BETTER TOGETHER

Discover Yourself

With 100+ student organizations ranging from academic to athletic to special interest, and fun activities and events planned throughout the year, there is something for everyone.

Meet new people, attend events and enjoy your hobbies — or discover a new one! At Webster, you have the ability to customize your student life experience to correspond to your unique self, allowing you to be the best you possible.

Students dressed in spirit-wear line up to form a tunnel.

Webster Welcomes You

Webster has plenty of ways to get involved, whether that is through Campus Activities and social media, or utilizing Webster's website for events and student organizations, being social on campus has never been easier!

Check out one of our dozens of clubs and organizations, or attend fun events like murder mysteries, open mic night, afternoon craft events and more. You are sure to find an area that interests you, or perhaps find a new one. Campus involvement can help develop lifelong friendships and create a feeling of belonging, continually adding to the Webster experience.

Welcome Week

We at Webster want to ensure that all students are engaged and thriving during their time at Webster. Every year, Welcome Week brings joy and entertainment to our campus in the hopes of uniting students and offering a warm, accepting environment for all.

Students this year had many campus events to choose from, including a petting zoo, bubble bus and tie-dye T-shirts, the headphone disco, a hypnotist performance, goat yoga — to name a few. Take a look at a recap of our 2023 Welcome Week in the video below.

Transcript

[Music]

[Introductory footage of a person with a shirt that reads CLASS OF 2027]

[Footage reel of a student playing with bubbles, students dancing in neon lights, students on campus painting and hanging out]

[More footage of a student with an alpaca, students relaxing and chatting, while wearing CLASS OF 2027 shirts]

[Footage of arts and crafts, tie dye, more bubbles, another student with an alpaca, and more neon lights with students dancing]

[Music fades out]

Other Ways to Get Involved

If Campus Activities alone isn't enough, Webster's campus experience site involved@webster offers additional events and is home to over 100 registered student organizations.

The organization tab allows interested students to explore the variety of organizations, each with a brief description. Meanwhile, the event tab is where student organizations and official groups such as the Athletic Department or the Residential Housing Association post upcoming events or activities.

Webster's event calendar is another way to see what's new on campus. The calendar often lists sports games, concerts, art exhibitions and film series, but there is much more to choose from, as well.

Featured events, upcoming events and trending events are all available on the front page. Site visitors also have the choice to browse by All Events, Places to Go, Departments or Groups. A second option is to search by tag under Event Types or Categories, which will also tell you how many events are currently listed under each tag.

Webster University athletic programs have a winning record for attracting student athletes and nurturing them. Webster athletics allows players to achieve success both on and off the playing fields with a combination of academic achievement and athletic grit. At Webster, 16 athletic programs are offered, divided into Men's, Women's and Co-Ed.

Men's Sports — Baseball, Basketball, Cross Country, Golf, Soccer, Tennis, Track and Field

Women's Sports — Basketball, Cross Country, Soccer, Softball, Tennis, Volleyball, Track and Field

Of course, fans are welcome, too! There's always a place on the bleachers for Gorlok fans who cheer the athletes on to victory. The more the merrier. Check out the athletic schedule.

Getting into film and theatre is another great way to become involved. Webster offers students different options with new events in multiple venues. The Art & Performance tag on Webster's event site is a comprehensive calendar to see any upcoming events. Other events can be advertised on social media through Campus Activities, or on flyers posted around the campus.

Webster also has unique pages for two organizations that often host these types events. The first is Webster's Film Series, designed to be a genuine cinematic alternative, it mainly presents non-commercial films created by artists working outside the mainstream. The second is Webster's Sargent Conservatory of Theatre Arts, a program that offers multiple productions, such as musicals, plays or dance performances.

Webster Journal is an online newspaper platform that provides Webster University and the Webster Groves community with the most current news and information with relevant context. The Journal achieves its visibility using copywriting, photography and other multimedia, such as videos, podcasts or magazines, and also offers culture and lifestyle editorials, opinion columns and a sports section.

The newspaper is run by students, so if you are interested in becoming apart of The Journal's editorial staff, or other positions such as writer or multimedia editor, please contact The Journal through its Contact Us page.

The Multicultural Center and International Student Affairs at Webster University exist to provide programs and services to our students and faculty that recognizes social differences, respects cultural uniqueness and facilitates collaborative interactions. This organization achieves this goal by hosting multiple programs throughout the year. These include: Culture Chat, International Friendship Program and International Festival.

discover your place

“At Webster, I felt like any student could make an impact on campus and be remembered.”

