About West Coast University

University Mission

At West Coast University, we embrace a student-centric learning partnership that leads to professional success. We deliver transformational education within a culture of integrity and personal accountability. We design market-responsive programs through collaboration between faculty and industry professionals. We continuously pursue more effective and innovative ways through which students develop the competencies and confidence required in a complex and changing world.

University Values

Academic Integrity and Intellectual Honesty	We are committed to a culture where ethical conduct governs our interactions.
A Culture of Mutual Respect	We believe each member of the University community can significantly contribute to the fulfillment of our mission.
Student Learning	We are committed to continuous assessment, evaluation and improvement of student learning.
The Communities We Serve	We take very seriously our responsibility to make a positive impact on the communities that surround us geographically and professionally.
A Student-Centric Culture	We believe it is our institutional responsibility to identify, understand, and respond to student needs.
Agility and Responsiveness	We respond quickly to the needs of our students, faculty, and associates.
Innovation and Creativity	We are committed to bringing innovation and creativity to the development and delivery of instruction, and in identifying solutions to complex and challenging problems.
Diversity	We encourage diversity of thought, ethnicity, culture and experience recognizing that through multiple and often differing perspectives offered in a collegial setting, the best ideas emerge.
Efficient Use of Resources	Through our stewardship, we develop solutions that make the best use of investments in time and other resources.

Objectives

To provide degree programs in fields of study that lead to professional success.
To provide academic and support services to enhance student success.
To provide a caring environment that is supportive and concerned with each student’s success.
To provide curricula, facilities, equipment and qualified faculty to prepare students for employment in an ever-changing job market.
To offer innovative and alternative modes of educational delivery to meet the needs of students’ personal and professional schedules.
To assist in meeting the employment needs of related professions.

Institutional Learning Outcomes

Institutional learning outcomes are designed by the University as a whole, taking into account the role that both instruction and student services play in contributing to a student’s success. Institutional learning outcomes assume achievement of the stated programmatic learning outcomes of one’s discipline.

Upon graduating from a degree program offered by West Coast University, students should be able to:

Implement intellectual and practical problem solving skills through information assessment and critical thinking.
Demonstrate effective written communication skills.
Demonstrate effective oral communication skills.
Demonstrate computer proficiency and information literacy.
Describe ethical standards and legal guidelines associated with one’s chosen career field.
Explain why knowledge of and respect for the societal contributions of diverse cultures and perspectives is an important quality in one’s discipline.
Articulate the importance of working collaboratively with other healthcare providers in support of the client/patient.

University History

West Coast University was originally founded in 1909 as an ophthalmology school. Over subsequent years, the university diversified is program offerings in multiple academic disciplines and offered at multiple degree levels. In May of 1997, new leadership emerged and the University was reorganized with a focus on health science programs. Highlights of the University's recent history include the following:

2006 -- Opening of the Los Angeles campus
2007 -- (September) Opening of branch campus in Orange County
2007 -- (September) The University launches online courses
2008 -- (November) Opening of branch campus in Ontario, California
2009 -- Dental Hygiene program (Orange County campus) attained professional accreditation through the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA)
2009 -- Bachelor of Science, Nursing program receives initial professional accreditation by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
2010 -- (June) WCU approved to offer master's degree programs in Nursing and Health Care Management
2012 -- (February) Opening of branch campus in Dallas, Texas
2013 -- (August) Opening of Center for Graduate Studies in Los Angeles, and matriculation of first cohort of students in the Masters of Occupational Therapy program
2014 -- Doctor of Physical Therapy program achieves candidacy status through Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE)
2014 -- (April) Opening of branch campus in Miami, Florida
2015 -- (June) Doctor of Pharmacy program achieves candidacy status through Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE)
2016 – (December) Doctor of Occupational Therapy program is granted candidacy status by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education
2017 -- (January) Master of Public Health program starts offering courses.
2017 – (February) The University is granted reaffirmation of accreditation for eight years by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)

University Diversity Statement

West Coast University is committed to actively pursuing an environment of inclusiveness for all students, faculty, and associates from diverse backgrounds. We value diversity defined by, but not limited to, ethnicity, culture, gender, socioeconomic class, religion, nationality, sexual orientation, age, physical ability, learning styles, and political perspectives.

