These extensions keep the education objectives and historic purpose of Chapman University by recognizing and enhancing academic opportunities for a wide range of students. The majority of students in the 20 Academic Center sites are on active duty with one of the branches of the armed services, or they are working adults with full-time jobs, some of whom are returning to study after a number of years out of school. To meet their needs, Academic Center schedules are accelerated. Courses are designed for terms that meet from eight to 10 weeks on a year-round basis. Classes are offered in the evenings or late afternoons.
Some centers operate weekend schedules that provide greater flexibility.
Each center maintains a full-time professional staff that provides personal attention throughout the student's work with the school. That personal attention has become the hallmark of Chapman's extended program. Both qualified full-time and adjunct faculty serve student needs in a variety of majors and special programs. The Orange Campus coordinates programs in the admission, registration, financial aid and business offices and learning resources for the centers. Academic requirements for center students are essentially the same as for the Orange campus.