New and transfer students enrolled at the University of the Virgin Islands (UVI) are set to receive a warm welcome next week as faculty and staff on both campuses prepare for the start of the 2023 Fall Semester with events taking place both on and off-campus.
On the Albert A. Sheen Campus on St. Croix, orientation activities will be held on Tuesday, Aug. 15, beginning with check-in and welcome at 7:30 a.m. at the Northwest Wing Great Hall. On the Orville E. Kean Campus on St. Thomas, orientation activities will take place on Wednesday, Aug. 16, starting at 8 a.m. in the Elridge W. Blake Sports and Fitness Center.
Dr. Camille McKayle, provost and vice president of Academic Affairs recommends that new students explore every resource available during the day’s activities, including Student Affairs offices, the Dean's Office, Counseling and Career Services, Residence Life, Student Life, and Health Services.
“Welcoming our new and transfer students to campus is one of the highlights of the academic cycle. It is a unique opportunity to give them a hearty Buccaneer welcome while introducing them to the diversity of opportunities available at UVI and begin to get them acclimated to campus life,” said Dr. McKayle.
In addition to campus tours, students will be introduced to many essential resources such as the computer lab and library, Health Services, residence halls, and Information Technology. Additional activities include lunch on campus and presentations about campus security, connecting to financial aid and enrollment resources, clubs and organizations. A portion of the afternoon will be devoted to faculty advisement, course selection, enrollment and financial aid matters. In addition, there will be a session specifically for parents.
On the Albert A. Sheen Campus, there will be a Deans Talk on Wednesday, Aug. 16, 2023, at 9 a.m. followed by the New Student Convocation from 11 a.m. to noon. On St. Thomas, the New Student Convocation will take place on Thursday, Aug. 17, from 10 a.m. to noon. Convocation is a formal ceremony welcoming new students to the University.
On Friday and throughout the weekend, there are several activities planned to include island tours, hiking and other recreational events designed to welcome students, provide social opportunities and help students adjust to campus life. For details and updates on planned events visit https://orientation.uvi.edu or https://www.uvi.edu.
Classes begin on both UVI campuses on Monday, Aug. 21, 2023.
Students are encouraged to apply for UVI’s Free Tuition Plus Program, which allows qualifying students who attended three years of private, public or parochial schools in the U.S. Virgin Islands to attend UVI tuition-free. In addition to tuition, Free Tuition Plus can also provide funds for books, room and board (on or off campus) and other expenses.
For more information, contact pr@uvi.edu.