The University believes that its mission and core values are strengthened by an environment that encourages diverse perspectives and the free exchange of ideas in an unbiased and non prejudicial way. Our graduates acquire knowledge and learn skills that help them thrive in a culturally diverse world.

Statement of Non-Discrimination

West Coast University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or status, marital, parental, familial, veteran, or military service status, political affiliation, age, or disability. The University complies with all local, state, and federal laws barring discrimination. Accordingly, equal opportunity for admission shall be extended to all persons. All inquiries or complaints regarding these laws and regulations should be directed to the University Director of Student Affairs who will provide students with procedures to resolve complaints relating to alleged unlawful discriminatory actions.

Rehabilitation Act and Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)

In accordance with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and the ADA Amendments Act of 2008, West Coast University abides by the policy that no student with a disability shall be excluded from participation in programs and services offered by the University when reasonable accommodations may be provided. A student is eligible for reasonable accommodations and/or auxiliary aids and services if the student has a disability and the Disability Services Coordinator has met with the student, consulted with the University Director of Student and Alumni Affairs, and determined that the functional limitations of the disability can be reasonably accommodated.

West Coast University is committed to providing reasonable accommodations including auxiliary aids and or services to qualified individuals with a disability, unless providing such accommodations would result in undue burden or fundamentally alter the nature of the relevant program, benefit or service provided by the University. To request auxiliary aids or service, students should contact the Student Services Office at the campus. Students should attempt to submit requests with supporting documentation at least six weeks prior to the beginning of the first day of classes. See also the Disability Services section of this catalog.

Notice to Applicants and Students with Misdemeanor and Felony Convictions

Employment in most health care positions requires a background check. The University does not believe that students should make a substantial investment of time and money if the ability to secure employment in the field of study is unlikely. For this reason WCU does not accept admissions applications from prospective students with felony convictions or on active probation for a misdemeanor conviction. Students in the Nursing and Dental Hygiene programs with misdemeanor convictions may not be able to be placed for their clinical course work or become licensed. Prospective students are required to disclose information relating to any felony or misdemeanor conviction to their admissions representative.

Background Check Policies

Applicants to programs that lead to licensure must complete a disclosure statement regarding felony or misdemeanor convictions at the time of application. Applicants who have a felony conviction are ineligible for admission, and those with a misdemeanor conviction are strongly encouraged to consider whether there is a benefit from the training offered. Students on active probation will not be considered for admission until the requirements of probation have been met. The disclosure statement will serve as a notice to the applicant regarding limitations for the University on securing clinical rotations or post-graduation employment if the applicant has a previous conviction.

If an applicant is unsure of his/her criminal background, the Admissions department will provide the applicant information on obtaining a background check, including fingerprinting (Livescan), at his/her expense.

Please Note: The University cannot provide an applicant any guarantee of how a clinical agency or licensing board will treat an arrest, conviction, dismissal, expungement , or a juvenile record (even if the record is closed) that is present on a background check or Department of Justice report.

Prior to beginning the clinical experience in a program, all admitted students must submit to a University-defined and paid for criminal background check and the results will be submitted to the University. Additional requirements may be made by the clinical site(s) to which a student is assigned. Determination regarding a student’s eligibility to attend clinical facilities will be made by the appropriate program administrator. Delays in clinical placement and/or acquiring a license due to criminal background checks results cannot be predicted by the University or the program.

Programs Preparing Graduates for a Field Requiring Licensure

West Coast University must take reasonable steps to ensure the student is eligible for licensure if he or she has chosen a program in a field where licensure is required. There are numerous eligibility requirements for licensure. Students are urged to be familiar with these requirements. If the student identifies concerns regarding his or her ability to meet licensure requirements, he or she is encouraged to discuss the concerns with an admissions representative and the appropriate academic program Dean/Chair. If the student decides to continue in a program of study given the understanding that he or she may not be able to achieve licensure, the student will be asked to sign an acknowledgement to that effect.

