UVI Forgives Some Student Debt, Intros New Financial Support

U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS — The University of the Virgin Islands (UVI) unveiled its Comprehensive Student Financial Support Initiative on Thursday via a virtual Student Forum. The initiative includes plans to forgive some student debt and debuts several financial support options for students. Funding comes from the U.S. Department of Education’s COVID Relief fund and from UVI.

“From hurricanes to a global health crisis, the UVI community has weathered many storms together. The ongoing pandemic has had numerous consequences on all of us and has made it much more financially difficult for students to continue their studies,” said Dr. David Hall, UVI president. “We are very pleased to offer considerable relief to our students, regardless of their vaccination status, to ensure they can continue to pursue their education and thrive at UVI. I believe this is the most ambitious and generous program the University has been able to offer at one time to its students.”

The financial support initiative has five pillars:

• UVI will eliminate all outstanding student debt to the University that has been incurred since the Spring semester of 2020 through the end of the Summer session 2021. “Outstanding balances will be wiped out, removing your financial burden so you can focus on studies and get a fresh start,” Dr. Hall told students.
• UVI will issue financial credits to students whose tuition was fully paid either out of pocket or by other means (except by a scholarship). “It is easy to focus on those in need and to overlook those who have met their obligation,” said Dr. Hall. "We feel it is important to reward those students as well.”
• UVI will award a Residence Hall Scholarship that will provide free accommodations for one year to students who want to reside in the residence halls on either campus. The scholarship is available to full-time undergraduate students presently vaccinated or who opt to get vaccinated. “Research has shown that students who live on campus have a better educational experience and persist at a higher rate,” said Dr. Hall. “We hope this scholarship will also serve as an incentive for more students to get vaccinated.” To apply, students should contact their campus Housing Director as soon as possible or apply on the UVI website.
• Enrolled students will receive a $500 Technology Award and the opportunity to apply for additional financial support if students are facing compelling financial challenges. The technology award is intended to help students pay for devices, software, equipment and services they need to be successful especially in an online environment.
• UVI will utilize funding to enhance student life and activities related to health and wellness on both campuses. “We want to be very proactive to your needs,” said Dr. Hall. The Student Affairs Department is working on several plans to offer new activities including events that focus on mental health that will be announced soon.

Students can expect the financial supports to become available during the Fall Semester. A more precise schedule will be provided shortly along with guidelines for students on how to access the various assistance programs.

Start your day with the latest headlines delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up here. And follow Patch USVI on Facebook to get the latest, breaking news.