A University of the Virgin Islands student will switch places with UVI President David Hall on Monday, with the president going to science classes and the student meeting with university officials, according to a statement from UVI.
On Monday, UVI student Marsha Laurencin and the university president will get to see the campus from different perspectives. Laurencin will swap classes and text books for board meetings and a brief case, while Hall will give up his corner office and executive assistant for a backpack and science classes.
As UVI president, Laurencin’s day will include meetings with vice presidents, a UVI Board of Trustee member and the Student Government Association, according to the press release.
In a meeting of the president’s cabinet, Laurencin will make policy and program proposals, seeking buy-in from the cabinet. Her day’s activities will begin at 8:30 a.m. and end at 6:45 p.m. After that Laurencin will retire to the president’s guest house where she will spend the night.
Hall will fully immerse himself in Laurencin’s schedule. His day will begin at 8 a.m. with Organic Chemistry. It will continue with tutoring, study hall, lunch in the dining pavilion and a directed independent research class where he will have to dissect lionfish.
Hall will then make a trip to the Wellness Center to work out before retiring to the residence hall, where he will spend the night.
“I want to bring a couple of things of interest to the table,” Laurencin said in the press release from UVI. She plans to propose a new course offering at the cabinet meeting, speak with a vice president about fundraising opportunities for university, and talk with administrators about building school spirit.
“I am definitely excited about it,” she said.
“I’d really like to know more about what it’s like to be a UVI student,” Hall purportedly said. “I hear from students all the time, but this unique program should make each of us aware of the challenges and opportunities that exist in the other person’s role. Hopefully it will increase our understanding and sensitivity going forward.”
Dionne Jackson, vice president for institutional advancement and chairwoman of the UVI President for a Day committee, congratulated Laurencin on being named the first president for a day. “Many students applied,” she said. “The competition generated great buzz and excitement.”
In order to be considered for the initiative, students had to meet criteria and submit an application package that included an essay. The winner was awarded a $1,000 scholarship.
"The committee wishes Ms. Laurencin a successful term," said Jackson. "And we, of course, send President Hall best wishes for the lionfish dissection."
Hall and Laurencin will share their role-reversal experiences with the UVI community at 2 p.m. Thursday in the Neil Weiss Education and Seminar Suite in West Residence Hall on St. Thomas.
The next President for a Day initiative will be held on UVI’s Albert A. Sheen Campus on St. Croix.
