Chapman Parent FAQ
When you are not sure where a question belongs, start with the Office of Parent and Family Engagement at (714) 997-6558. Below are the Chapman offices families reach most, with numbers taken from Chapman's own pages.
About this group
Is this the official Chapman University parent group?
No. Far From Home is an independent parent community supported by College Cubbies. For official information, visit the Chapman University parent and family page.
Dates and breaks
When does fall semester 2026 start at Chapman University?
Fall instruction began Monday, August 24, 2026. Classes end Saturday, December 5, and fall finals run December 7 to 12.
When is Chapman Family Homecoming in 2026?
Chapman Family Homecoming 2026 was scheduled for Friday, October 2 and Saturday, October 3. The homecoming football game against Whittier College is Saturday at 7 p.m. at Ernie Chapman Stadium.
How long is Thanksgiving break at Chapman?
Thanksgiving recess is a full week, Monday, November 23 to Saturday, November 28, 2026. University offices are closed Thursday and Friday, November 26 and 27.
When does winter break end and spring semester start?
Fall finals end Saturday, December 12. Interterm runs January 4 to 30, 2027, and spring semester instruction begins Monday, February 1, 2027.
When is Chapman spring break in 2027?
Spring break is Monday, March 22 to Saturday, March 27, 2027. Friday, March 26 is the Day of Service, and the university is closed.
When is Chapman commencement in 2027?
Commencement weekend is Friday, May 21 to Sunday, May 23, 2027. The University Commencement ceremony is Friday at 7 p.m. Most colleges hold their own ceremonies on Saturday or Sunday, and the Fowler School of Law and School of Pharmacy hold theirs on Friday. See the graduation site for times.
Travel and where to stay
What is the closest airport to Chapman University?
John Wayne Airport (SNA). Chapman lists it as 11 miles, about 20 minutes, from the Orange campus. LAX is 40 miles away, 45 minutes to an hour by car.
Can we get to Chapman by train?
Yes. Orange station is served by Metrolink and the Amtrak Pacific Surfliner, and Chapman describes it as a short walk to campus along Palm Avenue.
Where do parents park at Chapman, and what does it cost?
Visitor spaces are in the Anderson Structure (300 E. Walnut, Level B1) and the Barrera Structure (200 W. Sycamore, Level 1). Permits are $5 for 3 hours or $10 for 12 hours from the machines, and parking is enforced on weekends and holidays too.
Is there a hotel within walking distance of Chapman?
The Richland, at 137 East Maple Avenue in Old Towne Orange, is 0.3 miles from campus on Chapman's lodging list. Several other listed hotels, including the Ayres properties, have a Chapman discount link.
Move in and move out
When is move in for first year students?
First year students moved in Tuesday, August 18, 2026. Building managers email unloading and parking instructions around mid August.
Can we bring a rental truck or trailer for move in?
No. Residence Life does not allow rental moving trucks, attached trailers or storage pods, and the parking structures have a 7 foot clearance.
When do Chapman students have to move out in May 2027?
Residence Life had not posted spring 2027 move out details as of October 2026. The 2026 to 27 Resident License Agreement says residents must leave by the earlier of 24 hours after their last final or 12 noon on Friday, May 21, 2027, and graduating residents by 12 noon on Sunday, May 23. Spring finals run through May 22, so confirm the deadline with Residence Life at (714) 997-6603 before booking travel.
What happens to things my student leaves behind?
Bikes left on campus over the summer are donated and their locks cut, and cars left on campus over the summer are subject to towing unless the student is a summer housing resident. Under the 2026 to 27 Resident License Agreement, belongings not removed within 72 hours of checkout are removed by the university, and the resident is charged.
Health, safety and local life
What should my student do if they get sick after hours?
Student Health is open weekdays only. When it is closed, it lists St. Joseph Heritage Medical Group, (714) 628-3300, and Sunrise Medical Center, (714) 771-1420, for non emergency care. In an emergency call 911.
What is the mailing address for a Chapman resident?
Student Name, Chapman University, One University Dr., CMB number, Orange, CA 92866. Your student is assigned the campus mailbox (CMB) number.
Can parents get Panther Alert emergency messages?
Only if your student adds you. Parents cannot register on their own, so your student lists you on the Chapman University Emergency Contact Information Form.
General questions and events
- Office of Parent and Family Engagement: (714) 997-6558, pantherfamily@chapman.edu. Family events, the Parent Connection newsletter, and finding the right office for anything else.
- Ticketing Services: (714) 997-6812, ticketing@chapman.edu, weekdays 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tickets for campus events.
- Event accessibility: (714) 997-6686 (Human Resources), accessibility@chapman.edu, listed on the Family Homecoming FAQ for accessibility requests.
Housing
- Residence Life: (714) 997-6603, reslife@chapman.edu, weekdays 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Room assignments, move in, move out and license releases.
- RA on duty, 5 p.m. to 8 a.m. daily: Glass Hall 714-516-5744, Henley Hall 714-516-5723, Morlan Hall 714-516-5731, Pralle-Sodaro 714-516-5729, Sandhu 714-516-5732. Chapman Grand, Panther Village, Chapman Court, Davis and Harris and The K have their own lines on the Residence Life emergencies page.
Money and records
- Office of Undergraduate Financial Aid: (714) 997-6741, finaid@chapman.edu, Bhathal Student Services Center, weekdays 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. Aid packages, forms and appointments.
- Office of the University Registrar: (714) 997-6701, registrar@chapman.edu, in the Bhathal Student Services building, weekdays 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. Registration, add and drop, withdrawals, transcripts and enrollment verification. Its site also explains your student's FERPA privacy rights, which shape what offices can share with you.
Health and support
- Student Health: (714) 997-6851, studenthealth@chapman.edu. Appointments and medical questions.
- Student Psychological Counseling Services: (714) 997-6778, spcs@chapman.edu. Counseling on the Orange campus.
- Dean of Students: (714) 997-6721. Support when difficulties arise. Its departments include Student Outreach and Support.
Safety, parking and mail
- Public Safety: (714) 997-6763, answered 24 hours a day. In an emergency call 911.
- Parking Services: (714) 997-6560, parking@chapman.edu. Visitor permits and event parking.
- Mail Services: (714) 997-6821, universitymail@chapman.edu. Missing packages and mailbox questions.
Big event weekends
- Commencement: the graduation site has a contact page for ceremony and RSVP questions. Graduates receive digital tickets by email the week before.
- Family Homecoming: vehicle registration for free parking and event details are on the Homecoming FAQ.
Outside office hours, the two lines that reach a person are Public Safety and your student's RA on duty number.
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