March 1 and March 15, in Evans Center room 902. Additional sessions will be scheduled if necessary. For details, contact Dr. Aletha Baumann at 692-4178.

Regalia Measurements Offered
at St. Croix Bookstore

The St. Croix campus Bookstore will offer measurement for commencement regalia (caps and gowns) through March 14. Measurements completed after March 14 will incur a $15 shipping charge. After March 21 there will be a $25 express shipping charge. Students need to present receipts from the business office to take part. For details, call the Bookstore at 692-4162.

Session to Offer Loan Access
to People with Disabilities on Feb. 26

Individuals on St. Croix with disabilities will be offered access to low-interest bank loans to purchase assistive technology (AT) devices and services through a program developed by the Virgin Islands Assistive Technology Foundation, Inc. in partnership with Banco-Popular.

A special, one-stop, loan processing session is scheduled for 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 26, at the Sunny Isles Branch of Banco Popular on St. Croix. Diane Hampton, who is helping to organized the session for the Virgin Islands University Center for Developmental Disabilities (VIUCEDD), said additional loan sessions will be held on a monthly basis starting on March 18. For details, contact Hampton at 692-1919.

Other Current Items ... (cont.)

Black History Month Presentation
of 'Roots' Set Feb. 26 on St. Croix

In celebration of Black History Month, the Office of Student Activities in conjunction with the St. Croix Educational Complex PTSA invite students, faculty and staff to attend a presentation from the award winning television miniseries "Roots" at 6 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 26, at the UVI Great Hall (room 134 in NWW). Based on Alex Haley's best-selling novel about his African ancestors, "Roots" followed several generations in the lives of a slave family. The saga began with Kunta Kinte (LeVar Burton), a West African youth captured by slave raiders and shipped to America in the 1700s. The family's saga is depicted up until the Civil War where Kunte Kinte's grandson gained emancipation. Light refreshments will be available.

ACA Sets Development Conference
on UVI's St. Croix Campus on Feb. 29

The St. Croix chapter of the American Counseling Association of the Virgin Islands will hold a professional development conference from 7:45 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 29, at the Great Hall in the North West Wing on UVI's St. Croix campus. Dr. Christine Moll, a leader in the American Counseling Association, will be the keynote speaker. Guest presenters include Carolyn Weinstock and other local professional panelists. Registration is $55 for members, $70 for non-members and $45 for retirees and students. The cost includes lunch and associated continuing education credits. For details, contact Doris Farrington-Hepburn, ACA-VI president, at 692-4187 or send faxes to 692-4008 or email to dfarrin@uvi.edu.

ECS Programs Offer Scholarships
and Research Experiences

The Emerging Caribbean Scientists Programs (ECS) offer a variety of scholarships, research experiences, and tutoring assistance to St. Thomas and St. Croix students enrolled in UVI STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) and psychology degree programs. The application deadline for scholarship and research programs is March 1, 2008. Applications for 2008 ECS Programs are available online from this - applications link.

CVI/UVI Reunion Choir
to Perform March 1 at BCB

The CVI/UVI Reunion Choir will perform at 7 p.m. on Saturday, March 1, in the auditorium of the Bertha C. Boschulte Middle School. The choir, made up of former members of the CVI/UVI choirs from the years 1978 through 1986, will perform under the direction of Gloria (McLellan) Quinlan, who is affectionately known as "Ms. G." Admission to the concert is $20. Tickets can be obtained from Reunion Choir members or from the Reichhold Center Box Office. For more information, contact Dale Morton at 693-1086 or Jennifer Toussaint at 776-2853.

Spring Get-A-Way to Jost Van Dyke
Slated for March 1; Space Limited

Jost Van Dyke in the British Virgin Islands will be the destination for the St. Thomas campus Student Activities Office "Spring Get-A-Way." Scheduled for Saturday, March 1, the excursion will depart the Tortola Wharf in Charlotte Amalie at 9 a.m. and return at 4 p.m. Ticket prices are $40 for UVI students, $60 for UVI faculty and staff, $80 for non-staff and non-students and $25 for children under 12. An eco-tour to Jost Van Dyke's bubbling pool is available for an extra $50. Space is limited to the first 149 persons to sign up. For details, contact the Student Activities office on St.Croix at 692-4228 or St.Thomas at 693-1111. Pictures of the last Jost Van Dyke trip are available on the Student Activities web site: http://studentactivity.uvi.edu.

