Welcome to the Kansas City Metropolitan Campus of Webster University.This Handbook was designed as a convenient resource to let you know about our Kansas City Metropolitan Campus administrative policies and to answer some of the questions you may have as you pursue your studies.
It's arranged in alphabetical order, so you'll be able to find information quickly.
You will also want to consult Webster's undergraduate or graduate catalog, since this Handbook is a supplement to that information.
The faculty, academic advisors, and administrative staff are eager to assist you as you achieve your educational goals. We are particularly interested in assuring that this campus meets and stays current with the needs of our community. Your input, as well as advice from community and business leaders, will help us accomplish this.
Please let us know how we can help. My door is always open, and I look forward to meeting you.
I wish you well in your coursework and in the accomplishment of this very important life goal. I hope that, as you complete your program, you will be proud to be part of the worldwide network of outstanding Webster University alumni.
A warm welcome,
Carolyn J. Cottrell Ph.D., Regional Director
Contents Webster University's MissionWebster University is an independent, non-denominational, comprehensive institution of higher education. The University emphasizes excellence in teaching and offers undergraduate and graduate programs in the liberal arts, the fine and performing arts, education, and business.
Webster University:
- Fosters in its students a lifelong desire to learn and a commitment to contribute actively to their communities and to the world.
- Blends the intellectual and cultural legacies of the past with a pragmatic concern for meeting the challenges of the present and the future.
- Encourages in its students a critical cast of mind, a respect for diversity, and an understanding of their own and others' values.
- Creates a student-centered environment, accessible to individuals of diverse ages, cultures, and socio-economic backgrounds.
- Sustains a personalized approach to education through small classes and close relationships among faculty and students.
- Develops educational programs that join theory and practice and instill in students the spirit of systematic inquiry.
- Encourages creativity, scholarship, and individual enterprise in its students and faculty.
- Promotes international perspectives in curriculum, students, and faculty.
- Educates diverse populations locally, regionally, nationally, and internationally.
- Enriches itself through service to social, civic, cultural, corporate, and educational organizations.
Established in 1915 in St. Louis, Webster University opened its first Kansas City location at Loretto Academy in 1972 to provide the Master of Arts in Teaching. The program at Richards-Gebaur Air Force Base followed in 1974. Initially, the graduate program was designed to meet the advanced educational needs of career military officers. However, civilian requests for admission to the master's program became so numerous, classes were opened to the community.
In the formative years, administrative offices were located at the Country Club Plaza, with classes held at other locations. Administrative offices and classroom facilities were combined in 1979 at 7920 Ward Parkway.
Undergraduate programs began in 1980 with the Bachelor of Science in Nursing at St. Luke's Hospital; the Bachelor of Arts in Management was added in 1984.
Continued growth resulted in the move to larger facilities at 9140 Ward Parkway in 1984. Again to meet enrollment increases, this campus was expanded in 1987.
In 1992 the Kansas City Metropolitan Campus moved to 1740 West 92nd Street. In 2003 the Campus moved to its current location at 1200 E. 104th Street, Suite 100. The current campus was designed for Webster University as an educational facility.
Academic AdvisingSchedule an appointment with an Academic Advisor at the beginning of your course of study and, as required, during enrollment. Specifically, meet with an advisor before deviating from your program plan, and annually to monitor or update your plan.
When you enroll, an advisor can help you determine if you are enrolling for the program that will best meet your needs, draft your program plan (This plan lists all the courses you will take -- in what order -- to complete your program.), and answer any other questions you may have.
- If you need to deviate from your program plan, see your advisor to be sure that the deviation is consistent with your program objectives and update your program plan to reflect the change you wish to make.
- Make sure you understand what the change will mean in terms of your projected completion date and that you will be able to get the courses you need to graduate in a timely manner. When you have completed one year of courses, schedule an appointment with your advisor to check your plan to make sure it is still on target.
Advisors also are charged with helping you resolve problems. If you have a problem with a course or a faculty member, meet with that faculty member to try to resolve the problem. If you cannot, you may contact an Academic Advisor to help you. Advisors also can explain and assist you with academic policies and procedures.
