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{{Short description|Christian university in Azusa, California}}
{{Primary sources|date=June 2019}}
{{ad|date=May 2025}}
{{Infobox university
 | name                   = Azusa Pacific University
 | native_name            = 
 | image                  = Azusa Pacific University seal.svg
 | former_name            = Training School for Christian Workers (1899–1939)<br />Pacific Bible College (1939–1956)<br />Azusa College (1956–1965)<br />Azusa-Pacific College (1965–1981)
 | image_size             = 150
 | latin_name             = 
 | motto                  = "''God First''"
 | established            = {{Start date and age|1899}}
 | type                   = [[Private university|Private]] [[research university]]
 | accreditation          = [[WASC Senior College and University Commission|WSCUC]]
 | religious_affiliation  = [[Evangelicalism|evangelical]] [[Christianity|Christian]]<br />([[Interdenominationalism|Inter-denominational]])
 | academic_affiliations  = [[Council for Christian Colleges and Universities|CCCU]]<br />[[National Association of Independent Colleges and Universities|NAICU]]<br />[[Council of Independent Colleges|CIC]]<br/>[[National Space Grant College and Fellowship Program|Space-grant]]
 | endowment              = 
 | president              = Adam J. Morris
 | provost                = Anita Henck
 | students               = 7,120
 | undergrad              = 3,795
 | postgrad               = 3,703
 | doctoral               = 
 | city                   = [[Azusa, California]]
 | country                = United States
 | coordinates            = {{Coord|34.12971|N|117.88888|W|source:placeopedia|display=inline,title}}
 | campus                 = [[Suburban]], {{convert|105|acre|ha}} on two campuses
 | free_label             = 
 | free                   = 
 | athletics_affiliations = [[NCAA Division II]] – [[Pacific West Conference|PacWest]]<br />[[Golden Coast Conference|GCC]]
 | colors                 = Brick and Black<br />{{color box|#842B28}}&nbsp;{{color box|black}}
 | sports_nickname        = [[Azusa Pacific Cougars|Cougars]]
 | mascot                 = Freddy the Cougar
 | logo                   = Azusa pacific univ logo.svg
 | logo_size              = 200
 | website                = {{url|https://apu.edu/|apu.edu}}
 | footnotes              = 
 | administrative_staff   = 628
 | faculty                = 947
}}

'''Azusa Pacific University''' ('''APU''') is a [[Private university|private]] [[Evangelicalism|evangelical]] [[research university]] in [[Azusa, California]], United States. The university was founded in 1899 in [[Whittier, California]], with classes first held on March 3, 1900, and degrees offered in 1939. The university's seminary, the Graduate School of Theology, holds to a [[Wesleyan-Arminian]] [[doctrinal]] [[theology]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.apu.edu/theology/faq/|title=School of Theology: FAQs on Biblical Authority|website=www.apu.edu}}</ref> APU offers more than 100 associate, bachelor's, master's, and doctoral programs on campus, online, and at seven regional locations across Southern California.

Azusa Pacific University is organized into three colleges and seven schools. The academics programs are available from the Honors College, College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, College of Music and the Arts, Leung School of Accounting, University College, School of Behavioral and Applied Sciences, School of Business and Management, School of Education, School of Nursing, and School of Theology.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.apu.edu/provost/schools/|title=Academic Schools and Centers - Office of the Provost - Azusa Pacific University|website=www.apu.edu|language=en-US|access-date=2017-08-07}}</ref> APU is [[Higher education accreditation in the United States|accredited]] by the [[WASC Senior College and University Commission]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.wascsenior.org/institutions/azusa-pacific-pacific|title=WASC Institutions}}</ref>

==History==
{| class="floatright" style="margin-left:0.5em; padding:0.2em; border: 1px solid #a2a9b1;"
|+ History
|-
| style="width:150pt;"|Training School for Christian Workers||'''Established'''||1899
|-
| style="width:150pt;"|Pacific Bible College||'''Renamed'''||1939
|-
| style="width:150pt;"|Azusa College||'''Renamed'''||1956
|-
| style="width:150pt;"|Azusa Pacific College and<br />[[Arlington College (California)|Arlington College]]||'''Merged'''||1968
|-
| style="width:150pt;"|Azusa Pacific University||'''Renamed'''||1981
|}Azusa Pacific University was established on March 3, 1899, in [[Whittier, California]].<ref name="ReferenceA">{{cite web|url=http://www.apu.edu/researchandgrants/pdfs/archive/2008/september_2008.pdf |title=Archived copy |access-date=February 15, 2015 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141031032551/http://www.apu.edu/researchandgrants/pdfs/archive/2008/september_2008.pdf |archive-date=October 31, 2014 }}</ref> Under the name '''Training School for Christian Workers''', it was the first Bible college on the West Coast. Led by president Mary A. Hill, the school initially had a total enrollment of 12 students.<ref name="http://www.apu.edu/about/history">{{Cite web|url=https://www.apu.edu/about/history/|title=About APU: Our History|website=www.apu.edu}}</ref>

