Spiritual Life Requirements

APU students use the iAttended app to record and track their chapel attendance. Students must download the app and have it ready for the first week of school. You can follow the download instructions below:

• From your mobile device, install and open the iAttended app. You’ll use your APU email. The system won’t allow you to use a non-APU email. Once logged in, you’ll see a list of all future chapels, and you can track your attendance by scanning in and out of chapel. You can only check in and out of chapel if you attend in-person.

Note: If you are unable to utilize the iAttended app, follow the instructions below under the section titled Chapel Attendance Technology.

Chapel Attendance Technology

Students must download the iAttended app, and have it ready for the first week of school.

You can use the iAttended app to record and track your chapel attendance. In the app, you can also view information on upcoming chapels. If you’re unable to download the app and have it with you in chapel (e.g. phone or tablet) then follow the instructions below to login in to iAttended on a laptop or PC and print your personal QR code to be scanned by our staff in chapel. If you need help with this process, contact the Office of Spiritual Life or visit one of our chapel assistants in chapel.

Follow the instructions below:

• From your mobile device, install and open the iAttend app. Once logged in, you’ll see a list of all future Chapels and you can scan in and out of chapel to track your attendance.
• If you don’t own a smartphone, you can download and print out your personal QR code from the iAttended website: iAttended (iattendedapp.com). Bring your personal QR code when attending chapel for credit.

Students with a chapel requirement (full-time undergraduate students) are required to attend chapel in-person, unless they have been approved for a chapel exemption or an accommodation through ADR.

Chapels are typically held on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday mornings at 10:30 a.m. and on Thursday nights at 8:00 p.m. For the first two weeks of school, only three chapels will be held.

Weekly chapel attendance is a university requirement and community expectation. It’s essential to a student’s growth, development, and spiritual formation while at APU. It’s expected that students remain on track with their chapel attendance.

Students are required to attend chapel three times per week, with 10 allowable absences. Due to the beginning of school and national holidays, the first two weeks of the semester are 2-chapel requirement weeks. The following eleven weeks are 3-chapel requirement weeks. Each week on Sunday afternoon, students will receive a “This Week in Chapel” email which will indicate if the upcoming week is a 2- or 3-chapel requirement week. Students who follow these weekly requirements will be on track to meet their chapel requirement by the end of the semester. Our chapel team has intentionally created a weekly chapel rhythm that builds and sustains healthy spiritual disciplines into the lives of students while at APU and after graduation.

Students are responsible to keep track of their chapel attendance record and progress toward meeting their requirement. If a student is falling behind, they should contact the Office of Spiritual Life at “chapelrequirement@apu.edu” as soon as possible.

Students are able to view their chapel attendance record in the iAttended app or on their APU University Home Page (home.apu.edu).

To submit a request for a Chapel Accomodation related to commuting distance, work, or a class-required internship, please complete this form. Forms must be submitted by Sunday, September 8th at 5pm. To be considered for an accommodation after this deadline, please contact the Office of Spiritual Life at “chapelrequirement@apu.edu.” Please note, any absences accrued after a late accommodation, will not be excused.

How can I receive credit for attending chapel?

To receive chapel credit, students must check-in and check-out of chapel with the iAttended app, or a printed, personal QR code from iAttended.

What if I don’t have a smartphone to download the app?

If students do not own a smartphone, they can download and print out their personal QR code from the iAttended website: iAttended (iattendedapp.com). Bring your personal QR code when attending chapel for credit. If you need assistance, contact the Office of Spiritual Life at (626) 815-3855.

What if I didn’t receive credit and I was in chapel the entire time?

Any discrepancies must be addressed immediately at the venue with a chapel assistant/staff so they can look into your situation. Students are responsible for checking their credit throughout the semester and communicating with our staff within two business days to address any discrepancies.

How many credits do I need to complete each semester?

The amount of credits required for chapel attendance each week, can be found on the Progress section of the iAttended app. Note, the number of chapels offered each semester exceeds the minimum chapel requirement to allow students to miss a chapel when necessary up to 10 allowable absences per semester.

There is a chapel credit discrepancy on my iAttended profile. What should I do?