A graduate student who receives a grade of "C" in a course or an undergraduate student who receives a grade of "D" should schedule an academic advising appointment to review the potential impact of the grade on their program. Students can refer to the probation and dismissal section of the graduate and undergraduate catalogue.
Academic CalendarFor the latest dates, please visit the current Academic Calendar.
Academic LoadYou may normally take only two courses during a term. With our five-term format (Summer, Fall I, Fall II, Spring I, and Spring II), that means you can complete as many as 30 semester hours of credit toward your degree in one year. Also, you may take one-credit hour Friday/Saturday professional seminars, which are offered throughout the year. A total of three seminars hours of seminars may be counted toward degree requirements.
You may request an exception to the two-course/term limitation with approval by the Academic Director. This requires completion of a Program Option Request with justification for the exception.
Americans With Disabilities ActStudents with disabilities are welcome. The facility provides access for handicapped students.
AttendanceStudents are expected to attend all class sessions of every course. The student is subject to appropriate academic penalty for incomplete or unacceptable makeup work or for excessive or unexcused absences. Note: As a general guideline, after a student has missed four hours (one term session) of class, the faculty evaluates impact of the absence on the student's learning.
If a student has two absences, the instructor should consider failing the student or lowering the student's grade significantly. If there are three or more absences, the student normally receives an F for the course. If an emergency occurs, leading to the absence, it is the student's responsibility to contact the instructor.
Class Sessions: All classes must meet the entire period a course is scheduled to meet. It is important that courses meet four hours a night for eight to nine weeks or as otherwise scheduled in the course schedule.
Career CenterWebster University, St Louis provides career center services from St Louis. Interested students are encouraged to contact the Career Center at 800-981-9805. A new service has been established to support students/alumni of Webster extended campuses. JOBTRAK, an on-line resource for job seekers. Students may register their resume in the JOBTRAK database plus review job listing and company profiles. Access to JOBTRAK is at www.jobtrak.com or Webster web site at:
http://www.webster.edu/careers/
ComputersComputers and laser printers are available for student use in the drop-in centers on the 1st and 2nd floors with a variety of software programs, Internet access and connection to Westlaw database.
Diplomas and Final TranscriptsYour diploma will be mailed to you by the Registrar at the St. Louis campus by priority mail within six weeks of your graduation.
If you need an official final transcript, noting conferral of your degree, immediately after the posting of the final grades of your final class, you may request it by writing a note to the Registrar. These requests are given priority. Request will be made on a transcript request form and the initial transcript will be provided at no cost.
Drop/Add ProceduresYou may add a class before its second meeting. You will need to work with the instructor to make up the first class.
To drop a class, talk with one of the office staff.
Here is the tuition refund policy.
For 8 and 9-Week Classes |
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Action
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When | Refund Percent |
| DROP | Week 1 and 2 | 100% |
| WITHDRAWAL | Week 3 | 50% |
| Week 4 | 25% | |
| Weeks 5 through 9 | NO REFUND | |
Click here for current Refund Policy dates
Drug and Alcohol PolicyUnder the provisions of the Drug Free Schools and Communities Act Amendments of 1989, Public Law 101-226, all schools, colleges, and universities must implement and enforce drug prevention programs and policies as a condition of eligibility for federal financial assistance. The law further requires the annual distribution of written policies to each enrolled student. Accordingly, the Drug and Alcohol Policy of Webster University is as follows.
Policy StatementIt is the goal of Webster University to protect the public health and environment of its members by promoting an environment free of illicit drug use and alcohol abuse.
The manufacture, distribution, possession, or use of illicit drugs, and the unlawful possession, use, or distribution of alcohol on any Webster University campus or at any University event is prohibited.
Violation of this policy will be handled according to existing University policies and procedures governing the conduct of students, staff, and faculty.
Standards of Conduct-Illicit Drugs: The unlawful manufacture, possession, distribution, or use of illicit drugs, on any Webster University campus or site by University students, employees, or their guests is prohibited.
