Chapman University is a 145-year-old independent institution of liberal arts and professional training dedicated to providing a solid foundation of knowledge that enables its graduates to become fully educated persons. Chapman is recognized for its liberal arts core, distinguished faculty, innovative programs and personalized attention to students. The University strives to develop in students the ability to think clearly, communicate effectively, explore issues from contrasting points of view, value human and cultural diversity and make informed ethical judgments in an increasingly complex world.
The University is comprised of the Wilkinson College of Letters and Sciences, the Argyros School of Business and Economics, the School of Education, the Dodge College of Film and Media Arts, the College of Performing Arts and University College.
For more than 40 years, Chapman University College campuses have served thousands of adult learners who are interested in integrating higher education into their already busy lives. The central goal of University College is to help students develop their talents and to encourage them to extend their learning beyond the boundaries of the classroom as they pursue a lifetime of learning.
The first adult program began at El Toro Marine Air Station in 1958 and soon other branches of the military requested degree programs for all military personnel. The majority of campuses are now community based, but the University does maintain a presence on many military bases. A wide range of graduate and undergraduate degree programs is offered at locations throughout California and Washington. Degree programs extend the educational objectives and historic purpose of Chapman University by recognizing and enhancing academic opportunities for non-traditional adult students. The University's reputation for excellence is consistent in every community it serves.
University College of Chapman University was established to provide quality education for adult learners. The administration of University College (CUC) is under the direction of the Provost of Chapman University, the Dean of University College, and the Vice President of Enrollment Management for Chapman University. This structure is designed to best meet the needs of the local communities served by University College.
University College offers academic schedules with new sessions that start every 10 weeks on a year-round basis. Classes are offered in the evenings or late afternoons. Qualified full-time, core and adjunct faculty serve student needs in a variety of undergraduate, graduate and credential programs. Each academic campus maintains a full-time professional staff that provides the personal attention to each student that is the hallmark of Chapman's University College program.
Most of the students served by University College are adult learners who are either returning to higher education after a number of years away from it or are beginning college study for the first time after some years since completing high school. Working professionals or persons seeking a more professional career who are returning to college for an undergraduate or graduate degree represent a growing segment of America's college student population and reflect the preponderance of University College students as well. Most of these students need to balance a number of responsibilities, including career demands, family obligations and the complexities of busy, active lives.
University College students tend to be people of strong motivation who have learned that to be successful in one's career and fulfilled in life, a person must continue to grow. University College students also realize the value a quality education plays in continued growth and success and are looking for an education that will help them achieve personal career and life goals. Chapman's University College serves the unique needs of working adult students by providing a traditional, quality education in non-traditional, innovative ways.
University College serves the higher educational needs of working adults and other students who require alternatives to traditional campus-based programs by creating and delivering innovative academic programming that meets the needs of this growing population. University College strives to develop within adult learners the ability to think clearly, communicate effectively, appreciate divergent points of view, value human and cultural diversity, and make informed ethical judgments in an increasingly complex, interdependent world.
Research shows that today's working adult will change careers three times. Typically, two of these career changes will require the additional knowledge and competencies that are embedded in a undergraduate or graduate degree. The educational opportunities offered by University College help working professionals to prepare for these transitions as well as to lead more productive, enriching lives. In recognition of the population it serves, University College has affiliated with the Council on Adult and Experiential Learning (CAEL), a national organization with which most of the prestigious higher education institutions serving adult students are affiliated, and is applying CAEL standards to all CUC programs, processes and services.
Chapman University will be a preeminent University engaged in distinguished liberal arts and professional programs that are interconnected, reach beyond the boundaries of the classroom and work toward developing the whole person: the intellectual, physical, social and spiritual dimension of life.
Chapman University provides educational leadership as a preeminent University committed to excellence, innovation and accountability in all endeavors. Our dynamic, stimulating community is committed to value-centered personalized learning, with a curriculum distinguished by liberal arts and professional programs that reach beyond the boundaries of the classroom.
The mission of Chapman University is to provide personalized education of distinction that leads to inquiring, ethical, and productive lives as global citizens.
Founded in 1861, Chapman is recognized for its liberal arts core, distinguished faculty, innovative programs and personalized attention to students. The University strives to develop in students the ability to think clearly, communicate effectively, explore issues from contrasting points of view, value human and culture diversity and make informed ethical judgments in an increasingly complex world.
The goal of University College is to extend the mission and resources of Chapman University to undergraduate and graduate students whose lives include professional and personal commitments that significantly affect the times they can attend classes and the pace at which they may achieve their educational goals. Consistent with Chapman's dedication to excellence, University College makes distinguished teaching available to part-time and full-time students by offering University coursework and a variety of degrees and professional training.
