Get Involved
The Webster University Parent Association aspires to include undergraduate students’ parents and families in the life of the University. Recognizing the important role parents play in the success of their children's college experience, an engaged parent makes for an engaged student.
Engaged parents, successful students.
Founded in 2008, the Parent Association is part of the Office of First-Year Experience & Family Programs in the division of Student Affairs.
The mission of the Office of First-Year Experience & Family Programs is to provide resources, services, and programs for first year students and family members of undergraduate students that promote student success.
William (Billy) Ratz '02, MA '06
Director, First-Year Experience & Family Programs
Phone: 314-968-7007
Email: ratzwil@webster.edu
Webster Family Hub
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Additional Information for Parents and Families
The Webster University Parent Association maintains a private Facebook group. This is a group for Webster parents by Webster parents. Please be aware that Webster staff will have a very limited presence in this group and only during office hours. This is not a venue for communicating with Webster staff. Contact staff via their Webster email and/or phone for direct communication. You can always contact the Office of First Year Experience & Family Programs at 314-968-7007 or parents@webster.edu.
Recognizing the important role parents play in the success of their children's college experience, the Webster University Parent Council has been created to establish a formal channel of communication between the parent community and the University.
The Parent Council gives voice to parents and provides an opportunity for Webster University to share important information on curriculum, study abroad opportunities, student life, financial aid, capital improvements, athletics and programmatic news from deans and faculty. The Parent Council plays an integral role in the University, and specifically, serves as a vital resource to Parent Association planning and execution.
Members of the Parent Council have access to the University's leadership and are a communications conduit for the parent community at large. In developing a strong, two-way channel of communication between Webster and the parent community, the University strives toward providing each of its students with the very best college experience possible and as a consequence delivering high parental satisfaction.
Working with Webster's Office of First Year Experience & Family Programs (FYE-FP), the Parent Council has two main goals.
- New Student Recruitment (increasing new student applications, converting admitted students to enrolled students and ensuring enrolled students attend.)
- Student Retention & Persistence (student life, Parent Fund fundraising, co-curricular and extra-curricular students, parental peer-to-peer involvement to support persistence.)
The Parent Council consists of a Chair or Co-Chairs and a council of up to twenty families of current undergraduate Webster University students. Parent Council members serve at the invitation of the Director of First Year Experience & Family Programs.
The Parent Council meets twice a year on the Webster Groves campus of Webster University for planning purposes. Logistical support is provided by FYE-FP staff. Committee meetings are also held throughout the academic year.
The Chair(s) of the Parent Council exhibits strong support for the Council's goals through their engagement with campus activities. The Chair(s) provides leadership to the Council and as representatives of the parent community. Parent Council Chair(s) are appointed by the Director of First Year Experience & Family Programs.
- Serve as a member of the Parent Council for the duration of your student's enrollment at Webster.
- Attend and participate in two Council meetings on campus, per year.
- The fall meeting held in August/September and the spring meeting in February/March.
- Attend monthly committee meetings as assigned.
- Learn about Webster, its mission, programs and activities.
- Learn about the Webster Parent Association, its mission, membership and activities.
- Participate in Webster Parent events to the best of your ability.
- If on Facebook, participate on the Parent Association Facebook group.
- Be responsive to the Director of First Year Experience & Family Programs for requests, such as meeting invitations and inform the office of any updates for your contact information, etc.
- Be a positive advocate for Webster and serve as a resource for families in your geographic area.
- 2 free tickets (per family) to Webster University Conservatory performances.
- Membership to Webster University Fitness Center, pool and gym.
- Tara and Michael Baldridge
- Laura and Eric Buchholz
- Yvonne and Ron Buhlinger
- Tina and Paul Calabrese
- Faye and John Henderson
- Sheila and Carl Huff
- Angela and Scott Hutson
- Beth and Gene Manis
- Maxine and Dan Retzer (chairs)
- Carrie and Brian Schildroth
- Shelley and Michael Simon
- Joey Timmer
- Tammy Willis
Thank you for encouraging your student to become a college graduate.
Tips for Parents/Family Members of First-Generation Students
- Attend Parent and Family Orientation to become knowledgeable about the resources/services available to your student since parent/family support is key to the academic success of college students.
