Center for Student Success

About the Center for Student Success

Our friendly and professional staff work with faculty in the colleges and schools to provide academic advisement to students. This team approach ensures that students receive timely assistance to become members of our higher education community and progress toward graduation with their peers. Our advisement model helps our students think critically about their roles and responsibilities, and to prepare to become educated citizens of a democratic society and a global community.

Academic Counseling and Planning

We collaborate with the Division of Student Affairs to provide counseling that enhances student engagement in the learning process. From time to time, life situations may cause significant challenges for students; Our staff and those from the Division of Student Affairs help students through these difficult times with wise counseling.

• Please let us know how we can improve academic advising by completing the following form
  • Academic Advising Feedback Form

Career Services Referral

Our staff help students in making career-related decisions.
We work with students who:

• Have career goals but need help in putting them into action.
• Want to find an internship or student employment
• Need career direction

Other direct services include:

• Freshman Year Program
• Learning Communities
• Peer Coaching
• Peer Led Team Learning (PLTL)
• Freshman and Sophomore advisement, scheduling, and registration
• Academic tutorial services
  • Writing services
  • Math and science services
• Computer labs and available wifi
• Equipment loan services (laptops, projectors, calculators)
• Test proctoring
• Helping students resolve complaints

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The University of the Virgin Islands (UVI) has partnered with the EAB to roll out an updated advising / tutoring platform, BucsConnect (EAB - Navigate). EAB - Navigate is the updated version to SSC Campus that was once used.

Why is Bucsconnect better?

It is more user friendly, easier to access needed information, and a great tool to communicate with students and advisees.

Faculty can use Bucsconnect for submitting early alerts and progress reports, taking attendance, and connecting with their students and advisees.

• BucsConnect Quick Start Guide
• BucsConnect Exchange Calendar Integration Set Up Guide

Students can use Bucsconnect to make appointments with learning assistants / tutors, professors, and advisors.

How can Bucsconnect be accessed???

By logging in to UVI myCampus and clicking on the BucsConnect icon, students, faculty, and advisors have access to Bucsconnect.

Who should I contact if I need assistance with Bucsconnect???

The Center for Student Success staff can assist with your how to processes and Q&A. Call or email Mrs. Wendy Fedler, 340-692-4274 or wendy.fedler@uvi.edu, or Ms. Julie Cruz, 340-693-1338 or jcruz2@uvi.edu, for your Bucsconnect needs.

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Photo Caption: Participants and instructors of the 2019 Summer Boost Program.

Key Focus Areas   

GPA Improvement - The program provides structured academic support and guidance, helping students retake challenging courses and enhance their overall GPA. 

Self-Efficacy - Participants will engage in workshops and activities aimed at building confidence, motivation, and effective learning strategies. 

Creativity and Innovation - The program encourages students to think creatively, solve problems, and develop innovative approaches to their academic pursuits. 

Program Benefits  

Opportunity to improve academic standings and successfully progress toward degree completion. Personalized academic advising and support from faculty and staff. Access to resources that foster resilience, innovation, and personal growth. $500 stipend. Living on campus.

How the Program Works

UVI Summer Boost Program offers a structured environment throughout the five week summer session. Students will participate in workshops, classes, and collaborate with peers and mentors. The holistic approach not only addresses academic performance but also emphasizes building self-efficacy, creativity, and innovative problem-solving skills. Once students successfully complete the five week program, students will be encouraged to reenroll in a class they previously received a C- or lower in during the Summer II or Fall 2026 semester critical to their academic recovery.  

Photo Caption: Participants of Summer Boost Program. Learning in Action.

Photo Caption: Participants of Summer Boost Program. Work Hard,  Now Having Some Fun.

This year's residential program will be held on the Orville E. Kean Campus, St. Thomas from May 18-June 23, 2026.

How to Become a Part of Summer Boost 2026

Scan the QR Code on the flyer above or click on this link University of the Virgin Islands - Center for Student Success - Summer Boost 2026 – Fill out form. Since this is a residential program, students  must complete the following documents:  Medical Consent Form and TB Screening Tool, in addition to submitting a copy of their immunization record. If students currently live on campus, they may have submitted these forms to Health Services and may only need to update their record. If students currently commute to campus, students will need to complete the medical documents and submit a copy of their immunization record to Health Services. Medical forms and immunization record should be submitted to Health Hub (Medicat). The Health Hub (Medciat) is located on UVI MyCampus.

