Schedule of Events

The NSO team is working hard on the 2012 Orientation schedule. In the meantime, please feel free to view our 2011 schedule (below). It will give you an idea of what you can expect!

 

Saturday, Aug. 13 – Tuesday, Aug. 16

International Student Orientation Events

Please visit the Multicultural Center and International Student Affairs website  for detailed information regarding early move in, orientation activities and mandatory international student check-in.

International Student Orientation provides new students from overseas with early arrival support and assistance with transitioning to a new environment at Webster University. International Student Orientation is required for all incoming international students, including those who are transferring from another U.S. institution and those who are studying abroad from our international campuses.

The International Student Orientation program will be held on Tuesday, August 16th from 8:30 am – 5:00 pm in the University Center (UC). Check in at the Sunnen Lounge in the UC (175 Edgar Road, St. Louis, Missouri 63119). This orientation program will include a continental breakfast and lunch. If you have any food restrictions or if you will be fasting, please notify us so that we can accommodate your needs. Click here to register online.

Thursday, Aug. 18

Orientation Check-In
9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
University Center

Make sure you stop by the Orientation check-in table on the upper level of the University Center to pick up your Orientation materials, including your meal tickets.  WE ASK THAT YOU BRING YOUR SCHEDULE that was sent to you in July.  We will have a limited amount of extras at check-in.  Students and guests are required to have meal tickets to dine during Orientation.

One-Stop Shopping
9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
University Center

This is the place to get some things taken care of before classes begin.  All students are welcome to stop by the University Center to check-in for Orientation, purchase parking tags, get your Student ID card, learn about on-campus events, and much more. Representatives from across campus and the community will be here to help you get settled.

Residence Hall Move-In
9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
West Hall or Maria Hall (depending on your room assignment)

Thank you for letting us be your home away from home! Freshman move-in day is Thursday, August 18from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with arrival times for specific floors. From the moment you pull up to the buildings, you will be helped by members of the University community.  To help this process go smoothly, you should remember to mark on ALL of your items with your name and room number.  For additional move-in instructions, please visit Housing and Residential Life.

Dinner on Your Own
5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Webster Groves area

Explore the Webster Groves area on your own for a place to dine! Experience St. Louis pizza at Imo’s, enjoy a hearty meal at CJ Mugg’s, or grab some ice cream from Serendipity! Many other options are available; just ask the New Student Orientation team for suggestions.

Resident Floor Meeting
7:00 p.m.
Residence Hall floors

Your first MANDATORY floor meeting will give you an opportunity to get to know the people you will be living with during the upcoming year.  These meetings are used for community building and for sharing important information about living on campus.

Commuter Social
7:00 p.m.
Commuter Lounge (Sverdrup)

Are you a New Student, or a Transfer Student who will be living off campus?  Then get started with your Webster experience by attending this optional session where you can meet fellow commuters and members of Webster University’s Commuter Council.

Student Group Meeting and “Screening in the Quad”
8:45 p.m.
Grant Gymnasium and The Quad

Meet up with your Orientation Leaders for Orientation Weekend in Grant Gym.  This will give you the chance to mix and mingle with the other new Webster students.  Then take a short walk and go “Screening in the Quad” to enjoy an outdoor movie.

Friday, Aug. 19

Continental Breakfast
7:45 a.m. – 8:45 a.m.
Grant Gymnasium

Orientation Check-In
7:45 a.m. – 8:50 a.m.
University Center Commons

If you did not check-in for Orientation on Thursday, stop by the Orientation check-in table to pick up your Orientation materials and meal tickets, which are required for you to dine during Orientation.  WE ASK THAT YOU BRING YOUR SCHEDULE that was sent to you in July.  We will have a limited amount of extras at check-in.

New Student Welcome
9:00 a.m. – 9:45 a.m.
Loretto Hilton Center

Join us for the opening of Orientation weekend! Join Webster University President, Dr. Elizabeth Stroble, members of her administrative team, and Webster Groves Mayor Gerry Welch as they officially welcome you to Webster University.

Keys to Success and Expectations
9:45 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.
Loretto Hilton Center

Webster University’s Dean of Students, Dr. Ted Hoef, and the Orientation Leaders get together to give you some good advice on how to thrive at Webster.

