Brandman University Receives CAEL's Institutional Service Award for its Commitment to Adult Learner Success

The Council for Adult and Experiential Learning (CAEL) has recognized Brandman University for its flexible, targeted programs that benefit the specialized needs of adult students who want to advance their education, but have a variety of other responsibilities.

Irvine, CA - December 8, 2011 - Brandman University announced today that it has been presented with The Council for Adult and Experiential Learning's (CAEL) Institutional Service Award. CAEL is a national leader in the fields of adult learning and workforce development, providing colleges and universities, companies, labor organizations and state and local governments with the tools and strategies they need for creating practical, effective lifelong learning solutions.

"It is wonderful to receive this recognition from such an important organization. CAEL serves adult oriented institutions throughout the country and this is an incredible honor for our university," said Gary Brahm, Chancellor of Brandman University.

Sharing a deep commitment to quality education for professionals, in January, the California State Firefighters' Association (CSFA) and Brandman University announced an exclusive relationship to offer a bachelors of arts in applied studies (BAAS) developed specifically for California's firefighting community. CSFA members who pursue this degree will enjoy a tuition discount valued at approximately $900 per course. A significant feature of the BAAS is a comprehensive review of students' existing community college and other fire technology units as credit toward the degree, along with the flexibility and efficiency of a year-round schedule. The Brandman degree program, developed in cooperation with CSFA, California Fire Chiefs Association, Orange County Fire Authority, Santa Ana College and others, is offered at 23 Brandman University locations throughout the state and online.

In presenting the award, CAEL described Brandman as an institution committed to adult student success citing evidence of successful outcomes such as its outstanding rate of graduation, distinguished alumni and low student loan default rate. Brandman, a non-profit institution, consistently reports a steady average of 70 percent of its undergraduate students will graduate within six years. Their loan default rates are among the lowest - 2.3 percent (2009) compared to a national average of 8.8 percent. Brandman, part of the Chapman University System's 150-year heritage of academic success, has graduated a bevy of distinguished alumni including a National Teacher of the Year; two California Teachers of the Year; the 2009 California Educator of the Year; 2007 Wisconsin Teacher of the Year; a national bestselling author; Fulbright Scholar; national news correspondent; two members of the US House of Representatives; several CEOs, chiefs of police and fire chiefs; and sixteen high commanding military officers.

To learn more about earning a degree at Brandman, visit www.brandman.edu/csfa or call 800-746-0379.

About Brandman University
Brandman University is a private, non-profit institution accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC). Established in 1958 and a part of the Chapman University System, Brandman blends a legacy of academic excellence with progressive, innovative curriculum and strong support services designed for working professionals. The university serves more than 10,000 students annually in 52 undergraduate, graduate, credential, and certificate programs in arts and sciences, business, education and health, both offered online and through 26 campuses in California and Washington. Learn more at www.brandman.edu

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