Accreditation and Memberships

School of Business

The Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP)  Baccalaureate/Graduate Degree Board of Commissioners has awarded University of the Virgin Islands, located in St. Thomas, Virgin Islands, initial accreditation of its business programs.

Established in 1988, ACBSP is the only organization offering specialized business accreditation for all degree levels, from associate to baccalaureate to doctoral degree programs. ACBSP accreditation certifies that the teaching and learning processes within the business programs offered at University of the Virgin Islands meet the rigorous educational standards established by ACBSP.

With continued diligence in providing quality business education and completing a successful Reaffirmation Self-Study, the Baccalaureate/Graduate Degree Board of Commissioners reaffirmed the University’s ACBSP accreditation on November 18, 2024, for the next ten years (i.e., 2024–2034).

School of Education

The University of the Virgin Islands School of Education is accredited by the Association for Advancing Quality in Educator Preparation (AAQEP), a national accrediting organization recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation. The programs listed below have been awarded full accreditation by AAQEP through December 31, 2029. Full accreditation acknowledges that a program prepares effective educators who continue to grow as professionals and has demonstrated the commitment and capacity to maintain quality.

Founded in 2017, AAQEP is a membership association and quality assurance agency that provides accreditation services and formative support to all types of educator preparation providers. The organization promotes excellent, effective, and innovative educator preparation that is committed to evidence-based improvement in a collaborative professional environment. AAQEP is nationally recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation. Visit aaqep.org for more information.

After reviewing the evidence collected through a process of self-study and peer review, the AAQEP Accreditation Commission held decision meetings November 29 and December 2 for the university’s programs for teacher education, school counseling, and educational leadership. The Commission determined that all four of AAQEP’s standards were met for all programs and granted them full accreditation.

In its rationales for the decisions, the Commission cited the programs’ attention to workforce needs through a “grow-your-own” approach and accessible, inclusive admission practices; significant investments in improvements to benefit candidates, such as a more robust data collection and analysis system; and close collaboration with stakeholders to strengthen the education system throughout the region.

The Commission also noted the programs’ adaptability and resilience amidst adversity. It affirmed the university’s “persistent and successful commitment to program quality in the context of numerous recent challenges” that include not only a dispersed geographic service area but also weather disasters and loss of key staff.

“Congratulations to the University of the Virgin Islands and to all of the faculty, staff, and stakeholders who have achieved their goal of national accreditation by AAQEP,” said AAQEP President and CEO Mark LaCelle-Peterson. “The School of Education addresses the educational workforce needs of its region with a comprehensive set of programs, providing low-barrier access to quality professional preparation guided by solid evidence.”

National accreditation assures the quality of professional preparation programs through a nongovernmental, nonregulatory process of self-study and peer review. This standards- and evidence-based process serves two broad aims: accountability and continuous improvement. The AAQEP model is also designed to honor local context and foster innovation and collaboration among institutions. AAQEP currently has members in 32 states and other jurisdictions with over 180 educator preparation providers participating in the accreditation system.

School of Nursing

The Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing, Inc.(ACEN).

For further information about accreditation, contact the ACEN or visit their website at www.acenursing.org

Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing, Inc.
3343 Peachtree Road NE, Suite 850
Atlanta, Georgia 30326
(404) 975-5000

UVI RTPark Awarded LEED® Green Building Certification

The University of the Virgin Islands Research and Technology Park’s (RTPark) 64 West Center building was awarded Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED)® Silver Certification in August. LEED, which was developed by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), is the nation’s preeminent program for the design, construction and operation of high performance green buildings. The 64 West Center building is located on UVI’s Albert A. Sheen Campus on St. Croix.

The Center achieved LEED certification by incorporating sustainable strategies throughout the project’s design, construction and operational phases – including energy, lighting, water and material uses – which in turn reduces greenhouse gas emissions, contributes to a healthier environment for visitors and tenants, and lowers costs.

UVI Earns Carnegie Foundation Community Engagement Classification

The University of the Virgin Islands received Community Engagement Classification status from the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching. The Carnegie Foundation grants this designation to colleges and universities who have an institutional focus on community engagement. Institutions participate voluntarily by submitting required materials describing the nature and extent of their engagement with the community. UVI is one of 361 institutions nationwide who have received this designation since the inception of the program.

UVI Writing Center Earns National Certification

The University of the Virgin Islands’ Center for Student Success Writing Center has been awarded certification by the College Reading and Learning Association (CRLA). The CRLA provides national guidelines for the training and certification of tutors, tutoring services and student support.

The Writing Center, located on UVI's Albert A. Sheen Campus on St. Croix, provides students with tutoring and mentoring in writing to enhance their success in academic classes. Students are tutored in most cases by student peers.

North American Board of Certified Energy Practioners Solar Entry Level Certification

The University is now designated as a NABCEP Entry Level Exam Provider. The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is the most respected and widely recognized certification organization for solar professionals in North America. NABCEP was founded with the mission to support and work with renewable energy and energy efficiency industries, professionals and stakeholders to develop and implement quality credentialing programs for practitioners.