The Journal

Issue date: 9/27/07 Section: News

In a proactive approach to 2005's dismal freshman retention rates, Webster University has enacted a program that puts upperclassmen in freshman seminars.

Freshman retention rates refer to the amount of freshmen who come back to attend classes after their first semester. WU's freshman retention rates had stayed between 78.8 percent and 82.2 percent for the six years before 2005's 76.9 percent.

"We want the students who we recruit to come to Webster to continue with us," said Ted Hoef, dean of students.

The mentor program, which has yet to be formally named, attempts to better integrate freshmen into campus life by placing one upperclassman, generally one who is involved on campus, into some of the freshman seminars to act as a mentor.

Of the 29 freshman seminars, 20 have been paired with an upperclassman this semester.

"The goal is to have a mentor in every freshman seminar by fall of '08," said Larry Baden, director of freshmen seminars and an assistant professor at WU.

The mentors answer questions that students may not feel comfortable asking teachers or staff and help freshmen get acquainted with campus life. The exact role of the mentors has yet to be defined.

"We're looking for a way for (freshmen) to be connected to campus, to be a part of (Webster)," Baden said. "We can make the program anything we want."

Zachary Georgeoff, a psychology and special education senior, who is mentoring two freshman seminars, said he attends their classes once every three to four weeks.

"I believe that (the program) depends on the willingness of the freshmen to communicate with their mentors," Georgeoff said.

Some freshmen do not communicate with their mentors.

"I haven't talked to my mentor, but she's willing to help," said freshman media communications major May Morrison. "She looks smart."

Just the same, the mentors are available.

"It is a really new program, and I think it will help the freshmen students be more comfortable in Webster," said Stephanie Gustine, a senior music major and seminar mentor. "So far, we are here for support, and for any help the freshmen need with classes or life."

Freshmen might not know all the services offered on campus, how to join groups or what activities are offered.

Adam Veaner, a freshman audio production major, said that his mentor showed him where he could print out a paper for free.

"I didn't know about the writing labs in Sverdrup," Veaner said.

The program provides freshmen with students they can talk to for information, instead of relying of staff for advice.

"I honestly think it does help the freshmen, because they can find people who have the same interests. Having someone to go to for advice is helpful," said senior education major Kendra Richards, who is also a mentor. "They come as freshmen, and they don't know anyone on campus."

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