Chapman University is a 151–year old independent institution of liberal arts and professional education dedicated to providing a solid foundation of knowledge that enables its graduates to become fully educated persons. The university is comprised of the George L. Argyros School of Business and Economics, the College of Educational Studies, the Lawrence and Kristina Dodge College of Film and Media Arts, the Wilkinson College of Humanities and Social Sciences, the School of Law, the College of Performing Arts, and the Schmid College of Science and Technology. Additional course offerings developed specifically for adult learners are available through Brandman University, with locations in California and Washington.
Chapman is recognized for its liberal arts core, distinguished faculty, innovative programs and personalized attention to students. The university strives to develop in students the ability to think clearly, communicate effectively, explore issues from contrasting points of view, value human and cultural diversity and make informed ethical judgments in an increasingly complex world.
Chapman University will be a preeminent university engaged in distinguished liberal arts and professional programs that are interconnected, reach beyond the boundaries of the classroom and work toward developing the whole person: the intellectual, physical, social, and spiritual dimensions of life.
The mission of Chapman University is to provide personalized education of distinction that leads to inquiring, ethical, and productive lives as global citizens.
The mission of Chapman University finds expression through the following central commitments:
Create stimulating learning environments for a diverse population on a residential campus in Orange, California, and at Brandman University academic campuses located throughout California and Washington.
Recruit and retain an outstanding faculty that cherishes teaching, research and creative activity as primary professional commitments, and that strives to build a creative intellectual community in which the inquiring life is exemplified by a shared commitment among students and faculty to the pursuit of knowledge.
Offer curricula that integrate liberal arts and professional learning in order to foster independent and critical thinking, effective communication, and an international perspective.
Create learning, living and working environments that foster diversity, multiple perspectives and the free exchange of ideas.
Affirm our openness to diverse religious, spiritual, political and ethical traditions, and our covenant with the Disciples of Christ.
Encourage the linkage between a life of learning and service, and vital interaction of the university with our wider communities.
Devote resources in a fiscally responsible manner to support outstanding teaching, scholarship and learning, and develop facilities that enhance the living and learning environments.
Chapman University, traces its roots back a century and a half to Hesperian College, opened at the very hour of Abraham Lincoln's inauguration as the sixteenth U. S. president in 1861. Hesperian and several other institutions later merged with California Christian College in Los Angeles. In 1934 the institution was renamed in recognition of its most generous benefactor, C. C. Chapman, successful real estate investor, rancher, and pioneer Orange County church leader. Chapman College moved to the city of Orange in 1954. In September of 1991 the college became Chapman University, further strengthening its commitment to international education and an innovative undergraduate curriculum and graduate programs.
Chapman University is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges, Accrediting Commission for Senior Colleges and Universities (985 Atlantic Avenue, Suite 100, Alameda, CA 94501, 510/748–9001). Chapman University is also proud to have many of its programs nationally accredited. The business programs are accredited by AACSB: The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business. The music programs are accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music. The graduate program in physical therapy is accredited by the American Physical Therapy Association. The athletic training education program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE). The juris doctorate has been granted accreditation by the American Bar Association. The school psychology program is accredited by the National Association of School Psychologists. The marriage and family therapy program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy. The university’s teacher training and credential programs are approved by the California State Department of Education. The art program is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design. The dance program is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Dance. The theatre program is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Theatre. The communication sciences and disorder program is accredited by the Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology Speech-Language Pathology of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. The educational studies program is accredited by the Teacher Education Accreditation Council (TEAC).
Chapman University is a member of the Independent Colleges of Southern California, the Association of American Colleges and Universities, the College Entrance Examination Board, the Western College Association, the Association of Independent California Colleges and Universities, the American Council on Education, the American Association of Colleges for Teacher Education, and the Division of Higher Education of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). The School of Law is a member of the Association of American Law Schools (AALS).
