• Mission, Vision and Core Values   
• Statement of Ethics
• Accreditation and Memberships
• The Webster Groves Campus
• The St. Louis Metropolitan Area

Webster University is a private, non-profit, multicampus, international institution offering a wide variety of undergraduate and graduate programs. The University's headquarters is located in Webster Groves, a major suburban center of the St. Louis metropolitan area. Webster students enjoy the advantages traditionally associated with a small undergraduate college, as well as alternative options normally provided only by larger institutions.

In addition to the programs offered at the Webster Groves campus, the University provides undergraduate study opportunities at the following St. Louis locations:

• the historic Old Post Office Building in downtown St. Louis.
• in St. Louis County at Westport.
• the WingHaven Complex in St. Charles County.

Webster University also offers undergraduate education at the following extended-campus locations in the United States: Kansas City (Missouri); Los Angeles (California); Orlando (Florida); San Diego (California); and South Carolina at: Columbia, Charleston, and Greenville.

Students may also study at Webster's international campuses in Geneva, Switzerland; Leiden, The Netherlands; London, United Kingdom; Vienna, Austria; or Hua Hin/Cha-am, Thailand. Last year, the Webster Groves campus enrolled 2,850 undergraduate students, and the undergraduate population at all locations totaled 5,400. The University's worldwide enrollment is approximately 21,000 students.

• Back to top

Mission

Webster University, a worldwide institution, ensures high quality learning experiences that transform students for global citizenship and individual excellence.

Vision

Our vision is to be a premier U.S- based international university setting a distinct standard for global education.

This vision is built on a foundation of excellence in teaching and enhanced by an international perspective that fosters dialogue, respect and understanding across boundaries and between peoples. The educational endeavors in support of this vision are meeting the needs and enriching a global mix of learners within an ever increasing network of students desiring a U.S. education in multiple parts of the world. The institution is committed to offering these students a distinct personal experience and building the resources required to achieve this vision. The actions of the institution are shaped by our core values.

Core Values

• Students
  By sustaining a personalized approach to education through small classes, close relationships with faculty and staff, and attention to student life.
• Learning
  By developing educational programs that join theory and practice, provide an international perspective, encourage creativity and scholarship, and foster a lifelong desire to learn and actively serve communities and the world.
• Diversity
  By creating an environment accessible to individuals of diverse cultures, ages, and socioeconomic backgrounds and instilling in students a respect for diversity and an understanding of their own and others' values.
• Global Citizenship
  By educating a diverse population locally, nationally, and internationally, acting responsibly toward the environment to foster a sustainable future, and strengthening the communities we serve.

• Back to top

Statement of Ethics

Webster University strives to be a center of academic excellence. The University makes every effort to ensure the following:

• The opportunity for students to learn and inquire freely
• The protection of intellectual freedom and the rights of professors to teach
• The advancement of knowledge through scholarly pursuits and relevant dialogue

The University community is by nature pluralistic and diverse. Those who elect to participate in the Webster University community--students, faculty, staff, administrators, alumni, and directors--accept the responsibility of sharing in the effort to achieve the University’s mission as an institution of higher learning. Each member is expected to respect the objectives of the University and the views of its members.

Participants in this shared enterprise strive to be governed by what ought to be rather than by what is. To accomplish its goals, members of the University community aspire to a higher standard than mere compliance with formalized University requirements and local, state, and federal laws.

Webster University endeavors to fulfill the following expectations:

• Preserve academic honor and integrity by repudiating all forms of academic and intellectual dishonesty
• Treat others with respect and dignity
• Respect the rights and property of others
• Act with concern for the safety and well-being of its associates

Inquiry, discourse, and dissent, within the framework of an ordered academic environment, are seminal elements of a university community and of a free democratic society. Members of the Webster University community recognize this and are consequently supportive of democratic and lawful procedure and dedicated to rational approaches to solving problems. This assumes openness to change as well as commitment to historical values.