For a credit discrepancy for in-person chapel attendance, immediately contact a chapel assistant or staff at the venue so they can assist you. Email chapelrequirement@apu.edu with any questions or concerns.

I missed chapel because I got sick but didn’t go to the doctor. What can I do?

This would be an incident where you could either use an absence or attend an optional chapel to make up the absence (must attend within the same week). Make sure to continue attending chapel to meet your chapel requirement.

What is the chapel requirement?

All full-time undergraduate APU students are required to attend two-three chapels per week (depending on the week). Each semester, APU offers 50+ chapels so that students are able to meet their minimum requirement.

Do I have to go to chapel if I am a part-time student?

If you have 11 or fewer units, you are considered part-time and do not have a chapel requirement. You do not have to attend chapel but are always welcome! If you decide to attend, you do not need to scan in.

I arrived late to chapel, will I still receive credit?

Students arriving after the 10-minute grace period are welcome to stay during chapel but will not receive credit. Students will need to take an absence or attend an additional chapel to make up for the missed chapel.

Am I able to use the bible app on my phone during chapel?

Students are to refrain from using their phones during chapel per the APU chapel etiquette code (see more on Chapel Etiquette below).

Can I use my laptop during chapel?

Students are to refrain from using any technology during chapel per the APU chapel etiquette code.

Can I be excused for a job interview or an audition?

Job interviews and auditions are not reasons for an excusable absence. Students may take an absence or attend an additional chapel within the same week to make up for the missed absence.

I am an older student; do I need to go to chapel?

All full-time undergraduate students must attend in-person chapel regardless of age.

A close relative passed away and I need to miss chapel to be with my family and attend the funeral service. What can I do?

The death of a family member is considered a reason for chapel excusal. Provide documentation within two weeks of the date of the absence(s) in order for the absence(s) to be excused. Accepted forms of documentation are a memorial card or funeral program.

My car broke down on my way to chapel and I had to miss it. Can I be excused?

Each student has allowable absences to use each semester. This would be a time in which allowable absences would be used. You may also choose to attend an alternate chapel to make up for the absence (must attend within the same week). The number of chapels offered each semester exceeds the minimum credit requirement so that students can miss chapel when necessary. You can plan ahead of time to meet your chapel requirement accordingly.

My parents surprised me with a trip during the school semester and have purchased flight tickets. Can I be excused if I bring in the itinerary?

No, students cannot be excused for personal travel. The number of chapels offered each semester exceeds the minimum credit requirement so that students can miss chapel when necessary. Please plan to meet your chapel requirement accordingly.

I missed chapel because I am on an APU sports team. Why haven’t I been excused yet?

These types of excusals must be submitted for processing to the Office of Spiritual Life Administration and Operations by the athletics director. It is the student’s responsibility to follow up with their coach regarding any delays.

I was in a car accident on my way to chapel. Can I be excused?

Yes—contact our office at “chapelrequirement@apu.edu” to let us know and to provide documentation of the accident.

I don’t receive mail where I live, so how can I submit proof of address with my request?

If you do not receive official mail at your place of residence, you must submit a rental agreement or lease document that indicates you reside at the address. If the latter is not applicable, submit a utility bill and a letter from the person you are renting from for verification of residency. Ensure the letter has contact information for verification.

Can I submit a request if I do volunteer work or a volunteer internship?

Students do not have the option to be exempt from chapel for volunteer work or a volunteer internship. To be approved, internships must be course-required.

How long is the approved request for valid for?

Approved requests are valid for one semester only. If needed, submit a new request form by the drop date of each semester.

When is the last day to submit a request for a chapel accommodation?

Requests for chapel accommodations related to work must be submitted by the drop date of each semester. For newly acquired jobs after the drop date, requests must be submitted within one week of the date of hire. Documentation/verification will be required.

I just got a job and need to submit a request. What can I do?

If a student acquires employment after the drop date, they may submit a request along with a work letter on company letterhead within one week of the date of hire. The work letter must specify the date of hire and work schedule.

What if my employer doesn’t have company letterhead?

Under certain circumstances, a letter from the employer along with a wet signature and contact information may be acceptable. A pay stub may also be required. The employer will be contacted for work verification.

My job hours vary, so my work letter cannot be specific. What can I do?

