Chapman University

Date: Oct 19 2004
Major: Art & Design Department (This Major's Salary over time)
Chapman University is a great school. At this point of time, the school is in the midst of some major development projects—a new interfaith center (recently opened), a new library (recently opened) another residence hall building (recently opened); other project include: The Marion Knott Studios, an aquatic center, and a new underground parking structure.

Aside from the physical aspects of the University, I have found (for the most part) people here to be very warm and approachable. At any time, you can sit next to a stranger in the cafeteria and they will welcome you with open arms. As far as the faculty and the administration, most of the professors are full-time faculty members who are well-accomplished in their field of study. They either have work going on or have just completed major projects. For instance, one of my professors will be leaving for a few days to attend his gallery opeing in Madrid, Spain. So as a whole, the faculty are great, caring individuals (and you can make arrangements to talkt to them at anytime about your needs and/or problems).

I am impressed with Jim Doti, the president of the University. He is a "business man" in the true sense of the word (he and Arnold Schw. are close, and Doti is on his economic advisory board); however, he is nice and approachable. I see him on campus going to various functions, appearing on "Nightcap" (Chapman's late-night talk show), and just being down-right human! So many chancellors and presidents at other schools tend to isolate themselves from their students—not Doti.

In regards to scholastic departments and academics, Chapman is an art school. Almost everyone you meet is an art major, theatre major, music major, and of course… film/tv major, or broadcast journalism. Although I've heard from individuals that the school has good social science and natural science departments, you don't hear much about them.

Film School… Film School… Film Schoool… need I say more? It's a big deal here. It's a competitive school, and it's getting even more difficult to get in. As I stated above, they just recently broke ground on the new

Marion Knott Studios

which will house the Lawrence and Kristina College of Film and Media Arts. The facility is so massive it won't even be on campus (a couple blocks down the street from, though). There are always things being shot, and TV productions being produced here. I hear the faculty is very good, but not quite the calibur of USC or NYU. Time will tell though.

As a whole and aside from the major parking problem on campus, I'm having a great time, learning a lot, and have the opportunities to interact with some great, influential people. If you're looking for a great, smaller University in beautiful Orange County, Chapman is the place. Go Panthers!