• Back to top

Accreditation and Memberships

Webster University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission and is a member of the North Central Association, 312-263-0456, www.ncahlc.org. The accreditation, which was awarded in 1925, includes undergraduate and graduate levels at all locations where the University offers programs.

The Missouri Department of Higher Education serves as a clearinghouse for postsecondary student complaints. The MDHE complaint policy may be found at http://www.dhe.mo.gov/documents/ POLICYONCOMPLAINTRESOLUTION.pdf. This web page contains information about the complaint process and includes instructions for how to file a formal complaint. Note that the policy provides that a student who wishes to file a complaint with the department must first exhaust all formal and informal avenues provided by the institution to resolve disputes.

Licensure/Approvals and Specialized Accreditation

State Licensures

• Arizona: Master’s degree programs at Luke AFB are licensed by the Arizona State Board for Private Postsecondary Education. If a complaint or grievance cannot be resolved after exhausting the institution’s grievance procedure, the student may file a complaint with the Arizona State Board of Private Postsecondary Education. The student must contact the State Board for further details.
  
  Arizona State Board for Private Postsecondary Education
  1400 West Washington, Room 260
  Phoenix, AZ 85007
  Telephone: 602-542-5709
  www.azppse.gov
  

• Arkansas: The campuses at Little Rock, Little Rock Air Force Base, Fort Smith, and Fayetteville are certified by the Arkansas Department of Higher Education. Arkansas Higher Education Coordinating Board certification does not constitute an endorsement of any institution, course or degree program. Such certification merely indicates that certain minimum standards have been met under the rules and regulations of institutional certification as defined in Arkansas Code §6-61-301. The student should be aware that these degree programs may not transfer. The transfer of course/degree credit is determined by the receiving institution.
  

• California: "Notice of Student Rights" in California—You may cancel your contract for school, without any penalty or obligations, by the fifth business day following your first class as described in the Notice of Cancellation form that will be given to you. Read the Notice of Cancellation form for any explanation of your cancellation rights and responsibilities. If you have lost your Notice of Cancellation form, ask the school for a sample copy. After the end of the cancellation period, you also have the right to stop school at any time, and you have the right to receive a refund for the part of the course not taken. Your refund rights are described in the contract. If you have lost your contract, ask the school for a description of the refund policy. If the school closes before you graduate, you may be entitled to a refund.
  
  If you have any complaints, questions, or problems which you cannot work out with the school, write or call:
  
  Bureau for Private Postsecondary and Vocational Education
  P.O. Box 980818
  West Sacramento, CA 95798-0818
  Telephone: 916-445-3427
  

• Colorado: The metropolitan campuses at Colorado Springs and Denver are authorized to offer master's degrees by the Colorado Commission on Higher Education.
  

• District of Columbia: Master's degree programs at Bolling AFB in Washington, D.C., are licensed by the District of Columbia Educational Institution Licensure Commission.
  

• Florida: Master's degree programs at the metropolitan campuses in Orlando, Jacksonville, Lakeland & Brandon, Merritt Island, Ocala, Palm Bay, Sarasota, Tampa Bay, Manatee, and at NAS Jacksonville and Patrick AFB are licensed by the Florida Commission for Independent Education. Credits and degrees earned from colleges licensed by this board do not automatically qualify the holder to participate in professional licensing examinations in the State of Florida. Any person interested in practicing a regulated profession in Florida should contact the appropriate state regulatory agency.
  
  For further information about the status of Webster University's programs in Florida, contact:
  
  Florida Department of Education
  Commission for Independent Education
  325 West Gaines Street
  Suite 1414
  Tallahassee, FL 32399-0400
  Telephone: 888-224-6684 (Toll free)
  850-245-3200
  

• Illinois: The metropolitan campus in Elgin and master's degree programs at Great Lakes Naval Base and Scott Air Force Base are approved by the Illinois Board of Higher Education.
  

