Staying Connected

From the Dean of Students’ Desk

January 17th, 2012

Welcome to Staying Connected, an on-line blog/newsletter for parents of first-year students at Webster University.

By the time you are reading this, your son or daughter is in the process of starting his/her second semester at the University, as undergraduate classes resume on January 17. Can you believe that these months have gone by so quickly since the start of classes in August? I hope you were able to spend some nice time together over the holiday break.

Emergency and Weather Alerts

I am writing this on the last day of finals week, a day reserved in case we have snow days earlier in the week. Fortunately, we have had no snow days yet this academic year. Did you know that your student can sign up for our Webster Alerts program to receive text and/or email messages regarding weather-related campus closings? Webster Alerts is a campus alerts service that keeps students up-to-date on the latest campus information. Webster University has partnered with e2Campus to offer this service FREE to students, faculty, and staff. Using this service, Webster sends out text messages and/or emails containing emergency announcements and weather-related school closing information when necessary. Although optional, students are strongly encouraged to sign up for Webster Alerts. To sign up, students should go to this web page: http://www.webster.edu/technology/websteralerts/.

Impact of First-Year Students

First-year students have been making a strong impact on the Webster campus this year. Here are just a few highlights:

Faculty in the learning communities have been telling me great things about the first-year students in their classes.
Brittnee Bauman and Abby Hopkins were elected to senator positions in Student Government Association.
Freshmen Creighton Chavez, Sara Graham, Kassandra Ochoa, and Jennifer Scanlon made contributions to the women’s cross country team, which claimed first place in the SLIAC conference for the first time in school history
Freshmen Nathan Hitchcock and Jason Hickson contributed to the men’s cross country team
Men’s soccer got contributions from freshmen Brian Woodward, Justin Peters, Cody Dupree, Jeff Wallner, Taylor Overstreet, Tyler Brown, Brelon Buckner, and Carlton Poindexter
Women’s soccer got contributions from freshmen Jessica Davis, Kristin Montgomery, Kortney Luaders, Amy Schield, Whitney Scott, Michelle Scally, Lauren Scalise, and Melissa Collins
Freshman Cassie Endicott is playing a lot of minutes for the women’s basketball team
A trio of freshmen are contributing to the men’s basketball team – Danny Zehner, Lawrence Williams, and Ahmad Smith

Career Services

Has your son or daughter utilized the terrific services offered by our professional advisors in the Career Services department yet? If not, please encourage them to do so this semester. Some might think that the freshman year is too early to begin using Career Services. A few years back we had two consultants on campus, directors of the career centers at DePaul University and Arcadia University. One of the main themes of their report was that students do not start using Career Services early enough.

For freshman, the first year in college is the time to begin evaluating their values, interests, personality characteristics and skills, and identify how these relate to potential majors and careers.

Enroll in core courses and identify academic areas and subjects that interest you.
Sign up for a free My Career Connections (MCC) account through the Career Services website, http://www.webster.edu/careers/. MCC is an online database that allows students to search for on and off-campus opportunities and keeps students up-to-date about Career Services events.
Preview the student catalog and review courses. Learn about the academic resources that are available to you at Webster University.
Create a plan by establishing academic goals and objectives.
Identify activities that you enjoy, and try to incorporate at least one of these into your academic and work life.
Work in a part-time or volunteer position to gain career-related skills such as customer service and communication skills, organizational abilities, teamwork, etc.
Participate in programs offered by the Career Services office to learn more about different career fields.
Utilize resources in the library to explore career information.
Talk with people working in careers of interest to you.
Utilize SIGI³, an on-line system of career information, for additional skill and interest assessment, career exploration and job search planning; SIGI³is available through the Career Services website.
If you are still exploring academic and career options, schedule an appointment with the Career Services office for more information.

Students can contact the Career Services office by calling 314-968-6982 or 1-800-981-9805 and schedule an appointment to:

Discuss individual career concerns related to choice of major, choice of career field or career transition.
Arrange to take career assessments which may assist students in identifying their interests and help them to explore career options.
Learn about resources which will help students to explore specific careers and obtain detailed information about job tasks, employment outlook, etc.

