» Diversity at Chapman FAQ's
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How does Chapman commit to enhancing diversity and inclusion on its campus?
- The Cross-Cultural Center, within Student Life, opened in the spring of 2017. The mission of the center is guided by the Student Affairs Learning Outcome of A Value and Respect for Differences - students will learn to recognize, respect, and value diverse experiences, ideas, backgrounds, and identities. Because we aspire for all students to develop this outcome, the Cross-Cultural Center is designed to be used by – and to enhance the development of – all Chapman students. We want students to gain greater insights into their own identity, develop a stronger sense of empathy for others' identities, and to use their learning to help create a more positive and inclusive Chapman community. To facilitate this student learning, the CCC designs programs and experiences intended to expose all students to diverse ideas and perspectives, affirm the value of our students from underrepresented identities, and support students who are in need of additional help.
- The Chapman Diversity Project, is a strategic campus-wide initiative sponsored by the Office of the Provost, which began in Fall of 2014. The ten groups of the Chapman Diversity Project the currently meet endeavor to bring students, staff, faculty, administrators and trustees together for meaningful dialogue focused on developing strategic priorities and recommendations that strengthen diversity and inclusion at Chapman.
- The Chapman University Strategic Plan for Diversity & Inclusion was published in May 2017 and the University is in its third year of implementation in the 2019-2020 academic year. A progress report for 2017-2018 is available, and a progress report for 2018-2019 will be available at the end of fall semester 2019.
- Supporting our changing student profile is one of five core pillars of the current Chapman University Strategic Plan. This area of the university-wide plan focuses on student recruitment, community engagement, campus climate and curriculum as essential areas of growth related to diversity and inclusion for the campus community.
Where can I find resources and information specific to my identity?
- Students, staff and faculty members of the Chapman Diversity Project collectively maintain the student resource pages for the University. If you’re a student, staff or faculty member and you have an idea for an additional resource to include, please contact us to let us know at cdp@chapman.edu.
How can I afford Chapman if I am concerned about financial resources?
- 80% of Chapman University undergraduate students receive some form of financial aid. Chapman offers merit aid, institutional awards and need-based financial aid to students who qualify. You can find more information about affording Chapman on the Financing page.
What are the racial and ethnic demographics at Chapman?
- You can find the racial and ethnic breakdown of Chapman at DataMart.
How do Chapman students support diversity efforts?
- Chapman students lead a wide variety of diversity and inclusion clubs, including the Asian Pacific Student Association, Queer and Trans People of Color Collective, Black Student Union and Chapman Feminists. You can find a list of student diversity and cultural organization here. Aside from weekly meetings, these student organizations also host campus-wide events.
- Students are also involved in The Cross-Cultural Center which is maintained by student staff supervised by staff members.
- The Chapman Diversity Project also includes student volunteers who are members of the 10 advocacy groups and often serve as co-chairs.
Is Chapman a Christian college?
- The Fish Interfaith Center addressed this misperception in this statement from its website:
"Chapman University is not a Christian college, but a church-related school. We are related to two churches: for 150 years throughout the formation of the academic institution, we have been connected with The Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), and since 2011, also with The United Church of Christ. These particular churches give us a proud religious heritage, and value the dignity of all people and all religions.
The difference between being a Christian school and a school related to these churches is that a Christian school might require everyone to be of one religion, to attend weekly chapel, or to take courses in religion. Instead, Chapman University encourages each student to pursue his or her religious tradition or unique spiritual journey. And because we are church-related, every student’s spiritual life is important here!"
How is Chapman involved with the surrounding community?
- There are many opportunities for engagement with the surrounding community at Chapman. These include the Paulo Freire Democratic Project, which is committed to the development of resources that can assist individuals, groups and collectives in their various efforts to improve their schools and communities and strengthen the democratic practices of state and federal governments. To find a list of local community partnerships, you can search the Chapman diversity website.
- The Office of Community Relations proudly services as a liaison between the University and the residents, city and elected officials, civic organizations, and businesses who call our surrounding communities home. Check their website for community involvement opportunities.
What diversity related majors, minors or courses are there at Chapman?
- Academic programs and resources at Chapman continue to grow in areas of diversity, equity, inclusion and identity. Some areas for continued growth and interest at Chapman include the Latinx & Latin American Studies Minor, the Women’s Studies Minor, the LGBTQ Studies Minor, and the Disability Studies Minor, among additional areas of academic interest.
Are there any identity related mentorship opportunities available to students?
- Yes, the We CU! Mentoring Program is a collaboration between the Cross-Cultural Center, Residence Life and First Year Experience, and First Generation Services with the goal of providing individualized mentorship opportunities that fit student areas of interest.