Introduction: Web Institutes at the University of North Texas use a cohort approach to enable new students to take their first, second, and, in some cases, third semester of studies as a group. The cohort-based approach provides an opportunity for students and faculty to build a vibrant learning community, regardless of where the students may be living and working while they are enrolled in UNT's online programs. The Web Institutes meet all five pillars of quality by providing access to course information and training for online students, student satisfaction in knowing that they are prepared for the academic and technical requirements of an online program, learning effectiveness in permitting students to bond early in a program where they will be working together for the next two years, faculty satisfaction in knowing that their students know and are prepared to meet the course's expectations; and cost effectiveness and institutional commitment in bringing the new students together each semester to improve their success rate. Access: Web Institutes bring students beginning an online program together so that they can receive training in using the learning management system, begin their coursework with guidance, receive their student identification cards, and meet each other and their professors. As an example, two sets of back-to-back Web Institutes for the School of Library and Information Sciences are held each June in Denton. Approximately 100 students begin each section of SLIS 5000: Introduction to the Information Profession, SLIS 5200: Introduction to Information Organization, and SLIS 5600: Introduction to Information and Access Retrieval Services. In the Fall, two of the introductory courses have web institutes for 100 students each in Denton and Las Vegas or Minneapolis, while a third institute is held in Houston. In the Spring, two introductory courses hold web institutes in Houston, a third is held in Denton, and a fourth takes place in Las Vegas or Minneapolis. During the first two semesters, most new students will be in three web institutes with other students who began the program with them. Student Satisfaction: Web institute students have an impressive success rate. Because they have met face-to-face, they can then go home to their sometimes-remote locations and yet mentally see the face of the person in their online course because they have met that person. They stay connected through online forums such as SLIS Village, which is an virtual student union. They frequently graduate together, having gone through courses, but also life experiences (weddings, babies, job changes) together. When one student is discouraged, another pulls them up and encourages them. The students from around the globe truly know each other. Learning Effectiveness: The web institutes are required, regardless of where the student may reside. Even overseas students are required to physically attend a web institute, although they do try to take three summer institutes that are scheduled back-to-back. Documented success rates have shown that the institutes are the glue that gets the program off to a solid start and holds it together. Students do not feel alone or left out because they truly know the others in their classes. The nine days spent in web institutes have resulted in some lifelong friendships and professional relationships. Faculty Satisfaction: Faculty appreciate the opportunity to truly meet their students face-to-face before teaching them online. Faculty can then recognize the students when they see them professionally at conferences or in other settings. Having the opportunity to socialize with faculty and advisors deepens the students' appreciation of their faculty members and their caring attitude toward their online students. Cost Effectiveness and Institutional Commitment: Students pay the related costs for their web institutes. They frequently share hotel rooms and transportation to cut costs or come to campus during a time when dorms are available. A full-time web institute coordinator handles the logistics of making certain that computer labs, parking passes, dorm rooms, and classrooms are available for students and faculty in all locations. She also arranges the social activities for each institute (ice cream socials, pizza parties, and welcome parties). As more programs are coming online, the web institutes are being used by other departments to successfully launch their new students into their graduate education programs.