The Online B.A. in Business Administration degree-completion program in Cal State Fullerton’s College of Business and Economics offers a world-class affordable and accessible education for those in need of a flexible study option to finish their bachelor’s degree in business. For Heather Chakiris, assistant director for the program, the format provides the opportunity to build meaningful connections with students.

A Lifelong Commitment to Supporting the Online Student Experience

For Chakiris, supporting online student success has been a lifelong commitment that began 30 years ago. In her experience, the most consistent relationship an online student has with their university is their academic advisor. Faculty members will change each semester, but the academic advisor remains a consistent point of connection between the student and the university from admission through graduation.

Chakiris emphasizes the importance of proactive outreach and ongoing support for students balancing multiple responsibilities.

“A little empathy can go a long way,” Chakiris explains. “Our advising team is here to be a coach, a cheerleader, a shoulder to cry on, and an ear to listen – whatever our students need in the moment.”

Supporting the Unique Needs of Online Business Students

Chakiris encourages students to build close relationships with faculty and peers and to take advantage of their professors’ virtual office hours. Online study groups can be a great way for online business undergrads to develop supportive, close-knit friendships, a testament to the camaraderie possible in an online environment.

“I’ve met online business students at graduation who became such good friends through the program that they vacation together and attended each other’s weddings,” Chakiris shares. “Online learning doesn’t have to mean isolation.”

The online business advising team customizes their approach based on the needs of each student. “We don’t treat everyone the same, as if we’re moving them along an assembly line. First and foremost, we listen. We listen to their goals, to what is motivating them to complete their bachelor’s degree, and their concerns,” says Chakiris.

Recognizing that career readiness or advancement is at the heart of most online students’ objectives, online B.A. in Business Administration students have both online and in-person access to Business Career Services and the university’s Career Center, providing individualized support and connections for internships and career development. Academically, online B.A. in Business Administration students have access to the Business Tutoring Center, to embedded tutors in certain classes, and to the University Learning Center and Writing Center.

The online business program is designed to provide a well-rounded education that equips students with the knowledge and skills required to become effective business leaders. “I refer to our Professional Business Concentration as the liberal arts of business, because it delivers a broad overview of core business practices and prepares our students well for the myriad of data-driven decisions they will have to make as business leaders,” says Chakiris.

For More on the Online B.A. in Business Administration

For more information or to get started on your online degree-completion journey today, visit the Online B.A. in Business Administration program website or email [email protected]. You can also read more of our articles on online learning in the CSUF College of Business and Economics.