Students to connect with academic resources, University traditions & the Buccaneer community

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. All newly admitted students are required to participate.

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.

“New Student Orientation is the first step in helping our students see that they belong at UVI and that an entire campus community is invested in their success,” said Dr. Kenny Hendrickson, interim dean of students on the Albert A. Sheen Campus. “By connecting students early with their academic deans, faculty, staff, peers and essential resources, we are laying the foundation for a rewarding and successful university experience.”

“Orientation gives new Buccaneers an opportunity to become familiar with the people, services and traditions that will support them throughout their journey at UVI,” said Dr. Leslyn Tonge, dean of students on the Orville E. Kean Campus. “We want every student to leave orientation feeling informed, connected and excited to take their place in our dynamic University community.”

 

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 New Student Convocation on the Albert A. Sheen Campus is mandatory. 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.

 

Registration and Information

Students should register and review campus-specific updates, checklists, forms and links at orientation.uvi.edu. Students may also RSVP by searching “orientation” on the UVI website, selecting the campus they will attend and clicking the RSVP link on the campus orientation page. Programs and activities are subject to change.

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.

 

About the University of the Virgin Islands

The University of the Virgin Islands (UVI) is a public, historically Black, land-grant institution dedicated to student success, academic excellence, research and community engagement. As the U.S. Virgin Islands’ public university and the only HBCU located outside the continental United States, UVI offers undergraduate, graduate and professional programs that prepare students to lead and succeed in an increasingly interconnected world.

With campuses on St. Thomas and St. Croix, an extension campus at the University of St. Martin in St. Maarten, and UVI Online, the University serves students throughout the U.S. Virgin Islands, the Caribbean and beyond. UVI is recognized for its strengths in marine and environmental science, agriculture, nursing, business, hospitality, workforce development and globally impactful research.

For more information, visit www.uvi.edu.