For more information or additional questions, contact Jacinthe Proctor 340.693.1592 or jprocto@uvi.edu.

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TMCF SOAR Program

Discover Your Path. Rise Into Your Future.

The TMCF SOAR (Seeking, Observing, and Achieving Results) Program is designed to help you dream boldly, explore new possibilities, and build the confidence to pursue the future you deserve. Through All Things TMCF (TMCF Pre‑Scholars), you’ll gain access to experiences, mentors, and opportunities that support you from high school through your next big step.

Year 1: Explore What’s Possible

Your journey begins in your junior year of high school with an exciting, on‑campus residential experience at an HBCU. You’ll step into college life, discover new interests, meet inspiring people, and see firsthand the opportunities waiting for you after graduation. During your senior year, you’ll stay connected with your host school as you continue exploring majors, careers, and pathways that match your goals.

Year 2: Step Confidently Into Your Next Chapter

After high school, SOAR continues to guide you. You’ll take part in enrichment activities and training that help you transition smoothly into college or the workforce. From building essential skills to preparing for real‑world success, SOAR ensures you’re supported as you rise into your future.

TMCF SOAR: Seeking, Observing and Achieving Results | Thurgood Marshall College Fund, Inc.

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University Bound (UB) (formerly Upward Bound) is a college preparatory program designed to generate the skills and motivation that lead to academic success for students in high school and beyond. University Bound extends its services to high school students from families meeting low income criteria, potential first generation college students, and students with academic needs who may benefit from the program services. It seeks to help students who have academic ability, but who may not have the preparation, motivation or opportunity to realize or demonstrate their full potential. UB provides a unique experience with a different meaning for each student who is eager to grow and learn in a setting designed for success.

UB was instituted at the University of the Virgin Islands in the summer of 1966. Since its inception, it has helped many high school students in the Virgin Islands progress toward their goal of attaining higher education.

Program Goal

The goal of the UB is to provide opportunities to eligible high school students with academic potential who are interested in pursuing post-secondary education. The program offers academic instruction, individual and small group tutorials, individual and small group counseling, college admission information, and cultural, social and recreational activities to its participants.

Structure and Activities

University Bound offers a year-round educational program, which includes an Academic Year and a Summer Residential Component.

• The Academic Year Program is held on Saturdays during the fall and spring semesters (October - May).
  Saturdays are scheduled for students to receive tutoring, counseling and classroom instruction. Students are assigned after-school tutorial as is necessary. Additionally, there are numerous extra-curricular activities planned to augment the academic program.  Application Deadline: September 25th.
• The Summer Residential Component includes an intense 4-6-week preparatory program (June - July).
  Students will participate in an intense residential program. They will attend daily classes in composition/literature, math through pre-calculus, laboratory science through chemistry or physics, and foreign language. Additionally, students will be exposed to wide variety of cultural enrichment, social and recreational activities. An opportunity to participate in a college tour.  Graduating University Bound seniors may have the opportunity to participate in UB Bridge - Career Internship/Work-Study Program. A dedicated staff of administrators, counselors, instructors, tutors, resident assistants are all involved to provide services that meet the students' needs. Preferred Application Deadline: May 1st.  Application may be submitted after the deadline on a rolling basis.

Eligibility

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Our center provides "Student Success and Development" Workshops every semester which introduces tools and strategies for obtaining and increasing students' chances of achieving success and maintaining a positive academic standing. Our student success specialists inform students of the various types of academic status (good standing, probation, suspension, or dismissal), explanations and implications of their current academic status and strategies for obtaining good standing while working to obtain or maintain the status of master students.

Workshops:

English Proficiency Exam (EPE)

Provides test taking strategies while reviewing basic writing and grammar skills in preparation for this exam.

Study Skills

Gain tips and learn strategies on a variety of learning and study habits.

Time Management

Learn how to increase productivity, reduce stress and improve your overall academic results.