Happy New Year!

Sincerely,

Ted Hoef, Ph.D.
Associate Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students
hoeftl@webster.edu

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Tags: Academics, Advice for Parents, Career Services, Student Involvement

Upcoming Events

January 17th, 2012

Athletics

WU Women’s Basketball VS. Principia College

When: Saturday, January 14, 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM

Location: Grant Gymnasium

WU Men’s Basketball VS. Principia College

When: Saturday, January 14, 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM

Location: Grant Gymnasium

WU Women’s Basketball VS. Greenville College

When: Wednesday, January 18, 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM

Location: Greenville College

WU Men’s Basketball VS. Greenville College

When: Wednesday, January 18, 8:00 PM to 10:00 PM

Location: Greenville College

WU Women’s Basketball VS. Fontbonne University

When: Saturday, January 21, 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM

Location: Clayton, MO

WU Men’s Basketball VS. Fontbonne University

When: Saturday, January 21, 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM

Location: Clayton, MO

WU Men’s Basketball VS. Lindenwood University

When: Monday, January 23, 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM

Location: Lindenwood University

WU Men’s and Women’s Track & Field

When: Friday, January 27

Location: Principia Indoor Relays Elsah, IL

WU Women’s Basketball VS. Blackburn College

When: Saturday, January 28, 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM

Location: Carlinville, IL

WU Men’s Basketball VS. Blackburn College

When: Saturday, January 28, 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM

Location: Carlinville, IL

Student Organizations / Campus Departments

Join the MCISA in remembering Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. all week long. https://www.facebook.com/events/315040151874051/

MLK Remembered

When: Tuesday, January 17, 9:00am to 4:30pm
Location: MCISA House

MLK Service Project

When: Wednesday, January 18, 11:00am to 1:00pm
Location: University Center Sunnen Lounge

Trials of A Trailblazer: A discussion with Betty Thompson

When: Thursday, January 19, 7:00pm
Location: University Center Sunnen Lounge

Explore St. Louis: National Archives Documented Rights Exhibit

When: Friday, January 20, 2:30pm
Location: Meet at the MCISA House

** must register for this event see Facebook page for link

Involvement Fair

When: Wednesday, January 25^th, 11:00 to 2:00pm
Location: University Center Commons

Chinese New Year Celebration

When: Thursday, January 26, 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM

Location: University Center Sunnen Lounge

TGIF Excursion: Snow Tubing

When: Friday, January 27, 7:00pm – 10:00pm

Location: Meet at University Center Sunnen Lounge, Transportation to Hidden Valley

** must register for this event – Sign up at the University Center Information Desk

Basketball Intramurals

When: Lists must be in by Friday, January 27, Games Begin Monday January 30^th

Location: Turn Sign-Ups to University Center Information Desk, Games in Grant Gymnasium

Cup of Culture

When: Tuesday, January 31, 2:00 PM

Location: MCISA House

Money Talks

Students often have trouble adjusting to life on their own and may not be prepared to handle financial obligations like living expenses, credit card bills, and, later, student loan payments.

The Webster University Money Talks Program helps participants learn key skills for financial success, and also assists them in developing, implementing, and improving their financial literacy understanding.

The Webster University Money Talks Program comprises a series of three 60-minute instructional Money Talks Seminars with an accompanying online course, www.Financialliteracy101.com. The seminars are designed to be conceptually presented in small chunks of memorable content. Strategies for gaining and holding attention include frequent presenter-audience interaction, so that participants can explore the content in a fun way. The seminars and the online course teach a range of concepts on topics such as managing credit, saving and investing, building spending plans, employee compensation, and how to pay for college costs.

Because of a grant provided by the Missouri Department of Higher Education, Webster University is able to provide both current students, prospective students, and their parents with the opportunity to hone their financial skills in a fun and exciting format.

