The following are the answers to some common questions about SPaRC. If you would like to know more, please don’t hesitate to contact us at LEAD@westernu.edu
What are this year’s dates?
June 8 – June 26, 2026
What is the cost?
$400
What is the format?
SPaRC 2026 will be delivered online.
SPaRC is open to any incoming student from the following colleges:
- College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific (Pomona and Lebanon)
- College of Health Sciences(MSPA, DPT-Pomona and Lebanon)
- College of Dental Medicine
- College of Optometry
- College of Podiatric Medicine
Participating in SPaRC allows students to:
- Understand the realistic academic and emotional demands of their program
- Utilize academic-based learning and wellbeing coping strategies
- Meet and interact with college deans and faculty
- Access crucial resources on campus
- Develop supportive friendships with students in and outside of their program
- Collaborate with other WesternU students in Service Learning
As an academic preparedness course, science content includes:
- Skeletal system overview
- Anatomy lecture
- Pharmacology
- Program-specific content
As an emotional readiness course, content includes:
- Learning strategies
- Time management
- Anxiety management
- Test-taking strategies
A typical SPaRC day runs from 9am-5pm. However depending on the college, program specific content can be delivered before or after SPaRC hours.
| 7/8am-9am | Program specific content lectures |
| 9am-12pm | LEAD Learning Skills & Wellbeing Presentations |
| 12pm-1pm | Lunch |
| 1pm-4pm | Anatomy large group lecture |
| 4pm-5pm | SPaRC TA Sessions |
As the SPaRC program will be delivered online, students have the option of either staying at home or moving closer to the area earlier than expected. Available short-term and long-term housing options are available on-line or by contacting the Assistant Vice President of Learning & Development: patelnm@westernu.edu
In collaboration with a local organization, SPaRC culminates with a community health education fair. In small interprofessional groups, students select a topic of their choice and develop an interactive presentation.
SPaRC students receive a CR/NCR grade for the course. It will not be included in their GPA calculation, but will appear on their transcript. Additionally, there are established standards (report card) to be met to receive a Certificate of Completion. Colleges will receive the report card and Deans distribute the Certificates of Completion.
To register for SPaRC: SPaRC Application
Students are expected to attend class every day. Attendance is mandatory since students learn from participating in lectures and lab discussions. Students are expected to complete a high volume of nightly studying. Additionally, content covered in class is formally tested on exams.