Annual UVI Queen Mary 5K
Walk/Run Set for March 14

The seventh Annual UVI Queen Mary 5K Walk/Run - a UVI Charter week event - is scheduled for Friday, March 14. The entire UVI community - students, alumni, faculty and staff - and members of the general public are encouraged to participate. The run will start at 6 a.m. at Sunshine Mall and conclude on UVI's St. Croix campus. Awards will be presented to the top male and female finishers. Light refreshments will be served at the end of the event. Transportation will be provided to the Sunshine Mall. Registration forms are available in the St. Croix Campus Executive Administrator's office. Registration is $12 for UVI faculty, staff and others, and $7 for students and children. For details, contact Irene Ramos at 692-4000.

MBA Comprehensive Exam at UVI
Set April 11; Signup Deadline March 14

UVI's Business Administration Division will offer the MBA Comprehensive Examination from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Friday, April 11, on the University's St. Thomas and on St. Croix campuses. The rooms to be used will be announced at a later date. The deadline for registration is Friday, March 14. Applications are available in the Business Administration Division offices on St. Thomas and St. Croix. For details, call Jacinthe Proctor at 693-1300 or Renise Johnson at 692-4150.

UVI Scholarship Application
Deadline is March 14

March 14 is the deadline for students to apply for UVI scholarships for the fall 2008 and the spring 2009 semesters. A variety of scholarships are available, from one-year awards to four-year scholarships. Scholarships are limited to U.S. citizens or permanent residents. Specific requirements for high school, undergraduate and graduate applicants can be obtained from the University's Financial Aid, Institutional Advancement and Student Activities offices on the St. Thomas and St. Croix campuses. Details, as well as online application forms, are available from the Financial Aid section of the UVI web site - http://www.uvi.edu or from this direct Financial Aid/Scholarship link. Details are also available on St. Croix at 692-4193 and on St. Thomas at 693-1090 or from the Office of Institutional Advancement at 693-1040.

Hammond to Bring 'Lover's Rock'
to the Reichhold on March 15

The "King of Lover's Rock," Beres Hammond returns to Reichhold Center for the Arts at 8 p.m. on Saturday, March 15. Hammond is known for his sultry voice and hypnotic lyrics. Among his numerous hits are: "Groovy Little Thing," "What One Dance Can Do," "Tempted To Touch," "Putting Up Resistance," "No Disturb Sign," "They Gonna Talk," "Rock Away" and "Music is Life." Tickets -- $25, $36 and $45. A news release is available from the UVI web site - http://www.uvi.edu - or from this direct link.

Workshop on 'Managing Visitor Use
in Protected Areas' Set March 26-28

A workshop on managing visitor use in marine and coastal protected areas is planned for March 26 through 28 on St. Thomas. It will be presented by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Coastal Services Center. Included will be an overview of the human dimensions of protected area management, examples of visitor use and associated impacts to natural resources and visitor experiences, and suggestions to help managers address the people side of resource management. In addition to training sessions, presentations will be made by Hubert Brumant, director of the Magen's Bay Authority, Elba Richardson, a concessions specialist at the Virgin Islands National Park, and Sybille Sorrentino, owner of VI Ecotours. Days one and two of the workshop will take place at UVI's Small Business Development Center at Nisky Center. An optional field exercise is planned for day three. For more information, contact Sylvia Vitazkova at 693-1427.