Matthew Langston

BA in Political Science, '24

Student Services

Discover Campus Life

Webster University has plenty to offer the 800+ students living in Webster Housing and their commuter counterparts. Just because you do not live on campus doesn't mean you can't take advantage of the great services that Webster provides.

Students can customize their time on campus in order to maximize enjoyment, the feeling of belonging and the Webster experience. This includes socialization level, academic services, recreation options, health management and career development — both current and future.

Check out some of the services that Webster University provides for students below, and discover how you can make the best of your time on campus.

 

Students play in the flying bubbles from the Bubble Bus.
A booth at the Involvement Fair for a sorority.
A student poses while kneeling over their chalk art.
Two young students on a hammock together.
A softball player hits the ball while at bat.
2023 students creating the giant W for Webster.
Three students play and laugh during the Holi festival.
Two female students pose with an alpaca.
Six diverse students wearing graduation cap and gowns

Student Assistance

Being on a campus for the first time can be daunting, but whether you are a freshman or transfer student, Webster University is here to help you through it. We want to ensure you are adjusting and thriving in this new environment. These are some helpful pages with information and resources that could aid in your adjustment.

The Student Counseling and Live Development office is dedicated to assisting all students with personal issues that interfere with student's success at Webster University. There are 10 professional counselors to choose from, depending on preference, who are available to help — but the first step is up to you.

Some common reasons to seek counseling for are:

  • Abusive or Addictive Relationships
  • Domestic Abuse
  • Dysfunctional Families
  • Eating Disorders
  • Homesickness
  • Mental Health Emergencies/Suicidal Thoughts
  • Sexual Offense Survivors
  • Stress and/or Substance Abuse

Client confidentiality is always a priority for the Counseling and Life Development Staff. They understand that confidentiality is essential to the success of your counseling experience. As a client, students can trust them to protect your privacy. Confidentiality is not a privilege; it is a right.

The Office for Civil Rights Compliance provides and maintains a safe learning and working environment for all students, faculty and staff members by implementing University policies that prohibit discrimination and ensure compliance with state and federal civil rights obligations. The office also spearheads the discrimination grievance procedure and may help to resolve concerns through an investigation, informal resolution or by providing support measures, as well as offers consultations to other departments.

These are the characteristics that the Office for Civil Rights Compliance protects against discrimination:

race, ethnicity, color, national origin, age, citizenship or immigration status, pregnancy or use of protective leave, genetic status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, creed, religion, veteran or military status, disability

While there are plenty of characteristics, the office has three main focus areas:

ADA and Section 504 — prohibits discrimination against those with a disability and requires the University to comply with a certain level of accessibility.

Equal Employment Opportunity — prohibits discrimination against a job applicant or an employee because of the person's race, color, religion, sex, gender, national origin, age, disability or genetic information.

Title IX — prohibits discrimination based on sex, including sexual harassment. The term "sexual harassment" is defined as "conduct on the basis of sex that satisfies one or more of the following" examples:

  1. Quid pro quo (an individual receiving something in return for their participation in unwelcome sexual conduct)
  2. Unwelcome sexual conduct so severe it effectively denies the individual equal access
  3. Any of these crimes:
    • Sexual assault (rape, fondling, incest or statutory rape)
    • Dating violence (also known as Intimate Partner Violence)
    • Domestic violence (acknowledging if there is a child or past/present cohabitation)
    • Stalking

Notice of Non-Discrimination: Webster University is committed to non-discrimination and equal opportunity in the treatment of students, faculty and staff. The University considers employment, admissions, financial aid, programs and activity applications without regard to race, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, color, creed, age, ethnicity or national origin, religion, genetic information or disability.

The Student Handbook page has compiled a record of important policies, procedures, forms and explanations, including the actual handbook in PDF format. The Student Life Policies have been written to help guide the behavior of students during their time as members of the University community.

Each person is expected to respect the objectives of the University and the diverse views expressed within the community. In so doing, all members of the University community and their guests are expected to conduct themselves in an appropriate and civil manner at all times. These behavioral expectations include behavior both on and off campus.

Student Rights — Webster University students are accorded the following rights to ensure positive educational results for each individual:

  • Educational Environment
  • Assembly and Expression
  • Information
  • Participation in University Governance
  • Joining Campus Organizations
  • Access to Disciplinary Procedures
  • Search and Seizure
  • Grievances

For detailed explanations on each student right, please refer to the Webster Student Handbook. Understanding the handbook and its rules, requirements and rights is one way of assuring happy student life.

