Our Core Values
Webster provides hands-on, experiential learning, offering students high-impact experiences through internships, mentorship, research, community service and study abroad opportunities. The University is committed to providing a transformative education for students, emphasizing critical thinking and creativity and fostering a student-first environment.
We understand that we are interconnected and greater than the sum of our parts. By leading with love, Webster creates a community that is the heart of learning and growth. Through a shared ethic of care and compassion, we promote a culture of belonging that empowers each person to contribute their unique perspectives. By embracing dialogue, mutual respect and social responsibility, we nurture individuals who contribute to the common good within our campus communities and on a global scale.
Webster’s unwavering commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion is rooted in the fundamental belief that every person has equal worth. The University’s commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion extends to all individuals from historically underrepresented and marginalized groups, including but not limited to Black, Indigenous, Latine, Asian, Pacific Islander and other people of color; immigrants and refugees; LGBTQIA+ individuals; people of diverse gender identities and expressions, including transgender, intersex, nonbinary, gender-nonconforming and two-spirit individuals; people with all manner of disability, whether apparent or non-visible, including mental health conditions, neurodivergent, chronic medical conditions and Deaf individuals; people from a variety of religious and cultural backgrounds; individuals from under-resourced or economically marginalized communities; military veterans and individuals across all ages, body types and national origins or nationalities. Recognizing the complexities of intersectionality and the commitment to ongoing education, inclusivity and equity for all, Webster maintains a community with a sense of belonging for all identities. It ensures everyone can learn, work and live in an atmosphere of dignity, respect, safety and care.
Our differences make us stronger, which is why Webster insists on a culture of fairness and kindness. The University amplifies the contributions of students, faculty and staff, knowing that diversity and mutuality fuel innovation, creativity and success in everything our community accomplishes.
The highest standards of honesty, fairness and accountability are upheld in all aspects of the community’s academic and professional lives. This commitment requires authentic discourse, transparency, courage and a dedication to ethical principles, even in challenging circumstances. Webster creates a culture where trust thrives and people feel valued and safe to express themselves. The University builds a foundation of responsibility that extends into the communities we serve.
People are the greatest resource at Webster, and the institution is committed to responsibly caring for them, as well as the resources entrusted to the institution in ways that align with our values. Recognizing that it is a privilege to hold the trust, time, talents and dedication of others, we actively care for the well-being and development of our students, faculty and staff.
We commit to growth and reflective practices that enhance our programs, processes and impacts, continually elevating our service to the community and advancing our mission. We embrace a mindset of lifelong learning, honest self-reflection and emotional intelligence, recognizing that personal development fuels innovation and strengthens our collective potential.
Our History Sets Us Apart
In 1915, the Sisters of Loretto had a bold vision — to establish a university that would admit and educate only women.
Opening with five students, the institution’s first graduating class totaled just two women. Today our main campus looks quite different than it did more than a century ago — and even different from when it was renamed Webster University in 1983.
1919
The University welcomed its first international students.
1939
The first visually-impaired student graduated with a Bachelor of Arts.
1945
The institution announced a new program for military veterans.
1950
The first Black student graduated from the University.
1972
Webster University Kansas City opened its first metro location.
1999
The University launched its first online programs.
Now, the University engages more than 13,000 individuals living and working around the world, honoring the Sisters of Loretto’s legacy in the pursuit of academic excellence, equality and global citizenship.
The Lore Behind the Webster Gorlok
At Webster, we pride ourselves on creating a campus as unique as you are, and that includes our mascot! The Gorlok is Webster's very own legendary creation and exemplifies the innovation, creativity and out-of-the-box thinking we encourage in our students, faculty and staff.
Get to Know the Gorlok!
Meet Our Mythical Mascot
The Gorlok is a mythical creature, uniquely created just for Webster University!
It has the paws of a speeding cheetah, the horns of a fierce buffalo and the face of a dependable Saint Bernard.
The myth of the Gorlok represents the high standards, atmosphere of fairness and good conduct that are so important to Webster University.
The name was chosen in June 1984 and takes inspiration from the intersection of Gore and Lockwood avenues, considered to be the heart of “Old Webster."
Webster University ran a contest in October 1984 challenging applicants to submit a sketch and description of what they thought a Gorlok would look like. The winning entry was a photograph of a furry creature holding a hand-held pump sprayer.
More Lore Unlocked
The Gorlok has evolved over time, continuing to be an important representative of the innovative and creative energy found at Webster University.
The first life-size Gorlok costume made its debut at a men’s basketball game in February 1988. The mascot stood 6 feet 3 inches and was covered in blue fur.
Today the Gorlok features golden fur, two horns on its head, and wears a blue letter jersey featuring a large, white “W” emblazoned on the front.
The Gorlok is an elusive creature who brings magic to campus. Keep your eyes open while you’re on campus, at athletic events and student life events, and you just might get a glimpse of the Gorlok in real life!
And don’t worry, the Gorlok is friendly! Don’t be afraid to snap a photo together.
Global Impact for the Next Century
Strategic Plan
Emboldened by the success of our first century, Webster University's strategic plan looks to the future. It is organized into four themes:
- Global innovation through inclusive leadership
- A global, student-centered experience
- A network of academic and operational excellence
- Strategic and sustainable development
Our Diversity and Inclusion Statement
For us, diversity and inclusion are more than meeting a goal or focusing on a specific representation with a combination. It involves expressive dialogue and offerings of distinct talent, thought and inquiry from individuals from various backgrounds. We recognize that diversity and inclusion cultivate academic excellence. Our University also understands the success of each individual strengthens the community.
Our Inclusion Pledge
As a member of the Webster University community,
- I promise to consciously promote acceptance and demonstrate respect.
- I will dedicate myself to actively listen to each person’s story.
- I promise to learn from and embrace differences among identities.
- I will recognize commonalities and shared experiences.
- I will practice inclusive language and be open to learning.
- I promise to educate others to foster an inclusive community that treats every person with dignity and respect.
I will honor this commitment in my classes, workplace, personal life and all other pursuits on and off campus. I pledge to make everyone feel safe, valued and part of our global community #WeAreAllWebster.
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.
