Teaching at USVI.
Could anyone write comments about their impressions of any of the University of Virgin Islands campuses' ? I read one post about Prostitution at the St. Thomas Campus? The post did not make any sense to me. I also read all the Professors had a call-in sick day, because they were not satisfied with the 2004-2005 contract.
Lastly if anyone knows of the cultural differences that effects the teaching there that would me most helpful.
There is a vacancy there now that I do qualify for; so any inside information that could help me land the job would be invaluable
Tom,
I’m a student at the St Croix campus, all of my professors so far have not been crucians, in fact most of the instructors I’ve met have been from the states or other islands. The St Croix campus is nice, there is security I never feel unsafe there.
The call-in-sick day was related to compensation. From what I understand they have not been given merit increases for the last five years, and when they did five years ago they only gave 45% of the merit increases that they had been holding off on.
Everyone has been friendly and helpful, and there is great diversity, which I think makes the learning environment so much more interesting.
Good luck Tom.
Lauren
Thanks Lauren:
If I get the job, and you are one of my students, you will get an A. LOL.
Seriously, thanks for your help.
Hi,
I'm a new faculty member at UVI on St. Croix. I'm glad I decided to take the position. For the most part it has been a wonderful place to work. I would encourage you to go ahead with the application. I believe the University is a good employer. Most of the faculty and staff with whom I come into contact feel the same way, even though there is a need for improvements in some areas. While my salary is not great and the reimbursement for moving expenses is pathetic, I'm glad I'm here.
There was a day last week that all staff and many faculty did not work. The underlying issue for the action was the elimination of the former merit pay system, which had resulted in sporadic pay raises for faculty and staff. The Board of Trustees has required that a new pay system rewarding performance be put in place by the end of the academic year. Previous fiscal difficulties and other systemic need areas are being addressed, and faculty and staff were expressing their displeasure with the priorities that were presented to them at a University-wide meeting. There is an effort to unionize faculty as well. Thus far, for a variety of reasons, it has not happened.
As I'm sure you're aware, St. Croix is a diverse place. The University is no exception. I have lived in a variety of places in the eastern half of the US. Like me, most of the full time faculty are originally from the US mainland, or other Caribbean islands. More part time faculty are Crucians. Thus far I have found the students to be well prepared and people with whom it is enjoyable to work. My classes predominantly have upper classmen or graduate students. There are a lot of non-traditional students as well, which I like. Students tend to be open and communicative.
Good luck!
Hello Tom,
I attended the St. Thomas campus several years ago. The student population was mostly Virgin Islanders, students from other Caribbean islands and each semester about 30-50 transfer/new students from the states. The professors; mixture of Virgin Islanders and statesiders and a few from other locations Asia, India, Africa.
I didn't feel the VI culture affected the learning environment at the university in terms of being taught or prof. teaching styles.
What subject/field would you be in?
--Islander
Thanks BNK1227 for the information.
I will at least apply for the job. I forgot to mention I am legally blind. If you met me I think you would not notice but I do not drive a car, nor should I drive a car. BNK1227 do you know of any disabled people that the University employs.
Islander I have two Master of Arts degrees one in Law the other in Media, such as marketing, sales, advertising, PR, radio, newspapers, and television. I have worked and taught in all of the fields. I have also taught English at a University here. The job I qualify for in USVISX is the following NOTICE OF VACANCY
Professional Staff-St. Croix Campus Business Counselor I/Training Coordinator
Small Business Development Center
ASSIGNMENT:
The successful candidate will be responsible for providing technical advice such as diagnosing needs and counseling clients in the areas of finance, business law, marketing production, and other business related areas to assist in the start-up and on-going operations of small businesses. The successful candidate will also coordinate activities with government agencies, banks, and other organizations. Other duties include providing training programs which will include the planning and organizing of workshops and training courses to develop skills of small business owners. The scheduling of facilities and instructors, and giving presentations to business groups will be performed by the successful candidate.
QUALIFICATIONS:
• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration or related area; or six years of experience in Business Management
• One year experience in Business Management in addition to the above
• Proficiency in speaking Spanish a plus
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Excellent use of Microsoft Office (Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Word, Quickbooks, and PowerPoint)
COMPENSATION:
The salary range for this professional staff position is $27,968 to $36,254 for the administrative year, depending upon qualifications and experience. Benefits include the liberal TIAA-CREF or the Virgin Islands Government Retirement Plan, a comprehensive group medical, dental and life insurance program.
I do not know if I could live on that pay there? But I do qualify for everything I even speak Spanish.
Islander I want to take this time to mention what a great person you seem to be. I enjoy reading your posts and I feel you are a great asset to here and for the Virgin Islands. I am sure I write for everyone here when I write a big THANKS to you!
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