U.S. News & World Report has ranked Chapman in the top tier of 128 western comprehensive colleges and universities for the last fiften years. In student selectivity, Chapman ranks first, a direct tribute to the quality of our students. Recognizing Chapman’s focus on values and ethics, the university has been listed in the highly respected Templeton Guide: Colleges That Encourage Character Development. Recognition of the quality of a Chapman education is also reflected in that fact that since 1993 we have established more than 50 endowed chairs and professorships and have received grants from the nation’s most prestigious foundations. The media have recognized Chapman’s value as well: The Orange County Register has called Chapman “one of the hottest private schools in California,” and The Washington Post lists Chapman among the “hidden gems” in U.S. higher education.
One of the most distinguishing aspects of a Chapman education is the ethical emphasis that underscores all academic and student life programs. Students are challenged to think, examine their values and prepare for their future considering how the world might be a better place, having lived.
For inquiry and the opportunity to learn more about Chapman’s vision of personalized education contact the Office of Admission noted below or explore Chapman’s Web site at www.chapman.edu.
Several student service offices and academic departments at Chapman offer programs to support and increase the understanding and appreciation of diversity on campus and the surrounding community. During the academic year, Diversity & Equity Initiatives in the Department of Student & Campus Life implements a variety of events and activities focused on diversity, equity and global citizenship such as the Next Step Social Justice Retreat, Ubuntu Community Dialogue Circle, the Safe Space Program, Diversity Trainers Program, Diversity & Equity Awards & Graduation, and various workshops, gatherings and trainings. University Program Board (UPB) brings major speakers, panels and events to campus that focus on themes such as Latino Heritage Month, Women’s History Month, Black History Month, and many more, which are held campus wide. Academic Advising and First Year Programs offer programs focused on supporting First Generation college students. The multicultural, social justice, and service student organizations, and the Office of Equal Opportunity serve to promote diversity on campus and discussion of relevant and timely issues.
Chapman’s graduate curricula are designed to provide advanced study in specific disciplines to broaden and deepen knowledge of the subject studied. In addition, graduate degrees give the students practical training and skills for advancement in selected professional careers.
Small classes and close personal supervision by the faculty are hallmarks of Chapman. Graduate students are expected to show persistence, maturity, the capacity for growth, and an interest far beyond the attainment of the minimum requirements for degrees.
The more than 377 full–time and 340 adjunct faculty represent an outstanding range of intellectual interests, research endeavors, and creative activities. They include noted researchers in the sciences and social sciences, gifted artists, prolific writers, talented film makers and widely published and recognized scholars.
As a community, the faculty is comprised of people who connect active scholarship and creative activity with teaching and learning as a bridge between research and practice. Their research and creative work informs both their teaching and their lives in ways that enable students to see the value of a commitment to lifelong learning. Some 90% hold terminal degrees; 48% are tenured. Full–time faculty teach two to three courses a semester.
Travel Courses
Chapman faculty representing a range of academic departments lead travel courses during the summer and January interterm session(s). These courses range in length from 1 to 4 weeks and are both domestic and international. All students are encouraged to participate in these courses in order to gain a perspective about other countries and cultures. There is academic work involved in these classes and credit is awarded. Students may be eligible for a tuition waiver for their participation in a travel program.
International Student and Scholar Services Office
International student and scholar services office serves the special needs of international students and scholars on the Chapman University campus. The office acts primarily as a source of information and assistance with the goal of helping to make the international student and scholar experience at Chapman as productive and meaningful as possible.
The office provides the following services: issuance of required immigration documents; student and scholar tracking and reporting as required by SEVP and Department of State; fall and spring orientation programs; assistance with health insurance, internships, housing, Department of Motor Vehicles, Social Security Administration, on-campus employment, tax and immigration matters; certificates of enrollment and official letters for foreign administration offices; information on social and cultural events; and liaison with campus and community programs.
Student and faculty research and programmatic opportunities are supported by the following endowments:
Student and faculty research and programmatic opportunities are supported by the following endowments:
The 2011–2012 student body population was 7,155, 1855 of whom were graduate. Chapman welcomes students from around the country and the world. Over 60 countries are represented among Chapman's international student body. Enrollment has steadily grown since the early 1990s. Chapman upholds its tradition of providing personalized education to students by maintaining a faculty to student ratio of 1:14.