The Department of Public Safety  is committed to providing a safe and secure environment for all students, faculty, staff members and visitors on our campus. Public Safety consistently seeks, discovers, and implements new ways to promote, preserve and deliver a systematic approach to security, safety and quality of service.

Along with crime prevention measures, access control buildings and crime response, Public Safety offers a long list of services:

  • 24/7 Patrol
  • Campus Safe Walk Service
  • Emergency Call Boxes
  • Identification Cards/Parking Passes
  • Lost and Found
  • Campus Video Monitoring
  • CPR and First Aid Training
  • Managing Campus Emergency Response Team

Webster students, faculty and staff should sign up for Webster Alerts to receive important information regarding campus emergencies and closures. To get started, visit getrave.com, search for Webster University and enter your Webster email address.

The Office of First Year Experience and Family Programs aims to ensure that new students, whether they be transfer students or first-time freshman, are thriving in their new environment. Being on campus doesn't have to be intimidating.

The Office of First Year Experience provides resources, services and programs for first-year students, such as orientations or peer mentors, with the goal of promoting student success.

With the addition of Family Programs, the University's goal is to include undergraduate students' parents and families in the campus experience, as Webster recognizes the important role families can play in their children's lives.

Gateway to a Good Time

Broaden Your Horizons

While Webster University does host and plan plenty of fun activities, Student Life isn't just about staying on campus and studying. Get out of your comfort zone and take some time to get to know the area around you, including the long list of everything that the St. Louis area has to offer.

As an attempt to sum up the infinite possibilities, the list below is just a fraction of the opportunities available. Adventure, beauty, history, knowledge and good food await you.

For many University students, pricey experiences may be out of reach. However, St. Louis offers many attractions that are both high quality and free or have no admission fee.

Endless Adventures

There are some attractions that are well-known beyond the city's borders, critically acclaimed or famous in some way. In St. Louis tourism, these experiences are often recommended first, and they are considered impossible to miss.

The Gateway Arch is a cultural icon of St. Louis, allowing tourists a bird's eye view of the city from the 630-foot tall national historic landmark. The Gateway Arch National Park grounds that surround the Arch are home to the visitor's center and museum, with a bank of the Mississippi running along the edge of the park.

Some other famous tourist locations include:

Whether it's from a neck-and-neck sports game or a roller coaster, St. Louis gives us something to cheer and shout about all year long. Most of the following activities are seasonal, but there is always something fun to do in St. Louis — you just have to find it. In the mean time, check these out:

The St. Louis region boasts several exciting animal attractions which offer a diverse range of species to visit. Whether you're looking for farm animals, exotic species, sea creatures, domesticated friends, insects or birds, there is something for everyone!

Consider one of these destinations when planning your next animal adventure:

If you look hard enough, art and beauty can be found anywhere in St. Louis. However, if you would prefer something more high quality, check out these museums, gardens, greenhouses, parks and installations:

Educational journeys are easy to fulfill in St. Louis with new knowledge at every corner, ranging from science to history to geology. Some are more interesting than others, but as a Webster student, these are all unique learning opportunities to take advantage of:

In the first half of the 20th century, St. Louis was a mecca for music. Legends like Scott Joplin, Chuck Berry, Albert King and many others pushed the music scene forward. Originally, St. Louis was a major player in the blues scene, but over the years other genres and influences have molded the unique St. Louis music scene into the one that we know today.

Additionally to music, St. Louis also boasts a large amount of theatres. Check out some of the diverse venues available:

*The attraction or event is free, or does not have an admission fee.

 

The Saint Louis Art Museum illuminated at night with "Webster University 100 Years" shining on the building.
A front view of the World Chess Hall of Fame and a giant chess piece sculpture.
A colorful art exhibit by Webster students.
The Gorlok meets a St. Louis Cardinals pitcher and the Cardinals' mascot, Redbird.
Missouri Botanical Garden's main pond and greenhouse.
A giant crowd dancing with their hands in the air during a concert.
Several hot air balloons for the Balloon Race in Forest Park.

It's Time for 'New'

Webster University is a place to grow, experience different things and become the best person you can be. Living on campus gives students endless "new" experiences, whether that be by living in a new place, getting involved in a new club, starting a new hobby, meeting new people, having a new adventure or visiting a new St. Louis location.

As a Webster student, there is so much to experience and everything listed is only the beginning. It is important to note, however — new experiences aren't always good. Maybe you'll be homesick or struggle adapting to the environment. Webster will support you during those times, as well, offering counseling and other student assistance.

Good or bad, new or old, Webster is here for you the entire way. Why not give Campus Life a chance?

 

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