The faculty of University College:
Approximately 12,000 students are enrolled in 16 academic campuses throughout California and Washington.
With 55 full-time faculty, 30 core faculty, and part-time instructors and guest lecturers currently employed as professionals in the discipline, University College averages class sizes of 12-14. More than 80 percent of the faculty members hold terminal degrees.
Chapman University is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges, Accrediting Commission for Senior Colleges and Universities, 985 Atlantic Avenue, Suite 100, Alameda California, 94501; (510) 748-9001. The University's teacher training and credential programs are approved by the California State Department of Education.
Chapman is a member of the Western Association of Schools and Colleges. It is also a member of the Independent Colleges of Southern California, the College Entrance Examination Board, the Western College Association, the Association of Independent California Colleges and Universities, the American Council on Education, the American Association of Colleges for Teacher Education, and the Division of Higher Education of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). University College is affiliated with the Council for Adult and Experiential Learning (CAEL) and a member of the National Association of Institutions for Military Education Services (NAIMES).
Chapman traces its roots to Hesperian College, opened at the very hour of Abraham Lincoln's inauguration as the sixteenth U. S. president. Hesperian and several other institutions later merged with California Christian College in Los Angeles. In 1934 the institution was renamed in recognition of its most generous benefactor, C. C. Chapman, a successful real estate investor, rancher, and pioneer Orange County church leader. The college moved to the city of Orange in 1954. In September of 1991 the college became Chapman University, further strengthening its commitment to international education and an innovative undergraduate curriculum and graduate programs.
Chapman's roots are firmly grounded in its historic covenant with the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). That rich spiritual legacy lives on through Chapman's focus on the development of the ethical, spiritual, and intellectual person. A variety of religion courses and activities are offered, but not required. The dean of the chapel oversees an active interfaith program designed to meet the spiritual needs expressed in the religious backgrounds of the University's students, faculty, and staff. A full-time director of church relations strengthens the University's covenant with the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) as well as provides programs for the broader ecumenical community.
Chapman University does not discriminate on the basis of race, gender, sexual orientation, color, age, disability, national origin, or ethnicity in any of its policies or practices, including, but not limited to admissions, academic requirements, financial aid or any other school-administered program or service.
Freedom of speech, protected by the United States Constitution, is an especially important value within an academic community. Thus, all topics are appropriate for discussion and debate within the framework of academic inquiry. Students and student organizations are free to examine and discuss all questions of interest to them, and to express opinions publicly and privately. They are always free to support causes by orderly means which do not disrupt the regular and essential operation of the institution. At the same time, it is clear to the academic and the larger community that in their public expressions or demonstrations, students or student organizations speak only for themselves.
Chapman University is committed to providing an environment which is free from harassment, and every member of the University community must recognize that harassment of any type compromises the integrity of the University and the tradition of free and open inquiry among its members. Chapman also affirms its commitment to providing an environment in which each member of the University community feels free to comment on any issue or topic. It is the University's policy, therefore, to insist that all members of the University community are treated at all times with dignity and respect.
The University has a strict policy which prohibits harassment in any form. This includes, but is not limited to, harassment because of age, disability, race, religion, color, creed, ancestry, national origin, marital status, sex, or sexual orientation. The University will not tolerate any conduct which has either the purpose or the effect of interfering with the work or scholastic performance of any member of the University community or creating an intimidating or hostile living, learning, or working environment. The University will also not tolerate any conduct which has the purpose or effect of singling out any specific group within the University community in a manner which leads to harassment or which creates an offensive working or learning environment for that group.
It is a violation of University policy for anyone to engage in any form of harassment or to retaliate against a person who has initiated an inquiry or complaint. The right of confidentiality for any party involved in an alleged harassment incident, including the complainant and the accused, will be respected in so far as it does not interfere with the University's obligation to investigate allegations of misconduct and to take corrective action where appropriate. In keeping with its policies, Chapman University not only fully complies with all local, state, and federal laws concerning harassment, but also provides a means to assure fair treatment to any student or employee who believes the policy prohibiting harassment has been violated. It is the policy of the University that all charges of harassment be reviewed in a confidential, sensitive, and expeditious manner. For further information, please contact the Equal Opportunity Officer at (714) 997-6847.
Students attending Chapman are subject to local, state, and federal laws. Chapman reserves the right to impose institutional sanctions for violations of public laws, even when such violations occur off University property. Students may also be subject to civil and/or criminal charges for offenses on Chapman property, if such offenses are in violation of local, state, or federal laws.