Early years saw the school relocate and change leadership several times. In 1939, Cornelius P. Haggard became the school's 13th president. In response to low enrollment and a lack of donations, Haggard launched a variety of fundraising efforts. Haggard served for the next 36 years.<ref name="http://www.apu.edu/about/history" />

Following mergers with three Southern California colleges, the university relocated in 1946 to the city of Azusa, where it resides today. In 1939 the Training School became '''Pacific Bible College''', and four-year degrees were offered. In 1956, the name was changed to '''Azusa College'''. By 1965, Azusa College had become '''Azusa-Pacific College''' ('''APC'''), and three years later, APC merged with Arlington College.<ref name="http://www.apu.edu/about/history" /> Upon its achievement of university status in 1981, the college changed its name to Azusa Pacific University.<ref name="http://www.apu.edu/about/history" />

After Haggard's death, Paul E. Sago became president, serving until 1989. Sago encouraged the development and growth of off-site educational regional campuses throughout Southern California, and presided over the addition of master's degree programs and the development of schools within the university.<ref name="http://www.apu.edu/about/history" />

Richard E. Felix, became president in 1990, and initiated the university's first doctoral programs. He also introduced the university's "Four Cornerstones," Christ, Scholarship, Community, and Service, and oversaw the construction of seven new buildings, a doubling of student enrollment, and a quadrupling of graduate programs.<ref name="http://www.apu.edu/about/history" />

When nearby institution, [[Ambassador College]] closed in 1997, the [[Grace Communion International|Worldwide Church of God]] and Azusa Pacific University jointly established the ''Ambassador Center'' at Azusa Pacific University for the continuation of classes for former Ambassador College students.

In November 2000, then-Executive Vice President Jon R. Wallace, DBA, became president.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.apu.edu/president/about/|title=About the President|publisher=Azusa Pacific University}}</ref> In April 2018, Wallace announced his plan to retire and accepted his new role as president emeritus.<ref name=":8">{{Cite web|url=http://www.sgvtribune.com/azusa-pacific-university-announces-new-president|title=Azusa Pacific University announces new president|date=2019-04-11|website=San Gabriel Valley Tribune|language=en-US|access-date=2019-06-13}}</ref>

In 2017, a new independent economic study found that APU generates $1.25 billion in economic impact within California each year. Of that, APU contributes $37 million in state taxes each year and supports 7,260 jobs statewide. The report also found approximately 47,500 APU alumni reside within California, increasing the state's productivity and earning power. Of those, 10,600 APU alumni and 600 APU employees live in the San Gabriel Valley.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Azusa Pacific Economic Impact - About APU - Azusa Pacific University|url=https://www.apu.edu/about/economic-impact/|access-date=2019-06-13|website=www.apu.edu|language=en}}</ref>

In 2018, two university board members resigned from the university, citing concerns over financial mismanagement and "theological drift."<ref>{{Cite web|date=15 December 2018|title=Former Azusa Pacific University board members blame administrators for financial mismanagement, 'theological drift'|url=https://www.sgvtribune.com/2018/12/14/former-azusa-pacific-university-board-members-blame-administrators-for-financial-mismanagement-theological-drift/}}</ref> As of 2018, the [[credit rating agency]] [[Moody's]] had downgraded its credit rating of APU's bonds to BA1, just above junk status.<ref>{{Cite web|date=17 September 2018|title=Moody's downgrades Azusa Pacific University (CA) to Ba1; rating under review for downgrade|url=https://www.moodys.com/research/Moodys-downgrades-Azusa-Pacific-University-CA-to-Ba1-rating-under--PR_905527496}}</ref>

On April 10, 2019, APU named Paul W. Ferguson as its 17th president. He began his new role on June 3, 2019.<ref name=":8" />

=== Religious affiliations ===
A small group of [[Quakerism|Quakers]] (also known as [[Conservative Friends|Friends]]) and a [[Methodism|Methodist]] evangelist laid the foundation for the Training School for Christian Workers in 1899.<ref name="ReferenceA"/>

As faculty members began to embrace [[Evangelicalism]] and reject a growing liberal trend in the California Yearly Meeting of Friends, a campus church was established in 1933. This shift moved the "school church" from the local Huntington Park Friends Church to the on-campus worship gathering. The new campus church planted eight "tabernacles" throughout California which collectively became known as the [[Evangel Church]] denomination.

