Room Sign-Up Process for 2010-2011

Since many of you will be discussing this over the dinner table in the coming weeks, we wanted to provide you with some important information concerning housing for the 2010-2011 school year.

Your student has received information in his/her Webster email that explains how to apply to live on campus again next year. If your student’s permanent address is outside 35 miles from the Webster Groves campus, it is mandatory that he/she live on campus for his/her first two years.

Included in the paperwork your student received was a Housing Intent Form. This form must be returned to the Office of Housing and Residential Life, whether or not he/she is returning to campus housing. If the form is not returned by the deadline, your student may forfeit the $150 security deposit. Housing Intent Forms are due by 5:00PM on Monday, February 1, 2010.

The Housing Intent Form is not an actual housing assignment. Your student will receive an email giving him/her an assigned date and time for Room Sign-Up, which takes place February 18, 19, and 20. At Room Sign-Up, your student will choose a space in housing for next year and will sign a housing contract/lease for 2010-2011 housing. If he/she chooses to cancel that contract/lease after signing it, cancellation charges may apply. These cancellation charges are as follows:
· February 22 - May 1, 2010: NO CHARGE
· May 2 - May 15, 2010: Forfeit Security Deposit ($150)
· May 16 - May 31, 2010 Forfeit Security Deposit ($150) + $100
· June 1 - June 30, 2010 Forfeit Security Deposit ($150) + $200
· July 1 - July 31, 2010 Forfeit Security Deposit ($150) + $400
· August 1 - August 30, 2010 Forfeit Security Deposit ($150) + $600

QUESTIONS? Visit our website at www.webster.edu/housing, or call / email us at 314-246-4663 / housing@webster.edu.

RA Selection for 2010-2011

Would your student make a great candidate for a Resident Assistant position in 2010-2011?

WHAT IS A RESIDENT ASSISTANT?
The Resident Assistant (RA) supplements and complements the process of formal education by enhancing the quality of life in the residential community. The RA provides leadership for all residents and assists in planning of educational and social activities that make the group living experience support student learning & retention. The RAs are vital members of our team and are our front lines for communication and development of our residential students.


WHERE DO THEY APPLY?
Interested students must attend one of our informational sessions to receive an application packet.
These sessions are taking place:
Wednesday, December 2 @ 9:30 P.M.--Library Conference Room
Thursday, December 3 @ 8:00 P.M.--WVA Clubhouse
Tuesday, January 19 @ 9:30 P.M.--WVA Clubhouse

If a student cannot attend an RA Info Session, he/she must schedule a meeting with Katie McComb-Knetzer to go over the information. Set up a meeting by calling Katie at 314-246-2031 or emailing her at mccombka@webster.edu.


WHEN IS THE APPLICATION DUE?
January 25, 2010--Completed Applications DUE in the WVA Clubhouse Office before 5:00PM
February 5, 2010--Group Process Interviews
February 7-8, 2010--Individual Interviews
February 12, 2010--Hiring Notifications emailed to all candidates


WHO CAN ANSWER QUESTIONS?
If you have any additional questions or comments, please feel free to contact Katie McComb-Knetzer at 314-246-2031 or mccombka@webster.edu.

Residence Halls Close for Winter Break on Friday, December 18

For those of you with students that need to book plane tickets for Winter Break, please be aware that East, West, and Maria Halls close on Friday, December 18, 2009, at 5:00pm. All residents must be out by that time. Students do not have to move their possessions out of their room, but they cannot live in the residence halls during Winter Break. They will be able to return to their hall on Saturday, January 9, 2010, starting at 9:00am.

WVA residents do not have to go home for Winter Break--the apartments are open year-round.

If you have any comments, questions, or suggestions, you can always contact us at 314-246-HOME (4663) or housing@webster.edu.

H1N1 Precautions and Recommendations

We are advising all our residents to follow these precautions:

• If you think you have the flu, stay home. Don't go to work, school, or travel while you're ill. Isolate yourself.
• Cover your cough/sneeze using a tissue or cough/sneeze into your sleeve and not your hands. Discard used tissues.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand gel, especially if you've been coughing/sneezing.
• Cleanliness counts. Use household products which will kill the germs that spread influenza.
• Contact Health Services (314-246-6922) if you have flu-like symptoms (fever, cough, sore throat, headache, runny nose, body aches, chills, fatigue).
• The CDC is encouraging all students to receive the annual/seasonal flu vaccination, available now from Health Services, Walgreens, and other local health care providers.

