Whether you are a freshman or transfer student, Webster University wants to ensure you are thriving in your new environment. The Office of First-Year Experience and Family Programs provides resources, services and programs for first-year students and family members of undergraduate students that promote student success.
Orientation
Webster University’s Office of First-Year Experience and Family Programs offers a different orientation experience for both first-year freshmen and transfer students.
No matter when you begin your studies at Webster, we are excited for you to join the Gorlok family, and orientation is the start of the journey. Transfer and Adult Freshmen Orientation is for all incoming admitted transfer students and students above 24 years of age. It is designed to provide you with information about academic resources, campus resources, student life, safety and other resources that are particular to Webster University in an online format.
Email invitations for Online Orientation will go out in early August for students beginning each Fall semester, and early January for students who start in the Spring semester.
If you have questions or need assistance, please contact us at welcome@webster.edu or 314-246-7007.
Taking place the weekend before classes start in August, our mandatory orientation encompasses various programs for first-year freshmen. There are a series of activities that provide a jump-start to your campus life, allowing you to explore campus and make connections.
A spring orientation is also offered for new first-time freshmen the Friday before classes start every January.
If you have questions or need assistance, please contact us at welcome@webster.edu or call 314-246-7007.
Fall Orientation 2025
| Time | Event | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 8-9 a.m. | Check-in and Breakfast | Loretto-Hilton Center (LHC) Lobby |
| 9-9:30 a.m. | Welcome | LHC Browning Theatre |
| 9:30-10 a.m. | Giant W Photo | University Center (UC) Quad |
| 10-11 a.m. | Resident Session | LHC Browning Theatre |
| Commuter Session | UC Sunnen Lounge | |
| 11 a.m.-Noon | Success Squad 1 | East Academic Building (EAB) |
| Noon-1 p.m. | Blue Lunch | Marletto’s Marketplace |
| Gold Break | UC Commons | |
| 1-2 p.m. | Gold Lunch | Marletto’s Marketplace |
| Blue Break | UC Commons | |
| 2-3 p.m. | Convocation | LHC Browning Theatre |
| 3-4 p.m. | Dean’s Welcome: Business & Technology | EAB Edward Jones Commons |
| Dean’s Welcome: Communications | Sverdrup Hall East Lobby | |
| Dean’s Welcome: Education | Webster Hall 219/221 | |
| Dean’s Welcome: Fine Arts | LHC Browning Theatre | |
| Dean’s Welcome: Humanities and Social Sciences | Mary Anne Lee Plaza | |
| Dean’s Welcome: Science and Health | Browning Hall (ISB) 160 | |
| 4-5 p.m. | Success Squad 2 and Campus Tours | EAB |
| 5-6 p.m. | Gold Dinner | Marletto’s Marketplace |
| Blue Break | UC Commons | |
| 6-7 p.m. | Blue Dinner | Marletto’s Marketplace |
| Gold Break | UC Commons | |
| 7-9 p.m. | Chalk Walk and Quad Games | UC Quad |
| Time | Event | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 9-10 a.m. | Breakfast | LHC Lobby |
| 10-11 a.m. | Keys to Success | LHC Browning Theatre |
| 11-Noon | Success Squad 3 | EAB |
| Noon-1 p.m. | Gold Lunch | Marletto’s Marketplace |
| Blue Break | UC Commons | |
| 1-2 p.m. | Blue Lunch | Marletto’s Marketplace |
| Gold Break | UC Commons | |
| 2-3 p.m. | Success Squad 4 | EAB |
| 3-5 p.m. | Webster Feud | LHC Browning Theatre |
| 5-6 p.m. | Blue Dinner | Marletto’s Marketplace |
| Gold Break | UC Commons | |
| 6-7 p.m. | Gold Dinner | Marletto’s Marketplace |
| Blue Break | UC Commons | |
| 7-9 p.m. | Glowfest | UC Upper Level |
Learning Communities
The Learning Community (LC) program consists of co-enrolling students in purposefully paired courses in their first fall semester at Webster University. These courses are specifically selected for the learning community and based on a topical interest or an area of academic study. Through these Learning Communities, you will participate in activities inside and outside of the classroom that will enhance your learning and a greater connection to the Webster University community. Ask about Learning Communities during your Gorlok Registration and Onboarding Workshops to learn more!
Current LCs
- #BestLife
- Creative Explorations
- Cultural Soundscapes
- Finding Your Inner Hero
- Global Foods and Cultures
- Leaders of the Future
- Mental Health and Mindfulness
“Four years after I was in the Learning Community, I am still good friends with the people who were in it with me.”
BA in Secondary Education with an Emphasis in English, ’17
Peer Mentors
Peer Mentors are a select group of upperclassmen who assist all first-year freshman, transfer and international students with their transition to Webster University. Each student has a Peer Mentor assigned to them to help foster an engaging environment. All Learning Communities are also assigned a Peer Mentor to help create an even stronger sense of community.
Throughout your first semester, your Peer Mentor will be reaching out to offer guidance and support. Don’t be shy to ask for their assistance!
Family Programs
Webster University aspires to include undergraduate students’ parents and families in the community of the University. Recognizing the important role families play in the success of their children's college experience, an engaged family makes for an engaged student.
Contact the Office of First-Year Experience and Family Programs
Billy Ratz
Director of First-Year Experience and Family Programs
Phone: 314-246-7007
Email: ratzwil@webster.edu