The series of college mergers and campus re-locations which followed helped to solidify the school's identity as an Evangelical institution.<ref name="http://www.apu.edu/about/history"/>

===Presidents===
The university has had a total of 18 presidents since its founding.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.apu.edu/president/about/formerpresidents/|title=Former APU Presidents - Office of the President - Azusa Pacific University|website=www.apu.edu|language=en|access-date=2019-06-13}}</ref>
==Academics==
{{Infobox US university ranking
| USNWR_NU = 266 (Best National Universities)
| Wamo_NU = 209
| Forbes = 276
}}

Azusa Pacific University academic resources include the Writing Center, Accessibility Services, Testing Services, Tutoring Services, university libraries, Math Center, Academic Success Center, and the Graduate and Professional Registrar. Special programs include the Friends Center, Honors College, [[Sigma Theta Tau]] (Iota Sigma), and the Western Conservancy of Nursing History.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.apu.edu/academics/|title=Academics - Azusa Pacific University|website=www.apu.edu|language=en-US|access-date=2017-08-07}}</ref>

===University libraries and special collections===
The APU libraries include the William V. Marshburn Library (East Campus), the Hugh and Hazel Darling Library (West Campus), the Stamps Theological Library (West Campus), and off-campus libraries supporting academic programs at the APU High Desert, Inland Empire, Los Angeles, Orange County, San Diego, and Murrieta locations.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web|url=http://www.apu.edu/library/collections/|title=Libraries and Collections - University Libraries - Azusa Pacific University|website=www.apu.edu|language=en-US|access-date=2017-08-07}}</ref>

A unified catalog identifies the more than 240,000 books, media items, and 1,900 periodical titles in the libraries' print collections. More than 703,000 microforms include the Library of American Civilization, Library of American Literature, ''The New York Times'', and Educational Resources Information Center collections. The university network also provides access to more than 140 online databases, which include more than 46,000 electronic journals.<ref name=":0" />

In the fall of 2009, Azusa Pacific University acquired a collection of antiquities, including five fragments of the [[Dead Sea Scrolls]] and five first-edition prints of the [[King James Bible]].<ref>{{cite news| url=http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/culturemonster/2009/09/azusa-pacific-acquires-fragments-of-dead-sea-scrolls.html | work=Los Angeles Times | title=Culture Monster | date=2009-09-09}}</ref>  These new acquisitions were displayed in an exhibit, Treasures of the Bible: The Dead Sea Scrolls and Beyond, in summer 2010.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.apu.edu/media/news/release/14307/|title=Azusa Pacific University Acquires Five Dead Sea Scroll Fragments and Rare Biblical Artifacts|date=September 3, 2009}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/culturemonster/2009/09/azusa-pacific-acquires-fragments-of-dead-sea-scrolls.html/|title=Azusa Pacific Acquires fragments of Dead Sea Scrolls |date=September 9, 2009 | work=Los Angeles Times}}</ref>

Special collections of Azusa Pacific University are housed in the Thomas F. Andrews Room of the Hugh and Hazel Darling Library, located on APU's West Campus. The special collections consist of over 6,500 holdings ranging from presidential signatures to historical citrus crate labels.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.apu.edu/library/specialcollections/|title=Special Collections - Azusa Pacific University|website=www.apu.edu|language=en-US|access-date=2017-08-07}}</ref>

=== Research ===
Azusa Pacific University is [[Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education|classified]] among "R2: Doctoral Universities – High research activity".<ref>{{cite web |title=Carnegie Classifications Institution Lookup |url=https://carnegieclassifications.iu.edu/lookup/view_institution.php?unit_id=109785 |publisher=Center for Postsecondary Education |website=carnegieclassifications.iu.edu |access-date=28 July 2020}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.apu.edu/provost/research/|title=Research at APU - Azusa Pacific University|website=www.apu.edu|language=en-US|access-date=2017-08-07}}</ref> APU conducts its research through eight university research centers:<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.apu.edu/provost/research/centers/|title=Research Centers - Research at APU - Azusa Pacific University|website=www.apu.edu|language=en-US|access-date=2017-08-07}}</ref>
* Center for Academic Service-Learning and Research
* Center for Research on Ethics and Values (CREV)
* Center for Research in Science (CRIS)
* El Centro Teológico Hispano
* Friends Center
* Center for Vocational Ministry (Undergraduate)
* Office of Faith Integration
* Noel Academy for Strengths-Based Leadership and Education

