The University of the Virgin Islands (UVI) will welcome new and transfer students to its Albert A. Sheen Campus on St. Croix and Orville E. Kean Campus on St. Thomas for Fall 2026 New Student Orientation, beginning Aug. 11. Orientation is designed to help students make a successful transition to university life while building a strong sense of belonging. Through campus tours, introductions to faculty and staff, academic and student-support presentations, financial aid guidance, technology and library overviews, and community-building activities, students will gain the information and connections needed to begin the semester with confidence.
All newly admitted students are required to participate.
Albert A. Sheen Campus — St. Croix
Orientation on the Albert A. Sheen Campus is mandatory for all new and transfer students. Students should arrive at the UVI Great Hall by 8:30 a.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 12, for check-in and the start of Orientation Day. The program includes welcome activities, a Deans’ Talk, Financial Aid 101, an IT and library services overview, information on student conduct and Title IX, a campus tour and scavenger hunt, and New Student Convocation and the Presidential Scoop. New residential students will check in on Tuesday, Aug. 11, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Delta M. Jackson Dorsch Complex.
Attendance at the New Student Convocation is mandatory. The event will be held on Wednesday, August 12, at 12:45 p.m. in the Great Hall on the Albert A. Sheen Campus. Students should wear white tops with dark or khaki bottoms.
Orientation Week continues with a guided Mount Eagle hike on Thursday, Aug. 13, at 9 a.m., and Bucs Bowling Night at Tropical Ten Pins on Saturday, Aug. 15, beginning at 6 p.m.
Orville E. Kean Campus — St. Thomas
New residential students will check in on Aug. 12, from noon to 5 p.m. at the Dining Pavilion on the upper campus. The campus-wide New Student Orientation program will begin on Thursday, Aug. 13, with check-in at 8 a.m. at the Elridge W. Blake Sports and Fitness Center on the lower campus.
Throughout the day, new and transfer students will participate in activities designed to help them build connections, learn about campus resources, and prepare for academic success. Featured activities will include the Buc Name Tag Design Studio, Bucs Buddy Bingo, a virtual campus tour, the Bucs Team Mix and Mingle, Student Voices panel discussion and SGA Connect. The day will conclude with Water Wars on the Green, beginning at 4:30 p.m. at the Herman E. Moore Golf Course.
The New Student Convocation and Medallion Ceremony will take place on Friday, Aug. 14, at the Elridge W. Blake Sports and Fitness Center. Check-in will begin at 8:30 a.m., followed by the ceremony at 9 a.m. Attendance is mandatory for all new students. Students should wear white tops with dark or khaki bottoms. Following the ceremony, students will gather at Brewers Bay Beach for BucNic, a welcome barbecue featuring food, recreation and opportunities to connect with members of the UVI community.
Orientation activities will conclude on Sunday, Aug. 16, with the Pickleball Festival and Glow Play at the Fenella A. Cooper Tennis Complex. New and returning students are encouraged to participate. Pickleball play will begin at 3 p.m., followed by Glow Play at approximately 7 p.m. Paddles will be provided, and participants are encouraged to wear neon or brightly colored clothing.
The University’s Fall semester classes will begin on both campuses on Monday, August 17, 2026.
For St. Croix information, contact Dr. Kenny Hendrickson at khendri@uvi.edu or call (340) 692-4124. For St. Thomas information, contact Dr. Leslyn Tonge at leslyn.tonge@uvi.edu, email sttstudentaffairs@uvi.edu, or call (340) 693-1134.
See the link below to the Orientation page.
https://www.uvi.edu/search/index.html?ousearchq=UVI+Fall+2026+Orientation
