Office of First-Year Experience and Family Programs

Whether you are a freshman or transfer student, Webster University wants to ensure you are thriving in your new environment. The Office of First-Year Experience and Family Programs provides resources, services and programs for first-year students and family members of undergraduate students that promote student success.

Orientation

Webster University’s Office of First-Year Experience and Family Programs offers a different orientation experience for both first-year freshmen and transfer students.

No matter if you join Webster in the Fall or Spring semesters, we are excited for you to join the Gorlok family and orientation is the start of the journey. Transfer Orientation is for all incoming admitted transfer students and is designed to provide you with information about academic resources, campus resources, student life, safety and other resources that are particular to Webster University in an online format.

If you have questions or need assistance, please contact us at welcome@webster.edu or call 314-246-2598.

Taking place the weekend before classes start in August, our mandatory orientation encompasses various programs for first-year freshmen. There are a series of activities that provide a jump-start to your campus life, allowing you to explore campus and make connections.

A spring orientation is also offered for new first-time freshmen the Friday before classes start every January.

If you have questions or need assistance, please contact us at welcome@webster.edu or call 314-246-2598.

Students with the Gorlok mascot

Learning Communities

The Learning Community (LC) program consists of co-enrolling students in purposefully paired courses in their first fall semester at Webster University. These courses are specifically selected for the learning community and based on a topical interest or an area of academic study. Through these Learning Communities, you will participate in activities inside and outside of the classroom that will enhance your learning and a greater connection to the Webster University community. Ask about Learning Communities during your Gorlok Registration and Orientation Workshop (GROW) to learn more!

Diverse group of students sit on and around a couch in a dorm apartment, posing for camera.

Current LCs

(Re)Building a Life
Business Minded
Communication is Key
Creative Exploration
The Pen & the Cape
Transformative Educators
Social Justice

Webster Connections

“Four years after I was in the Learning Community, I am still good friends with the people who were in it with me.”

Ashley Schmied, Lifelong Learning Learning Community Alum

BA in Secondary Education, emphasis in English, '17

Webster 101

Webster 101 is a course offered to all freshman students registering for the fall semester, and mandatory for Learning Communities. This course helps guide freshman students through the transition into college and teaches new students how to foster independence and responsibility, as well as how to navigate their new college journey at Webster University.

Peer Mentors at Webster University

Peer Mentors

Peer Mentors are a select group of upperclassmen who assist all first-year freshman, transfer, and international students with their transition to Webster University. Each student has a Peer Mentor assigned to them to help foster an engaging environment. All Learning Communities are also assigned a Peer Mentor to help create an even stronger sense of community.

Throughout your first semester, your Peer Mentor will be reaching out to offer guidance and support, don’t be shy to ask for their assistance!

Several family members wearing blue and yellow scarves

Family Programs

Webster University aspires to include undergraduate students’ parents and families in the life of the University. Recognizing the important role families play in the success of their children's college experience, an engaged family makes for an engaged student.

FAMILY Programs

Contact the Office of First-Year Experience and Family Programs

Billy Ratz