General Information

Non-discrimination Policy

Chapman University College 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 and Expression

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.

Harassment

Chapman University College 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.

Local, State, and Federal Laws

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.

Financial Responsibility

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.

Confidentiality of Student Records

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) affords students certain rights with respect to their education records. They are:

  1. The right to inspect and review the student's education records within 45 days of the day Chapman University receives a request for access. Students should submit to the Registrar's Office written requests that identify the record(s) they wish to inspect. The Registrar will make arrangements for access and notify the student of the time and place where the records may be inspected. If the records are not maintained by the Registrar's Office, the student shall be advised of the correct official to whom the request should be addressed.
  2. The right to request the amendment of the student's education records that the student believes are inaccurate. Students may ask Chapman University to amend a record that they believe is inaccurate. They should write the Registrar, clearly identify the part of the record they want changed, and specify why it is inaccurate. If Chapman University decides not to amend the record as requested by the student, the student shall be notified of the decision and advised as to his or her right to a hearing regarding the request for amendment. Additional information regarding the hearing procedures will be provided to the student when notified of the right to a hearing.
  3. The right to consent to disclosures of personally identifiable information contained in the student's education records, except to the extent that FERPA authorizes disclosure without consent. One exception which permits disclosure without consent is disclosure to school officials with legitimate educational interests. A school official is a person employed by Chapman University in an administrative, supervisory, academic or research, or support staff position (including law enforcement personnel and health staff); a person or company with whom Chapman University has contracted (such as an attorney, auditor, or collection agent); a person serving on the Board of Trustees; or a student serving on an official committee, such as a disciplinary or grievance committee, or assisting another school official in performing his or her tasks. A school official has a legitimate education interest if the official needs to review an education record in order to fulfill his or her professional responsibility. As allowed within FERPA guidelines, Chapman University may disclose education records without consent to officials of another school, upon request, in which a student seeks or intends to enroll.
  4. The right to file a complaint with the U. S. Department of Education concerning alleged failures by Chapman University to comply with the requirements of FERPA. The name and address of the Office that administers FERPA is Family Policy Compliance Office, U. S. Department of Education, 400 Maryland Avenue, SW., Washington, DC, 20202-4605. At its discretion Chapman University may provide Directory Information in accordance with the provisions of the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act. Directory Information is defined as that information which would not generally be considered harmful or an invasion of privacy if disclosed. Designated Directory Information at Chapman University includes the following: student name, permanent address, local address, temporary address, electronic mail address, telephone number, dates of attendance, degrees and awards received, major field of study, participation in officially recognized activities and sports, weight and height of members of athletic teams, theses titles/topics, photograph, full-time/part-time status, most recent previous school attended, date and place of birth. Students may withhold Directory Information by notifying the Registrar in writing; please note that such withholding requests are binding for all information to all parties other than for those exceptions allowed under the Act. Students should consider all aspects of a Directory Hold prior to filing such a request. Although the initial request must be filed during the first two weeks of the enrollment period, requests for non-disclosure will be honored by the University for no more than one academic year. Re-authorization to withhold Directory Information must be filed annually in the Registrar's Office within the first two weeks of the fall semester.

Distance Learning Courses

To provide increased access to high-quality education, Chapman offers an online option for a selection of courses in existing programs. In addition, fully online degrees are offered in many disciplines. These programs provide the opportunity for students who prefer the fully online environment to complete their degree from anywhere in the world. Students should consult their academic advisor for guidance and restrictions. Course programs and select course offerings are available at the Distance Learning website at www.chapman.edu/cuc/online. The class schedule is also available through WebAdvisor.

Chapman University College Extended Education

The mission of Extended Education is to provide high-quality personalized education for those seeking education and training beyond or instead of a degree program. The department provides opportunities for upgrading professional skills to 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 (non-credit) 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 courses. Program offerings focus in three major areas: 1) K-12 Education; 2) Business, Legal, and Technology; and 3) Leadership Services Program. For more information, visit us online at www.chapman.edu/exed.

Library Resources and Services

The library's web page (www.chapman.edu/library) is the starting point for accessing more than 300,000 items, including 10,000 E-books, 135 databases, and 34,000 full-text journals available 24/7. Students and faculty may borrow books and media from the Library's extensive physical collections, sent directly to their home, and supplemented by an efficient document delivery and interlibrary loan service through the Annenberg Satellite Education Information Center. Library instruction is available throughout the academic year, ensuring that students are connected to the information resources they need to succeed in their courses.

Bookstore

Chapman University College has an agreement with MBS Direct to provide textbooks for our students through http://bookstore.mbsdirect.net/chapman.htm. Contact your local campus at 1-866-CHAPMAN for questions on textbook ordering for your campus.

Services for Students with Disabilities Program

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, Chapman University College 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 Disabilities Specialist in the Disabilities Services Office administers these policies. Information concerning these policies is maintained in the Disabilities Services Office. 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 your local Chapman University College Campus Director.

The Disabilities Services Office, located on the Orange Campus, serves as the clearinghouse 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 to the local Campus Director. It is recommended that the student provide these materials prior to the beginning of the academic year or session 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 Disabilities Services Office 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.

Veterans and Service Personnel

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.

  1. Chapman maintains a written record of previous education and training.
    1. Transcripts of college-level education are part of the record.
    2. The records clearly indicate that appropriate credit has been granted with training periods proportionately shortened and the VA so notified.
    3. Chapman University maintains an official record of previous education and training of the veteran or eligible person which clearly indicates that appropriate credit has been given by the institution for previous education and training, with the length of the degree program shortened proportionately. The veteran and VA will be notified of this official evaluation of prior education or training.
  2. Chapman maintains adequate records to show the progress of each veteran.
    1. Records show continued pursuit at the rate for which enrolled and progress being made.
    2. Records include final grades in each subject for each session.
    3. Cumulative permanent records are maintained to reflect grades in all subjects undertaken.
    4. Students are not permitted to enroll repeatedly in courses not attended and withdraw without penalty. A veteran student may repeat a course in which a passing grade has been achieved only when a higher grade is required by the major.
    5. The school records reflect the point in time when educational benefits should be discontinued for unsatisfactory progress, unsatisfactory conduct, and withdrawals.
    6. The policy includes the grade point average (2.0 on a 4.0 scale) required for graduation.
    7. A minimum grade point average (2.0 on a 4.0 scale) must be maintained to achieve credit for a given proportion of the course load. Academic probation and means for dismissal are clearly delineated. VA interpretation of academic probation requires that a veteran student be placed on probation at the beginning of the session immediately following that in which the veteran student fails to maintain the minimum grade point average. A veteran student must meet the required academic standard during the probationary session or be subject to interruption of benefits and/or academic dismissal. The VA is notified when a student is determined to be making unsatisfactory progress resulting in interruption of benefits and/or academic dismissal.
    8. No veteran student will be considered to have made satisfactory progress when the student fails, receives no credit, or withdraws from all subjects undertaken when enrolled in two or more subjects, except when there are extenuating circumstances.
  3. Chapman enforces a policy relative to standards of conduct and progress as defined in the undergraduate academic policies and procedures in this catalog.
    1. Class attendance policies are determined by each instructor and shall be included on the course syllabi distributed during the first week of each class. The university recommends as a minimal policy that students who are absent 20% of the course should be failed.

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.