Visit the following website to learn more: http://www.webster.edu/news/flu.shtml

Parents Weekend: October 9-11, 2009

Webster University invites all parents and family members to campus this fall for a fun and informational weekend. In the coming weeks, you will be able to register for these events online: http://alumni.webster.edu/s/1059/index.aspx?sid=1059&gid=1&pgid=252&cid=946&ecid=946&crid=0&calpgid=13&calcid=664

Questions?
Call: 314-968-7007
E-mail: ratzwil@webster.edu

Friday, October 9th
Check-In & Campus Tours
Stop by the check-in table to pick-up your nametag that will get you into all the events you registered for. Enjoy a campus tour and check out the campus your student calls home.
Location: John Allan Love Foundation Alumni House (Rain Site: University Center, Commons)
4-6 pm

Alumni & Faculty Authors Meet & Greet
Come learn about the Alumni & Faculty Authors program, meet the authors and get a book signed.
Location: Emerson Library Conference Room
4-6 pm

Fallfestival
Come one, come all, to an old-fashioned carnival for students, parents, alumni and their families. Enjoy rides, games and music on a beautiful fall evening.
Location: Garden Avenue
4-9 pm

May Gallery Exhibit & Reception
Enjoy a special reception and photo exhibit featuring the work of alumna Cindy Lappin ’82 and Kevin Vogler.
Location: Sverdrup Building, Second Floor
5-7 pm

Fallfest Welcome Reception
All parents and alumni are invited to this opening celebration. Enjoy drinks, appetizers and entertainment while meeting new friends. Special new opportunity: Have your picture taken in the Fallfest Photobooth!
Location: John Allan Love Foundation Alumni House (Rain Site: University Center, Sunnen Lounge)
6-8pm


Saturday, October 10th
Parents Picnic
Parents and their students are invited to enjoy a picnic on the quad with the Dean of Students Ted Hoef before the kick-off to the Flag Football Game.
Location: Quad (Rain Site: University Center, Sunnen Lounge)
12:30-2:00 pm

Home Volleyball Games
Come cheer on the Women’s Volleyball team as they take on local rivals. The Athletic Hall of Fame honorees will also be recognized in between games.
Location: Grant Gymnasium, University Center
1:30 & 3:30 pm

5th Annual Student vs. Alumni & Parents Flag Football Game
Don’t miss the fun of this homecoming tradition. The alumni welcome the parents to their team as they look for revenge from last year’s loss to the students.
Location: Quad
2-3 pm

Jazz Reception
Join the African-American Alumni Chapter for an afternoon of music, food and dancing before the festivities of Saturday night.
$5 per person
Location: John Allan Love Foundation Alumni House (Rain Site: University Center, Sunnen Lounge)
3-5 pm

Taste of Webster
Pick up coupons during Friday’s check-in and reception to get discounts on meals at many of Webster Groves’ wonderful neighborhood restaurants.
5-8 pm

Trivia Challenge
(doors open at 7:30pm)
$10 per person/$5 students
The St. Louis Alumni Chapter invites you to form a team of 6-10 players or come to join a team and have a great time! Highest scoring team wins the jackpot. Prize for best table theme. Bring your own snacks and soda. Please note University policy prohibits bringing beer or alcohol onto campus. Thank you for your compliance.
Location: University Center, Gymnasium
8-11 pm


Sunday, October 11th
Blue & Gold Brunch
All parents, alumni and their families are invited to attend. One last chance to see old friends and create new memories. Includes presentation of the Mary Elizabeth Newell Loyalty Award to Irma Tirro MA ’94 and hear from Webster University’s new President, Dr. Elizabeth Stroble.
$20 per person.
Location: University Center, Grant Gymnasium
11:15am

Important Notice Regarding Parking and Loading Zones During Move-Out

If your student lives in West Hall, East Hall, or the Webster Village Apartments, please be aware of the following:

In order to accommodate the large number of students that will be moving out and loading vehicles on Thursday and Friday of this week, we have implemented the following policies regarding parking and loading zones:

• You can only park in the circle drives in front of West Hall and East Hall for 30-minute increments. There will be a ResLife staff member tracking all vehicles that are in these circle drives. If you exceed the 30-minute limit, you will be ticketed by Public Safety.
• Please make sure all your student's possessions are boxed up and ready to go before you move a vehicle into the circle drive. This will speed up the process of loading and moving the vehicle.
• On Friday, the parking area between West Hall and WVA Building Four will also be used as a loading zone. Please do not leave your vehicle parked in this area for longer than 30 minutes.

