Admitted Students (OD-AS)
Congratulations And Welcome To The WesternU Family
We are excited for you to join the College of Optometry Advanced-Standing Pathway in Fall 2021! In the meantime, be sure to complete the items on your “To-Do Before Orientation” list and utilize the resources provided below to prepare for your arrival on campus.
It is essential that you regularly check your WesternU e-mail account (once assigned) as all reminders and follow-up from the University will be sent through this account (including financial aid, registration, and final admission requirements information).
Accepting Our Offer
Again, congratulations and we look forward to seeing you again soon!
Your WesternU Support Team
- Carefully read and submit all requirements on your Next Steps document (PDF).
- Review the FAQs, Financial Aid and Housing
- Review procedures to submit your health clearance forms
- Complete Background Check Process (PDF) – Details will be provided later.
- Purchase required equipment (details will be provided later).
- Provide proof of health insurance when requested.
- Ensure your laptop meets the minimum technical standards
- Complete your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) (if applicable)
- Link to the Student Portal to find a roommate or to advertise/review available housing
(Email/Portal Password Required)
After you have accepted our offer and paid your first deposit, you will be assigned a WesternU e-mail account. Once your account is created, your account information will be available on your application status page. It is essential that you regularly check your WesternU e-mail account (once assigned) as all reminders and follow-up from the University will be sent through this account (including financial aid, registration, and final admission requirements information). Your WesternU e-mail account login will also provide you access to the Student Portal, https://my.westernu.edu and Blackboard. Please note that Blackboard accounts will not be available for incoming students until at least one week prior to the start of classes.
Class Registration
You will need to complete all outstanding admissions requirements (see “To-Do before Orientation” list above) before you will be able to register for classes. Registration information will be sent to your WesternU e-mail address just prior to the start of classes. During registration, you will also be required to provide proof of active health insurance coverage. Additional information on the University’s health insurance coverage requirements can be found on the Registrar’s website.
Website Resources and Who to Contact with Questions
The Summer Preparedness and Readiness Course (SPaRC) is a five-week program generally held in June and July, before the start of the academic year in August. SPaRC familiarizes incoming students with the “WesternU Way” while preparing them for their program in a supportive, low-stress, interprofessional setting.
SPaRC courses introduce students to foundational material pertinent to their program of study. Instruction emphasizes the key basic principles in each program. SPaRC prepares incoming students by providing an overview of applicable basic medical science courses, efficient academic learning skills, and wellbeing competencies.
Participating programs include: College of Osteopathic Medicine (DO), Department of Physician Assistant Studies (MSPA), Department of Physical Therapy (DPT), College of Optometry (OD), College of Podiatric Medicine (DPM), and the College of Dental Medicine (DMD).
For further information about SPaRC, please contact the program Director: Dr. Hector Arroyo at (909) 469-8499, or visit our SPaRC page.