Opportunities and Rewards at UVI

Find out about all the great opportunities you have at UVI.

Causes and Consequences of Failure in College

Identify reasons for students failing college and what students can do to avoid falling into these traps.

Academic Advising

How to find out who your academic advisor is, how to contact them, and how to make the most of your advising relationship.

EAB/Bucsconnect Software

How to navigate the new online tool to view your schedule, schedule an appointment with a tutor or advisor, communicate with instructors, and more.

To request a workshop or find out more information about existing workshops, please contact Ms. Julie Cruz on the St. Thomas Campus, at 340-693-1338 or jcruz2@uvi.edu, or Dr. Maria Fleming on the Albert A. Sheen Campus, St. Croix, at 340-692-4183 or mflemin@uvi.edu.

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• What programs are available?
  • Available courses and programs available can be located on the UVI's degree program page in addition to the UVI catalog.

• What courses are required for my major?
  • Students can find out more about courses and other program requirements by:
    • Talking with their faculty advisors
    • Checking the UVI catalog
    • Locating their course sequence on the UVI website in the Academics tab (select your area of study, then click on course sequence)

• How do I make sure that I have satisfied all of the requirements for my major?
  • Students must talk with their faculty advisor and complete a degree evaluation to make sure all graduation requirements are satisfied.

• Is there a minimum grade for courses?
  • Many majors require a minimum of C in courses specific to their majors.  Students should always check the catalog or verify with their faculty advisor, chairperson, and/or dean.

• How can I improve my GPA?
  • Students can improve their GPAs by repeating classes in which they earned low or failing grades; in addition to working with their CSS advisor and faculty advisor to create success plans for getting back to academic good standing. Some students also do the Sophomore Boost summer program to learn skill sets needed to improve their outlook and approaches to academic success in addition to retaking a class once they have completed the program.

• What should I do if I am struggling in a class?
  • Locate, schedule, and keep appointments with tutors / learning assistants
  • Review your habits and change habits that do not work in your favor for academic success.
  • Create a manageable daily, weekly, monthly, and/or semester schedule (time management) include your academic, work, social, and personal obligations. Remember to add breaks, meals, and sleep in your schedule as well.
  • Visit the Learning Centers and Writing Center
  • Visit your CSS advisor, faculty advisor, and/or campus counselor to discuss what is going on, your academic options, and strategies for success
  • Keep in mind that there are strict deadlines for dropping or withdrawing from classes.  If you believe you are going to fail a class, do not just stop attending! Complete and submit the Add/Drop form to the Registrar's Office. Visit with your advisor(s) to discuss your concerns first and find out if you still have time to withdraw from a course to preserve your GPA.

• How can I find out who my Faculty Advisor is?
  • Students can find out who their faculty advisors are by accessing the information from Banweb (icon located on UVI MyCampus) or by contacting their College/School, the Center for Student Success, or Access and Enrollment Services - Registrar's Office.

• What subjects can I get tutoring in?
  • Students can receive tutoring in a variety of subjects, primarily 100 and 200 level courses. Subject areas include but are not limited to: Accounting, Business, English, Information System Technology, Mathematics, Sciences, Foreign Languages, Psychology, and Nursing.

• What services are provided by the Center for Student Success?
  • Center for Student Success services include:
    • Individual and group tutoring for many 100 and 200 level courses
    • Various workshops for students who wish to improve or enhance academic skills and behaviors
    • Assistance for students who are on academic probation
    • Academic coaching
    • Peer Coaching
    • Peer Led Team Learning
    • Academic advising
    • Career services referral
    • Writing Center services
    • Learning Center services
    • Computer labs with wifi access
    • Test proctoring
    • Equipment loan services (laptop, projector, calculator)
    • Helping students resolve complaints

• Where is the Center for Student Success (CSS) located?
  • The Center for Student Success is located on both the Albert A. Sheen Campus, St. Croix and St. Thomas Campus. On St.Thomas Campus, CSS is located on the first floor of the Classroom and Administration Building (CAB) in rooms 118 (main office) and 101 (Learning Center). On the Albert A. Sheen Campus, St. Croix, CSS is located in the Evans Center room 716.

