By Melissa Serrato and Stephanie Nguyen-Preciado

Guaranteed transfer programs established at CSUF’s School of Accountancy and WesternU’s College of Pharmacy

Fullerton College established two new guaranteed transfer programs for students with Cal State Fullerton’s School of Accountancy and Western University’s College of Pharmacy (COP)’s PharmD program.

Dr. Bridget Salzameda, dean of Natural Sciences, formalizes the WesternU partnership with Pharmacy Dean Sunil Prabhu.

Last fall, Fullerton College’s then-Interim President Dr. Monte Perez joined CSUF President Fram Virjee for a signing ceremony that formally launched a guaranteed transfer pathway program for Fullerton College accounting students.

Students who maintain credits and GPA will qualify to earn a bachelor’s degree in accounting in four years and will have the option to continue to earn a master’s degree in the fifth year and qualify to sit for the CPA exam. The pathway program is also designed to provide mentoring support, access to business skills workshops and peer cohort group support.

“Our partnership with the newly established CSUF School of Accountancy provides our accounting students a streamlined pathway to an advanced degree and a career in accounting,” said Business and CIS Division Dean Carlos Ayon. “This program will create lasting impacts for students in our local community and meet the growing needs of our local businesses.”

Accounting Professor Brandon Tran and Ayon helped steward the pathway program with CSUF. Fullerton College consistently ranks No. 1 in transfers to CSUF and currently, there isn’t an option for students to pursue an Associate Degree for Transfer in Accounting which would guarantee transfer to a university. This agreement closes that gap for Fullerton College students.

The signing event also celebrated CSUF’s accounting department elevating to the School of Accountancy. CSUF’s School of Accountancy is among only about 50 schools of its kind nationwide.

Also last fall, Fullerton College students now have a guaranteed spot at the College of Pharmacy’s PharmD at Western University, thanks to a new partnership. The transfer admission agreement will provide students with a guaranteed seat in the College of Pharmacy (COP)’s PharmD program upon completion of the prerequisites while maintaining a 3.0 or higher GPA. College of Pharmacy Dean Sunil Prabhu, BPharm, Ph.D. signed the MOU with Fullerton College Natural Sciences Division Dean Bridget Salzameda, Ph.D.

Fullerton College’s then-Interim President Dr. Monte Perez joined CSUF President Fram Virjee to formally launch a guaranteed transfer pathway program for accounting students.

“When Dr. Prabhu and I first met to discuss this partnership, I was thrilled our students would be given a clear pathway for a career in pharmacy,” Salzameda said. “Our FC Natural Sciences faculty are enthusiastic to continue providing high-quality education, and with help from WesternU, we will provide resources to ensure this is a smooth transition for our FC students.”

As part of its CCAPP (Community College Accelerated Pharmacy Pathway) program, COP will reach out to and support community college students, said COP Assistant Dean for External Relations Eric Gupta, PharmD. Students who enter the CCAPP program will have opportunities to conduct research with COP faculty, and they will also provide community service through health fairs and student clubs.

“At WesternU, we provide the environment for our student pharmacists to be the best pharmacists they can be down the road,” Dr. Gupta said. “We’re happy to have you sending your students to us and we want to help mentor them in the same way, and we’re excited to start this partnership with Fullerton College.”