APU's Office of Institutional Research and Assessment provides resources, training, and consultations designed to help academic and student life departments successfully assess their educational effectiveness. The office also coordinates and facilitates the academic program review process.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.apu.edu/oira/|title=Office of Institutional Research and Assessment - Azusa Pacific University|website=www.apu.edu|language=en-US|access-date=2017-08-07}}</ref>

=== Honors College ===
APU's Honors College was launched in 2013, with David L. Weeks as dean.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.sgvtribune.com/article/ZZ/20130313/NEWS/130318326|title=APU announces dean of Honors College|access-date=2017-08-07|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.apu.edu/honors/benefits/history/|title=History of Honors College - Honors College - Azusa Pacific University|website=www.apu.edu|language=en-US|access-date=2017-08-07|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170803054125/http://www.apu.edu/honors/benefits/history/|archive-date=2017-08-03|url-status=dead}}</ref> An [[Oxbridge|Oxford-style]], writing-intensive program, the Honors College grants graduates a second major or minor in Honors [[Humanities in the United States|Humanities]] and an honors scholar diploma designation. The program content replaces all general education courses. The Honors College describes its purpose as "liberally educat[ing] the next generation of intellectually-gifted Christian leaders."<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.apu.edu/honors/|title=Honors College - Azusa Pacific University|website=www.apu.edu|language=en-US|access-date=2017-08-07}}</ref> Students study classic literature including works by [[Aristotle]], [[William Shakespeare|Shakespeare]], and [[C. S. Lewis|C.S. Lewis]], and are given publication and regional/national presentation opportunities.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.apu.edu/honors/benefits/|title=Why Choose Honors? - Honors College - Azusa Pacific University|website=www.apu.edu|language=en-US|access-date=2017-08-07}}</ref>

==Campus==
Azusa Pacific University's Azusa campus is situated in the [[San Gabriel Valley]], located {{convert|26|mi|km}} northeast of [[Los Angeles, California|Los Angeles]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.apu.edu/azusa/|title=Azusa Campus - Azusa Pacific University|website=www.apu.edu|language=en-US|access-date=2017-08-07}}</ref>

The university also maintains a [[Los Angeles]] Regional Site, a [[Monrovia, California|Monrovia]] Regional Site, and five additional off-site regional centers in Southern California:
* [[Inland Empire (California)|Inland Empire]] Regional Center ([[San Bernardino, California|San Bernardino]])
*[[Murrieta, California|Murrieta]] Regional Center
*[[San Diego, California|San Diego]] Regional Center
* High Desert Regional Center ([[Victorville, California|Victorville]])
* Orange County Regional Center ([[Orange, California|Orange]])

==Athletics==
{{Main|Azusa Pacific Cougars}}
{{See also|List of Azusa Pacific Cougars head football coaches}}
[[File:Apu athletic logo.svg|thumb|100px|Azusa Pacific athletics logo]]
The Azusa Pacific athletic teams are called the Cougars. The university is a member of the [[NCAA Division II|Division II]] level of the [[National Collegiate Athletic Association]] (NCAA), primarily competing in the [[Pacific West Conference]] (PacWest) for most of its sports since the 2012–13 academic year; while its women's swimming & diving team competes in the [[Pacific Collegiate Swim and Dive Conference]] (PCSC) and its women's water polo team competes in the [[Golden Coast Conference]] (GCC). The Cougars previously competed in the [[Golden State Athletic Conference]] (GSAC) of the [[National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics]] (NAIA) from 1986–87 to 2011–12. On July 11, 2011 Azusa Pacific began the three-year transition process to becoming a member of the NCAA.<ref>{{cite web|last=Reinsch|first=Joe|title=Azusa Pacific Accepted Into NCAA Division II Membership Process|url=http://www.apu.edu/athletics/stories/17529/|publisher=Azusa Pacific University|access-date=22 July 2011}}</ref> Azusa Pacific University decided to end its [[Azusa Pacific Cougars football|football program]] in December 2020 due to financial restructuring.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://athletics.apu.edu/news/2020/12/15/azusa-pacific-to-advance-a-renewed-vision-of-athletics-excellence-with-elimination-of-football.aspx|title=Football Draws to a Close at Azusa Pacific}}</ref>

Azusa Pacific competes in 16 intercollegiate varsity sports: Men's sports include baseball, basketball, cross country, soccer, tennis and track & field; while women's sports include acrobatics and tumbling, basketball, cross country, soccer, softball, swimming & diving, tennis, track & field, volleyball, water polo.