Let us know if you have any questions or concerns.

Thanks,
Department of Housing and Residential Life

Move-Out Instructions

West, East, and Maria Halls close at 5:00pm on Friday, May 8, 2009.

The Webster Village Apartments move-out deadline is 3:00pm on Sunday, May 10, 2009.

Below is the information that was sent to all residents regarding move-out.


Please be aware that you are responsible for cleaning your room or apartment prior to move-out. A ResLife staff member will assess your room after you have moved out for damages or cleaning charges. If you are not returning to campus housing, your $150 security deposit will be refunded, minus any charges due to damages or cleaning, within two months.

• If you are aware of maintenance issues, turn in a work order prior to move out.
• Arrange for transportation/storage of personal items within 24 hours of your last final.
• If you need an extension past the move out deadline, email or write a letter to The Office of Housing and Residential Life housing@webster.edu (Hall Residents) or Holland Saltsman saltsman@webster.edu (WVA Residents) requesting an extension, reason extension is needed and date you will be leaving. Must be done prior to Monday, April 27, 2009. Not all requests will be granted. You will receive an email by May 1, 2009, informing you if your extension has been granted. There is a daily fee of $25 for staying past the move-out date. Graduate students living in the residence halls must contact Kelly Malone to request an extension. Graduate students in the WVA have a move-out date of Sunday, May 17, at 3pm, but they must contact Holland to confirm that they are staying the extra week.
• Pick up an express check-out packet from the office. ResHalls, your packets can be picked up after May 1, 2009, from the ResLife Office in West Hall. WVA, your packets can be picked up after April 27, 2009, from the WVA Office.
• If you are interested in housing for Summer 2009, please contact Holland Saltsman in the Webster Village Apartments at saltsman@webster.edu. The only summer housing option is the apartments. You cannot stay in the halls.
• If you have rented a CABLE BOX, turn it into the Office of Housing and Residential Life. This should include Cable Box, Remote, Power Brick and Cord, S Video Cable and 2 connectors 1 small and 1 large.
• If you rented a LOFT KIT, make sure all pieces are in your room at move out. This includes 2 End pieces, 1 connector bar, 2 C-Brackets and 4 Pegs. Bags for hardware are available in the Office of Housing and Residential Life or from Jen Casady, Hall Director.
• You are responsible for cleaning your room/apartment. After removing your personal items, you are responsible for cleaning bathrooms, bedroom, furniture, blinds, removing all trash to the dumpsters located in the parking lot. The last one leaving the room should close windows and blinds, turn off the lights, and close and lock door. ResHalls, set thermostats at 80 degrees. WVA, turn off heat/AC completely.
• Be safe during move-out. 1) Don't leave your car parked in the circle drives, fire lanes, handicap accessible spots (unless you have the proper permit), or other illegal parking spots. Your car could get ticketed or towed. In case of emergency, your car could be responsible for blocking emergency vehicles or personnel. Please find a legal parking spot to use while loading up your things. 2) Keep your room/apartment and your vehicle locked while they are unattended to prevent theft.
• HAVE A SAFE AND FUN SUMMER!!!

Career Planning

This post comes from a guest blogger: Rebecca Nelson, Assistant Director of Career Services at Webster University

It's never too early for your student to start thinking about their career. Share these steps with them to make sure they are on track for career success!

Career planning is a lifelong process; it began before you entered college and will continue throughout your lifetime. You will have career success and obtain job satisfaction if you actively participate in your career development.

The following outlines steps that you may want to consider while in college. The sooner you begin to participate in your career plan, the more organized and effective you will be. In a highly competitive marketplace, beginning your career plan early can set you apart from the job seekers who are less prepared.

Freshman Year
This is the time to begin evaluating your values, interests, personality characteristics and skills and identify how these relate to potential majors and careers.