• Kentucky: The metropolitan campus at Louisville is licensed by the Kentucky Council on Post-Secondary Education.
  

• South Carolina: The metropolitan campuses in Charleston, Columbia, Greenville, and Myrtle Beach are licensed by the:
  
  Commission on Higher Education
  1333 Main Street, Suite 200
  Columbia, SC 29201
  Telephone: 803-737-2288
  
  If students at the Charleston, Columbia, Greenville, and Myrtle Beach Metropolitan Campuses have complaints about a classroom situation, they should first attempt to resolve the situation with the instructor. If resolution cannot be made with the instructor, or if the complaint is about a general school policy over which the instructor has no jurisdiction, then they may contact the school director for mediation. If the complaint cannot be resolved at the school level, students may contact Nonpublic Institution Licensing of the Commission on Higher Education. The complaint must be in writing. The school director will provide students with the necessary form.
  

• Tennessee: Webster University is authorized by the Tennessee Higher Education Commission. This authorization must be renewed each year and is based on an evaluation by minimum standards concerning quality of education, ethical business practices, health and safety, and fiscal responsibility.
  

• Virginia: Webster University is certified to operate by the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia (SCHEV).  If a student has any complaints, questions or problems which were not resolved by the school to your satisfaction, you may contact
  
  State Council of Higher Education for Virginia (SCHEV)
  101 N. 14^th Street
  Richmond, VA. 23219
  (804) 225-2600
  

• Washington: Webster University is authorized by the Washington Higher Education Coordinating Board (HECB) and meets the requirements and minimum educational standards established for degree-granting institutions under the Degree-Granting Institutions Act. This authorization is subject to periodic review and authorizes Webster University to offer the following degree programs: Master of Arts in Business and Organizational Security Management; Master of Arts in Counseling-Community Counseling; Master of Arts in Human Resources Development; Master of Arts in Information Technology Management; Master of Arts in Management and Leadership; and Master of Business Administration. Authorization by the HECB does not carry with it an endorsement by the board of the institution or its programs. Any person desiring information about the requirements of the act or the applicability of those requirements to the institution may contact the HECB at P.O. Box 43430, Olympia, WA 98504-3430.

• Business and Management programs are accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP)
• Music programs and degrees are fully accredited and approved by the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM).
• Nursing programs and degrees are accredited by the National League for Nursing (NLN).
• Webster University is registered for state teachers' certificates by the Department of Education of the State of Missouri and is approved by the National Board for Certified Counselors, Inc. as a continuing education provider.
• Only the St. Louis Campus' legal studies B.A., M.A. and Paralegal Certificates are approved by the American Bar Association.
• The nurse anesthesia program is accredited by the Council on Accreditation (COA) of nurse anesthesia educational programs.
• Education programs are accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE).

• China: The Webster University MBA program, offered in partnership with the Shanghai University of Finance and Economics, is officially approved by and recognized by the Ministry of Education in China.
  
• Thailand: Webster University in Thailand is an accredited, private university by the Thailand Ministry of Education under Thai law.
  
• Austria: Webster University in Vienna is accredited by the Austrian Ministry for Education and Culture as a private university under Austrian law.
  
• The Netherlands: Webster University in the Netherlands is accredited by the Netherlands-Flemish Accreditation Agency (NVAO) and is an approved institute of higher education under Dutch law.

