Dear UVI Community,  

Thank you for your patience as University of the Virgin Islands personnel worked tirelessly to resolve the electrical power issue on the Orville E. Kean Campus caused by a power surge on Wednesday, Feb. 1, at about 2:30 p.m. The power surge badly damaged some of the University’s electrical infrastructure causing loss of power. 

The University employed generators in areas where available, however numerous areas remained without power. The Physical Plant and external electricians worked around the clock attempting to identify the specific damaged part that would allow us to restore power.  

 
At about 2 p.m. today, UVI’s electrical technicians replaced another damaged part which has resulted in power being fully restored on campus. Though power from the Water and Power Authority was back on, the damaged part prevented the University from safely utilizing the electricity provided.  

 
The University implemented several efforts to support on-campus students, who have been most affected by these circumstances. Students were provided with hotspots, portable chargers, and shuttle service to the Elridge Blake Sports and Fitness Center (SFC) where students could charge their devices and use Wi-Fi.    

Wi-Fi connectivity was also available at Penha House and West Residence Hall.  

The SFC and West Hall were areas on campus that never lost power.  

UVI President Dr. David Hall stated, “On behalf of the University, I apologize to the entire UVI community for the inconvenience that the power outage created for students and employees. I am thankful that our physical plant and electrical engineers were able to resolve this issue and work has begun to ensure we can avoid a repeat of this unfortunate situation.”  
 
Dr. Hall asked that the faculty be flexible with any assignments that may have been due during this time and to be cognizant of these circumstances that would have affected University students’ ability to prepare for classes. The Administration is exploring various ways by which it can address more directly the inconvenience and loss that students may have experienced.  

Classes on Saturday, Feb. 4, will take place at their regularly scheduled times.   

The UVI community is urged to sign up for Bucs Alert to receive emergency notifications via personal email and cell phone. For instructions on signing up for Bucs Alert, visit https://bit.ly/3Bhx661 

Please encourage other members of the University community to sign up.  

Emergency updates are also posted on the UVI homepage: www.uvi.edu.