• Work in a part-time or volunteer position to gain career-related skills such as customer service and communication skills, organizational abilities, teamwork, etc.
• Participate in programs offered by the Career Services office to learn more about different career fields.
• Utilize SIGI3, an on-line system of career information, for additional skill and interest assessment, career exploration and job search planning; SIGI3 is available through the Career Services website.
• If you are still exploring academic and career options, schedule an appointment with the Career Services office for more information.

Sophomore Year
This is the time to further explore career options and decide on an academic major.

• If you have not decided upon a major, schedule an appointment with the Career Services office to discuss your interests and options.
• Become involved with activities on campus and join student clubs.
• Begin to explore experiential learning opportunities and find out more about internship programs through the Career Services office.
• Work in a part-time or volunteer position that relates to your major.
• Utilize My Career Connection on-line to research internships, employers or job opportunities.

Junior Year
This is the time to gain relevant work experience and to assume more responsible positions at work and in the clubs and organizations with which you are involved.

• Take a leadership role within activities on campus or in student clubs; join a professional association related to your major or career interests or research one that you can use as a resource.
• Create a resume and have it reviewed by the Career Services office.
• Learn about cover letters and thank you letters through the Career Services office; consider having them reviewed.
• Obtain additional information about interviewing and consider conducting a mock interview with the Career Services office or with a professional in the industry of interest to you.
• Secure an internship related to your major.
• Build and maintain networking contacts, both on and off campus.
• Research specialized areas in your chosen field and conduct informational interviews with people who hold positions that interest you.

Senior Year
This is the time to secure a solid base of networks and to actively look for and secure employment.

• Obtain information about professional associations and consider joining additional local divisions in your field of interest.
• Practice interviewing so that you are well prepared for interviews for full-time positions.
• Learn about how to evaluate job offers and about salary negotiation so that you can accept the best overall job offer.
• Evaluate who can provide you with the most appropriate references and ask them for permission to use them as a reference; keep them informed of your job search and interview activity.
• Utilize your network of contacts and continue to build upon it.
• Consider completing another internship so that you can gain experience in a variety of settings/industries.
• Participate in any relevant on-campus recruiting opportunities and attend job fairs sponsored by Career Services.

Weekly Email to All Residents

Housing and Residential Life sends out a weekly email to all current residents in the halls and apartments. This email includes important updates, weekly events, and other useful information. Check out this week's Monday Messenger email here: http://campaign-archive.com/?u=45577418b251c1d217f5d127c&id=0d1b4b0cba&e=

If you would like to be added to the email list so that you can receive this email each week, contact Katie McComb at mccombka@webster.edu.

Parents Weekend: April 17-18

You are invited to Parents Weekend for Spring 2009!
Webster University invites all parents and family members to campus this spring for a fun and informational weekend. Spend time with your student, catch a baseball or softball game, attend an informational session, meet other parents, and take in the sights and sounds of “Springfest” on campus.

Please RSVP to Billy Ratz at (314) 968-7007 or e-mail ratzwil@webster.edu.

Schedule of Events (subject to change):
Friday, April 17
Rock Your Roots – International Festival & Concert
Enjoy food and entertainment from all over the world. Concert tickets $10 per person.
International Festival - University Center Commons - Time TBA
Concert - Location TBA - Time 8:00 p.m.

Wine and Cheese Reception for Parents
Hosted by the Alumni Association Board of Directors
Check in for the weekend of activities. Meet other parents, alumni, faculty and staff.
Alumni House
5:30 – 7:00 p.m.

Gorlok Baseball
Webster University v. Principia College
Directions can be found on the Athletics website at http://www.websterathletics.com/.
GCS Ballpark
Sauget, Illinois
7:00 p.m.

Surfacing: One Act Play Festival
Enjoy wonderful student written and student performed one act plays.
Stage 3 – Webster Hall Ground Level
8:30 p.m.


Saturday, April 18
Breakfast with Your Student
At your leisure, enjoy a continental breakfast.
Jazzman’s Café
8:00 – 9:30 a.m.

Academic Roundtable with the Deans
Get an update from each of the School/Colleges deans and select faculty. Ask questions related to your student’s field of study. Deans will also be available during lunch for further conversations.
Faculty Development Center, 4th Floor Emerson Library
10:30 – 11:50 a.m.