Standards of Conduct-Alcohol: Federal legislation prohibits the unlawful possession, use, or distribution of alcohol. The laws of all states are in compliance with federal law, which prohibits persons under 21 years of age from the possession or use of alcohol. Foreign countries in which Webster University operates fully accredited programs may have laws which vary from U.S. federal and state laws.
The Senior Director, Kansas City Metropolitan Campuses maintains standards governing the allowable use of alcohol on campus and at campus events.
Legal SanctionsDrugs: In the U.S., the manufacture, possession, sale, distribution, and use of illicit drugs is prohibited by city, county, state, and federal law. Sanctions range from small fines to life imprisonment, depending on the type of drug and several other factors.
Alcohol: Each state has specific statutes which detail sanctions for the illegal purchase or possession of intoxicating liquor. In Missouri, violation of state statutes governing the use or possession of alcohol may result in fines of between $50 and $1,000 and/or imprisonment for a maximum of one year. County and municipal ordinances contain similar prohibitions and sanctions. For additional information, contact the Senior Director/Administration.
Health RisksDrugs: Severe health risks, including death, are associated with the use of illicit drugs.
Alcohol: Abuse of alcohol can produce severe health risks, including death. Alcohol consumption causes a number of marked changes in behavior. Even low doses significantly impair the judgment and coordination required to drive a car safely, increasing the likelihood that the driver will be involved in an accident. Low to moderate doses of alcohol also increase the incidence of a variety of aggressive acts, including spouse and child abuse. Moderate to high doses of alcohol cause marked impairments in higher mental functions, severely altering a person's ability to learn and remember information. Very high doses cause respiratory depression and death. If combined with other depressants of the central nervous system, much lower doses of alcohol will produce the effects just described.
Repeated use of alcohol can lead to dependence. Sudden cessation of alcohol intake is likely to produce withdrawal symptoms, including severe anxiety, tremors, hallucinations, and convulsions. Alcohol withdrawal can be life-threatening. Long-term consumption of large quantities of alcohol, particularly when combined with poor nutrition, can also lead to permanent damage to vital organs such as the brain and the liver.
Mothers who drink alcohol during pregnancy may give birth to infants with fetal alcohol syndrome. These infants have irreversible physical abnormalities and mental retardation. In addition, research indicates that children of alcoholic parents are at greater risk than other youngsters of becoming alcoholics.
The Kansas City Metropolitan Campus Senior Director can provide information and guidance on locally available drug and/or alcohol counseling, treatment, or rehabilitation programs. All such contacts are strictly confidential.
Disciplinary SanctionsDifferent disciplinary procedures are applicable to faculty, staff, and students. Violations of the standards of conduct will be dealt with on a case-by-case basis with the imposition of discipline being appropriate to the severity of the violation. For each group comprising the University community, there are certain common sanctions that could be applied in an appropriate case. These common sanctions include letters of reprimand, probation, and severance of ties with the University, through expulsion or termination. Normally, opportunity for referral to an appropriate rehabilitation program occurs and is usually associated with the first offense. Referral for prosecution will undoubtedly occur only for the most serious violations.
Enrollment/RegistrationEnrollment begins approximately four weeks prior to the first day of classes for the term. Current students should enroll early. Classes sometimes fill quickly and close. To select your class(es), consult your program plan.
Faculty/Course EvaluationsAt the end of a course, you may be asked to complete an evaluation questionnaire. This evaluation is a critical part of our continuing effort to improve the quality of our educational programs. Your input helps us in achieving a high quality of instruction and provides us with valuable insights to improve instruction. Evaluations are tabulated and comments are typed verbatim before they are provided to an instructor. The Academic Director and instructor each receive a typed copy of the composite evaluation for a class, but only after the instructor has submitted grades for the term.
Financial AidIf you are interested in finding out more about financial aid, contact the Financial Aid Advisor in the office for forms and information.
Undergraduates may apply for:
- grants, which do not require repayment, and/or
- Stafford Student Loans, which require repayment of principle and interest payments.
Graduate students may apply for the Stafford Student Loan.