For more information please visit us online at www.facebook.com/wumoneytalks

Posted in Upcoming Events | No Responses »
Tags: Advice for Parents, Athletics, Financial Aid, Multicultural Programs, Student Involvement

Seasonal Student Issues

January 17th, 2012

Seasonal Student Issues

There’s a seasonal ebb and flow when it comes to student issues. Here are a few things your student may be experiencing this month:

- Feelings of happiness/restlessness from break

- Resolve to do better academically

- Renewed interest in classes

- New leadership skills starting to emerge

- Unwanted weight gains

- Cold weather blues

- Not many social activities scheduled

- Possible roommate changes

Approaching Academics in the New Year

Now that grades have been distributed and your student is preparing for a new term ahead,

there may be some academic concerns to face.

- Reconsidering a Major/Minor. There may be some questioning going on, as your student rethinks her major or minor. Talk through the pros and cons with her, while also suggesting that she discuss it with her academic advisor or another trusted faculty/staff member.

- Failing a Class. Does your student need to retake a course? If so, encourage him to be attentive from day one and to engage the professor should he need assistance. There’s absolutely nothing wrong with that!

- Shaken Confidence. Not doing particularly well academically can shake students’ confidence. Hard work and <<smart>> work will help her get back on track. The learning center and campus counselors can help with a confidence crisis, too.

- Needing More Study Time. Lower grades often mean that students need to study more – and to learn how to maximize their study time. Folks in the learning center can provide tips. Help your student reconsider <<where>> he studies, too. If he sits on his bed, the temptation to nap can be great. If he studies in a noisy lounge, the distractions can be great. Brainstorm other options, from library cubicles to the laundry room, as your student takes a good look at his study mode of operation.

- Focusing Too Much on Grades. If your student is only focusing on grades, rather than what she is learning, she’s not getting the most out of her academics. So, ask her about classes from a “what are you learning?” perspective now and then. Sometimes having to verbalize it can help students really take a look at what they’re getting out of a particular class.

- Not Approaching Professors. Most faculty members have office hours and stick around after class because they want to be available to students. Encourage your student to seek clarification in person if he has questions. Face-to-face encounters are often much more valuable than emailing professors because students become <<known>> that way, in a positive light.

Academics don’t have to be a taboo subject. Reserve judgments when possible so that you can be open to helping your student examine their current approach, both what’s working and what’s not. With your assistance, she can dig into a more positive academic career.

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Tags: Academics, advice for

Leadership Opportunities

January 17th, 2012

Webster LEADS – Certificate program

WebsterLEADS is an on-going application of scholarship and practical leadership experience empowering our diverse student population to develop and excel as global citizens. Through a collaborative process between our students, staff, faculty, and the communities where we live and serve, we prepare our students with the knowledge, education and development to assume leadership on campus, in society and in the global workforce.

Joining WebsterLEADS is simple- contact Lauren (laurenmeyer48@webster.edu) to set up your initial consultation today!

Office Location

130 West Hall (Front Office)

314-246-LEAD (5323)

lead@webster.edu

RA Selection for 2012-2013: Make Your Mark on Webster

PERKS OF THE JOB

Consider the following perks of becoming a Resident Assistant:

Develop leadership skills
Build your resume with transferable skills
Free housing and a stipend

INFO SESSIONS

The Info Session is required in order to pick up an application. FINAL INFO SESSION Wednesday, January 18, 9:30pm, UC Sunnen Lounge

TIMELINE

Tuesday, January 31, 2012: Completed Apps DUE in the WVA Clubhouse Office before 5:00PM
Friday, February 10, 2012: Group Process Interviews from 1-4pm or 5-8pm
February 12-15, 2012: Individual Interviews
Friday, February 17, 2012: Hiring Notifications Emailed to all Candidates

For more information, go to the main housing website: webster.edu/housing, and click on the link, or contact Katie Knetzer at mccombka@webster.edu or 314-246-2031.