Barbeque on the Quad
Enjoy a delicious lunch with you student and hear from Dr. Neil George, President of Webster University.
Sverdrup Patio, University Center
12:00 – 1:00 p.m.

Students v. Faculty/Staff Softball Game
Parents cheer on your students as they look for a win against the faculty and staff.
Eden Field
1:00 p.m.

Taste of Webster (Groves)!
Enjoy dinner with your student at a local restaurant. Pick up coupons for discounts at participating restaurants at check-in.
5:00 p.m.

Dessert Reception
Have a sweet and a coffee before taking in the annual Webster Dance Ensemble Performance.
Lobby of the Loretto-Hilton Center for Performing Arts
7:00 – 7:50 p.m.

Webster University Dance Ensemble Performance
Browning Theater, Loretto-Hilton Center for Performing Arts
8:00 p.m.

Surfacing: One Act Play Festival
Enjoy wonderful student written and student performed one act plays. LAST NIGHT!
Stage 3 – Webster Hall Ground Level
8:30 p.m.


If you have any questions please call Billy Ratz at (314)968-7007 or e-mail ratzwil@webster.edu.

Room Sign-Up Process for Fall 2009

Room Sign-Up took place on Feb. 19, 20, and 21 for all current residents planning to return to campus housing in Fall 2009. If your student missed their appointment time, they need to contact the ResLife Office at housing@webster.edu or 314-246-4663 as soon as possible so that they can still sign up for a space in campus housing. If your student didn't get their first preference in housing and placed themself on the wait list for a different space, they need to be patient. A lot can change on the rosters between now and Move-In Day for Fall 2009. ResLife staff will contact your student if and when they are able to offer him/her a different space in campus housing.

If you or your student has any questions about the Room Sign-Up process or spaces for Fall 2009, contact Housing and Residential Life at housing@webster.edu or 314-246-4663.

Spring Break Tips

As your student is planning for spring break, remind them to stay safe. Here are some suggestions that you can pass along. These came from the Student Travel Safety Guide. For the complete list, visit
http://www.collegesafe.com/pdf/student_travel_safety_guide.pdf

• Before you go, lock up all valuables in your room/apartment (jewelry, computers, stereos, televisions, etc.).
• Make sure that all windows are closed and locked. Close all shades, drapes and blinds. Lock and bolt entrance doors to rooms or apartments.
• If you are taking a road trip, check out all belts, hoses, fluid levels, spare tire and tires on the car.
• Don’t leave a message on your answering machine that says that you are gone. This is like saying to anyone who calls, “Hey I’m not home right now; feel free to come over and take all my stuff…”
• Make a copy or record of your passport, credit card and traveler's check numbers. Put them in a sealed envelope and leave it with Mom, Dad or a trusted friend for safekeeping. In an emergency you can call them and have them open the envelope to give you the information.
• If you're traveling to another country, check out the US Department of State’s updates at http://www.state.gov/r/pa/ei/bgn/ for the background information on the country that you’ll be visiting.
• Pack tools, a cellular phone, a first aid kit, a flashlight, AAA card, fire extinguisher, water and snacks just in case the car breaks down.
• Remember to bring your health insurance card and allergy bracelets.
• Let your family and trusted friends know when you are leaving, when you’ll get back and how you are traveling.
• If you are traveling by bus, rail or air, don’t bring magazines with your name and address. Tear off your address label. You do not want people who know that you are away from home to know where you live.
• Don't have your name and address highly visible on your luggage for the same reason.
• Be aware of pickpockets who prey on people in crowds. They get close and bump into you without you noticing. Pickpockets also work in groups. One will distract while the other slips away with your goodies.
• If you stop at a restaurant, bar or café and set your bag down, put your foot through the strap. That way it won't be taken without you knowing. Also, you'll remember to take it with you when you trip over it as you leave.

Housing Intent Forms DUE MONDAY!!!

