New UG Advising Course
Academic Advising Director Tom Nickolai and Senior Academic Advisor Tyann Cherry demonstrated the new online Undergraduate Advising Course for the recent meeting of the Extended Campus 
Advisory Council (ECAC) at the home campus. The course, which was a joint project of Academic Advising and the Online Learning Center, is a multi-media self-paced introduction to all facets of advising at the undergraduate level.
Westport/WingHaven Senior Director Mary Kunde Smith was a member of the pilot group that tested the course. She called it "fantastic" and particularly liked the fact that you can take the course little by little in order to digest the information, which is considerable.
Work is already under way to develop a Graduate Advising Course using the same model. That course is expected to be ready next spring and will replace the current guided course.
Those interested in taking the Undergraduate Advising Course need permission from their site directors, who should contact Tyann Cherry for enrollment instructions.
Commencement at Orlando...
The 15th annual commencement was held on October 31 for Webster’s North and South Orlando campuses at the Linda Chapin Theater. The commencement speaker was Dr. Elizabeth Stroble marking her first opportunity to attend an extended campus graduation since becoming president.
While the focus for the trip was graduation (as you see in the photos), Dr. Stroble did find time to tour the South Orlando Campus. Pictured from the tour are Dr. Stroble, Dr. Tom Janke, Regional Director, Central Florida and Dr.David Dunlap, Regional Director, South Carolina.
...and at Myrtle Beach
Webster's Myrtle Beach campus held their graduation ceremony last month. Special guests included SBT Dean Benjamin Akande (pictured here with Myrtle Beach Senior Director Tim Groza).
The Myrtle Beach campus was one of the first campuses to take advantage of the opportunity to borrow our beautiful commencement banners:
In addition to the banners shown here, three other 3X8 foot banners are available: one horizontal banner with the Webster logo and specialized vertical banners for the School of Business & Technology and the School of Communications. These banners can be requested for use at your campus when you fill out the Extended Campus Graduation Information Form.
Ocala Cooks Webster's Ocala campus recently volunteered at the Marion County Chili Cook Off as part of their Webster Works Worldwide project. |
They helped in the children’s area, at the bake sale, and sold raffle tickets. Not only were faculty and staff active this day, but students, alumni, and community members volunteered on behalf of Webster University as well. Despite the 95 degree weather combined with hot chili, a fantastic time was had by all! |
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From Lakeland:
About 20 students, staff and alumni from the Lakeland campus got together on Halloween to paint a house for Habitat for Humanity. "Webster was in the air, on the floor, in the closet," says CRC Sheree Saulter. "Whatever we had to do, we did it!" She says it was a great experience. "Go, WEBSTER!"
From Memphis:
The Memphis site participated in the 15th Annual Webster Works Worldwide event on October 31. They teamed up with Millington City Beautiful Commission to pick up litter in Millington, TN. It was a great time of fun and fellowship among the Millington Community.
Dates to Remember Nov 20 --Withdrawal deadline for Fall semester classes (UG/MAT) Nov 26-27 --Thanksgiving Break Nov 27 --Withdrawal deadline for Fall 2 classes (MA/MS/MBA) Dec 4 --Withdrawal deadline for Fall 2 classes (UG/MAT) Dec 18 --Fall classes end Dec 31 --Fall grades due |
Looking Ahead
As fall classes draw to a close and you prepare for the upcoming holidays, you may 
also be making plans for the new academic year. We have posted academic calendars for the next three academic years for domestic and international campuses on the University Web site. You can access them from the Academics home page, as well as from the Academic Affairs Calendar page.
REMINDER FROM HUMAN RESOURCES
The deadline for submitting your insurance enrollments to Human Resources for a January 1, 2010 effective date is Friday, November 13, 2009. To continue coverage in the medical insurance plan you must complete a new medical Enrollment Form as well as a Payroll Authorization form. Questions about your benefit plan enrollments may be sent via email to: humanresources@webster.edu.
Reminder About Upcoming Graduations
In addition to requesting banners for your ceremony, you may also request other materials, as well as speakers and other guests from main campus. This is all done on the Extended Campus Graduation Information Form that you submit at least eight weeks before your ceremony.
Also, please remember to submit your Upcoming Graduation Dates form, which has been updated to include fields for Spring graduation dates. This form should be submitted by December 4.
Different, But Still the Same
Tami who??? Tami the Mime is also known as Tami Minley. She once was Tami Higdon, but that was then. Please make note of this change in your records. 
ALSO, your humble editor has had an e-mail address change. Please make note that the new e-mail address for DeLyle Bowen is delylebowen08@webster.edu.
Are you waiting for your VA Education Benefits? 
Please pass on this information to your Veteran students:
The Department of Veterans Affairs has made funds available for Veteran students who are still awaiting their education benefit claim to be processed. Eligible veterans can receive up to a $3000 advance, which will be recouped from future benefit payments.
If you are a student who applied for one of VA’s education programs and have not yet received your monthly benefit payment for the Fall 2009 term, you can request a one-time advance payment at your local VA Regional Office or through VA’s Web site. For more on available emergency benefits, visit the VA's Educational Benefits Payment Request Site.
Study Abroad Resources on Parental Involvement
Study Abroad Coordinator Kim McGrath and Advisor Carrie Mosebach recently presented at the NAFSA: Association of International Educators Region IV Conference in Rochester, MN. Their session was a discussion of parental involvement in Study Abroad. You can read more about their presentation at Inside Webster.
Visit the Study Abroad Resources for Parents page for ideas on putting parent resources together on your Web site. Also, if you would like a copy of the Powerpoint presentations or a list of resources on the topic, write to Kim at mcgratki@webster.edu.
Appeals Process
So you have a student who has applied to Webster University and is now denied because they earned their bachelor’s degree from a non-accredited university. The appeals process is their next step if they are truly committed to earning their master’s degree from Webster University. While the appeals process is the same as before, the person to whom you must send the documentation has changed. The complete process is as follows:
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Please note that this policy applies to continental US non-accredited institutions, not to foreign entities. Therefore the appeals process is also available to the international campuses. |
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The Webster Family Tree
Welcome to those staff members who recently joined the Webster family:
None to report at this time
Farewell to those departing:
Sonia Sigl, Coordinator, Fairchild AFB, Washington
Linda Strickland, General Clerk, Lackland AFB, Texas
Congratulations to those staff members who have recently "branched out" within the Webster family:
None to report at this time
We would like to hear from you!
Email the
Office of Academic Affairs
with your news, comments, suggestions, ideas, and insights.
Look for our
Next Issue
the week of
November 30, 2009
due to Thanksgiving Holiday