Azusa Pacific Athletics achieved eight consecutive wins of the [[NACDA Director's Cup|Directors’ Cup]] from 2005 to 2012, with a total of 108 GSAC Championships and 36 NAIA National Championships.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.apu.edu/athletics/stories/14084/|title = Azusa Pacific University Athletics - Official Athletics Website}}</ref>  Since joining NCAA Division II, the program has added 31 PacWest Conference Championships and four GNAC championships in football.

=== Achievements and alumni ===
A past eight-time winner of the NAIA's Directors' Cup, APU finished 17th for the second consecutive year in the 2015–16 NCAA Division II Directors' Cup standings. A total of 14 APU athletes have competed in the Olympics, including 2008 decathlon gold medalist [[Bryan Clay]] '03, and 50 other alumni have been drafted into other professional sports, including [[Christian Okoye]] '87, former [[Kansas City Chiefs]] fullback; [[Stephen Vogt]] '07, former MLB player and current [[Cleveland Guardians]] manager; [[Kirk Nieuwenhuis]] '08, [[Long Island Ducks]] outfielder; and [[Terrell Watson]] '15, [[San Diego Fleet]] running back.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web|url=https://www.apu.edu/media/news/release/26211/|title=Azusa Pacific University News Release Boilerplate|access-date=22 August 2017}}</ref> Several graduates have gone onto serve as leaders in higher education including J. David Carlson, Jeff Siemers, and Jacob Amundson.<ref>{{Cite web|title=PLNU Website|url=https://www.pointloma.edu/faculty/david-carlson-mfa|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201124031813/https://www.pointloma.edu/faculty/david-carlson-mfa |archive-date=2020-11-24 }}</ref>

==Student body==

{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center; float:right; font-size:85%; margin-left:2em; margin:10px;"
|-
!Ethnic enrollment,<br />Fall 2018<ref name=":3" />
!Under-<br />graduates<br />
|-
|International
| 3%
|-
|[[Hispanic and Latino Americans|Hispanic/Latino American]]
| 27%
|-
|[[African Americans|Black or African American]]
| 5%
|-
|[[White people|White]]
| 40%
|-
|[[Native Americans in the United States|American Indian]] or [[Alaska Natives|Alaska Native]]
| <1%
|-
|[[Asian Americans|Asian American]]
| 9%
|-
|[[Native Hawaiians|Native Hawaiian]] or other [[Pacific Islander]]
| 1%
|-
|[[Multiracial Americans|Multiracial American]]
| 13%
|-
|Unknown
| 2%
|}
Azusa Pacific University's 2018–19 enrollment consisted of 10,095 students, of whom 5,021 are at the undergraduate and 5,074 at the graduate and professional levels. As of 2018, 58 countries, 57 states (and US territories), and 56 [[Christian denomination]]s are represented by the student population.<ref name=":1" /> Approximately 68% of students are female and 32% are male.<ref name=":2">{{Cite web|url=http://www.apu.edu/oira/factsheet/|title=Fact Sheet - Office of Institutional Research and Assessment - Azusa Pacific University|website=www.apu.edu|language=en-US|access-date=2017-08-08}}</ref>

In the 2018–2019 academic year, the freshman retention rate was 84%.<ref name=":3">{{Cite web|url=https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/school/?109785|title=School {{!}} College Scorecard|website=collegescorecard.ed.gov|language=en|access-date=2019-06-13}}</ref>

The university's most popular programs are in following categories:<ref name=":3"/>

# Health Professions and Related Programs (31%)
# Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services (14%)
# Psychology (12%)
# Visual and Performing Arts (8%)
# Education (6%)