Memberships

Webster University holds membership in the following organizations or associations:

• American Association for Paralegal Education
• American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN)
• American Association of Colleges of Teacher Education (AACTE)
• American Council on Education
• Association of American College and University Programs in Switzerland
• Association of American Colleges and Universities (AAC&U)
• Association of Theatre in Higher Education
• College Art Consortium
• College Board
• College Consortium for International Studies
• Council for Adult and Experiential Learning (CAEL)
• Council of Independent Colleges (CIC)
• Council on International Educational Exchange
• Educational Theatre Association
• Higher Education Council of Metropolitan St. Louis
• Independent Colleges and Universities of Missouri
• Institute of International Education
• International Council of Fine Arts Deans
• Missouri Music Educators Association
• National Education Association
• National League for Nursing

Webster University has been designated as an institutional member of Servicemembers Opportunity Colleges, a group of more than 400 colleges and universities providing voluntary postsecondary education to members of the military throughout the world. As a member of SOC, Webster University recognizes the unique nature of the military lifestyle and has committed itself to easing the transfer of relevant course credits, providing flexible academic residency requirements, and crediting learning from appropriate military training and experiences. SOC has been developed jointly by educational representatives of each of the Armed Services, the Office of the Secretary of Defense, and a consortium of 13 leading national higher education associations; it is sponsored by the American Association of State Colleges and Universities, and the American Association of Community and Junior Colleges.

Graduates of Webster University are eligible for membership in the American Association of University Women and the American College of Hospital Administrators.

The University also holds appropriate licensure, accreditations, or approvals within the recognized state approval agencies for all locations where Webster University offers programs.

• Back to top

The Webster Groves Campus

University Center

The University Center, a 46,000-square-foot, $5.7 million facility, opened in the fall of 1992. Recreational facilities include a gym, an indoor swimming pool, a fitness center, locker rooms, and a sauna. Varsity athletic, intramural, and recreational programs are offered. The upper level includes the UC Crossroads food court with Blimpie Subs and Salads, World of Wings (WOW) Café, and Freshëns Smoothie Company, a campus information center, meeting and conference rooms, lounges, student organization offices, and the student leadership center. The Office of the Dean of Student Affairs is on the upper level.

Leif J. Sverdrup Business/Technology Complex

The 66,000-square-foot Leif J. Sverdrup Business/Technology Complex first opened for classroom use in the spring of 1988. The complex, consisting of three contiguous buildings, houses the Media Center, User Services, and the Grant Business and Management Center. Café a la Cart is located in the central lounge and provides food and beverages.

The Media Center is a facility available to members of the University community for media production and instruction. Located in the Business/Technology Complex, it houses a black-and-white darkroom with 16 stations, a three-station color darkroom, a film-processing room, and a photo studio. For those interested in audio and video production, the Center has a sound studio with fully equipped 32-track audio mixing board, a radio broadcasting system, and a television studio, as well as a newly created video postproduction suite. A computerized journalism center is also located in the Media Center.

Also located in the Business/Technology Complex is User Services, which serves as a centralized location for faculty, staff, and student computer use. The center uses PC and Macintosh equipment in a setting suitable for group instruction or individual learning. User Services consists of 10 labs equipped with interactive video, multimedia and desktop publishing software, and laser printers. The labs run on Novell servers using Ethernet technology. Noncredit training is offered in a variety of topics including word processing, Internet, and Microsoft Office applications.

East Academic Building

An interdisciplinary academic center with 31 classrooms, 10 large computer labs, and several conference and meeting places, the East Academic Building features the most up-to-date instruction, design and technology facilities. The East Academic Building is also home to the George Herbert Walker School of Business & Technology. The building's design encourages collaboration and interdisciplinary studies, and ignites new ideas with creativity and intellect. It also captures many of Webster's distinguishing characteristics, such as bringing together different learning styles, a commitment to environmental sustainability and energy efficiency, and providing students with small class sizes and individual attention.

Loretto-Hilton Center for the Performing Arts

The Loretto-Hilton Center for the Performing Arts was opened in 1966 through a gift from the late Conrad Hilton. With a recently expanded lobby, the center serves as the setting for professional and student productions, lectures, and concerts, and it houses teaching spaces, workshop areas, dance studios, and faculty offices. The center features a 924-seat main stage theatre with a thrust stage and also contains a flexible-space, 125-seat Studio Theatre. In this major St. Louis cultural facility, professional performances are held throughout the year by The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis, and the Opera Theatre of Saint Louis. Many of the student productions of the University's Conservatory of Theatre Arts and dance programs are staged in the Loretto-Hilton.