Chapman's academic year is on a 4–1–4 calendar. Fall classes begin in late August and end just prior to Christmas. An interterm session is held in January, offering special opportunities for students to participate in travel courses or take experimental courses. The course offerings in interterm, however, are limited. Students should not rely on interterm classes to fulfill their requirements. The spring semester begins at the end of January and ends in May. Four summer sessions are scheduled from the end of May through mid–August. Evening classes are also offered for working professionals. A special emphasis is made to meet the requirements of public school credentials.
The mission of the Career Development Center (CDC) is to assist undergraduate and graduate students at Chapman University with identifying, developing and implementing their career goals through self–direction and personal responsibility. To do so, the Center provides personalized career coaching and assessment, workshops, alumni and employer panels, career and internship expos and other recruiting events, handouts, and online postings through Panther Connect for full-time and part-time jobs and internship positions. Staff in the CDC specialize in helping students with their questions and concerns about choosing or changing their major, getting a job, setting up internships, writing resumes and cover letters, preparing for interviews, applying to graduate school as well as figuring out their long-term career goals. Located in Argyros Forum 303, the CDC may be contacted by phone, 714/997-6942 or email, career@chapman.edu. More information is available at www.chapman.edu/cdc.
Educational Placement Files
The Career Development Center will assist teachers and school personnel to establish a “Self-Managed Educational Placement File.” Information can be accessed through the website at www.chapman.edu/CDC/students/teacherEPF.asp.
Career Coaching and Assessment
Individual and dyad career coaching is available by appointment to assist students in developing career goals, determining methods of obtaining these goals and implementing a viable plan for an effective job search or continued education. In addition to individual appointments, Career Development Center also offers weekly career workshops. Career educators work with students to help them assess their interests, skills, and values; make connections to appropriate majors, jobs, internships and career fields; research and explore their options; and market the skills they've gained through their Chapman education.
The Internship Program
Internships give students the opportunity to earn academic credit while gaining practical work experience, an increased understanding of their chosen career field, job skills, self-confidence, and more. Increasingly important in today's competitive job market, internships give graduates an edge when they seek jobs, having had "real-world" experience. Positions are available in various disciplines and are offered year round (fall semester, interterm, spring semester, and summer). The Career Development Center administers the domestic internship program while international internships are handled by the Center for Global Education. Twenty hours for each half credit earned, a designated site supervisor, and regular contact with a faculty internship advisor are required. Hours may only count for credit during the academic term in which a student is registered. Independent internships are graded on a Pass/No Pass basis. If an internship for a seminar course is not secured by the fifth week of the term per the academic calendar, the student is expected to withdrawal from the course which would result in an automatic W notation on the transcript. Students may accumulate up to 12 internship credits toward a Chapman degree including those that count for GE credit and Individualized Experiential Learning Project (IELP) credit. To register for internships, students must submit an Internship Learning Agreement Form (ILAF) and Intern Responsibilities Form to the Career Development Center. Internship deadlines are posted annually on the academic calendar and more information is available on the Career Development Center website at www.chapman.edu/CDC/students/intern/default.asp.
Career Excursions
The Career Development Center is committed to offering an array of experiences to help our students get a taste of the world of opportunities around them. Ten times a year, we invite students on Career Excursions to interesting and inspiring businesses in the Southern California area. Excursions are designed for students to receive personal attention and behind-the-scenes experiences that can answer deep questions and ignite greater curiosity and enthusiasm for new career ideas. Each excursion lasts from 2 – 4 hours, with 5 – 20 students joining in on the adventure. Focus industries this year include entertainment, business entrepreneurs, fashion, non-profit, sports/athletics and graduate schools; however we are always open for suggestions!
Courses of Excellence
A fabulous feast for the mind and palate, Courses of Excellence offers students the opportunity to meaningfully engage with industry leaders over an eight-course meal seasoned with equally tasty business conversation. Students may indicate their interest in partaking of Courses of Excellence by completing the Student and Alumni Request Form at www.chapman.edu/cdc/students/. Eight times during the traditional school year, eight students will be selected to join in this intimate, fine dining and networking experience which will take place at the exclusive Chef’s Table in Sandhu Dining Hall, co-sponsored by Sodexo.