• How do I set up an appointment to talk with someone at the Center for Student Success?
  • Call 340.692.4140 or denise.lake@uvi.edu (Albert A. Sheen Campus, St. Croix) or 340.693.1583 or jezzae.james@uvi.edu (Orville E. Kean, St. Thomas Campus).
  • Use Bucsconnect (EAB - Navigate) to schedule appointments. Select the “BucsConnect” icon located in your UVI myCampus Launchpad.
  • Email us at css@live.uvi.edu.
  • Visit CSS at Classroom and Administration Building (CAB) room 118 (St. Thomas Campus) or Evans Center room 713 (Albert A. Sheen Campus, St. Croix).

• How can I find out more about the Center for Student Success?
  • Visit and browse through CSS webpages or visit one of the CSS locations on either campus to access more information and updates about CSS initiatives, programs, services, and job opportunities. Your fellow buccaneers can help you find where CSS.

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Freshman Development Seminar (FDS) 100 is a University of the Virgin Islands (UVI) student success course for all freshmen and matriculating students entering UVI with less than 24 credits. FDS is designed to aid students in their successful transition to college.

UVI is dedicated to the success of its students and FDS 100 fosters this pledge to student success. Numerous fundamental elements of lifelong learning are part of its curriculum, including critical thinking and written communication skills. FDS 100 is housed under the Center for Student Success and overseen by the Director of Student Success and Mr. David Capriola .

Through a freedom of learning approach, FDS 100 is taught with small class sizes to encourage the intellectual, communicative, and collaborative skills needed for discussions, written work, and readings that are an important part of academic success.  FDS 100 helps students to develop and achieve academic success early.  In FDS 100, students are exposed to:

Developing Competence

• Intellectual and interpersonal skills necessary to navigate through your new college environment.

Resources for Freshman

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The learning and writing centers offer support services to ALL students who request academic assistance.

Learning Center

Tutoring services are offered in the following courses:

• Accounting
• Biology
• Chemistry
• Communication
• English
• Foreign Languages (Spanish and French)
• Health Sciences
• Information Service Technology
• Mathematics
• Nursing
• Science

Writing Center

The Writing Center offers assistance in the following areas.

• Editing and revisions
• English Proficiency Exam (EPE) guidance and preparation
• Pre-writing (outline, thesis statements, and organization)
• Writing research papers (both MLA and APA formats)
• Essay writing

 Schedule an appointment!

1. Log in to MyCampus and click on the blue BucsConnect logo:
2. Your class schedule will appear. Next to each course there will be two links entitled Request Tutor Appt. and Schedule Tutor Appt.
3. Click on Schedule Tutor Appt. to create your own appointment.
4. On the appointment page,  select the correct center, select the day, and tutor, then scroll down to select your time: If there are no time slots that work for you, choose another tutor or day.

Tutoring Schedule

• In-Person Tutoring
• 24/7 Online Tutoring

Orville E. Kean Campus (St. Thomas)

The Learning Center’s mission is to extend academic support needed to help students realize their academic and professional goals.

Learning assistance is offered in a variety of courses including:

• Accounting
• Biology
• Chemistry
• Communication
• English
• Foreign Languages (Spanish and French)
• Health Sciences
• Information Service Technology
• Mathematics
• Nursing
• Science

Traditionally services are located at Classroom Administration Building (CAB) 101 on the St. Thomas Campus; however, students seeking tutorial services can make appointments on Bucsconnect for virtual tutoring sessions (fall and spring semesters).

Make a tutoring appointment using BucsConnect. Look for the EAB logo on your UVI MyCampus page.

Also note, the Center is equipped with computers and wifi for student use and provides a conducive atmosphere for individual and/or small group study. For more information, contact.

Orville E. Kean Campus (St. Thomas)
Location: Classroom Administration Building (CAB 1st Floor)
Contact: Brea Patterson (340)-693-1365 or email brea.patterson@uvi.edu  

Albert A. Sheen Campus (St. Croix)
Location:  Melvin H. Evans Center of Learning (EVC) 713
Contact:  Denise Lake 340.692.4140 or email denise.lake@uvi.edu / Brea Patterson: (340)-693-1365 or email brea.patterson@uvi.edu  

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