Music Hall

Designed and constructed for musical instruction and performance, the Music Hall, opened in 2006, features a 500-seat concert hall on the main floor and spacious practice/instruction studio spaces on the lower and upper levels. The Concert Hall is the home of the Webster University Symphony Orchestra. The building is also used by the Webster University Community Music School, which offers instruction and performance opportunities to the region’s most talented secondary-school musicians.

Webster Hall

Built in 1915, this historic five-story, multipurpose building houses administrative offices, including admission and financial aid, faculty offices, academic classrooms, science laboratories, and theatre rehearsal spaces. Special facilities include the Winifred Moore Auditorium, which seats 252 people and is used extensively for lectures, concerts, and films. Stage 3 is a 125-seat flexible theatre space used primarily for student productions of the Conservatory of Theatre Arts.

Emerson Library

Centrally located in Webster University’s academic corridor, Emerson Library offers five levels of the latest in information technology, multimedia facilities, a reference/electronic commons, quiet study areas, and a 24-hour cybercafé. In addition to research and study, the library is the perfect place to meet a friend for coffee, work on a group project, read a book, play a video game, and peruse your email.

Emerson Library houses a collection of more than 300,000 volumes of books, periodicals, scripts, music scores, CDs, DVDs, Blu-Ray, and other media. A Media Listening/Viewing Center offers 20 listening/viewing rooms and stations. Library users can check out video games and play them in the library's gaming room, designed to support academic programs in the School of Communications. 

Twenty study rooms provide groups of 4-12 people space to collaborate.  Individuals seeking a place to study can choose between quiet study carrels, comfy armchairs, or large tables.  Available technology includes computers hosting Microsoft Office 2007 and a variety of specialized software applications, printers, copiers, scanners, and adaptive equipment.  Faculty, students, and staff appreciate the ability to access the Internet wirelessly, from the myriad of laptop drops, or from the nearly 100 public PCs. 

Among the Library's most popular amenities, the Library Café featuring Kaldi's offers coffee bar fare and provides an informal, lively meeting place that is accessible 24 hours a day.

Library resources are not limited to materials found in the building.  At http://library.webster.edu students, faculty, and staff will discover a wealth of electronic resources. Accessible 24/7 from campus, home, or office, these valuable resources include the library’s online catalog; MOBIUS, a statewide consortium; almost 150 online and full-text databases; video tutorials; Internet resources; and online services, including reference and electronic reserves.

Of course, the Library is more than just its physical and virtual presence - it is also a group of helpful, enthusiastic staff.  Professional librarians offer general reference assistance in person, over the phone, or via e-mail, and appointments can be made for in-depth help from a subject specialist.  Instruction librarians work with faculty to prepare presentations for classes. 

Garden Park Plaza

Located on Garden Avenue, Garden Park Plaza provides parking spaces for 700 vehicles and also houses the offices of Academic Advising, Career Services, and Graduate and Evening Student Admissions. The University bookstore is also housed on the ground floor of the building.

Loretto Hall

Offices located in Loretto Hall include the Academic Resource Center, Mail and Copy Solutions, Multicultural Center, Study Abroad Offices, the Registrar and Writing Center.

Maria Hall

Maria Hall, originally constructed in 1959, was completely renovated and reopened in Fall 2008.  Housing 102 students in double suites (two double rooms sharing a private bathroom), the building now has modern heating and air conditioning systems, wired and wireless Internet connectivity, floor lounges, and quiet study rooms.  It is conveniently located above the primary campus dining facility, Marletto’s Café.  Marletto’s was completely renovated in 2004 and offers a variety of healthy and vegetarian options, a salad bar, a cook-to-order grill, pizza, and special entrees.