Student Group Meeting #1
10:45 a.m. – 11:45 a.m.
Various Locations

When you arrive, you will be assigned an Orientation group which will meet several times during the weekend. A pair of Orientation Leaders will lead your group, review the Orientation schedule, answer questions about Webster, and serve as your guide throughout the weekend.

WU Resources
10:45 a.m. – 11:45 a.m.
Loretto Hilton Center

Parents, this is your chance to ask all of those questions you’ve been holding inside. We will have a panel of staff representing the following campus resources: dean of students’ office, public safety, health services, counseling, judicial affairs, multicultural center and international student affairs, registrar, housing and residential life, academic advising, business office, information technology and help desk, study abroad, career services, and the academic resource center.

Lunch
12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Grant Gymnasium

Parent and Family Panel (Naked Roommate Speaker)
1:00 p.m. – 2:15 p.m.
Loretto-Hilton Center

Harlan Cohen, author of “The Happiest Kid on Campus,” will be here to provide an engaging and interactive discussion with parents in regard to their student’s first year experience.

Great Thinkers
1:00 p.m. – 2:15 p.m.
Various Locations

All new freshman students are registered in a Great Thinkers class for the first semester. Each class will meet during this time so that you can be introduced to your professor and the other students in your class!  You will need to know the name of your class and professor, so please bring a copy of your schedule.  Classes will meet in this location only during Orientation weekend.

Transfer Student Session
1:00 p.m. – 2:15 p.m.
University Center Sunnen Lounge

While you have already attended classes at another institution, there is much for you to learn to make a smooth transition into the Webster University community. Come ask any questions that have not yet been answered and meet fellow transfer students.

Dean’s Welcome Programs and Session for Undeclared Students
2:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.

The five colleges and schools will meet individually to give you the opportunity to meet your academic Dean, learn about your major, and meet other new students in your field of study.  Are you still deciding on your major? The session for undeclared students is just for you! You will meet with staff from Academic Advising and Career Services to guide you as you start the journey to selecting a major.

• School of Education: Pink Room in the H. Sam Priest House
• College of Arts & Sciences: Winifred-Moore Auditorium
• Leigh Gerdine College of Fine Arts: Loretto Hilton Center
• School of Business & Technology: Library Conference Room
• School of Communications: Community Music School
• Undeclared Student Session: University Center Sunnen Lounge

Students Version (Naked Roommate Speaker)
3:45 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Loretto-Hilton Center

Harlan Cohen, author of “The Naked Roommate: And 107 Other Issues You Might Run Into in College,” will be here to provide an engaging and interactive discussion with students in regard to their first year experience.  (“The Naked Roommate” is the chosen curriculum textbook for this year’s Webster 101 course).

Parent Reception
4:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
University Center Sunnen Lounge and Commons

While students are out enjoying their group activities, parents can take a breather and enjoy a reception.  You’ll get to mix and mingle with other parents and University administrators.

Dinner
5:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Grant Gymnasium

Campus Issues
6:15 p.m. – 7:15 p.m.
Loretto Hilton Center

Join us as Orientation Leaders perform skits about grades, alcohol, and many issues college students face. It will make you laugh, cry, and maybe even make you wish YOU were an Orientation Leader!

**This session is intended for new students and parents. Campus Issues contains some adult content that may not be appropriate for younger children.

Campus Issues Reflection
7:15 p.m. – 7:45 p.m.
Loretto Hilton Center

Immediately following Campus Issues, join the Orientation staff for initial reactions before breaking off into groups.

Student Group Meeting #2
7:45 p.m. – 8:45 p.m.
Various Locations

Students, you know you have questions you don’t want to ask in front of your parents. At this group meeting, talk about these issues with your Orientation Leaders.

Campus Issues Parents Only Reflection
7:45 p.m. – 8:45 p.m.
Loretto Hilton Center

The parents’ opportunity to join the Orientation staff for reactions, comments, and questions in regard to Campus Issues from a parent’s perspective.

Connection Leader Mixer
9:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Grant Gym

Webster offers a great program for incoming students.  Each fall upperclassmen students (Connection Leaders) will be assigned to every first year student.  This is an opportunity for the students to connect with their CL in an informal setting.  Come break the ice and get to know some of your fellow Gorloks.