Career Outreach
Employers want Chapman students and they are eager to help our students find jobs in their organizations. Throughout the year, recruiting representatives from businesses with local, national and international reach visit our campus to meet our students. Recruiting tables, mock interviews and resume reviews are just a few of the ways industry representatives work to connect with our students to help them to succeed. The CDC is always on the lookout for exciting and innovative career opportunities to share with our students.
Off-Campus Employment
The Career Development Center promotes part-time employment as an excellent way for students to gain valuable workplace skills, supplement their academic experience and earn money. Students can access these job postings using Panther Connect, the online "one-stop shop" for internships and jobs at www.chapman.edu/cdc/students/pantherConnect.asp. Computers are available for student use in the Career Development Center. In addition, students can receive assistance in resume writing and interviewing by making an appointment or taking advantage of resume drop-in hours.
Chapman University is committed to making its educational opportunities accessible to qualified individuals with disabilities in accordance with applicable state and federal laws. By providing access to qualified students with disabilities, the university demonstrates its belief that the community will benefit from their skills and talents. In this regard, Chapman University has implemented the following policies:
The Disability Services Specialist administers these policies. Summaries and references to these policies are provided in the university's application and admissions materials, and its student handbook. Individuals can also obtain information about these policies, services, documentation requirements, etc. from Disability Services at 714/516–4520.
Disability Services serves as the clearing house for all requested accommodations. It is the responsibility of the student requesting accommodations to make these needs known in a timely fashion and to provide proper documentation and medical evaluations as required (www.chapman.edu/disabilities). It is recommended that the student provide these materials prior to the beginning of the academic year or semester so that the university may better serve the student's needs and the student may avoid any irreversible academic consequences. Once notification has been made the university will engage in an interactive process in order to identify our obligation to provide reasonable accommodations. Services provided will be based on the individual needs of the student, and may include extended test time, notetakers, etc. The granting of any accommodation will not be retroactive and cannot jeopardize the academic standards or integrity of the course.
Any student with significant learning disabilities, manifested in the learning of foreign language and/or mathematics and has a documented failure in the subject, will be encouraged to attempt the class with accommodations before a petition for substitution is considered. However, if the student has a history of failure to succeed in these areas, based on a documented disability, he/she may request an immediate review of their documentation by the ADA Committee.
The ADA Committee determines the appropriate identification of significant learning disability in the area of foreign language and/or mathematics and is the final authority in the decision to grant a course substitution.
A range of confidential, short-term psychological counseling services is provided to students on an as–available basis. Referral for psychiatric evaluation or to other appropriate outside agencies is available for students with additional therapy needs. All full–time undergraduates are eligible for services; part–time and graduate students must opt to pay a health and counseling fee at the time of registration.
Physical well–being has a tremendous impact on academic performance. The goal of medical services is to provide the opportunity for academic success, while the focus is to provide students with easy access to health care and disease prevention.
Chapman University Student Health (CUSH) is staffed with nurse practitioners, nurses and physicians to promote good health and to assess and treat a variety of physical ailments that typically affect college–age students. Services include first aid treatment and triage, primary medicine, gynecological services, immunizations and health screening. Some medications are provided for a modest fee, and some prescriptions are called into the students’ pharmacy of choice. When a student’s condition is beyond the scope of CUSH, the student may be referred off–campus for health care to a physician or clinic in the community.
The Chapman Student Health Center is located at 402 N. Glassell Street (corner of Glassell and Sycamore), Orange, CA 92866. The phone number for the Health Center is 714/997–6851. The center is available for walk-in visits Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. during regular semesters. It is recommended that appointments be made for afternoon hours.
Leatherby Library:
The Leatherby Libraries opened in the Fall Semester, 2004. The five-story facility serves as an intellectual and cultural heart of the campus and is designed to meet the information needs of Chapman’s students, faculty, and staff.
Our innovative library combines the latest information technology with the personalized attention that is the hallmark of a Chapman education. It includes nine individually named libraries with distinctive collections representing disciplinary areas of the university: Arts and Humanities, Social Sciences, Science and Technology, Education, Music, Film and Television, and Business and Economics. In addition, two special libraries are located on the 4th floor and are named the Frank Mt. Pleasant Library of Special Collections and Archives and the Sala and Aron Samueli Holocaust Memorial Library.
