A view of the University of the Virgin Islands’ Orville E. Kean Campus on St. Thomas, where new and transfer students will begin Fall 2026 orientation activities.
The University of the Virgin Islands will begin mandatory Fall 2026 orientation activities Aug. 11 for newly admitted and transfer students at its Albert A. Sheen Campus on St. Croix and Orville E. Kean Campus on St. Thomas.
The campus-specific programs will include residential check-in, academic and student-support presentations, financial aid guidance, campus tours, introductions to faculty and staff, technology and library overviews, convocations and community-building activities.
UVI said the orientation program is intended to help students adjust to university life, understand available resources and establish connections before the semester begins.
“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 at the Albert A. Sheen Campus is mandatory for all new and transfer students.
New residential students will check in Tuesday, Aug. 11, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Delta M. Jackson Dorsch Complex.
Orientation Day will begin Wednesday, Aug. 12. Students should arrive at the UVI Great Hall by 8:30 a.m. for check-in.
The day’s program will include welcome activities, a Deans’ Talk, Financial Aid 101, an overview of information technology and library services, information on student conduct and Title IX, a campus tour and scavenger hunt, New Student Convocation and the Presidential Scoop.
Attendance at New Student Convocation is mandatory. Students should wear white tops with dark or khaki bottoms.
Orientation Week will continue Thursday, Aug. 13, with a guided Mount Eagle hike beginning at 9 a.m.
Bucs Bowling Night will be held Saturday, Aug. 15, at Tropical Ten Pins, beginning at 6 p.m.
Orville E. Kean Campus — St. Thomas
New residential students at the Orville E. Kean Campus will check in Wednesday, 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 Thursday, Aug. 13, with check-in at 8 a.m. at the Elridge W. Blake Sports and Fitness Center on the lower campus.
Activities will include the Buc Name Tag Design Studio, Bucs Buddy Bingo, a virtual campus tour, the Bucs Team Mix and Mingle, a 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 be held Friday, Aug. 14, at the Elridge W. Blake Sports and Fitness Center.
Check-in begins at 8:30 a.m., followed by the ceremony at 9 a.m. Attendance is mandatory for all new students, who 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 meet members of the UVI community.
Orientation activities will conclude 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 begins 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, forms, checklists and links at orientation.uvi.edu.
They may also RSVP by searching for “orientation” on UVI’s website, selecting the campus they will attend and using the RSVP link on that campus’s orientation page.
Programs and activities are subject to change.
For St. Croix information, students may contact Dr. Kenny Hendrickson at [email protected] or 340-692-4124.
For St. Thomas information, students may contact Dr. Leslyn Tonge at [email protected], email [email protected] or call 340-693-1134.
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