State and National Board Examinations/Licensure Requirements

State and national licensing and/or certification and registration examinations are the student's responsibility. The University will provide students with information regarding test dates, locations, and fees. Students are advised to check with their academic department's administrative office to determine their responsibility for fees incurred in the course of professional testing, licensing, certification or registration.

Since passing state and/or national board examination are pre-requisite to students obtaining licensure in many fields, the University places a high priority on preparing students to successfully pass these exams. For board examination requirements, see specific program information.

English as a second language (ESL) instruction

West Coast University does not offer English as a Second Language, Intensive English or English Language Learner instruction at any of its campuses. Students must be able to read, write, speak, understand and communicate effectively in English. A passing score on the admissions test is considered to be evidence that an applicant is able to read, write, speak, understand and communicate effectively in English.

Undergraduate Residency Requirement

Residency is defined as coursework completed at West Coast University, either on ground or online (does not include transfer or challenge credit). A minimum of 25% of credit units for any given program of study offered by West Coast University must be completed in residence. For example, if a student is enrolled in a program offered at West Coast University in which there are 120 credit units required for graduation, the student must complete 30 credit units in residence. Students should note that these University requirements are superseded by program-specific residency requirements and therefore should consult the specific academic program of interest for further instruction.

Teach Out Policy

In the event a decision is made by the University to discontinue a program or track of an existing program, new student enrollment will cease immediately in that program or track. The program or track will be designated as a “teach-out” program. All marketing materials and advertising for the program will be cancelled/withdrawn. Recruitment for the teach-out program will cease. The Dean/Chair of the teach-out program will complete a course audit to determine all courses required to enable all students enrolled in the program at the time the decision to teach-out is announced to complete the program. Under such circumstances, students would be required to meet the stipulations of the "teach-out" as expressed below.

The Dean/Chair of the teach-out program will design a schedule of courses that will ensure that all remaining courses required for students enrolled in the program will be offered in a sequence and on a schedule that will enable students to complete the program. This schedule will determine a defined maximum program completion time with a teach-out end date. In some cases, a directed study may be necessary in order to enable students to graduate from the program. Faculty and associates required to ensure the orderly teach-out of enrolled students will remain in place until the teach-out end date, so long as their services are required by students to complete their program, assuming normal progression to graduation prior to or on the teach-out end date. All students in the teach-out program will be eligible to receive placement services offered by the University.

The University will assist students enrolled in the program who would like to transfer to another program to complete their degree. Students who transfer will be due no benefit as described in this teach out policy once they have been accepted for transfer.
Students who fall out of sequence in their program as a result of course failure may retake the failed course only if it continues to be offered at the University and the student can still complete the retaken course prior to the teach-out end date. If the course is no longer offered, the student may upon the approval of the Campus Dean complete the course or an equivalent course at either West Coast University or another institution, either face to face or online in order to complete the program.
Students who fail to make satisfactory academic progress and are dismissed from the program following an appeal, or failure to make an appeal will lose their right to benefit under the teach out policy.
Students who are dismissed, take a leave of absence after the announcement of the teach out, or withdraw from the program will be allowed to return only if the program is still offered and the courses required by the student for completion of the program are still offered and the returning student will be able to complete those courses prior to the teach-out end date. The student must file an appeal in order to re-enter the program.
The University commits to providing a schedule to offer all courses needed by students to complete the program in a sequence and on a schedule that will enable them to complete their programs. Students will be expected to take the courses required to complete their programs when offered. Failure of students to take required courses when offered will not obligate the institution to offer the courses again.
Should the University decide to terminate the teach out, all students enrolled at the time of termination will be entitled to a full refund of all tuition and fees paid for the program. All credits earned by students will remain on their transcripts.
Teach out plans must be approved by Academic and Administrative Councils, Provost, Vice President of Operations, and President.

Facilities Description

West Coast University campuses and classroom facilities include gathering spaces that encourage connections between students, faculty and associates. The classrooms at each campus integrate advanced technology including permanently mounted projectors, projection screens, and interactive whiteboards. Study rooms, food service areas, and computer labs are also provided to support students.