It is expected that students shall be responsible for their financial obligations, both to the University and to the larger community. Students who do not meet their financial obligations may be prevented from further enrollment at Chapman and may be subject to conduct review.
The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) affords students certain rights with respect to their education records. They are:
To provide increased access to high quality education, Chapman offers an online option for a selection of courses in existing programs. Students should consult their academic advisor for guidance and restrictions.
The mission of neXt.ed. is to provide high-quality personalized education for those seeking education and training beyond a degree program. The department provides opportunities for upgrading professional skills which help meet the changing needs of the professional, educational, and technical world. This is done by offering a constantly changing mixture of specially designed courses for credit, developing unique non-credit classes, and facilitating special symposiums, workshops, lectures and online interaction. These opportunities are available through many University College Campus locations. Course styles vary and can include traditional classes, independent study, and online and videotape courses. Course offerings focus on five major areas: 1) Health and Education; 2) Business, Legal, and Technology; 3) Video Gaming; 4) Arts and Sciences; and, 5) Leadership Services Program. For more information, visit us online at www.chapman.edu/neXted.
The library's web page - www.chapman.edu/library - is the starting point for accessing the book holdings, periodical indexes (including full text) and an extensive listing of on-line reference sources. The Leatherby Libraries contains approximately 150,000 print/electronic volumes, more than 10,000 print/electronic periodical titles as well as videos, CDs and other media software. Additionally, an efficient interlibrary loan program, document delivery to your home, and a partial reimbursement for local library cards supplement the library services for the research needs of students and faculty alike. Library instruction is available throughout the academic year, ensuring that students are connected to the information resources they need to succeed in their courses.
Chapman University College has an agreement with MBS Direct to provide textbooks for our students through www.direct.mbsbooks.net. Contact your local campus at 1-866-CHAPMAN for questions on textbook ordering for your campus.
Chapman University is committed to making its educational opportunities accessible to qualified individuals with disabilities in accordance with applicable state and federal laws. By providing full access to qualified students with disabilities, the University demonstrates its belief that the community will benefit from the skills and talents of these individuals. In this regard, Chapman University has implemented the following policies:
The Director of the Center for Academic Success administers these policies. Information concerning these policies is maintained in the Center for Academic Success. Summaries and references to these policies are provided in the University's application and admissions materials.
Any personal learning accommodations that may be needed by a student covered by the "Americans with Disabilities Act" must be made known to the Campus Director or Advisor as soon as possible. This is the student's responsibility. Information about services, academic modifications and documentation requirements can be obtained from the Director of a Chapman University College Campus.
The Center for Academic Success serves as the clearing house for all requested accommodations. It is the responsibility of the student requesting accommodations to make these needs known in a timely fashion and to provide recent documentation and medical evaluations as required. It is recommended that the student provide these materials prior to the beginning of the academic year or semester so that the University may better serve the student's needs and the student may avoid any irreversible academic consequences. Once notification has been made, University College, in collaboration with the Center for Academic Success and the local campus will engage in an interactive process in order to identify and provide reasonable accommodations. Services provided will be based on the individual needs of the student, and may include extended test time, notetakers, readers, etc. The granting of any accommodation will not be retroactive and cannot jeopardize the academic standards or integrity of the course.
In accordance with Veterans Administration Regulation CFR 21.4253, Chapman adheres to the Guidelines for Institutions Enrolling Veterans And Eligible Persons: Standards for Maintaining Adequate Records And Policies for Satisfactory Progress, Previous Education and Training, Conduct, and Attendance.
Servicemembers Opportunity Colleges (SOC) is a consortium of colleges and universities and functions in cooperation with the Department of Defense (DoD), the Military Services including the National Guard, and the Coast Guard to help meet the voluntary higher education needs of active servicemembers and their family. A Servicemember and their adult family members in the Army, Navy, and Marine Corps benefit by participating in a SOCAD, SOCNAV, SOCMAR, or SOCCOAST programs by obtaining a SOC student agreement contract. A SOC student agreement contract provides a student the flexibility to complete degree requirements by transferring courses from SOC network colleges back to Chapman University once they have met the residency requirements.
A SOC agreement with Chapman University College is issued to a student, who has completed a minimum of 6 semester hours at Chapman, is admitted into a SOC 4-year degree program, and has submitted a Request for Student SOC Agreement which has been approved by the student's advisor. A student with a Student SOC Agreement has a 7-year time limit from when he/she is officially admitted to complete a degree in a SOC 4-year program. A degree will not be issued to a CUC SOC student who returns for an academic program no longer conferred by the University (i.e. Bachelor of Science in Electronics). An active servicemember may contact their CUC campus to obtain a Student SOC Agreement.