Grading PoliciesEach instructor sets the parameters for the course requirements and letter grades for his/her course. You should take a look at the undergraduate and graduate catalogs for an explanation of the letter grade systems.
You should receive your grade three to four weeks after the course ends. If you need to know your final grade in a course more quickly in order to be reimbursed, pick up a postcard in the office, address and stamp it, and give it to your instructor for mailing.
If you withdraw after the end of the 6th week of the term, the entry F will be made on your transcript. F indicates work that is unacceptable at both the graduate or undergraduate levels.
www.webster.edu/registration.htmlGraduation
When you register for your last term of study, you must fill out a petition to graduate and an evaluation form. You also must remit the $50 graduation fee.
At the end of the Spring 2 term, the Kansas City campus conducts a cap and gown graduation ceremony for all its graduates from the past academic year. This program honors graduating students and allows them to celebrate their achievement with family and friends who have supported their educational endeavors. A reception is held following the ceremony.
Diplomas are issued only after all requirements for graduation have been met and all accounts paid in full. They are issued three times a year to graduates in BA/BSN and MAT programs. MA and MBA confer degrees after each term (five times a year) to graduate students.
Honors and AwardsUndergraduates may be recognized for academic excellence on the College Dean's List, which is compiled for fall (Fall 1 and Fall 2) and spring (Spring 1 and Spring 2) academic semesters. To qualify, you must complete at least 12 credit hours during the semester (You must have received regular letter grades for at least 6 credit hours.)
- have received no incomplete grades during the semester.
- have completed 64 or more credit hours
- be in the top 10% of your class, as defined by the current semester's GPA
- have taken at least one 300- or 400-level course not in your area of concentration or related areas, as defined by the University.
Graduate students may be recognized as Distinguished Graduates. To qualify, you must have received grades of A in all your coursework during your graduate degree program (including transfer credit). Transferred courses which were ungraded will not preclude recognition if all other grades are A. However, a student who repeats a course in which an NC was earned and subsequently earns an A and who has earned A's in all other coursework will not qualify.
Webster University Alumni Association in St. Louis sponsors the Outstanding Graduate and Undergraduate Student Awards. Faculty nominate the students, and the criteria include leadership qualities and distinguished contributions in one's program, the student body, or surrounding community during enrollment at Webster.
Identification CardsVisit the administrative office to obtain your picture identification card.
Library FacilitiesThe Learning Resource Center is located on the second floor across from the cafe. It is open during office hours.
Available are:
- Magazines, Journal, and Periodicals. Papers, including USA Today and The Wall Street Journal are available in the administrative office.
- "Passports" an online integrated research system, is accessible from campus, home or office via the internet. FirstSearch databases and InfoTrac Searchbank (includes: Expanded Academic, General Business File, Health Index) and other computer databases are available. The Eden-Webster Library and the "Passports" site can be accessed at http://library.webster.edu.
- Access to Westlaw, a source covering legal and factual information. Reference shelves, which include the Publication manual of the American Psychological Association, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, Hospital Literature Index, Computer Literature Index, Business Information Sources, Almanac of Consumer markets, Black's Law Dictionary, Taber's Cyclopedic Medical Dictionary.
- Computers with internet access, and laser printer capabilities.
PARKING POLICY
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Register your vehicle/s (see Tiffany or Lauren) and display your parking sticker at the bottom right-hand corner (passenger side) of your vehicle's rear window. Parking stickers are free.
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All Heritage and Webster University students (except those with a handicap tag) will receive RED stickers and will use the RED LOTS across 104th Street and east of the 1300 building during daytime business hours.
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All Heritage and Webster University staff and faculty (and students with a handicap tag) will be issued WHITE stickers and will use the WHITE lot (adjacent to the building at 1200 E. 104th Street) during all operating hours.
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No one - faculty, staff, or students - may park in VISITOR spaces AT ANY TIME. Those with a handicap license or tag may use spaces marked for them. Do not park in spaces designated for 1300 E. 104th Street during daytime business hours.