Campus/Branch	Description
Los Angeles Campus (Main Campus) 12215 Victory Boulevard North Hollywood, CA 91606	The campus is located at the Victory Blvd. exit of Highway 170 (Hollywood Freeway). The campus has a total of 65,333 sq. ft. that consists of 11 Classrooms, 5 Lab Rooms, 7 High-fidelity Simulation Labs, 9 Study Rooms, and 2 Student Lounges. In the Computer Labs, there are a total of 297 computers and throughout the campus an additional 30 stations can be found.
Center for Graduate Studies (Branch Campus) 590 North Vermont Los Angeles, CA 90004	The Center for Graduate Studies is located off the 101 freeway in the heart of Los Angeles. This facility has a total of 91,090 sq. ft. that consists of 9 Classrooms, 9 student computer areas, 4 physical therapy labs, a physical therapy skills clinic, 3 occupational therapy labs, 3 pharmacy labs, 2 student commons rooms, 22 student meeting rooms, and a library equipped with stations and private meeting areas.
Orange County Campus (Branch Campus) 1477 South Manchester Avenue Anaheim, CA 92802	The campus is located off Interstate 5 (Santa Ana Freeway) in Anaheim near Harbor Blvd and Katella. The Orange County campus includes both the Manchester building and the Learning Site on La Palma Avenue. The Manchester building includes a Dental Hygiene simulation laboratory and a Dental Hygiene Patient Clinic. This facility has a total of 37,912 sq. ft. that consists of 6 Classrooms, 2 Lab Rooms, 1 Dental Hygiene Simulation Lab, 2 Dental Hygiene Clinics, 2 Study Rooms with 10 computer stations, a Student Lounge, and a library with 10 computer stations. In the Computer Labs, there are a total of 85 computers and throughout the campus an additional 6 stations can be found.
Orange County (Learning Site) 2411 West La Palma Avenue Anaheim, CA 92801	The Orange County Learning Site is located off Interstate 5 (Santa Ana Freeway) at the Brookhurst/La Palma exit. It is less than 5 miles from the Orange County Manchester building. This site includes Nursing simulation laboratories and offices for the Nursing faculty and Administration. This facility has a total of 38,496 sq. ft. that consists of 9 Classrooms, 2 Lab Rooms, 4 Nursing Simulation Labs, 5 Study Rooms and 5 Student Lounges. In the Computer Labs, there are a total of 90 computers and throughout the campus an additional 22 stations can be found.
Ontario Campus (Branch Campus) 2855 East Guasti Road Ontario, CA 91761	The campus is located off Interstate 10 (San Bernardino Freeway) at the Archibald Avenue exit next to the Ontario International Airport. The campus has a total of 62,596 sq. ft. that consists of 14 Classrooms, 4 Lab Rooms, 7 High-fidelity Simulation Labs, 4 Study Rooms and 3 Student Lounges. In the Computer Labs, there are a total of 247 computers and throughout the campus an additional 27 station can be found.
Dallas Campus (Branch Campus) 8435 North Stemmons Freeway, Dallas, TX 75247	The campus is located off the Stemmons Freeway northwest of Downtown Dallas and south of the 635 freeway. The campus has a total of 46,305 sq. ft. that consists of 6 Classrooms, 4 Lab Rooms, 3 Student Lounges, 3 Student Study Areas and computer stations within the Library, 1 Tutoring Center, and simulation space. The Simulation Center has a total of 10,000 sq. ft. that consists of 6 Nursing Simulation Labs and 1 Mental Health/Community Simulation Lab. In the Computer Labs, there are a total of 94 computers and throughout the campus an additional 35 stations can be found.
Miami Campus (Branch Campus) 9250 NW 36th Street Doral, FL 33178	The campus is located in a 5-story glass building that features a unique, three-pod design with expansive views in all directions and easy access to and from local highways. Occupying more than 46,054 square feet, the university provides students with access to 6 Classrooms, 3 Computer Labs, 3 Internet bars, 2 Nursing Skills Labs, 2 Science Labs, a Student Break Room adjacent to a large Student Quad, 3 Student Study Areas and computer stations within the Library, and a Student Meeting Room. The Miami campus also features a 5,000 square foot Nursing Simulation Center with high-fidelity manikins.