Special Study Opportunities

Study Abroad at the International Campuses

Webster University undergraduates may choose to spend a term or more studying abroad at one of the international campuses, normally without interrupting their progress toward an undergraduate degree at Webster. Students interested in more than one international study experience are encouraged to study for two or more terms at a combination of the international campuses.

 All Webster University students enrolled at a United States campus must contact the Office of Study Abroad for study abroad admission information. No Webster student may participate in a Webster University program that involves studying at an international location without approval from the Office of Study Abroad.

Webster University students who wish to study abroad at another institution or participate in a credit-bearing program not associated with Webster are required to obtain approval from the Office of Study Abroad. No transfer credit from another institution or program will be accepted unless prior approval has been granted by Webster University . Applications to unaffiliated programs will only be approved in rare and exceptional circumstances.

Degree-seeking undergraduates at Webster University in the United States who wish to study abroad at an international campus must meet the following approval criteria for study abroad: They must have initiated their Webster University enrollment at a campus in the United States .

1. They must have initiated their Webster University enrollment at a campus in the United States .
2. They must have earned at least 15 credit hours at Webster.
3. They must register to take at least 6 credit hours per term at the international location maintaining full-time status..
4. They must be in good academic standing.
5. They must be current in all accounts with the Business Office.
6. They must be in compliance with Webster University 's student conduct policy.

Through the Webster University International Study Program, U.S. citizens currently attending other colleges and universities in the United States may complete up to five terms of study (full academic year) at Webster's international campuses. On completion of their international study experience, these students transfer credits earned at Webster back to their parent institutions. Students transferring credits earned at Webster University to any college or university are responsible for ascertaining that institution's transfer policies regarding these credits.

Refer to the section titled The International Campuses for additional information on the international campuses and the academic programs that are offered at each location.

Students who wish to study at one of Webster's international campuses should contact the Office of Study Abroad Loretto Hall #165, 470 East Lockwood Ave., St. Louis, Missouri 63119-3194 U.S.A. Phone: 314-968-6988 or 1-800-WU-INTLS; Fax: 314-963-6019 ; e-mail: worldview@webster.edu .

Study Abroad Advising, Registration, and Tuition

Degree-seeking undergraduates at Webster University in the United States who wish to study abroad must meet with their study abroad advisor and with their academic advisor to register for international campus coursework through the St. Louis campus. Students from other colleges and universities who wish to participate in Webster's International Study Program should contact the Study Abroad Coordinator at Webster University 's Office of Study Abroad.

Degree-seeking undergraduates at Webster University in the United States who meet the approval criteria for study abroad will pay St. Louis campus tuition rates while studying at Webster's international campuses: per credit tuition during the summer term and flat-fee tuition if attending fall and/or spring term(s).   This special tuition option is limited to study abroad for a maximum of five eight-week terms (full academic year).

Students who plan to study at Webster's international campuses for more than five eight-week terms must notify the director of Webster University 's Office of Study Abroad to discuss the changes that will occur in their tuition charges and scholarship and financial aid eligibility beginning with their sixth term of study.

Tuition information for visiting undergraduates or graduate students, as well as for those who wish to begin their studies directly at an international campus as degree-seeking is available from the director for Webster University Study Abroad Programs.

All students who study abroad will pay the corresponding study abroad fee, which provides them with mandatory international health insurance for the duration of their time abroad, pre-departure materials including a handbook and a guide, pre-departure and on-site orientations, and an International Student Identity Card.

Independent Studies with an International Component

Webster University students who choose to design independent study as part of their degree program with an international (study abroad) component should contact the Office of Study Abroad for approval. No Webster student may participate in an independent study that involves studying at an international location without prior approval from the Office of Study Abroad.

Withdrawal from Study Abroad Program

Student needing to withdraw from an international program are encouraged to contact the Office of Study Abroad as soon as possible about program withdrawal and pertinent policies.

1. Early Withdrawal. If a student is thinking about leaving a program, the Office of Study Abroad would like to help him/her weigh options and make sure that the student understands the academic and financial implications. The date of a decision to withdraw is determined by e-mail, fax, or written notification from the student to the Office of Study Abroad, or a responsible representative if the student is unable to communicate on his/her own behalf.
2. Refund Schedule for Webster University Study Abroad Students. The study abroad deposit for Webster-administered programs is nonrefundable. With notification of withdrawal prior to the start date of the program, tuition and related fees for all Webster- administered programs will be refunded 100%, minus the deposit. Refunds after the start date of the program will be based on the policy specific to such matter. Air travel, insurance, and visa application expenses are usually not covered by program refund policies. We suggest students work with their travel agent for purchase of airline tickets and any traveler's insurance.
3. Later Withdrawal. Withdrawal more than a very few weeks after the start of the Webster University semester will likely be too late for a student to return to the United States and register for the semester, although the Office of Study Abroad will do everything possible to support communication with his or her college and faculty advisor.
4. Medical Leave. Should a medical leave become necessary at any point in the semester/year, the Office of Study Abroad is ready to help in the coordination of arrangements with overseas program staff, colleagues in the United States, and with a student's family.

Academic Resource Center (ARC)

Webster University makes a wide variety of academic resources available to its students at no extra cost. The Academic Resource Center , located in Loretto Hall, houses many of the extracurricular programs, personnel, and materials that students need to meet their educational goals successfully. The Writing Center provides, trained coaches willing to discuss ideas and to provide feedback on student papers and other written assignments. The Peer Tutoring Program offers students an opportunity for one-on-one instruction by trained peers whom faculty have selected for their ability to communicate ideas to others as well as for their expertise in the field. The Testing Center gives students a place to make up missed course exams, take Webster placement tests, test for college credit through the CLEP or DSST programs, and receive test-related disability accommodations. Academic and instructional counseling services are also available through the ARC, along with a variety of assistive technologies and study aids.