Orientation Leader / Connection Leader Selection Process

PERKS OF THE JOB

Consider the following perks of becoming an Orientation Leader / Connection:

Act on behalf of the university welcoming new students
Develop leadership skills
Monetary Stipend

TIMELINE

Friday, February 10, 2012: Completed Applications DUE
February 22-24, 2012: Individual Interviews
Saturday, February 25, 2012: Group Process Interviews from 3-5pm
Friday, March 2, 2012: Hiring Notifications Emailed to all Candidates

For more information, contact Justin Barton at jamesbarton41@webster.edu or 314-246-7966.

Posted in Leadership Opportunities | No Responses »
Tags: housing and residential life, New Student Orientation, Student Involvement

From the Dean of Students’ Desk

April 28th, 2011

Welcome to the final set of postings of the 2010-11 academic year for Staying Connected, our newsletter/blog for parents of first-year students.

Activities
Since my last column, a great deal has happened at Webster. Many wonderful student events have been held, including I-Fest, which featured opportunities for students to explore food, entertainment, dancing, and costumes from all corners of the globe. This was followed by the second largest concert in Webster history, the Springfest concert with Girl Talk performing in front of 750 students and guests from other universities. In Athletics, the golf team won their conference championship and will now compete in the national NCAA tournament. The baseball team, softball team, the men’s and women’s tennis teams, and the track and field teams are all having a strong spring season and will soon wrap up their conference schedules with hopes of advancing to NCAA post-season competition.

A Look Back in Time

Back in May 2008, I wrote the following for the parent newsletter…

“This has been a remarkable year for involvement by first-year students. We had more freshmen nominated for the Mark Govoni Emerging Leader Award than ever before. The nominees included Brooke Benbenek, Nick Dunne, Tyler Holman, Frank Hartfield, Jr., Kacey Hampton, Evan Murray, and Kevin McWilliams. Nick Dunne, a public relations major from Sullivan, Missouri was selected to receive the Govoni Award, which came with a cash prize from SGA. Tyler Holman, a political science major from Jackson, Missouri, received the first year Student Alumni Association Leadership Award. Nick and Tyler were both elected to Student Government for 2008-09, joining other freshmen Kevin McWilliams (vice-president), Kacey Hampton (controller), Heath Adrian (secretary),Brian Porter (director of info technology), Hannah Ingram (senator), Amanda Hanson (senator), and Lydia Schulte (senator).”

Now these students are preparing to graduate on May 7, 2011. With just one or two exceptions, the students mentioned in the paragraph above have had very distinguished careers at Webster, both academically and in leadership involvement around campus. Many of them have been nominated for our top student awards to be presented on April 29. I hope all of your sons and daughters have used their first year as a launching pad for a great next three years. I look forward to cheering for them when they proudly walk across the commencement stage in May 2014.

Feedback

We’d love to get your feedback on this newsletter/blog. What did you find most useful or interesting? What would you suggest that we change, add, or delete? Send your comments to me at hoeftl@webster.edu.

Transition from Freshman to Sophomore Year
Research tells us that the largest group of students leave a university prior to the start of their sophomore year. At Webster, about 20% of freshmen typically do not return for their second year. And we find that most of the students who leave decide to not come back after they finish classes in May. We try to pay close attention to why students decide to leave Webster. And in many cases we are able to resolve problems or issues if we learn about them prior to a student making the final decision to leave. If your son or daughter is contemplating leaving Webster, please encourage them to make us aware of the problems or issues they are facing. We’ll do our best to find the right resources to help them stay. Even if they have already made a firm decision, we’d still like to know why they have decided to leave. This helps us to learn from their experiences and improve Webster for the future. You can email me at hoeftl@webster.edu and I’ll make sure to connect you with the correct resources.

Congratulations to your son or daughter for completing their first year in college. I hope they have a fun and productive summer. Hopefully, we’ll see them back here in the August.

Congratulations to you, too. Your son or daughter is now one year closer to your goal of your student becoming a college graduate.

Have a great summer.

