Frequently Asked Questions

What learning communities are available?

How do I apply?







































What learning communities are available?
There are several forms of Learning Communities on Webster’s campus.  There are two academically related LC and one thematic LC.  Please click the links below to find out more about the individual LC.

Communications

Biology

Pathways: Exploring Options and Making Connections

Communications
The School of Communications at Webster University operates with one goal in mind — to educate and prepare its students to excel as skilled professionals in a global field of communications.

To achieve this goal, the school takes a hands-on approach to learning. Students work with professional-grade media equipment as early as their freshman year. Internships connect students with more than 300 employers across the nation. And most students graduate with a professional portfolio in hand.

The students in the Communications LC would be taking the following academic courses:

MEDC 1010 Introduction to Mass Communications (3)
Students learn the history, development, and impact of the mass media, including print, photography, film, radio, and television and digital media. The course focuses on communication theories and research, media systems, structure and ethics, the relationship between the media and society, and future directions in media communications.

EPMD 1000 Introduction to Media Production (3)
Students learn the basics of media production using the media tools of photography, film, video, audio production, and interactive media. Students apply these fundamentals by participating in hands-on group projects.

MEDC 1050 Introduction to Media Writing (3)
Students learn the basics of media writing formats, the style, structure, and techniques involved in print journalism, scriptwriting, advertising, public relations writing, critical writing, and writing for interactive media.

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Biology
The Department of Biological Sciences extends a warm welcome to all our students. The department's first priority is to facilitate your learning process as you advance in your course work during the four years you are at Webster as an undergraduate.  The department's faculty place teaching as the foremost consideration in their commitment to you as a student. Small class size and opportunity for individualized help are important components to your educational goals. Everyone in the department looks forward to getting acquainted with you and being a part of your life, not only for the time you are at Webster, but as friends after you graduate.

The students in the Biology LC would be taking the following academic courses:

BIOL 1550 01
Will focus on structure, function, and biological processes in bacteria, viruses, and the animal kingdom. Laboratory required. BIOL 1550 and BIOL 1551 must be taken concurrently. Prerequisite: CHEM 1100 concurrently or equivalent. Limited to majors in the sciences or by permission of the instructor. (SCI)

CHEM 1100 01
An introduction to the general principles of modern chemistry. The major topics discussed include atomic and molecular structure, chemical bonding, stoichiometry, gases, solutions, and thermochemistry. In addition, the important classes of solution-phase reactions (acid-base, precipitation, and oxidation-reduction) are also treated. Laboratory required. CHEM 1100 and CHEM 1101 must be taken concurrently. Prerequisites: MATH 1430, College Algebra, concurrently or equivalent. (SCI)

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Pathways: Exploring Options and Making Connections
This LC is designed to assist undeclared students to effectively explore options during the freshman year and make good decisions about what major to pursue.  These students will enjoy the most exciting way to experience the freshman year, while building strong relationships with other first-year students, getting actively involved in campus live right away, and achieving academic success.  This LC will assist students in deciding major by exploring the academic majors and will assist them in making informed decisions that will help them through the rest of their academic career.

 The students in the Pathways LC would be taking the following academic courses:

INDZ 1500 - University 101
Prerequisite: first time freshman status. University 101 is designed as an introduction to college life and is intended for first year students. This course will help the first year student make the most of his/her career at Webster University. Using various assessments and exercises, each student will develop a deeper understanding of him/herself and use that understanding to learn adaptation strategies, such as goal setting, values clarification, time management, money management, and stress management skills that will work for each student in and out of the classroom. Each student will also learn how to use the many resources Webster provides to support students in meeting both academic and social challenges.

PHIL 1010 Introduction to Critical Thinking
Emphasizes identifying the techniques of critical analysis and analyzing arguments in a variety of short essays, most of them not by professional philosophers. Gives special attention to educating students to distinguish between their own beliefs as to the truth or falsity of a claim and the validity of the arguments offered in support of that claim.

GNST 1200
These interdisciplinary seminars for freshmen combine academic inquiry with supplemental programs that foster students' educational and personal development during the first year of college. Topics vary and include interdisciplinary offerings in the humanities, arts, and sciences. Classes are small and require substantial student participation. Emphasis is on developing and improving fundamental academic skills, including critical thinking and communications (the ability to write, read, listen, and speak effectively).

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How do I apply?
Biology and Communications
–Placement into these LC will be done through the housing application process.  First Time Freshman Housing and LC applications will be available January 1.  There is a general housing application that you may download from our main housing website.  You will also find a link to the LC application.  You must turn in a LC application along with the housing application to be considered for a LC space.  LC spaces will be filled on a first come first serve basis after application review.  There are limited spaces for both communities so you will want to send in your applications ASAP.

 Pathways
–The pathways program selection process is done through a separate application process.  Students interested in the Pathways program should fill out an application and return it to:

Webster University
Attn: Sarah Tetley, Housing and Residential Life
470 E. Lockwood Ave.
Saint Louis, MO  63119

There is also a limited amount of space for the pathways learning community.  Applications should be completed and turned in as soon as possible.

Housing Application
Biology and Communications Learning Communities Application
Pathways Application

Application Review
After we receive your application it will be reviewed by faculty and staff in the designated LC program.  Your application will be reviewed and selected based on the below criteria:

-Genuine Interest in the Program
-How you hope to use the LC for your college and post-college success
-What you can offer the LC to benefit everyone involved in the community

Placement on the floor
If you application is selected you will then be placed on the assigned floor.  The Biology and Communications floor is designated in Maria Hall, and Pathways is designated for West Hall.  You will also be placed with a roommate based on your personal data sheet, in order to provide the best residential match.  There will be between 20-30 students placed on the LC floor.

Placement in your classes
After you are placed in the LC and on the residential floor, we will work with Academic Advising to place you in the linked courses with the other members of your floor and LC.  Each LC is paired with 2-3 courses.  You will be pre-registered into these courses before you attend the orientation sessions over the summer.  At that point your academic advising will help you put together the rest of your schedule around the LC courses.

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