Webster Village Apartments

The Webster Village Apartments include six apartment buildings housing 280 students in efficiencies and 2- and 4-bedroom units plus a clubhouse and an outdoor pool.

East and West Halls

With the opening of two new residence halls in Fall 2006, Webster University provides modern, air-conditioned, on-campus housing options for students. West Hall, housing 231 students, is reserved for freshmen and includes shared two-bedroom, one-bath suites. East Hall, housing 112 students, is primarily for sophomores and upperclassmen and includes shared three-bedroom, two-bath suites and private four-bedroom, two-bath suites. These new residence halls include laundry rooms, social lounges, study lounges, kitchenettes on each floor, a recreation room, a multipurpose room, and a classroom.

Other Instructional Locations and Campus Facilities

Pearson House contains the departmental offices for English and philosophy, as well as six classrooms.

H. Sam Priest Center for International Studies houses the History, Politics, and International Relations Department.

The Music Building contains faculty offices, a recital hall, three classrooms, 10 teaching studios, and 20 practice rooms.

The Visual Arts Studios house drawing, painting, printmaking, ceramics, sculpture, and graphic design studios. The building systems were extensively renovated in 2008.

The Community Music School provides music performance and rehearsal halls, applied music studios, and resources for the University and the community.

The Cecille R. Hunt House contains art faculty offices and studios.

Student Health Services and Counseling and Life Development are located in a house at 540 Garden Avenue, just behind the International Recruitment and Services Center.

The International Recruitment and Services Center is at 538 Garden Avenue.

The Multicultural Center and International Student Affairs department is located in the lower level of Loretto Hall.

The Admissions Center is located at 8356 Big Bend Boulevard, and it houses undergraduate admissions.

The John Allan Love Foundation Alumni House is at 534 Garden Avenue.

Opera Theatre of Saint Louis is at 210 Hazel Avenue.

The Carriage House is the headquarters for The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis, the professional regional theatre company that works directly with the Webster Theatre Conservatory.

• Back to top

The St. Louis Metropolitan Area

The metropolitan St. Louis area has a population of more than two million people and offers students many opportunities to enrich their educational experiences through its cultural and entertainment attractions.

St. Louis is frequently called "The Gateway to the West" because of its historic role in the nation's westward expansion. Commemorating this role is the 630-foot, stainless steel Gateway Arch designed by Eero Saarinen. The arch is the focal point of the 86-acre Jefferson National Expansion Memorial on the Mississippi riverfront.

Downtown St. Louis is the hub of the metropolitan area, featuring a commercial and business district, the Laclede's Landing entertainment district on the riverfront, the Scottrade Center, and Busch Stadium. A short distance away is St. Louis Union Station, built in 1894 and now a major tourist attraction and shopping area. Webster University has participated in this downtown renewal with an expanded campus in the Old Post Office building.

St. Louis attractions include one of the world's major zoos in Forest Park, site of the 1904 World's Fair. Also located in Forest Park are the Saint Louis Art Museum; the Municipal Opera amphitheatre; the St. Louis Science Center; and the Missouri Historical Society Museum.

Among St. Louis' cultural opportunities are The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis and Opera Theatre of Saint Louis, both housed on Webster University's home campus; the Saint Louis Symphony; and professional theatre and entertainment events presented at the historic Fox Theatre and other theatres in the urban area.

St. Louis is the home of the baseball Cardinals, the hockey Blues, and the football Rams. The Missouri Botanical Garden contains one of the world's outstanding botanical collections. The Climatron, a domed greenhouse, recreates a tropical ecosystem.

Other places of interest include the boyhood home of Eugene Field, "the children's poet"; Campbell House, a preserved and authentically furnished Victorian mansion (1854); the gracious Chatillon-DeMenil Mansion (1848); the magnificent Byzantine-style St. Louis Cathedral, with its brilliant mosaics; and Ulysses S. Grant's Farm Estate, with roaming herds of buffalo and deer.

• Back to top