Academic Advising

As with all American universities, students at Webster have a great deal of freedom in choosing their courses. This can be daunting when looking at all the choices available and figuring out what is best for you. Also, many Webster students come from countries all over the world and may not be that familiar with the American university system. Whatever your situation, you may find yourself needing help getting and staying on track for a timely graduation.

Therefore, academic advising plays a major role in the student's academic career at Webster and provides students with individualized academic program planning.

Jennifer Martin is the Academic Advisor for Undergraduate Programs (except International Relations)

Ester Blom is the Academic Advisor for Graduate Programs and Undergraduate Programs (international Relations only)

How Advising Works

On acceptance to the university, students are put in touch with their advisor to discuss their academic plans and to register for classes.

Throughout their academic careers at Webster, students work with their academic advisor to plan their choice of university courses. The advisor helps the student choose coursework to meet individual educational and career goals, informs students about academic policies and procedures, and helps solve a variety of academic problems. Ultimately, however, it is the responsibility of each student to keep apprised of current graduation requirements for his or her particular degree program.

Your Individual Degree Planner

Please click here for more information about the IDP.

Scholarship opportunities for current students

Please click here for more information about the Mayflower Scholarship

Petition to Graduate

Bachelor of Arts (BA) and Bachelor of Science (BS) students can graduate officially after any of the three academic semesters (December, May, and August). Master of Arts (MA) and Master of Business Administration (MBA) students can graduate after any of the five academic terms. However, in order to graduate and receive a diploma you must formally petition to graduate at least four months before you intend to complete your degree. This paperwork notifies the main campus in St. Louis of your intention to graduate. If it is not sent in, you will not officially graduate. Please click here for the Petition to Graduate Process.

The next official graduation ceremony will be held in Leiden on Saturday, May 8, 2010. Students completing their last course in the Summer 2010 term will also be allowed to participate in this ceremony. All graduating students will be notified of the details of the event as the date approaches.

Get Involved in the Alumni Association After Graduation

Don't walk away too fast from Webster University! After graduation you automatically become a member of the Alumni Association. As an alumni you may audit one course per year free of tuition (depending on availability) For more information please go to Alumni Association.

Foreign students from outside the EU please note!

When you have successfully completed a Bachelor or Master degree in the Netherlands, the immigration authorities now give you the opportunity to remain in the Netherlands for a year to look for a job (this is known as a 'zoekjaar', which roughly translates as a 'job-seeking year'). You must, however, be able to support yourself financially during this job-seeking period (for example by using their own money or getting a temporary (unskilled) job) and will not be eligible to receive Dutch benefits during this time. Graduates who find employment that qualifies them for "highly skilled migrant" status within a year will be eligible for a residence permit, provided that all the conditions of the skilled migrant policy are met. The minimum starting salary required for this category of permit has been lowered to € 25,000 per year (before taxes).

Similarly, if you find a job which meets the salary criterion of € 25,000 annually immediately after graduating, without having made use of the 'job-seeking year', an application to amend the reason of stay of your residence permit to "highly skilled migrant" can be submitted. In this case a certified copy of the degree certificate must be sent together with the application.
You can contact IND if you need any further information.