The Legacy Continues Introducing
April 2018 Dear University College student, You are the most important member of this university and the reason that University College at Azusa Pacific University exists. As such, I wanted you to be the first to know about two exciting changes coming this Fall. First, the growth of University College and our desire to offer more academic program options has lead to a decision by Azusa Pacific University senior leadership, and University College leadership to pursue independent regional accreditation. We have just been formally notified that this pursuit has been successful! This means that University College and Azusa Pacific University now have the same academic accreditation. To avoid any confusion between the two institutions, we will be changing our name from University College to Los Angeles Pacific University. As you will see, it is a name with over 115 years of a rich, shared history with APU. In fact, it was the merger of Los Angeles Pacific College and Azusa College in 1965 that formed Azusa Pacific College. Second, I am also excited to share that Los Angeles Pacific University will be part of the Azusa Pacific University System, a system of two members: Azusa Pacific University and Los Angeles Pacific University. This one system of two universities will remain strongly affiliated with our Christ-centered, missional identity and a system population of over 11,000 students. One system. Two respected universities. Each serving students with different needs. So what does that mean for you? In essence, very little. There are no changes to degree programs, staff, support systems, library, or any part of your educational experience. Other than a new name, colors, and logo, your experience remains the same. All current students and new students starting by July 2018 who remain active, will graduate with an APU diploma. New students (new applicants and re-admit students who need to re-apply) who begin their studies in September 2018 or later, will graduate with a Los Angeles Pacific University diploma. I realize that this is a lot of information, so please read this brochure and speak with your Enrollment Counselor or Success Coach if you have questions. We are committed to open communications throughout the transition process. I am excited about what God will continue to do through our university and through your life. We are proud to partner with you in your educational journey as you create a new hope for a bright future. John C. Reynolds President Los Angeles Pacific University
Our Legacy & Our Future With a heritage of putting God first since 1899, the Azusa Pacific University System continues to evolve and meet the needs of our students as they prepare to make a difference in the world. As an independent institution, University College of Azusa Pacific University will be reviving the Los Angeles Pacific name which played such a vital role in the rich history of Azusa Pacific University. 1899 TRAINING SCHOOL FOR CHRISTIAN WORKERS Established to prepare students for Christian missionary service. LOS ANGELES FREE METHODIST SEMINARY Established with a goal of providing a quality Christian education. LOS ANGELES PACIFIC JUNIOR COLLEGE Name changed to reflect new offering of college-level courses. LOS ANGELES PACIFIC COLLEGE LAPJC is renamed to reflect the new status as a 4-year institution. 1903 1923 1934 1939 1957 PACIFIC BIBLE COLLEGE TSCW is renamed as four-year degrees are offered. AZUSA COLLEGE Pacific Bible College is renamed after moving to the city of Azusa. AZUSA PACIFIC COLLEGE Los Angeles Pacific College and Azusa College merge to form Azusa Pacific College. AZUSA PACIFIC ONLINE UNIVERSITY Created to expand the reach and accessibility of APU. 1965 1981 2010 AZUSA PACIFIC UNIVERSITY Renamed upon achieving university status. 2014 UNIVERSITY COLLEGE AT AZUSA PACIFIC UNIVERSITY Azusa Pacific Online University merges with APU School of Adult and Professional Studies to become University College. 2018 AZUSA PACIFIC UNIVERSITY SYSTEM A system of affiliate institutions offering an education in the Christ-centered tradition of APU. As of 2018, the system is comprised of two institutions:
FAQs Why Create a Separate Institution? The support and learning needs of adult students are unique. University College was specifically designed and built to serve and support working adults who have a greater need for flexibility, convenience, and support. Due to the tremendous growth that University College has experienced over the past few years, our ability to continue serving our students at the highest levels, as well as our ability to extend our academic programs, requires that we operate independently from APU with our own academic accreditation as a unique university. How Will the Relationship with APU Change? We will continue to be affiliated with Azusa Pacific University. In addition, a new and evolving Azusa Pacific University System is being created. It will be comprised of two member institutions: Azusa Pacific University and Los Angeles Pacific University. So, we will be part of the Azusa Pacific University System and affiliated with Azusa Pacific University. Current and future students will continue to benefit from shared system resources such as the APU library, the Writing Center, and more. So What s Changing? In the coming weeks and months, you will see a gradual transition from University College to the new name, logo, and colors of Los Angeles Pacific University. We expect to complete the naming transition in the Summer 2018. (See the transition timeline in this document for dates and milestones.) More Importantly, What s NOT Changing? It is important for all current students to know that although our name and logo is changing, essentially NOTHING in your experience or your degree program will change. You will still: Be taught by the same faculty Have access to the APU library and Writing Center Communicate with the same Success Coaches Work with the same Financial Aid counselors Have the ability to earn a diploma from Azusa Pacific University (*details on next page) Remember, we are all part of the same family the Azusa Pacific University System. Los Angeles Pacific University is simply the newest chapter in a 119-year legacy.
Which Institution Will Grant My Diploma? The diploma a student is awarded is based on the academic catalog that was in effect when that student began their studies. All students who meet the following criteria will have the choice of receiving a diploma from Azusa Pacific University OR Los Angeles Pacific University: Are currently taking classes; or Have taken classes within the last 12 months; or Have started or will start classes in or before July 2018; AND Finish their degree within 8 years of when they started without stopping for more than 5 consecutive sessions Beginning with the Fall 2018 semester, the following students will receive a diploma from Los Angeles Pacific University: All new students (includes: new applicants, dismissed and re-admit students who must re-apply, students inactive for over a year, and students pursuing a new degree or degree level) Students who change from a major in a UC catalog to a major in an LAPU catalog (Exceptions may be possible by petition. Talk to your Success Coach if you have questions.) If you are not sure of your current status, please contact your Enrollment Counselor or Success Coach. We ll be happy to clarify. When Will the Transition Take Place? The transition begins in April 2018 with this announcement and the launch of the lapu.edu website. The transition will be complete by September 2018 when the 2018 2019 academic year begins. The dates below highlight a few of the important milestones: April 2018 Launch of lapu.edu LAPU new student application period for Fall 2018 begins May 2018 Summer session 1 begins as University College at Azusa Pacific University July 2018 Summer session 2 begins -- Last session offered as University College at Azusa Pacific University Sept 2018 Fall session 1 is the first session operating as Los Angeles Pacific University under a Los Angeles Pacific catalog lapu.edu
Welcome to Los Angeles Pacific University is an accredited, Christ-centered learning community that creates new hope for the future by offering convenient, affordable, and fully accredited associate, bachelor s, and master s degrees to students of all backgrounds. As part of the Azusa Pacific University System, LAPU provides a high-quality, faithintegrated education that is intentionally accessible, career relevant, and committed to student success. Online Affordable Christian Part of the Azusa Pacific University System 626.624.HOPE lapu.edu