Spiritual Life Requirements

To track chapel attendance, you’ll need to download the iAttended app before the first week of school. This app helps you easily check in and out of chapel using your APU email.

How it works:

• Download the iAttended app on your mobile device.
• Log in using your APU email (non-APU emails won’t work).
• Once logged in, you can view upcoming chapel dates and scan in and out for attendance—only when attending in-person.
• If you can't use the app, you can log in to iAttended on a laptop or PC, print your personal QR code from iattendedapp.com, and bring it to chapel to be scanned by staff.

For any issues or help, contact the Office of Spiritual Life or visit a chapel assistant.

Your weekly chapel attendance requirement creates a rhythm that builds lifelong spiritual habits and deepens your faith. Through this commitment to pursuing God in community, you'll experience the profound impact of gathering together to seek connection with Christ.

Chapels are typically held on: 

• Monday, Wednesday, and Friday mornings at 10:30.
• Thursday nights at 8. 

For the first two weeks of school, only three chapels are held. 

If you have a disability, you can apply for chapel exemptions or accommodations through Accessibility and Disability Resources (ADR).

Your weekly chapel attendance requirement helps build healthy, lifelong spiritual habits. You’ll encounter God and find encouragement in faith throughout your college journey.

Chapel Attendance at a Glance

Weekly Requirements

• Attend chapel three times per week
• Get 10 flexible absences each semester to use as needed

The First Two Weeks

• Only two chapel attendances required per week
• This helps you ease into the semester and accounts for holidays

Stay Informed with “This Week in Chapel”

• You'll find:
• Whether it’s a two- or three-chapel week
• Upcoming speakers and topics
• Special worship events and more

Staying on Track with Chapel

Keep up the good work! Check your attendance regularly in the iAttended app or on home.apu.edu—following the weekly schedule helps you meet your semester requirement. 

Falling behind? Let’s work together—contact the Office of Chapel and Pastoral Care at [email protected].

We understand that life can be unpredictable. If you find yourself missing more than a week’s worth of chapels because of extenuating circumstances, email [email protected]. The sooner you connect with us, the more we can help you stay on track.

Chapel Accommodations

If you need an accommodation because of your commute, work, or an internship requirement, fill out the Request For a Chapel Accommodation form. Make sure to submit it by Sunday, September 8 at 5 p.m. to give us time to review it.

If the deadline has passed, don't hesitate to reach out to the Office of Spiritual Life at [email protected]. We’ll do our best to support you, though please note that absences after a late accommodation won't be excused.

If you're applying for Chapel accommodations through the Office of Accessibility and Disability Resources, just start by applying for accommodations here.

How can I receive credit for attending chapel?

To receive chapel credit, you can 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 you don’t own a smartphone, you can download and print out your personal QR code from the iAttended website. Bring your personal QR code for credit when attending chapel. 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?

If you notice discrepancies with your chapel credit, let a chapel assistant or staff member know right away at the venue so they can look into it for you. It’s important to keep an eye on your credits throughout the semester, and if something doesn’t seem right, you can reach out to our team within two business days and we’ll help you sort it out.

How many credits do I need to complete each semester?

You can check your weekly chapel credit requirement in the Progress section of the iAttended app. Since we offer more chapels than the minimum required, you’re allowed up to 10 absences per semester if needed.

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

You can use an absence or make it up by attending an optional chapel that same week. Make sure to keep attending to stay on track with your chapel requirement!

What is the chapel requirement?

All full-time undergraduate APU students are required to attend 2-3 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. But you are always welcome to attend! If you decide to attend, you don’t need to scan in.

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

If you arrive after the 10-minute grace period, you’re welcome to stay during chapel but won’t receive credit. You’ll 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?

During chapel, we encourage you to be fully present by refraining from using your phone and following APU’s chapel etiquette guidelines (see more below).

Can I use my laptop during chapel?

To honor the chapel experience and be most present, avoid using technology during chapel as part of following APU’s chapel etiquette guidelines.

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

Job interviews and auditions aren’t considered excused absences, but you can use one of your allowed absences or attend an extra chapel that week to stay on track.

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

Yes, 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?

If you experience the loss of a family member, you can request a chapel excusal. Provide documentation, such as a memorial card or funeral program, within two weeks of the absence(s) to be approved.

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

Each student has a set number of absences they can use each semester. If you miss a chapel, you can use one of these or attend another chapel within the same week. Since more chapels are offered than the minimum required, you have flexibility to plan ahead and stay on track.

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?

Students aren’t excused from chapel for personal travel. Since there are more chapels offered than the minimum required, you have room to miss when needed. Be sure to plan ahead to stay on track!

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

Excusals like this need to be submitted to the Office of Spiritual Life Administration and Operations by the athletics director. You should check in with your coach if there are any delays.

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

Yes—just reach out to us at [email protected] and share the details of the accident along with any documentation.

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

If you don’t receive official mail at your residence, submit a rental agreement or lease that shows that you live at the address. If that’s not possible, provide a utility bill and a letter from your landlord confirming your residency, including their contact information for verification.

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

Students can’t be exempt from chapel for volunteer work or a volunteer internship. For an internship to be an approved excusal, it must be required for a course.

How long is the approved request 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 new jobs after the drop date, you can submit requests within one week of the date of hire. We’ll also need documentation/verification.

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

If a you get a job after the drop date, you can submit a request with a work letter on company letterhead within one week of being hired. The letter should include the hire date and work schedule.

What if my employer doesn’t have company letterhead?

In some cases, a letter from the employer with a wet signature and contact information may be accepted. A pay stub might also be needed. The employer will be contacted to verify the work.

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

You’ll need to follow the process for requesting a work-related excusal. Once the work is verified, a chapel credit reduction can be given. If you work more chapel days than expected, an additional reduction can be applied with extra 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 can take 2-3 weeks to process from the submission date. It’s up to the student to follow up on their request. Students can reach out to the Office of Spiritual Life Administration and Operations to check on the status.

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

Ultimately, chapel is your responsibility as a student—if your request is approved, the absences will be excused retroactively. If it’s denied, you’ll be responsible for the absences.

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 the 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 [email protected].

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 office partners with Spiritual Life to provide technical support to chapels, including aspects such as sound, lighting, and video. Media Production can be contacted with any questions or concerns about technical aspects of chapel at [email protected].

Regarding noise volume in chapels, the Media Production team measures the decibel level in each chapel, before (during sound check) and during the chapel, to ensure that 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 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 those 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 Accessibility and Disability Resources office at [email protected].

In chapel, we invite you to engage with a spirit of reverence and attentiveness. This time is an opportunity to deepen your faith and connect with the community. To make the most of this sacred time, avoid the following:

• Using electronic devices such as laptops, phones, iPads, AirPods, headphones, or anything else that might be distracting
• Doing homework
• Sleeping
• Talking loudly or causing disruptions
• Leaving the chapel to buy food

When we all honor these eitquette guidelines, we create a more meaningful and respectful chapel experience. If the guidelines aren’t followed, students may not receive chapel credit and could face additional consequences.

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.