Accounting Association Seeking
to Honor Anniversary Couples

The UVI Accounting Association is looking for couples on St. Thomas who will have celebrated their golden or silver wedding anniversaries on or before April 1, 2008. Nominated couples that are selected will be honored at a dinner dance and presented with awards and gifts. To nominate a couple, contact Prof. Sharon Simmons at 693-1314 or send email to ssimmon@uvi.edu. The Accounting Association's Anniversary Committee is asking for the names, phone contact information, anniversary dates and reason for nominating your special couple.

Ongoing Items ...

Summer Session Dates, Fall Semester
Information Available on UVI Web Site

Dates and detailed registration information on UVI's two 2008 summer sessions, as well as for the upcoming fall semester are available on the UVI web site. UVI's Summer Session I is scheduled for May 19 through June 23. Summer Session II will run from June 25 through Aug. 1.

UVI's fall semester classes begin on Aug. 18 and end on Dec. 3. Direct links to this information is available from the Academics link and the BUCSS - Banner Utilization Central for Self Service - button on the UVI home page: http://www.uvi.edu.

Online registration for both summer sessions and the fall semester begins on March 17. Students must confer with advisors on course selection and obtain personal information numbers before they can register online.

V.I.'s Top Cooks, Volunteers Sought
for UVI's 19th Afternoon of the Green

The Virgin Islands' top cooks are invited to enter food dishes - entrees, side dishes, drinks and desserts - in the competition at the University of the Virgin Islands' 19th annual Afternoon on the Green. UVI's annual "friend-raiser" is scheduled for noon to 5 p.m. on Sunday, March 9, 2008, on the St. Thomas campus golf course. This year's theme is "Be Seen on the green for Cultural Cuisine!"

Along with the food competition, where members of the community sample dishes and cast ballots for their favorites, the day features live entertainment, admission prizes, children's games and family fun. Also featured are informational booths that focus on how the community can take advantage of UVI's wide array of academic, public service and research offerings.

General volunteers, and especially those with valid health cards who can act as food servers, are also sought. Individuals who wish to enter a dish or participate as a server or general volunteer should call UVI's Office of Institutional Advancement at 693-1040.

SBDC Notes ...

SBDC to Host Seminars
on the Film Industry in the V.I.

UVI's Small Business Develop ment Center (SBDC) in collaboration with the Virgin Islands Department of Tourism will present seminars on "Film Industry Opportunities in the Virgin Islands" on Feb. 21 and 27 on St. Thomas. The seminars, Session I and Session II, respectively, will be held from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at the SBDC Training Facility at Nisky Center. Admission is $20 for each seminar. A $5 discount per seminar is available for those who pre-register. UVI students, staff and faculty with valid ID. who pre-register are admitted free.

The seminars will cover the types of jobs available in the local film industry and what it takes to start a business in production. Participants can also learn about some of the USVI Film Office's upcoming projects and get on the referral list. Seminar I is designed for individuals and Seminar II is designed for businesses. For details or to pre-register, call the SBDC at 776-3206.

UVI CELL Notes ...

Basic Computing Course
for Beginners Starts March 9

UVI's Community Engagement and Lifelong Learning (CELL) Center will offer a course for individuals interested in learning the basics of using a computer. Classes will be held 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. every Wednesday, from March 5 to April 9. Sessions will be held at the UVI campus on St. Croix. The course will cover the basics of computing such as working with windows, using the Internet, emailing, safe computing and much more. The information will be presented in an easy to understand format, with hands-on exercises. For details or to register, call 693-1100 or visit UVI-CELL online at http://cell.uvi.edu.

Computer Software Workshops
Offered by UVI-CELL on St. Croix

UVI's Community Engagement and Lifelong Learning (UVI-CELL) Center will host a series of workshops designed to help individuals acquire skills in one of the most widely used computer software being used in business today.

The first workshop in the series - Unleashing the Power of Microsoft Word - will be held 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 28, on UVI's St. Croix campus. This hands-on workshop will provide students with skills necessary to use the basic uses and functions of Microsoft Word. Participants will also learn to format text, create tables, letters, reports and much more.

For more information or to register, call 693-1100 or visit UVI-CELL on-line at http://cell.uvi.edu.