New and transfer students enrolled at the University of the Virgin Islands will receive a warm welcome as faculty and staff on both campuses prepare for the start of the 2024 Fall Semester. Events will take place both on and off campus, the university announced.
On the Orville E. Kean Campus, there will be two orientation sessions held in the Elridge W. Blake Sports and Fitness Center on St. Thomas. The first session, designed for students from St. Thomas and St. John, will take place on Saturday, and the second session for all students will take place on Wednesday, Aug. 14. Both sessions run from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., according to the press release.
On the Albert A. Sheen Campus on St. Croix, welcome activities will be held on Thursday, Aug. 15, beginning at 9 a.m. at the Northwest Wing Great Hall. Orientation continues the following day, including move-in for new and transfer students at 8:30 a.m., the press release stated.
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, the release stated.
“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 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 time will be devoted to faculty advisement, course selection, enrollment and financial aid matters, according to the release.
On the Orville E. Kean Campus, the New Student Convocation will take place on Thursday, Aug. 15, from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. On the Albert A. Sheen Campus, the New Student Convocation will take place on Saturday, Aug. 17, from 3:45 to 5 p.m. Convocation is a formal ceremony welcoming new students to the University, it said.
Throughout orientation week, 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.
“On behalf of the Division of Student Affairs, I extend a warm welcome to all our new and transfer students. We want them to know that we are here to support them every step of the way and are confident that they will find UVI a place where they can grow, learn, and achieve their goals,” said Leslyn Tonge, dean of students on the Orville E. Kean Campus.
Classes begin on both UVI campuses on Monday, Aug. 19, 2024, the release stated.