All current residents are required to turn in a Housing Intent Form by Monday, February 2, at 4:30pm, to the Office Housing and Residential Life. This Intent Form states whether or not the student plans to return to campus housing in Fall 2009. Here's a quick breakdown of the process that was communicated to our residents:

• BY 4:30PM ON MONDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 2009, TURN IN THE HOUSING INTENT FORM to the Office of Housing and Residential Life; this form is due whether or not you are returning to campus housing. If the form is not returned, your $150 security deposit will be forfeited.
• BY THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 12, YOU WILL RECEIVE AN EMAIL WITH YOUR ASSIGNED DATE AND TIME FOR ROOM SIGN-UP.
• ON FEBRUARY 19, 20, OR 21, ATTEND ROOM SIGN-UP to get an actual housing assignment.
• IF YOU CANNOT MAKE YOUR ASSIGNED DATE AND TIME FOR ROOM SIGN-UP, COMPLETE A PROXY FORM—if you’re signing up with a group, have a group member turn in your Proxy Form and choose your space; if you’re signing up as an individual, turn the Proxy Form in to ResLife by February 18; if you are studying abroad in Spring 2009, you must complete a Proxy Form.
• DURING ROOM SIGN-UP, YOU WILL SIGN A HOUSING CONTRACT FOR 2009-2010—if you have to send in a Proxy Form for your Room Sign-Up appointment, your signed housing contract is due February 27; if you will be studying abroad in Spring 2009, your signed housing contract is due via fax or mail by March 13.
• IF YOU CHOOSE TO CANCEL THE HOUSING CONTRACT after you have signed it, follow this link to see a list of cancellation charges: http://www.webster.edu/housing/cancellationcharges.shtml

Roller Coaster of College: Initial Adjustment and Mental Isolation

This post comes from a guest blogger: Sarah Tetley, Assistant Director of Housing and Residential Life at Webster University

Your student’s transition in college is like a roller coaster...how to help them on the ride of their life...Part Three: Initial Adjustment and Mental Isolation Phases

In August and September, you were introduced to the W-Curve. This is a model that tracks a student's transition to college. We have seen the ups and downs of the honeymoon and culture shock phases. Now it’s time to learn about the next two phases: Initial Adjustment and Mental Isolation.

Initial Adjustment (Between Thanksgiving & Christmas Break)
Most of the time new students start to get into the swing of things and start to use their own personal values and opinions to make decisions, and begin to feel a kind success in their decisions. They start to learn the routine and start to feel more adjusted and connected to the university community. Conflicts and challenges will still come and go (especially during high stress times) but the students begin to feel they have a better understanding of how to handle such issues.

How you can help them with this part of their transition:

• Reinforce how proud of them you are, and share how much you’ve seen them grow in just the last few months.


• Listen to their stories, let them share with you the decisions they have made and how they’ve processed through them on their own. Ask good questions that can help them continue to make good solid decisions on their own.

Mental Isolation (Returning from Break, Mid-Second Semester, Before Spring Break)
Then the students go home for an extended break. They go home to a world that they knew for the majority of their life, and try to bring with them their identity and experiences from their new life. Talk about being caught in between two worlds. The new college life is not as comfortable as home, but is becoming a more shaped picture of who they want to be.

“The initial euphoria of the entrance into the university dissolves as the realities of campus life surface. Not all professors are friendly and helpful, not all living – group peers are potential friends, and everything is not as great as the publicity brochures and admissions staff may have indicated. Questions of doubt regarding the decision to attend the institution may surface as the realities of first year grades and test scores take over.”

The home life begins to be unfamiliar, just as they have changed while they were at school; things at home were changing as well. Sometimes students get quite a shock to find out that a decision was made without them that they would have been a part of if they were still active in their home life and its day-to-day-routine. They may begin to feel distant from friends from home. They begin to feel homesick for something that doesn’t exist anymore.

How you can help them with this part of their transition:

• Talk with them about their semester as a whole, what went well, what didn’t go well, and where they see themselves as the spring semester begins. Remind them that it is a big step going to college and that with every big step come challenges but also major rewards.


• Remind them that change is sometimes a hard thing but a good thing. Show them that you are there for them as their worlds are changing. Have them help you with some day-to-day task while they are at home, they need to know that they are still important in that world.


• For parents with students who live on-campus … When I was a freshman in college this was the first break when I called school “home” in front of my mom. I thought she was going to burst into tears … know that your student will now and forever have two homes the one they were raised in, and the one they are making for themselves. Just know that you can be a part of both of them!