== Student life ==
APU features 20 [[Musical ensemble|music ensembles]], 11 [[intramural sports]], and about 40 clubs and organizations, including ethnic organizations, performing arts clubs, social clubs, service clubs, academic clubs, athletic clubs, and honors societies, as well as a [[Student Government Association]].<ref name=":4">{{Cite web|url=http://www.apu.edu/cma/music/ensembles/|title=Music Ensembles - Performance Ensemble - Azusa Pacific University|website=www.apu.edu|language=en-US|access-date=2017-08-10}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.apu.edu/communiversity/intramurals/about/|title=About Intramural Sports - Intramural Sports - Azusa Pacific University|website=www.apu.edu|language=en-US|access-date=2017-08-10}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.apu.edu/communiversity/clubs/list/|title=List of Clubs/Organizations - Office of Communiversity - Azusa Pacific University|website=www.apu.edu|language=en-US|access-date=2017-08-10}}</ref><ref name=":5">{{Cite web|url=http://apusga.org/|title=APU SGA|website=apusga.org|access-date=2017-08-10}}</ref> The university also hosts military and veteran services, including active duty military and veteran benefits, scholarships, and programs.<ref name=":6">{{Cite web|url=http://www.apu.edu/militaryeducation/|title=Military Education - GI Bill® - Azusa Pacific University|website=www.apu.edu|language=en-US|access-date=2017-08-10}}</ref>

=== Music ensembles ===
Music ensemble offerings include choral ensembles, vocal groups, large ensembles, chamber ensembles, commercial ensembles, and orchestral groups. Music groups require an audition, and perform at local churches as well as state and national orchestral and symphonic events.<ref name=":4" /> In addition to these ensembles, the Artist Certificate program offers a conservatory style experience to the School of Music's highest performing musicians.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.apu.edu/cma/music/certificate/|title=Artist Certificate Program - School of Music - Azusa Pacific University|website=www.apu.edu|language=en-US|access-date=2017-08-10}}</ref>

=== Student Government Association ===
APU's Student Government Association (SGA) is composed of 28 students. The SGA has served APU since 1945 by meeting with offices on campus and conducting surveys that analyze the needs of the APU student body. The SGA's governing structure, listed from highest position to lowest, is composed of a president, five executives, two commissioners, nine senators, and nine representatives.<ref name=":5" />

=== Military and veteran services ===
APU is a [[Yellow ribbon#Higher Education|Yellow Ribbon University]] recognized by Military Friendly as a military-friendly college, and is an approved degree-granting institution recognized by the [[United States Department of Veterans Affairs|U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs]].<ref name=":6" /><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://militaryfriendly.com/schools/?search=schools&awards=&das_name=Azusa%20Pacific%20University&cat_name=&state_name=&rank_awards=|title=Looking For Military Friendly Schools? See Who Made The List|website=militaryfriendly.com|language=en-US|access-date=2017-08-10}}</ref> APU was also named as one of 130 "Best for Vets Colleges 2017" in the 4-year schools category by ''[[Military Times Media Group|Military Times]]''.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://bestforvets.militarytimes.com/2017-11-01/colleges/4-year/|title=Best for Vets: Colleges 2017 - Military Times|website=bestforvets.militarytimes.com|access-date=2017-08-16}}</ref>

The university provides an [[Reserve Officers' Training Corps|ROTC]] program which includes scholarships and tuition assistance.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.apu.edu/militaryeducation/rotc/|title=ROTC Program - Military and Veteran Services - Azusa Pacific University|website=www.apu.edu|language=en-US|access-date=2017-08-10}}</ref>

APU also offers a Veterans Club intended to create a network for veterans transitioning into academic life. The club hosts regular meetings and community service opportunities.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.apu.edu/militaryeducation/studentlife/|title=Student Life - Military and Veteran Services - Azusa Pacific University|website=www.apu.edu|language=en-US|access-date=2017-08-10|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170811060155/http://www.apu.edu/militaryeducation/studentlife/|archive-date=2017-08-11|url-status=dead}}</ref>