Saturday, Aug. 20

Breakfast
7:45 a.m. – 8:45 a.m.
Grant Gymnasium

Campus Health & Safety Program
9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.
Loretto Hilton Center

This session is intended to give an overview of the support services that are provided by our Public Safety, Health Services, and Counseling and Life Development offices.  Important information about student safety will be shared regarding emergency alerts, getting a jump start for your car, the campus escort service, as well as information about how to keep you healthy and safe while you are here at Webster.

Resident Session
10:00 a.m. – 11:15 a.m.
Loretto Hilton Center

The Department of Housing and Residential Life will present important information for students and families regarding common processes and policies that students will need to know to have a successful year in residential housing.  They will review information on residential policies, meal plans, and important processes that occur throughout the year.

Commuter Student Session
10:00 a.m. – 11:15 a.m.
Winifred Moore Auditorium (Student Session)
University Center Sunnen Lounge (Parent Session)

This session will address common concerns and easy solutions for commuter students.  You will have the opportunity to meet with other students who will be commuting to campus and chat with current Webster commuter students about how they have been successful.  Learn about how Commuter Council advocates for you and what you can do to make the most of your college experience!

Rotating Sessions – Students and families should pick one of the three sessions to attend

Study Abroad
11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Winifred Moore Auditorium

What’s it like studying in Vienna?  How much spending money should I bring to Thailand?  This session is for any student interested in studying abroad.  Students who have studied abroad will be on hand to provide their perspectives on experiencing a new culture.

Tech Tools
11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Library Electronic Classroom

Meet with our IT department to find out how to set up and use your Webster e-mail account and how the Blackboard learning system can augment your in-class experience, both of which are important parts of your Webster University education.

Student Employment
11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Loretto Hilton Center

How do I find a job on campus?  What is Work-Study?  These questions and more will be answered at this session. If you plan to work on campus, you must attend this session. Other topics include paperwork, paychecks, and the 2010-2011 career development sessions.

Presidential Parent Farewell Lunch
12:35 p.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Grant Gymnasium

Yes, parents, it’s that time. Enjoy a final meal with your students before they spend the rest of the afternoon in student-only sessions. Parents should depart campus after this meal.

Giant WU Photo Opportunity
1:35 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.
The Quad

Want to be part of something epic?  Come join the Webster University Community as we create a GIANT WU in The Quad .  Smile pretty as we take a photo of this massive WU.

Student Group Meeting #3
2:35 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Various Locations

Check in with your Orientation Leaders for more important information about Webster; ask questions about the afternoon’s sessions, and more.

Learning Community (LC) Meeting
3:05 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Various Locations

These sessions are an opportunity for the students in Learning Communities to meet with their fellow LC members as well as the faculty and staff that will be working with them throughout the year.

Study Abroad
3:05 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Loretto Hilton Center

What’s it like studying in Vienna?  How much spending money should I bring to Thailand?  This session is for any student interested in studying abroad.  Students who have studied abroad will be on hand to provide their perspectives on experiencing a new culture.

Campus Tours
3:05 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
University Center

LHCT, SVER, HSPC, confused yet?  Get familiar with your new campus and find out how to decode your schedule so you can find your class on Monday.

Outside the Classroom Curriculum
4:05 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Loretto Hilton Center

Did you know that employers look at much more than your GPA upon graduation?  Webster can provide opportunities for you to gain a competitive edge upon graduation. Come join us for this interactive session and learn about Webster’s Outside the Classroom Curriculum from members of Career Services, Campus Activities, Multicultural Center and International Student Affairs, and WebsterLEADS.

Orientation Closing Ceremony
5:05 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Loretto Hilton Center

What is this? You’ll have to come and find out for yourself!

O-Fest and Dinner
5:30 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Grant Gymnasium

You’ve spent two days learning information about Webster, now it’s time to let loose! Join the OL’s for an evening of fun and adventure throughout the University Center.  There will be games and music. It’s a great time to celebrate being new students!

Sunday, Aug. 21

Campus Tours
1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.
University Center

LHCT, SVER, HSPC, confused yet?  Get familiar with your new campus and find out how to decode your schedule so you can find your class on Monday.

Excursion
2:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.

Come join the OLs and your fellow incoming students in one last social event before the first day of classes! This year’s excursion will be to Incredible Pizza, a local restaurant and attraction center located only 4.5 miles from campus. In addition to great food, Incredible Pizza offers arcade games, glow-in-the-dark miniature golf, bumper cars, go-karts and more! For more information about Incredible Pizza, visit their website.