The Impact of SAFRA on Academic Quality at the University of the Virgin Islands SHARLENE HARRIS ASSISTANT CHIEF INFORMATION OFFICER INFORMATION & TECHNOLOGY SERVICES

Abstract From FY2010 – FY2015, the Information & Technology Services component at the University of the Virgin Islands was awarded SAFRA funds in support of two projects. Through the Advancing Learning Environments (ALE) project, classrooms were assessed on both campuses of the University and a desired level of technology and collaboration needed for 21 st century teaching and learning established. Grant funds were then used to upgrade spaces to provide students and faculty an environment conducive to today’s styles. Classrooms are more appealing for students and faculty with new vibrant colors, the latest technologies and furniture that can accommodate varied activities. Learning and Educational Access Program (LEAP) was the University’s effort to improve access to resources, technology and educational programs for students residing on the island of St. John. Since the opening of the academic center on that island, St. John student enrollment has increased while overall University enrollment has been on the decline. Both programs had a positive and discernible impact on academic quality. This presentation will share the outcomes of both projects, including images of the upgraded rooms, student and faculty survey results about rooms and data on St. John student enrollment and retention.

About UVI Historically American. Uniquely Caribbean. Globally Interactive. Two campuses & One academic center ◦Albert A. Sheen on the island of St. Croix ◦Main campus on the island of St. Thomas ◦40 miles of sea water between the two ◦Academic center on the island of St. John Approximately 2300 students Reliance on videoconferencing across the campuses

About Information & Technology Services One of 4 components at UVI Unit comprising Information Technology & Libraries (Institutional Research added in 2013) CIO now Vice President of Information Services and Institutional Assessment (assessment added in 2014) Technology training, desktop support and faculty development Administrative computing and process re-engineering

SAFRA ITS Projects FYs LEARNING AND EDUCATIONAL ACCESS PROGRAM (LEAP) Better incorporate STJ students into the University Reduce STJ student travel time Increase enrollment and retention of STJ students ALE (ADVANCING LEARNING ENVIRONMENTS) Increase the number of learning spaces equipped with technology Increase the number of learning spaces with flexible furniture

Learning and Educational Access Program (LEAP) THE ST. JOHN ACADEMIC CENTER

Abstract Learning and Educational Access Program (LEAP) was the University’s effort to improve access to resources, technology and educational programs for students residing on the island of St. John. Since the opening of the academic center on that island, St. John student enrollment has increased while overall University enrollment has been on the decline.

History St. John - smallest of the US Virgins is 3 miles east of St. Thomas ◦Ride from their homes on St. John to the ferry dock; ride the ferry to STT; secure ground transportation to cover the nine miles from the ferry dock to the St. Thomas campus; and then the reverse trip back to their home ◦Early morning or late evening classes pose other challenges for St. John students. UVI campus on west end St. Thomas Options: Commute or relocate

Student Survey FALL 2010 & SPRING 2011 # OF TIMES FERRY TO STT 79% or 31 of 39 STJ students enrolled for Fall 2010 and/or Spring 2011 ◦1. What is your status? ◦2. How many times per week do you ride the ferry to attend classes on the St. Thomas Campus? RESULTS The majority, 61% or 19 of the St. John students ride the ferry 3-5 times per week to attend classes on the St. Thomas Campus. 29% or 9 ride the ferry more than five times per week 10% or 3 take the ferry 1-2 times per week

Program Start Summer 2011 Pilot AY 2011 – 2012 full program offerings 19 courses; 61 credit hours Spring 2012

The facility 2500 sq. ft. of classroom and study space Library resources Videoconference rooms and portable sticks Community meeting space Training and sessions for the community from other UVI auxiliaries ◦Cooperative Extension Service (CES) ◦Small Business Development Center (SBDC)

The staff Professional and technical ◦Librarian ◦Administrative Support ◦Technical support ◦Student employees ◦Backed up by STT staff

Results Between fall 2010 and fall 2014, UVI’s total enrollment dropped by 15% (from 2,733 to 2,331 students). On the St. Thomas campus, specifically, (the campus that is utilized by students that reside on St. John), enrollment declined by 4% within the same timeframe. Despite this trend in declining enrollment, both institution-wide and on the St. Thomas campus, the enrollment of students residing on St. John increased from 45 in 2010 to 60 in fall 2014—a 33% increase!

Highs and Lows THE HIGHS 95 credits offered AY students AY % retention Fall 2011 to Fall 2012 THE LOWS Up to 52 credits 32 students 62%

STJAC Rooms

Sustainability Partner with the Virgin Islands Department of Planning & Natural Resources (DPNR) ◦Consolidation with the island’s public library Increase awareness Dual functions ◦University clients ◦Public library patrons – increased hours

Advancing Learning Environments (ALE)

Abstract Through the Advancing Learning Environments (ALE) project, classrooms were assessed on both campuses of the University and a desired level of technology and collaboration needed for 21 st century teaching and learning established. Grant funds were then used to upgrade spaces to provide students and faculty an environment conducive to today’s styles. Classrooms are more appealing for students and faculty with new vibrant colors, the latest technologies and furniture that can accommodate varied activities.

History Traditional classrooms ◦Blackboard and chalk ◦Old combination task chair/desk ◦Maybe a computer/projector ◦Maybe an overhead projector

Objectives Reduce faculty complaints about the lack of technology in rooms Create learning 21 st century learning spaces which: ◦Encourage collaboration ◦Enable the use of technology by faculty and students ◦Create learner-centered environments

Furniture Bright colors Flexible ◦Easily configured for the teaching/learning activity

Technology Computer Projector Document camera DVD player Touch panel control system

Rooms Fresh paint Chair rails Blinds Finished ceilings Bright color paint

The numbers Ninety-four (94) rooms across the campuses ◦20 VC rooms ◦31 smart classrooms

The Rooms

Conclusion Questions?