The facility features 14 group study rooms, 6 multi-media preview rooms, 1 multi-station music listening room, over 120 computers for user access, wireless Internet access available throughout the building, 7 computer classrooms, a dedicated library instruction room, an extended-hour study commons, and more than 700 seats at tables, carrels, and lounge chairs.
The Leatherby Libraries’ collection contains over 290,000 titles including DVDs, videos, CDs, and other media, over 1,000 print journal titles, access to over 55,000 full text electronic journals, over 220 online databases, and over 12,000 electronic books, supporting the research and curricular needs of the campus community.
Interlibrary loan services are available to support the research needs of students and faculty by obtaining books and articles not held at Leatherby Libraries. Requests for materials from other libraries are easily submitted through ILLIAD, an online system that allows individuals to set up personalized accounts, submit their own requests, and track outstanding requests.
The library instruction program is an important part of graduate and undergraduate programs, ensuring that students are connected to the information resources they need to succeed in their courses and become life-long learners.
Additionally, the library offers a range of lectures, exhibitions, permanent art, and curriculum-related displays throughout the year.
The Harry and Diane Rinker Law Library:
The Law Library is named after Harry and Diane Rinker in recognition of their generous $5 million gift to fund the law library. The Rinker Law Library currently contains over 300,000 volumes, including books, microforms, audio visual materials and serials. The collection has grown rapidly to support the needs of a ABA approved institution/A.A.L.S. member and its curriculum. It contains all the basic research materials for American law, including primary materials for all fifty states and territories, California, federal and international law, numerous law reviews, a large microfiche and treatise collection, all of which are under constant development to support the research and study needs of faculty and students. A $1.5 million grant from the Hugh and Hazel Darling Foundation had a vital role in establishing both the breadth and depth of the collection. There is computer access to Westlaw, LexisNexis, HeinOnline as well as BNA, RIA Checkpoint, Index to Legal Periodicals, WorldCat, and CALI.
This modern, three-story facility features study carrels and table seating for over 300 users with access to the internet and to many electronic research databases. There are 11 group study rooms and a comfortable reading room with a large collection of law related DVDs. The online public access catalog terminals provide easy access to the library's collection. The library web site has a virtural tour of the facilities. The library is open over 100 hours per week and reference service is provided during most open hours. There is a full-time staff of eleven, including six professional librarians and four also have a J.D.
Chapman University Restaurant Services provides a multitude of interrelated service programs designed to meet the needs of everyone on campus including students, faculty and staff. It is our goal to provide flexibility, quality and variety to all of our customers.
Restaurant Services offers several meal plan options that serve the diverse backgrounds, tastes and schedules of both residential and commuter students. We also encourage faculty and staff to purchase meal plans. It is our mission to embrace personalized services and accommodate special diets that are both physician prescribed and preference related including vegan and vegetarian lifestyles. We also host a variety of special events and meals like lavish holiday buffets, themed dinners, community barbecues and “Locavore Lunches” featuring fresh, local produce. We serve both early and late meals, and also offer the “Simply To Go” program - a grab and go solution for students on the run.
Randall Dining Commons is located below the Sandhu Conference Center near the residence halls. With an all–you–can–eat format, it is open to the entire campus community and features several food stations including salad bar, deli, pizza, pasta, vegan, Asian, sushi, grill and Euro Station serving dishes from regions across the globe. Other campus restaurants include the Hungry Panther located in Argyros Forum, a collection of quick service concepts designed for any palate. Salsa Rico® serves authentic Mexican food with fresh salsas. Sky Ranch Grill® offers 1/3 pound Angus burgers and great Portobello mushroom sandwiches. Pantera’s™ is Italian cuisine featuring gourmet, hand-tossed pizzas, freshly prepared salads and pasta. Freshens® menu includes fruit and yogurt smoothies, frozen yogurt desserts and shakes. Cyber Cafe, located in Beckman Hall, hosts Jazzman’s Cafe and Bakery®, a specialty coffee house with exceptional baked goods, grab and go salads and ten, signature blends of 100% sustainable brewed coffee. Also in Cyber Cafe is Subversions™, a fresh made-to-order deli sandwich and wraps restaurant. Please visit Doy’s Place at Henley Underground located in Henley Hall for Starbucks® Coffee, assorted beverages and a selection of convenience items, as well as late night pizza and toasted sandwiches. Hours of operations vary from restaurant to restaurant. For more information please visit our website at www1.chapman.edu/dining.