Sincerely,

Ted Hoef, Ph.D.
Associate Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students
hoeftl@webster.edu

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Tags: From the Dean of Students Desk

Student Government Election Results

April 28th, 2011

President	Justin Raymundo	junior
Vice President	Courtney Turner	freshman
Sergeant-at-Arms	Erin King	senior


Secretary	Nicole King	sophomore
Comptroller	Sara Sabaa	junior
Director of Information Technology	Sam Jones	sophomore

Director of Public Relations	Abby Bandelow	junior
Senator, Communications (2)	Jorge El-Azar	freshman
	Erin Hindalong	sophomore

Senator, Arts & Sciences (2)	Kevin Chau	sophomore
	Dana Gruber	senior



Senator, Business & Technology (2)	Akshaya Sharma
	Chris Venable
Senator, Education (2)	Jenni Taylor	junior
	Leigha Brede	senior
Senator, Fine Arts (2)	Katie Maxwell	freshman
	Yvonne Osei	sophomore
Senator, Graduate (2)	Lauren Meyer	grad student

Posted in Student Involvement | No Responses »
Tags: Student Involvement

Webster Parents on Facebook

April 28th, 2011

Join the Webster University Parents Facebook page and get constant updates on news around Webster and event information for all Webster parents.

https://www.facebook.com/?ref=home#!/pages/Webster-University-Parents/157312427664325?sk=wall

Billy Ratz ’02, MA ’06

Alumni & Parent Programs

(P)314-968-7007

ratzwil@webster.edu

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Tags: Advice for Parents, Parent Involvement

A Bigger World

April 28th, 2011

A simple question can help you and your student communicate about some things that really matter: “What is making your world bigger these days?”

For some students, the answer may be meeting people from different cultures or attending diverse activities on campus. Others may have their worlds enhanced by performing community service or championing social justice causes. Or maybe it’s something your student learned in a class that makes him feel the world has opened up a bit.

Your student may also have nothing to share when it comes to this topic. If so, that’s a good time to discuss options he can pursue, from study abroad possibilities to language classes to starting a volunteer gig this summer. Even one action can make the world exponentially larger!

Consider sharing the types of things that make your world bigger, too. A conversation, an experience… there are many things, big and small, that help us grow. By sharing this type of discussion with your student, both of you will have an opportunity to experience a bigger world, too.

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Tags: Advice for Parents

Prescription Meds: Illegal Use During Finals Time

April 28th, 2011

About 15.2 million Americans aged 12 and older had taken a prescription pain reliever, tranquilizer, stimulant or sedative for non-medical purposes at least once when surveyed in 2008, according to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health. Included in that number are college students who are “pharming”—or taking prescription meds illegally—for purposes such as staying awake longer, being able to pull all-nighters, self-medicating for anxiety or depression, enhancing their sports stamina or ramping up to enjoy the “high.”

Prescription drug abuse means taking a prescription medication that is not prescribed for you, or taking it for reasons or in dosages other than as prescribed, says the National Institute on Drug Abuse. Commonly abused classes of prescription medications include:

Opioids (for pain)—including drugs such as Vicodin, OxyContin, Dilaudid, Demerol and Lomotil
Central Nervous System Depressants (for anxiety and sleep disorders)—including barbiturates such as Nembutal, and benzodiazepines such as Valium and Xanax
Stimulants (for ADHD, obesity and narcolepsy)—including drugs such as Dexedrine, Ritalin, Concerta and Adderall

Long-term use of opioids or central nervous system depressants can lead to physical dependence and addiction. Opioids can produce drowsiness, constipation and, depending on the amount taken, can depress breathing. Central nervous system depressants slow down brain function; if combined with other medications that cause drowsiness or with alcohol, heart rate and respiration can slow down dangerously. Taken repeatedly or in high doses, stimulants can cause anxiety, paranoia, dangerously high body temperatures, irregular heartbeat or seizures.

This is all good to be aware of during this final push, when students may be tempted to take prescription medications illegally to pull all-nighters and study hard. It’s not good for them, it’s dangerous and good grades aren’t worth the physical risk.

Posted in Seasonal Student Issues | No Responses »
Tags: Academics, Advice for Parents, Health, Safety