== Diversity ==
In 2016, APU was recognized by ''Diverse Issues in Higher Education'' as one of the nation's top schools in awarding degrees to minority students. The university ranked among the top 100 in 11 baccalaureate categories, and ranked 5th for awarding Hispanic master's degrees in the "business/commerce, general" category, and 55th for total minority master's degrees awarded across all disciplines.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://diverseeducation.com/top100/GraduateDegreeProducers2016.php?ComparisonType2_1==&degreetype=Masters&ComparisonType1_1==&MatchNull1_1=N&school=Azusa+Pacific+University&ComparisonType2_1==&MatchNull2_1=N&state=zip&ComparisonType3_1==&MatchNull3_1=N&major=+All+Disciplines+Combined&ComparisonType4_1==&MatchNull4_1=N&race=zip|title=Top 100 Degree Producers: Graduate and Professional|last=Education|first=Diverse Issues in Higher|website=diverseeducation.com|access-date=2017-08-08|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170809040920/http://diverseeducation.com/top100/GraduateDegreeProducers2016.php?ComparisonType2_1==&degreetype=Masters&ComparisonType1_1==&MatchNull1_1=N&school=Azusa+Pacific+University&ComparisonType2_1==&MatchNull2_1=N&state=zip&ComparisonType3_1==&MatchNull3_1=N&major=+All+Disciplines+Combined&ComparisonType4_1==&MatchNull4_1=N&race=zip|archive-date=2017-08-09|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://diverseeducation.com/top100/GraduateDegreeProducers2016.php?ComparisonType2_1==&degreetype=Masters&ComparisonType1_1==&MatchNull1_1=N&school=Azusa+Pacific+University&ComparisonType2_1==&MatchNull2_1=N&state=zip&ComparisonType3_1==&MatchNull3_1=N&major=zip&ComparisonType4_1==&MatchNull4_1=N&race=zip|title=Top 100 Degree Producers: Graduate and Professional|last=Education|first=Diverse Issues in Higher|website=diverseeducation.com|access-date=2017-08-08|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170809043440/http://diverseeducation.com/top100/GraduateDegreeProducers2016.php?ComparisonType2_1==&degreetype=Masters&ComparisonType1_1==&MatchNull1_1=N&school=Azusa+Pacific+University&ComparisonType2_1==&MatchNull2_1=N&state=zip&ComparisonType3_1==&MatchNull3_1=N&major=zip&ComparisonType4_1==&MatchNull4_1=N&race=zip|archive-date=2017-08-09|url-status=dead}}</ref> APU is recognized by the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities as one of 104 [[Hispanic-serving institution|Hispanic-Serving Institutions]] in California.<ref name=":7">{{Cite web|url=https://www.hacu.net/assnfe/CompanyDirectory.asp?STYLE=2&COMPANY_TYPE=1,5|title=Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities - HACU|last=HACU|website=www.hacu.net|access-date=2017-08-09}}</ref>

=== Human Sexuality ===

The university has cited its Christian faith in its beliefs about human sexuality."<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.insidehighered.com/news/2018/10/01/azusa-pacific-university-reinstates-code-conduct-clause-bans-same-sex-romance |title=Azusa Pacific Reinstates Full Ban on Same-Sex Relationships |first=Emma |last=Whitford |publisher=[[Inside Higher Ed]] |date=October 1, 2018 |access-date=October 22, 2018}}</ref> The policy has been lifted and reinstated a number of times<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.sgvtribune.com/former-azusa-pacific-university-board-members-blame-administrators-for-financial-mismanagement-theological-drift|title=Former Azusa Pacific University board members blame administrators for financial mismanagement, 'theological drift'|date=2018-12-15|website=San Gabriel Valley Tribune|language=en-US|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190630035543/https://www.sgvtribune.com/2018/12/14/former-azusa-pacific-university-board-members-blame-administrators-for-financial-mismanagement-theological-drift/|archive-date=2019-06-30|url-status=live|access-date=2019-06-30}}</ref> and has been the target of student protests.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.sgvtribune.com/2019/03/16/azusa-pacific-university-lifts-lgbtq-relationship-ban-again/ |title=Azusa Pacific University lifts LGBTQ relationship ban (again) |first=Christopher |last=Yee |publisher=[[San Gabriel Valley Tribune]] |date=March 16, 2019 |access-date=March 19, 2019}}</ref>

As of 2022, University policy states that "God-given sexuality" is to take place in the context of a marriage covenant between a man and a woman.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.apu.edu/about/sexuality/ |title=What We Believe: Human Sexuality |website=Azusa Pacific University}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.wbur.org/npr/591140811/christian-colleges-are-tangled-in-their-own-lgbt-policies |work=WBUR |title=Christian Colleges Are Tangled In Their Own LGBT Policies |date=March 27, 2018 |first=Tom |last=Gjelten}}</ref>

=== The Center for Reconciliation and Diversity ===
The Student Center for Reconciliation and Diversity administers scholarship programs and provides information on internship and scholarship opportunities offered by local community organizations. SCRD also advises campus ethnic organizations, including the Armenian Student Association, Asian Pacific American Student Organization, Black Student Association, Latin American Student Association, Indigenous Peoples Circle, and the Pacific Islander Organization. In addition, SCRD coordinates a Multi-Ethnic Leadership Scholarship Program.<ref name=":7" /><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.apu.edu/scrd/ethnicorganizations/|title=Ethnic Organizations - Student Center for Reconciliation and Diversity - Azusa Pacific University|website=www.apu.edu|language=en|access-date=2019-06-13}}</ref>