- Attend Spirit Weekend in February.
- Remind your students to make copies of all important paperwork and to make sure to write down the name, department, date and comments of the person they are speaking to when they contact different units on campus with questions.
- Remember that pursuing higher education does not mean that students will lose the values they were raised with.
- Your student may not be able to come home every weekend if they are living on campus – even if it is only 5 or 10 miles away. If they are living at home, they may not have the same amount of time to devote to family responsibilities as they did before.
- Learn about the college process and what to expect – by learning about campus resources you will be able to become more familiar with what your student is experiencing.
- Be patient with yourselves and one another, especially since this is a learning experience for everyone (both you and your student) – you will all be learning about this transition process together.
What some of our current first-generation college students at Webster wish their parents would know:
- The pressure and stress that often comes with being in college.
- "To support me and try their best to understand what I am experiencing."
- It is important for parents to understand how hard college is and that the student will be under stress. The family should be supportive.
- At times, students may feel overwhelmed and parents can be right there to provide support by offering words of encouragement. This goes a long way knowing that you believe in us!
Stay Involved
The Parent Association hosts a variety of events during the academic year.
- Family Weekend is offered to bring parents and family members back to campus to visit their student during the spring semester.
- Parent Orientations (GROW) are held throughout the summer.
- Other events that focus on life at the University are made available to parents and families as well.
Hotels and motels are different kinds of temporary accommodation and vary based on amenities and price.
Hotels
Hotels are rated based on a 5-star system: 1-star is the lowest rating and 5-stars is the highest. Check on websites like Trip Advisor, Expedia, Hotels.com, and many other for recent ratings, user reviews and current pricing. Sometimes rates are more affordable when booked in advance online, rather than calling the hotel directly. To book online, you will need to use a major credit card.
IMPORTANT: Hotel rates are subject to change depending on the time of year, number of rooms available and special events in the community. Check online and contact the hotel for room availability in advance.
SpringHill Suites St. Louis Brentwood
1231 Strassner Drive Brentwood, Missouri 63144
Approximately 2.79 miles from main campus (public transportation accessible)
314-647-8400, http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/stlbw-springhill-suites-st-louis-brentwood/
Rates: Discounted rates for Webster University students – $121 per night based on
availability
Complimentary breakfast each morning, free garage parking, restaurants nearby (Twin
Oak, Jimmy Johns Sandwiches, Camille’s Café, Houlihan’s), small indoor pool, 24-hour
fitness center, free wired and wireless internet, complimentary passes to the Richmond
Heights community center.
Drury Inn – Brentwood
8700 Eager Rd, St. Louis, MO 63144
3.9 miles from main campus
314-968-3704, www.druryhotels.com
Rates: $136 (*depending on availability)
You must mention corporate code 305909 and that you are visiting Webster University
when making reservations to get the listed rate.
Best Western – Kirkwood Inn
1200 S. Kirkwood Rd, St. Louis, MO 63122 (Intersection of I-44 and Highway 67)
Approximately 4 miles from main campus
314-821-3950 or 1-800-435-4656, www.bestwestern.com
Rates: room $95.99 +tax till October 1st the $84.99 two bed room
You must mention Webster University’s VIP account #7000 when making reservations.
Outdoor pool, restaurant, nearby Walmart, Target and other supply shops.
Days Inn St. Louis Lindbergh Boulevard
3660 South Lindbergh Boulevard Saint Louis, Missouri 63127 (Near I-44 and Highway
67)
Approximately 4 miles from main campus
314-717-0941, https://www.wyndhamhotels.com/days-inn
Rates: $89 King, $99 2-Full, $119 3-Bed (August/October rates) prices depend based on time of year, type of room, number of guests. You must mention you are visiting Webster University when making reservations to get listed rates. Indoor pool, arcade, playground, and free continental breakfast. Located nearby Walmart, Target and other supply shops.
Holiday Inn – Southwest Viking
10709 Watson Rd, St. Louis, MO 63127 (Near I-44 and Highway 67)
4 miles from main campus
314-821-6600 or 1-800-972-3145, www.holiday-inn.com
Rates: $82.99 per night (Average Nightly Rate) $149 two beds
You must mention you are visiting Webster University when making reservations to get
listed rates. Indoor pool, restaurant, nearby Walmart, Target and other supply shops.