The primary role of the Office of Public Safety is to provide a safe working and learning environment for students, faculty and staff. The office operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and provides a variety of services: safety and emergency preparedness consultation, lost and found, operation safe–ride, property identification, vehicle registration and bicycle registration. The Office of Public Safety requires that all vehicles and bicycles on campus be registered. All registrations are processed through the office of Public Safety. For more information, please stop by the office, or call 714/997–6763, or log onto the website at www.chapman.edu/publicsafety. The Office of Public Safety is located at 415 North Glassell.
The Chapman University Bookstore has two locations on campus. The Textbook Store, located in Bhathal Student Services Building, is the main source for textbooks. A large inventory of new and used books, ebooks and rentals are available with a verity of payment options. Refunds are accepted with a receipt up to one week from the beginning of the semester or within 2 days if purchased after the refund deadline. Textbooks are non–returnable if purchased during midterms or finals. All course materials as well as basic reference material and supplies are also available at the Textbook Store. Used textbooks are bought back every day. During the final week of each semester a “Buyback” is hosted where 50% of the new price is offered on any title, that meets certain criteria’s, needed in the Bookstore. Students may reserve or purchase textbooks early at www.efollett.com.
The Agora Gift Shop is located in Argyros Forum. A wide assortment of collegiate clothing and gift items, school supplies, convenience and dorm items are available. The merchandise catalog, greek gear, custom gifts and much more is available online at www.chapman.bkstr.com.
The Chapman University Bookstore can be contacted by phone at 714/997–6718, by email at chapman@bkstr.com.
Regular Semester Hours:
Textbook Store
Monday – Thursday |
9:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. |
Friday |
10 a.m. – 3 p.m. |
Summer/Holiday Hours:
Monday – Thursday |
9 a.m. – 4 p.m. |
Friday |
10 a.m. – 3 p.m. |
Agora Gift Shop
Monday & Wednesday |
8:00 a.m. – 6 p.m. |
Tuesday & Thursday |
8:00 a.m. - 7 p.m. |
Friday |
9:00 a.m. – 4 p.m. |
Extended hours are offered during Rush, Finals, Graduation and special events.
Summer/Holiday Hours:
Monday – Thursday |
9 a.m. – 4 p.m. |
Friday |
10 a.m. – 3 p.m. |
Please call for hours during Holidays or special events.
Chapman's roots are firmly grounded in its historic covenant with our founders, the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). That rich spiritual legacy lives on through Chapman's focus on the development of the ethical, spiritual, and intellectual person. A variety of religious studies courses and spiritual programming activities are offered, but not required. The dean of the chapel oversees an active interfaith program designed to meet the spiritual needs of the university's students, faculty, and staff. A full-time director of church relations strengthens the university's covenant with the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) as well as provides programs for the broader ecumenical community. As of 2010, Chapman University is also recognized by the United Church of Christ as a church-related school. Both the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) and the United Church of Christ respect the many paths to God and strongly support Chapman's nurturing of students, faculty and staff of all faith backgrounds.
The new Fish Interfaith Center houses the Wallace All Faiths Chapel, Wilkinson Founders Chapel, Yoder Sanctuary, Peterson Conference Room, The Fashionables Courtyard, Dee’s Garden of the Senses, a lounge, administrative offices, and a columbarium. A team of internationally known architects and artists cooperated in the design of this inspirational and award-winning sacred space.