=== Center for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusive Excellence ===
The Center for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusive Excellence hosts initiatives including staff and faculty diversity network luncheons, diversity ambassador training, and diversity workshops. The center also facilitates a diversity plan based on a 2016 [[University of California, Los Angeles|UCLA]] Climate Study conducted by the [[Higher Education Research Institute]] assessing APU's social climate. The center collaborates with the Council of Christian Colleges & Universities on national diversity-related projects.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.apu.edu/cdeie/message/|title=Message From the Executive Director - Center for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusive Excellence - Azusa Pacific University|website=www.apu.edu|language=en-US|access-date=2017-08-09}}</ref>

== Office of Service & Discipleship ==
For eight consecutive years, ''Azusa Pacific'' has been named to the [[President's Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll]] for exemplary leadership in civic engagement, service-learning, and building community partnerships.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.nationalservice.gov/sites/default/files/documents/Honor%20Roll%202015%20General%20Category.pdf|title=2015 Honor Roll General Category|website=Corporation for National and Community Service|access-date=2 August 2017}}</ref> Azusa Pacific University, as one of 115 U.S. institutions named to the [[Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching|Carnegie Foundation's]] 2010 Community Engagement Classification, is recognized for its commitment to community service and service-learning.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.apu.edu/media/news/release/16617/|title=Azusa Pacific Receives Prestigious Carnegie Community Engagement Classification - Media Relations - Azusa Pacific University|access-date=16 February 2017}}</ref> Through APU's Center for Student Action, undergraduates perform more than 165,000 hours of service each year locally and globally.<ref name=":1" />

=== Local service ===
Local service is conducted by the City Links program, where students aid the city of Azusa and greater Los Angeles area. Services include assisting food banks and providing after school tutoring and mentoring. In addition to these weekly service opportunities, students can spend a semester living and learning in Los Angeles through L.A. Term.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.apu.edu/studentaction/serve/local/|title=Serve Locally - Center for Student Action - Azusa Pacific University|website=www.apu.edu|language=en-US|access-date=2017-08-08}}</ref>

=== Mexico Outreach ===
APU students serve in Mexico through the Mexico Outreach Program, which continues a more-than-40-year relationship with churches, refugee shelters, prisons, and rehabilitation centers. Several opportunities exist throughout the year for students to serve the Mexicali community. APU also maintains a site in Ensenada–Rancho El Refugio–that is available throughout the year for students to stay at while conducting outreach in the area.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.apu.edu/studentaction/serve/mexico/|title=Serve in Mexico - Center for Student Action - Azusa Pacific University|website=www.apu.edu|language=en-US|access-date=2017-08-08}}</ref>

=== Global relief ===
The Center for Student Action sends more than 250 students, faculty, staff, and alumni around the world to partner with long-term and national workers. Programs include but are not limited to: educational development, orphan work, conversational English teaching, prayer ministry, mobile medical care clinics, and anti-human and anti-sex trafficking.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.apu.edu/studentaction/serve/internationally/|title=Serve Nationally and Internationally - Center for Student Action - Azusa Pacific University|website=www.apu.edu|language=en-US|access-date=2017-08-08}}</ref> The following are relief efforts that the Center for Student Action has worked toward mobilizing aid and volunteers:<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.apu.edu/studentaction/serve/internationally/globalrelief/|title=Disaster Relief - Center for Student Action - Azusa Pacific University|website=www.apu.edu|language=en-US|access-date=2017-08-08}}</ref>
* [[Hurricane Katrina]], August 2005, USA
* [[Cyclone Sidr]], November 2006, Bangladesh
* [[2010 Haiti earthquake|Earthquake]], 2010, Haiti
* [[2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami|Earthquake and Tsunami]], 2011, Japan
* [[Typhoon Haiyan]], 2013, Philippines
*[[Hurricane Harvey]], 2017, USA
* [[List of California wildfires|Southern California fires]], various years, USA

==Notable alumni==
{{main|List of Azusa Pacific University people}}

==References==
{{reflist}}

==External links==
{{ccat}}
* {{oweb}}
* [https://athletics.apu.edu/ Athletics website] 

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