Online Blended Course Requirements
Effective January 6, 2015, the online/blended course requirements have been updated to reflect current course requirements.
The University’s online learning environment includes a substantial expectation of interactive virtual learning activities and engagement. Chat rooms and threaded discussions provide opportunities for productive class interaction, and to connect with faculty members for help and guidance. Chat rooms are open for discussion with peers (at any time) or faculty (during office hours). Online courses engage students with interactive learning exercises and animated activities. Online courses also provide an audio visual advantage. Students are able to see and hear each lesson from any computer with access to the Internet that meets the hardware and software specifications listed herein. Because West Coast University is aware that students may have multiple ways of learning, the sights and sounds associated with online courses add a valuable dimension to the educational experience. Moreover, animations, graphs, charts, and slide presentations are regularly integrated into the courses.
Registration for online classes is opened determined by each campus no later than the fifth week of the term for next term. Students are informed of this registration period via email. Signing up for an online class using this process does not guarantee students placement into the class; registrars verify class schedules then place students into respective classes. Sign up information is found at the following link on the University website: http://westcoastuniversity.edu/forms/online-course.html. Access to the online course materials is provided 7 days prior to the start date of the course.
New students will receive login information from eCollege Learning Studio via email. Alternatively, students can go to: http://westcoastunivonline.com to get a password, using their WCU student ID number as the login ID. Additional information is provided on the login page for forgotten passwords and user assistance.
First-time online or blended course students are enrolled into the New Student Training that takes place the week before classes begin. The Online Course Calendar provides training week dates.
Several academic programs include blended courses. Students can contact their program department for more information regarding the use of online or blended instruction. Blended courses combine traditional classroom instruction with online delivery. Generally blended courses meet in face-to-face the first and last days of class; all other class meetings occur online. Students enrolled in online or blended courses are required to participate in online course activities as outlined in each course’s syllabus.
Please Note: Blended course in the Dental Hygiene program meet in residence once a week throughout the term and the rest of instruction is online. Contact the Dental Hygiene department for more information.
Attendance Policy - Online and Blended Courses
Effective January 6, 2015, the attendance policy has been updated to reflect current information for online and blended courses.
For online or blended courses, attendance for the online portion is based on turning in assignments (in the online dropbox), assessments or exams, or weekly assigned discussion threads. If these
components are submitted at times other than when assigned, attendance will be recorded as “Absent”. Students must submit a least one gradable activity per class every ‘class-week.’ A ‘ class-week’ for full online courses starts on a Monday of any given week and ends on the following Sunday at 11:55 PM PST.
A gradable activity includes, but is not limited to, the posting of a threaded discussion question, electronic submission of any course assignment to the ‘dropbox’, electronic submission of a test / exam (if applicable), or any other course related activity that is graded. All assignments are graded throughout the term and the grades on the assignments/exams are posted in the learning management system where students can track their progress throughout the term. All assignments/tests and exams submitted by the due date are graded prior to the end of the grading period and will be reflected in the final grade for the course.
Please Note: In Dental Hygiene blended courses, the ‘class-week’ corresponds to the week between the on-campus meeting times. For example, if the on-campus portion meets on Tuesdays, the related online portion begins that same Tuesday and ends the following Monday at 11:55 PM PST.
Housing Addendum
Effective January 6, 2015, the housing policy has been replaced with the information below.
The University does not maintain or assume any responsibility for resident student housing. The approximate cost for a one-bedroom apartment in the vicinity of the campuses in California range from $1,000 to $1,500 a month. Information about nearby housing is available through the University’s
Student Services office.
Undergraduate Admissions Policies and Disclosures
Effective January 6, 2015, the Undergraduate Admissions Policies and Disclosures section has been revised.
Instruction at the University is delivered in English. Students must be able to read, write, speak,
understand, and communicate in English. The College does not offer English as a Second Language (ESL) instruction.
An undergraduate student applying for admission into West Coast University must:
1. Submit a completed application for admission;
2. Participate in a qualitative admissions interview arranged by a University admissions advisor;
3. Submit documentation of high school graduation or its equivalent;
Please Note: Foreign high school diplomas or their equivalent must be submitted to the
Registrar’s Office for review.
4. Meet any program specific entrance requirements;
5. Complete an enrollment agreement (must be signed by a parent or guardian if the applicant is under 18 years of age); If English is not the student’s primary language, and the student is unable to
understand the terms and conditions of the Enrollment Agreement, the student shall have the right to obtain a clear explanation of the terms and conditions and all cancellation and refund policies in his or her primary language.
University Admissions Requirements for Graduate Degree
Effective January 6, 2015, the University Admissions Requirements for Graduate Degree section has been revised.
Instruction at the University is delivered in English. Students must be able to read, write, speak,
understand, and communicate in English. The College does not offer English as a Second Language (ESL) instruction.
A student applying for admission to a graduate program at West Coast University must:
1. Submit a completed application for admission;
2. Participate in a qualitative admissions interview arranged by a University admissions advisor;
3. Submit official transcripts demonstrating completion of an accredited bachelor’s degree program;
4. Meet program admissions requirements;
5. Complete an enrollment agreement. If English is not the student’s primary language, and the
student is unable to understand the terms and conditions of the Enrollment Agreement, the student shall have the right to obtain a clear explanation of the terms and conditions and all cancellation and refund policies in his or her primary language.
International Admissions
Due to the primarily online format of the Master’s programs, these programs are not open to enrollment by foreign students under a student visa.