Chapman is located in a quiet, residential area in the city of Orange, which was sixth in a recent ranking of the nation's safest cities. A blend of new and historic buildings offer students the latest educational and technological resources. The university has raised substantial funds to endow more than 50 professorships and chairs. Chapman recently opened the $21 million Lastinger Athletics Complex, which includes 2000-seat Ernie Chapman Stadium and the Allred Aquatics Center, as well as the George L. Argyros Global Citizen Plaza. Chapman received a $25 million challenge gift toward its next campus enhancement, a new 1,100-seat Performing Arts Center that will provide state-of-the-art rehearsal and performance space for Chapman's acclaimed music, theatre and dance programs. A new classroom building is now under construction around the Bert Williams Mall, and scheduled to open in spring 2013.
The beautiful tree–lined 78–acre main campus in Orange, California is 35 miles southeast of Los Angeles. Ocean beaches are less than ten miles away; mountains and deserts are within an hour's drive; San Diego and Mexico are 90 miles south; The University of California, Irvine, the University of California, Los Angeles and the University of Southern California are a short distance away; and just minutes from the university are major recreation and entertainment venues, including the Seagerstrom Center for the Arts, Anaheim Convention Center, Disneyland, Knott's Berry Farm, Pacific Amphitheater, Irvine Meadows, Edison Stadium and Honda Center.
Learning takes place both within and outside of the classroom. Chapman fosters an environment in which it is expected that students will take responsibility for their learning and living. Through its various offices, the staff provides guidance, support, and opportunities for student growth and development. Chapman believes in creating programs and services tailored to the individual needs of students.
Chapman University is committed to providing an environment which is free of any form of harassment and discrimination based upon an individual's race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, gender, marital status, sexual orientation, age, disability, veteran status, or any other classification protected by law, so that all members of the community are treated at all times with dignity and respect. It is the University's policy, therefore, to prohibit all forms of such harassment or discrimination among University faculty, students, staff, and administration.
Students who have concerns about campus academic policies, procedures, other policies, treatment by faculty or other campus employees, or concerns about college operations are encouraged to bring those concerns or complaints to the attention of the appropriate campus personnel.
For academic matters, the process normally begins with the faculty member involved. Appeals typically go to the department chair, the academic dean, and then the Chancellor. For non–academic matters (issues related to departments such as residence life, facilities management, business office, etc.), students should first discuss the matter with the head of the appropriate department with appeals to the appropriate supervisor. Students unsure of whom to contact should consult with the office of the vice chancellor for student affairs and dean of students for appropriate referral.
At Chapman University, all students are expected to adhere to the policies that govern student behavior outlined in the Student Conduct Code. The university is specifically concerned when individual student and organizational behavior directly interfere with the university's primary educational objectives and functions, or the rights and safety of other members of the university community. Chapman believes that the disciplinary process has a role in developing a sense of responsibility and accountability in students, while being life preparatory. To that end, the university uses education and counseling, in addition to formal disciplinary proceedings to bring about these outcomes. Every Chapman student is presumed to have sufficient maturity, intelligence, and concern for the rights of others and the rights of the institution to help maintain the established standards of the academic community. When a student or organization's behavior demonstrates otherwise, the university will consider disciplinary proceedings as deemed necessary. For details regarding institutional policies governing student conduct or the disciplinary process, see the Chapman University Student Conduct Code, or visit the Dean of Students webpage. For students residing in university owned housing, see also the Student Conduct Code. Refer to the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs and Dean of Students website at www.chapman.edu/studentAffairs/dean to find the code and other relevant policies.
Learning to make healthy decisions is not only an important part of a college education; it's essential to your achieving your personal and academic potential at Chapman. Chapman's healthy panther initiative embodies this philosophy and arms students with the necessary information to make informed, healthy decisions. The definition of a healthy panther includes
Chapman University students and their guests are expected to abide by all federal, state, and local laws, as well as Chapman policies governing the use of alcohol and drugs. This requires that students and their guests not only have knowledge of these various laws and policies, but also are responsible and mature decision makers. Chapman University seeks to impart this knowledge and these values first and foremost through educational means relying heavily on positive staff and faculty role modeling, the formation and use of a peer education network, and curriculum infusion whenever possible. Factual information and knowledge regarding alcohol and drugs, skills and strategies for achieving and maintaining healthy behaviors, creation of a cooperative and consistent campus peer environment, and compliance with all local and federal regulations are components of this educational agenda. Illegal and abusive use of alcohol and other drugs by any member of the campus community constitutes an untenable threat to the community and signals a need for intervention on the part of the university. All campus event use of alcohol must be approved via an alcohol use permit. For further details, refer to the Chapman University Alcohol and Substance Abuse Policy or visit the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs and Dean of Students website at www.chapman.edu/studentAffairs/dean.