Cheshire Inn and Lodge
6300 Clayton Rd, St. Louis, MO 63139
Approximately 5 miles from the main campus
314-647-7300 or 1-866-631-3408, www.cheshirestl.com
Premiere boutique hotel in St. Louis, featuring high quality services and amenities for a luxury stay.
Drury Inn at Forest Park
2111 Sulphur Avenue St. Louis, MO 63139
Approximately 5 miles from main campus
314-646-0770, www.druryhotels.com
Rates: Webster Orientation special $123
You must mention corporate code 305909 and that you are visiting Webster University
when making reservations to get the listed rate. Complimentary amenities include hot
breakfast, wireless internet, fitness center, hot food & cold beverages 7 days/week
from 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Holiday Inn – Forest Park
5915 Wilson Avenue, St. Louis, MO 63110 (Intersection of I-44 and Hampton)
5.3 miles from main campus
314-645-0700, www.holiday-inn.com
Rates: $77.60 (Advanced purchase) or $89.60 – $134.20 (Average nightly rate) Webster
Discount: King Bed or Two doubles / Standard or Suite ($89.00). You must call the
hotel directly and ask for the “Webster University rate” when making reservations.
Outdoor pool, restaurant, 10 minutes by car to downtown area.
Red Roof Plus St. Louis - Forest Park / Hampton Avenue, St. Louis
5823 Wilson Avenue, St. Louis, MO, 63110 (Near intersection of I-44 and Hampton)
5.3 miles from main campus
314-645-0101, https://www.redroof.com/why-red-roof-inn/RedRoofPLUS
Rates: $69.99-149.99, prices depend based on time of year and type of room
Outdoor pool, restaurant, 10 minutes by car to downtown area. Features: 110 smoke-free
guestrooms, 24-hour front desk, Coffee/tea in a common area, air conditioning, daily
housekeeping, Free WiFi and free parking.
Drury Inn – Union Station
201 S 20th St, St. Louis, MO 63103 (Intersection of 20th and Market Street in downtown
St. Louis)
10 miles from main campus
314-231-3900 or 1-800-378-7946, www.druryhotels.com
Rates: $92.99 – $150.99 (*depending on availability)
Indoor pool, restaurant, free breakfast, free parking, fast speed internet. Price
can be affected by the number of people staying in the room. You must mention you
are visiting Webster University when making reservations to get the listed rate.
Motels
Motels are different than hotels, usually offering limited amenities at a discounted rate. Prices may be more affordable, but amenities are limited. Motels may have rooms facing a central parking lot, i.e. the term “motor lodge” is the origin of the term “motel” with doors opening to the parking lot rather that within an enclosed building. Motels are not rated on the 5-star scale that hotels use and reviews are not always available. Keep in mind you usually get what you pay for and motels usually offer fewer services and employ fewer staff than hotels.
Duplex Motel
7898 Watson Rd, Webster Groves, MO 63119
Distance from Campus: 1.8 miles
314-961-1361
Rates for Students: $250/weekly and $60/70 per night
Transit option: Pick up Bus 56 from East Lockwood towards Shrewsbury, pick up 46 from
Shrewsbury. Drop off at Laclede Station and 2 minute walk from there.
Chippewa Motel
7880 Watson Rd, St. Louis, MO 63119
Distance from campus: 1.8 miles
314-962-7020
Rates for students: $250/ weekly, $60/70 per night
Transit option: Pick up Bus 56 from East Lockwood towards Shrewsbury, pick up 46 from
Shrewsbury. Drop off at Laclede Station and 2 minute walk from there.
Wayside Motel
7800 Watson Rd, Marlborough, MO 63119
Distance from campus: 1.8 miles
314-961-2324
Rates for students: $266/weekly, $60 per night
Transit option: Pick up Bus 56 from East Lockwood towards Shrewsbury, pick up 46 from
Shrewsbury. Drop off at Laclede Station and 2 minute walk from there.
Learn More
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