Students must follow the request process for work-related excusal. A chapel credit reduction may be processed upon verification of work. If a student happens to work during chapel for more days than expected, an additional chapel reduction may be processed with additional documentation from the employer.

I turned in my request at the beginning of the semester and I still haven’t heard back. How long is it going to take?

Requests may take 2-3 weeks to process from the date of submission. It is the student’s responsibility to follow up on the status of their request. Students may contact the Office of Spiritual Life Administration and Operations to check on the status of their request.

Do I need to attend chapel while my request is being processed?

Ultimately, chapel attendance is each student’s responsibility. Upon approval of a request, absences will be retroactively excused. If the request is denied, the student will be responsible for absences accrued.

I have questions or concerns about what a chapel speaker said. Whom can I email?

Chapel speakers are selected in conjunction with the Chapel Executive Committee and team of APU campus pastors, and each chapel speaker signs a statement of agreement affirming APU’s doctrinal statement. Concerns about specific chapel speakers should be sent to the director of the Office of Chapel and Pastoral Care at chapel@apu.edu.

How can I join a chapel band?

Auditions for interested worship leaders, vocalists, and instrumentalists are held each spring semester for the chapel band teams serving in the following academic year. Students may apply to audition for chapel bands at the beginning of each spring semester. The Office of Chapel and Pastoral Care will make announcements in chapel with the specific dates to sign up, so be on the lookout!

I have a question or concern about a technical aspect of chapel (e.g., noise volume in chapel). Whom can I contact with my questions?

The Media Production department partners with the Spiritual Life area to provide technical support to chapels, including aspects such as sound, lighting, and video. They can be contacted directly with any questions or concerns about technical aspects of chapel at mediaproduction@apu.edu. Regarding noise volume in chapels, the Media Production team measures the decibel level in each chapel, both before (during sound check) and during the chapel itself to ensure volume levels fall within acceptable OSHA standards. If you are experiencing issues with the volume level in chapel (either too quiet or too loud), it is good to keep in mind that the sound systems in both Felix Event Center and Upper Turner Campus Center are not able to cover the room in a completely consistent manner; as such, there are a few areas that are slightly more “dead” or slightly louder. (For example, areas that are not directly in front of speakers and closer to the back of the room tend to be quieter.) While chapel is kept at a safe volume for all, we recognize that different individuals may experience unique preferences and needs to suit their levels of comfort. Media Production staff keep a supply of ear plugs available to students - if desired, students are welcome to get them from the Media Production team at the back of the room before chapel or bring their own. If you are interested in learning more about a potential accommodation related to chapel volume, you are welcome to contact the ADR office at disabilityservices@apu.edu.

Students are expected to be polite, attentive, and respectful during the chapel hour. We ask that students refrain from the following:

• Use of electronic devices such as laptops, phones, iPads, AirPods, headphones, or other disturbing devices
• Doing homework
• Sleeping
• Talking loudly or causing any other type of disturbance
• Leaving the chapel venue to purchase food

Students who are noncompliant with the chapel etiquette code will not receive chapel credit and may be responsible for additional disciplinary action.

Yes, you can view the status of your Service Credit Report Form in your APU Home account.

Each academic year (fall, spring, and summer combined), you may receive a maximum of 60 credits, and a maximum of 30 credits for a single service experience and/or during a given semester or summer.

If you are not cleared by the set clearance deadline, your participation in the graduation ceremony may be in jeopardy. The Office of Spiritual Life Administration and Operations and the Student Services Center work in collaboration to determine if a student has met graduation requirements. There is a chance you may be cleared to walk in commencement, but you will not receive your degree until all service credits are met and posted.

No, for service to qualify for service credits, it must be off-campus.

If you are unsatisfied with the current opportunities or see an unmet need, research other organizations that may be engaging the work in which you would like to participate. If you cannot find something, stop by the Office of Service and Discipleship to talk with a coordinator to help you find an opportunity that matches your interests and strengths.

Provide us with a prewritten verification letter addressed to the appropriate institution and include the information that you would like verified (e.g., hours served, location of service, etc.). Our office is happy to print the letter on university letterhead and sign the letter to verify your service. We have a two-week-turnaround policy, so plan accordingly.