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After 4:45 p.m., Webster students may park anywhere; if there are spaces on the WHITE lot, they may park there, except in Fire Lanes, Handicap spaces or Webster or Heritage Visitor spaces.
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Cars parked "illegally" or without the proper sticker designation will be issued a warning. Second offense will result in a ticket. Third offense, you will be towed.
The University accepts payment in full at the time of your registration. Make your check payable to Webster University. You must sign a charge slip for each payment; there are no automatic charges.
Deferred PaymentContact Webster University payment plan at:
https://www.aeswebaccess.com/aes/welcome.asp?SCode=Webster0614
Direct PaymentYour employer must provide a letter to the University authorizing direct billing by the University for payment of your tuition.
Company ReimbursementsIf your company reimburses you after you successfully complete your course, a signed tuition approval application is needed at registration. Then, after you complete your course, apply for reimbursement from your company, following its procedures.
PlacementAlthough the KC Metro campus does not provide placement services, you make contact Career Services in St Louis for assistance.
http://www.webster.edu/careers/
Reproduction FacilitiesA copy machine is available on the second floor for student use. It is located down the hall on the left of the cafe area.
SecurityThe Campus provides a uniformed security guard on duty from 6:45 to 10:15 p.m. Monday through Thursday during all academic terms.
Smoking PolicyThe University smoking policy reflects the Missouri Smoke-Free Air Act, which became effective August 28, 1992, and city ordinances. You may not smoke in the building. If you smoke outdoors, please dispose of cigarettes in the available receptacles.
Syllabus
During registration, you may pickup the current term(s) syllabus in the administrative office. The syllabus outlines the instructor's objectives and requirements for the course. Click here for the current syllabi
TextbooksTo order textbooks, call MBS Direct Books: 800-325-3252, or visit their virtual bookstore: www.mbsdirect.net
TranscriptsYou may fill out a transcript request form at any time to request a transcript. When you provide a transcript from another institution to Webster, it must be an official school to school transcript. Student transcripts cannot be accepted. Webster University releases your education records only with your consent.
Transfer CreditUndergraduates may transfer toward their Webster degree up to 64 credit hours from a junior college and up to 98 credit hours from a four-year college.
Graduates may transfer up to 12 graduate credit hours subject to review and approval. Transfer credit for the MBA is limited to 9 hours and for MAT is limited to 6 hours, subject to review and approval.
Only grades of B or better transfer for graduate credit. Only official transcripts, as described above, can be used to transfer credits to Webster University. The institution must send the transcript directly to Webster University Kansas City metropolitan campus. The Office of the Registrar at Webster University in St. Louis makes all final determinations about transfer credit.
Tuition Assistance (Government/VA)Ask a member of the office staff for information about processing procedures. Military Education Centers provide the necessary tuition assistance and Veterans Assistance forms. For tuition assistance, you must make your request prior to the start of class each term. For VA, you may complete a form only once-at the beginning of your program of study. Active duty military personnel are certified every term upon registration. Veterans are certified for the academic year. Student veterans must inform the office if they switch from full time (6 credit hours/term) to part time (3 credit hours/term) or visa versa.
WeatherDuring the Fall 2 and Spring 1 terms, severe weather may force Webster to cancel classes and advising appointments. No decision about closing will be made until 3 p.m. Faculty members have been advised to set up a telephone chain so that students can be notified of closings and to provide a copy of their telephone calling system to the administrative office. Only the faculty member or office staff can activate the calling chain.
If classes and appointments are canceled, the office also will be closed. If the media announce that Webster University is on "snow schedule," the office will open at 10 a.m. For University closings, listen or watch the following Kansas City radio, television stations and websites:
Internet: www.kmbc.com
Television Stations:
KMBC TV
WDAF TV
KCTV TV
KSHB TV
Radio Stations:
KMBZ AM 980
KFKF FM 94.1
KCUR FM 89.3
KMXV FM 93.3
KBEQ FM 104.3
If classes are canceled, Webster University's Metro Campus phone numbers also will carry a recorded announcement.
470 East Lockwood Avenue