Services for Students with Disabilities

Webster University considers admission, financial aid, program, and activity applications without regard to nondisqualifying disability. The director of the Academic Resource Center acts as Webster's ADA Coordinator, helping students with documented physical, emotional, or learning disabilities obtain the accommodations they need to have equal access to information and equal opportunity for program success. While Webster University does not provide diagnostic learning disability testing, faculty who suspect a student may have a learning disability may refer that student to the director of the Academic Resource Center for screening. Students who are concerned that they may have a learning disability may also make arrangements to be screened. Students with short-term disabilities (e.g., a broken leg) can also arrange temporary accommodations by contacting the director of the Academic Resource Center . Other students may gain information about their learning styles and suggestions for improving their classroom and test performance.

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The Student Leadership Development Program

The mission of the Student Leadership Development Program (SLDP) is to afford students the opportunity to apply theoretical knowledge gained in the classroom to the practical world of leadership and work, both on- and off-campus. The SLDP will assist students in developing such skills as communication, critical thinking, decision making, group process, and sensitivity to diverse perspectives.

The requirements for the Leadership Certificate are based on a 5+2 system; that is, students must complete all five basic components and then repeat two additional components of the original five. The five components students must complete are:

1. Leadership class: (INDZ 2750--3 credit hours) See details below.
2. Practical experience: This is provided to enhance students' learning and personal development by providing leadership training and real world experience. Participation in a practical learning experience will allow students to bridge leadership theory and practice and gain valuable knowledge and skills.
3. Participation in four Leadership Workshops: Topics may
   include: time management, conflict management, and running effective meetings.
4. Attendance at one retreat: Retreats offer in-depth opportunities to explore issues of interpersonal growth and leadership. All expenses are paid by Webster University.
5. Community service: Students must volunteer for a position in the community for at least 30 hours during a two-year period. This helps students explore how leadership skills can help others outside the campus community.

The program may be completed at students' own pace. Transfer students may seek credit for experiences completed at other colleges or universities. All incoming Leadership Scholars will be required to pursue the Leadership Certificate.

INDZ 2750 Student Leadership Development (3)

A semester-long course in leadership skills assessment, leadership theory, interpersonal communications, leading in a diverse community, teamwork, ethical decision making, motivation, organizational dynamics, goal setting, and promotion. May be taken as part of the leadership certificate program or separately. Prerequisite: permission of the coordinator of the leadership program, Student Affairs Office, 314-968-6980.

Combined Degrees Program

In cooperation with the graduate school, the undergraduate schools/ colleges offer the combined, accelerated bachelor of arts/master of arts (B.A./M.A.), bachelor of business administration/master of arts (B.B.A./M.A.), bachelor of science/master of arts (B.S./M.A.), the bachelor of music/master of music (B.M./M.M.), and the bachelor of science in nursing/master of science in nursing (B.S.N./M.S.N.) programs to those undergraduates with outstanding academic records. The combined degrees program is offered only at the St. Louis area locations with one exception. Students pursuing a sequential degree in computer science (B.S.) in St. Louis and in Orlando may apply for admission to a sequential combined B.S./M.S. degree program in computer science. Students who have accumulated between 64 and 98 credit hours and have maintained a 3.3 G.P.A. in previous college work are eligible to apply for the program. For more information, see the Combined Degrees section of this catalog.

Certificate Programs

Certificate programs normally consist of an identified sequence of no fewer than 18 credit hours of coursework within a narrowly defined discipline. The following departments offer these certificates:

• Art
  • Art Therapy
• Behavioral and Social Sciences
  • Paralegal Studies
• Business
  • Accounting (Geneva campus only)
• Communications and Journalism
  • Sports Journalism
• English
  • Professional Writing
• History, Politics, and International Relations
  • Refugee Studies (Geneva campus only)
• Interdisciplinary Programs
  • International Human Rights
  • International Studies
  • Practical and Interdisciplinary Ethics
  • Women's Studies
• Management
  • Marketing (Geneva, Leiden campuses only)
• Mathematics and Computer Science
  • Web Site Design
  • Web Site Development
• Religious Studies
  • Buddhist Studies
  Consult the department descriptions for course requirement
  details. For further information on certificates, see Academic Policies and Information.

Consult the department descriptions for course requirement details. For further information on certificates, see Academic Policies and Information.

Speech and Debate Program

Webster University offers all students the opportunity to enhance their speaking, thinking, and reasoning abilities through participation in debate. Students must enroll in POLT 1550 Introduction to Political Argumentation and Debate. Enrollment in this course allows students to participate in Webster University's campuswide debates. Students wishing a more competitive level of debate may be granted permission to join the Webster University Debate (Forensics) Team, which competes against members of the Cross-Examination Debate Association (CEDA). Successful completion of POLT 3550 Competitive Political Argumentation and Debate and permission of the director of forensics are prerequisites for selection to the debate team. For more information, contact the director of forensics in the Communications and Journalism Department.

The Center for Professional Development

The Center for Professional Development, located in the newly redeveloped Old Post Office in downtown St. Louis, is the professional training arm of Webster University. Through partnerships with leading consultants, trainers, and business leaders, the center offers custom-designed programs to help local businesses provide employee training and development, resulting in higher levels of personal and professional success. The center is accredited for Continuing Education Units (CEUs) by the International Association for Continuing Education and Training (IACET). For more information, visit the center's website at www.webster.edu/cfpd.

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