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Chapman University

Undergraduate School

Mailing Address
One University Drive
Orange, California 92866
Phone
(714) 997-6711
Email address
admit@chapman.edu
School Information
"A lot has changed since we first opened our doors in 1861, originally in Woodland, California. However, since day one, we've been proudly dedicated to the education of all people, and we stand committed to creating an inclusive and more equitable world of opportunity. At Chapman, we have always believed in more: more knowledge, risk-taking, discovery, passion, creativity and exploration. We believe in being exceptional — in unlocking unlimited potential, in creating experiences that last a lifetime and in doing work that changes lives. We began with inclusivity, a passion for teaching and learning, and forward-looking optimism. We’ve continued to champion those goals throughout Chapman’s existence -- and we’re still growing. Good things are happening because we make them happen" (Source: https://www.chapman.edu/about/our-story/index.aspx). The student to faculty ratio is 13 to 1. Chapman offers 56 degrees in 20 fields of study. The total undergraduate enrollment is approximately 7,500.
General Information
Chapman University has erected numerous initiatives and reforms to engage in the anti-racist movement. Chapman created the Strategic Plan for Diversity and Inclusion for 2017-2022, a Roadmap for diversity, the Diversity Infusion Project of 2014, and the Chapman Diversity Project. The university has required faculty diversity and inclusion training. Chapman will require DEI training for all students, faculty, staff, and administrators. Chapman requires diversity training modules during freshman orientation. See developments below:

Actions Taken

Anti-Racism, Bias, and Diversity Training
  • For Fall 2020, Chapman created a "Tunnel of Oppression" self guided programming which educates the community about "privilege, power, and oppression" surrounding topics such as racism.
  • Effective September 2020, Chapman is leading "an initiative to shift search committee training sessions to focus on diversity and inclusion."
  • Effective September 2020, Chapman's working group is developing DEI training for "all students, faculty, staff, administrators, and board members."
Curriculum Changes and Requirements
  • Chapman will "update the curriculum to include diversity."
  • For 2021-2022, Chapman's working group is working towards creating "a new GE requirement that directly addresses racial and ethnic diversity." Also, Chapman's "First-Year Foundations" curriculum might soon include diversity topics. Other curriculum changes are also being considered for both undergraduates and graduates.
  • Effective September 2020, diversity training is now required for orientation.
Faculty/Staff Requirements
  • Chapman is considering additional training on implicit bias for faculty.
Political Actions and Support for Anti-Racism
  • On the evening of the 2020 U.S. Presidential Election, Chapman held an event titled, "Engaging the World: Leading the Conversation on the Significance of Race."
Program and Research Funding
  • Chapman created a DEI Task Force which will "manage funds raised for the Schmid College Faculty Fund which are used to support Schmid College DEI Initiatives."
  • Effective September 2020, Vice Provost Lawrence Brown was appointed to Presidential Advisor on faculty diversity and was given an "initial $500,000 budget" as a "welcome recommitment to building a more inclusive faculty."
  • Effective September 2020, Chapman's working group "urges that a plan for incentives and rewards for diversity-related research and creative activity, teaching, and service be developed" for faculty.
  • Chapman created a Strategic Plan for Diversity and Inclusion for 2017-2022.
Resources
  • Chapman holds numerous events as part of its "Anti-Racist Programming."
  • Chapman created the Office of Diversity and Inclusion in 2014.
  • Chapman lists numerous resources for the anti-racist movement.
  • Chapman created the Diversity Infusion Project in 2014, offering "a series of workshops focused on creating an awareness of diversity within all curricula."
Symbolic Actions
  • Effective September 2020, Chapman will 'create inclusive programming, including events" and "update the website to convey, as accurately as possible the importance of diversity to that unit."
  • In 2015, "the task force proposed intentionally rearranging the existing busts to highlight the different representations that are present on campus and symbolize the importance of diversity to the campus. One particularly compelling proposal was to move the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. bust from Moulton Hall to Memorial Hall. As an historic and iconic building, this is a more prominent location for Dr. King and would build a connection to the historic speech he gave at Chapman College in December 1961."
  • Effective September 2020, in order to "identify and promote diversity within art collections and campus buildings," the Director of the Escalette Collection collaborated with administrators and "expanded the collection to highlight and promote diversity and inclusion and connected the collection with public and co-curricular programming."
  • Effective September 2020, Chapman will "consider a 'percent-for-arts' policy to fund the diverse and inclusive environment. Adapting this widespread policy, Chapman would allocate a small percent of building construction or renovation budgets (up to 1%) for the purchase or commissioning of artworks that ensure campus spaces are not just enhanced by art but create inclusive spaces."
  • On June 3, 2020, Chapman released a statement saying, "We mourn the deaths of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery and so many other black Americans killed by racially motivated violence." Shortly after, a town hall discussion was held.
  • The dean of students "is assembling a committee of students to review and evaluate the extensive diversity and inclusion initiatives in place and those planned."
  • The Office of the Provost sponsored the Chapman Diversity Project beginning in Fall 2014.
Last updated March 31st, 2023
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