The possession or use of firearms, fireworks, or other explosives is prohibited on campus and may be grounds for immediate dismissal.
Freedom of speech, protected by the United States Constitution, is an especially important value within an academic community. Thus, all topics are appropriate for discussion and debate within the framework of academic inquiry. Students and student organizations are free to examine and discuss all questions of interest to them, and to express opinions publicly and privately. They are always free to support causes by orderly means, which do not disrupt the regular and essential operation of the institution. At the same time, it is clear to the academic and the larger community that in their public expressions or demonstrations, students or student organizations speak only for themselves.
Chapman University is committed to providing an environment which is free from harassment, and every member of the university community must recognize that harassment of any type compromises the integrity of the university and the tradition of free and open inquiry among its members. Chapman also affirms its commitment to providing an environment in which each member of the university community feels free to comment on any issue or topic.
It is the university's policy, therefore, to insist that all members of the university community are treated at all times with dignity and respect. The university has a strict policy which prohibits harassment in any form. This includes, but is not limited to, harassment because of age, disability, race, religion, color, creed, ancestry, national origin, marital status, sex, or sexual orientation.
The university will not tolerate any conduct which has either the purpose or the effect of interfering with the work or scholastic performance of any member of the university community or creating an intimidating or hostile living, learning, or working environment. The university will also not tolerate any conduct which has the purpose or effect of singling out any specific group within the university community in a manner which leads to harassment or which creates an offensive working or learning environment for that group.
It is a violation of university policy for anyone to engage in any form of harassment or to retaliate against a person who has initiated an inquiry or complaint.
The right of confidentiality for any party involved in an alleged harassment incident, including the complainant and the accused, will be respected insofar as it does not interfere with the university's obligation to investigate allegations of misconduct and to take corrective action where appropriate.
In keeping with its policies, Chapman University not only fully complies with all local, state, and federal laws concerning harassment, but also provides a means to assure fair treatment to any student or employee who believes the policy prohibiting harassment has been violated. It is the policy of the university that all charges of harassment be reviewed in a confidential, sensitive, and expeditious manner. For further information, please contact the Equal Opportunity Officer at (714) 997-6847.
Hazing, indecent or disorderly conduct, or failure to comply with the directions of Chapman officials acting in the regular performance of their duties are not compatible with the university's function as an educational intuition. Any such behavior will result in conduct proceedings and appropriate consequences.
Students attending Chapman are subject to local, state, and federal laws. Chapman reserves the right to impose institutional sanctions for violations of public laws, even when such violations occur off university property. Students may also be subject to civil and/or criminal charges for offenses on Chapman property, if such offenses are in violation of local, state, or federal laws.
Chapman’s policy regarding confidentiality is in keeping with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), which affords students certain rights with respect to their education records, a summary of which follows:
One exception that permits disclosure without consent is disclosure to school officials with legitimate educational interests. School officials are individuals or entities working for or on the behalf of Chapman University. A school official has a legitimate educational interest if the official needs to review an education record in order to fulfill his or her professional responsibility.
As allowed within FERPA guidelines, Chapman University may disclose education records without consent to officials of another school, upon request, in which a student seeks or intends to enroll.
At its discretion, Chapman University may provide public directory information in accordance with the provisions of the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act. Directory information is defined as information that would not generally be considered harmful or an invasion of privacy if disclosed. Students may withhold directory information by notifying the University Registrar in writing.
A complete text of Chapman’s Annual Notification to Students of their Rights under FERPA is contained on the website of the Office of the University Registrar.
Any form of violence is forbidden and may result in immediate suspension from the campus, and upon appropriate determination, expulsion from Chapman University.