From the Dean of Student’s Desk

Dear Parents,

Good things have been happening at Webster University this Fall semester. In fact, it has been one of our most exciting openings of the academic year ever. After the 104? heat on new resident move- in day, the temperature cooled and we have enjoyed some really nice weather.

This is our first issue of the new Webster University Newsletter for Parents of First-Year Students. Whew – that’s a long title! We hope to publish this newsletter at least once every eight weeks. If you’re wondering how we got your email address, we collected that information from you during the Summer Freshmen Registration Days.

The new Emerson Library is open and many students are using it to study, to do research, to get an iced latte?, or to just curl up with a good book in a comfy chair next to a window overlooking the quad.

The Quad and Library Plaza are now completely landscaped, with beautiful green sod and new trees and shrubs. What a difference from the dusty construction zone that you may have seen during new student orientation! It all looks great. Landscaping, wider sidewalks, new lighting, and emergency call boxes have been added along Garden Avenue from the Garden Park Plaza (parking garage) all the way west to the Quad.

Unfortunately, there is still dust in the air. The City of Webster Groves is completely re-constructing Edgar Road. This is the road that bisects the campus from Big Bend on the north to the University Center on the south. The roadway, sidewalks, and drainage systems are all being replaced. When it is finished in late October or early November, it will be a big improvement. But for now, the road is closed and the area surrounding the road is a dusty mess.

There is a great deal of energy on campus this year. Students are really getting involved in the life of the University. More students than ever attended the Involvement Fair and signed up for student clubs and organizations. Seven freshmen ran for office in the Student Government elections, of these four won. New students have also been busy working at on-campus jobs, meeting new friends, getting to know their professors, and settling into their new routines.

The Fall semester break is coming up October 20-24. Many resident students will come home or travel during this week. The break from classes provides a good opportunity for the parents of both resident and commuter students to talk about the first eight weeks. I urge you to ask your son or daughter about what they’re doing and how things are going. It is a good idea for parents to show interest and support in the new student’s activities and academic pursuits. I also suggest that you encourage your son or daughter to get involved and attend campus events, if they have yet to do so. If they have questions or concerns about something at the University, please encourage them to talk with the appropriate campus staff or faculty member.

When new students have a concern about a policy or procedure on campus, the first person they often turn to is a parent. Sometimes, they’re just looking to vent before seeking a solution on their own. Parents can be good partners with the University in helping students to grow and develop by doing three things when this happens. First, listen. Second, encourage your son or daughter to be proactive in seeking a solution themselves. We have many resources here to help students resolve any problems. Third, resist the temptation to pick up the phone and seek to solve the problem for the student. It is best for the student to learn how to solve their problems on their own and campus offices will be able to be much more effective if they have a chance to work with the student directly.

Thanks to Jenn Christ, a senior media communications major and Joel Berberich, a junior computer science major for coordinating this newsletter.

Best wishes for a wonderful fall season!

Sincerely,

Ted Hoef
Dean of Students

Comments and Suggestions
We hope to publish this Webster University Newsletter for Parents of First-Year Students at least once every eight weeks. If you have questions, comments, or suggestions for future newsletters, please send them to hoeftl@webster.edu. We look forward to your comments and suggestions.