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Chapman University plans more growth and expansion

February 24th, 2009, 1:30 pm · 7 Comments · posted by Marla Jo Fisher, Staff Writer

Chapman University is planning to expand its campus in Orange yet again, according to the annual “State of the University” speech by President Jim Doti, given Feb. 24:

Here are some main points:

  • Filmmakers Village. In Orange, Chapman wants to build a “filmmakers village” next to its film school that would include restoring some of the old streetscape to its 1930s charm. It would include a residence hall for film students of perhaps 500 to 700 beds.
  • New science building. The enlarged west campus in Orange would also include a new contemporary science building. Both of these proposals must be approved by the city of Orange and historic planners.

    Click to see larger map.

  • New Irvine campus. Chapman’s “University College” extension program has purchased a vacant property in Irvine and plans to renovate it as its new auxiliary campus.
  • Nobel medal donated. Economist Vernon Smith, who recently founded the Economic Science Institute at Chapman with several colleagues from George Mason University, has donated his Nobel Prize medal to Chapman. It will be displayed in the library.
  • $3 million for students. An anonymous donor has given Chapman $3 million to help struggling students this year who might have to leave school due to financial hardship.

  • This would become part of west campus

    This would become part of west campus

    Additional admissions. Chapman plans to admit an extra 5 percent or so of student applicants this year, due to an economic crisis that might make it difficult for parents to pay tuition. By admitting a few more students, officials hope they’ll fill their freshman class as usual, even with an allowance for some who have to drop out.

  • Retaining existing students. Doti said he’s worried about being able to retain students, who might have to leave school due to financial pressures.
  • New performing arts center. No location has been yet identified for this venue, which could include a 1,200 seat theater and a 300-seat smaller venue.
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 7 Comments

  • Jennifer says:
    February 24, 2009 at 2:54 pm

    I am a graduate student in health communication at Chapman University and I am excited that the school is expanding. I wish they would expand and add more graduate and doctoral programs. This university is the best kept secret in the O.C. Now hopfully more students will apply and learn how wonderful Chapman University really is.

  • 714man says:
    February 24, 2009 at 3:17 pm

    Sounds like Chapman University has plenty of money. They should give back to all students in the form of tuition reductions. But, that wont happen because it’s not the education of the student that is foremost in Chapman’s mind…It’s making money.

  • Lauren says:
    February 24, 2009 at 10:18 pm

    What? A register article written on Chapman University that doesn’t talk about the Undirun? I never thought I would see the day…

    714man: tuition only covers about 75% of the expenses of educating a student. The rest of the money comes from donations.

  • SciDudette says:
    February 25, 2009 at 9:49 am

    I’m sure Chapman doesn’t have “plenty of money” as 714man claims — they seem to just manage the money they have wisely and prudently, and invest it back into their scholarship fund and campus enhancements. Doti foresaw the recession in his publicly held and well-publicized economic forecasts more than 2 years ago and was ridiculed by UCLA economists and the business media, who couldn’t see the ugly housing bubble that was right in front of them ready to burst. Everybody just wanted to think Southern California would just go on fat and happy forever, even with the unrealistic housing prices and criminal lending practices. Doti was like the Cassandra no one was willing to listen to - and it turns out he was absolutely right. So if he and his team managed Chapman prudently, knowing what would happen, hats off to them. I know where my donations are safe and wisely used!

  • sciDude says:
    February 25, 2009 at 2:39 pm

    From what I’ve heard about the planned growth at Chapman, it sounds very exciting! That a campus would take on projects in the midst of this economic climate is courageous and requires great forethought. I like that the campus is adapting old buildings to meet their future needs. This helps preserve the feel of the community and respects the history that is so important in Orange. I’m particularly excited that Orange County is going to gain hub of cutting-edge scientists housed in an awesome new building. How cool!

  • justPOST says:
    February 25, 2009 at 4:44 pm

    “I was shocked to see a recent set of stories by Marla Jo Fischer of the register about Chapman University and their development plants. Most notably, a story and slide show that features 3 photos of the LAST OPERATING packing house in Orange County, which a family business runs and employ 13 orange county residents – not to mention the story OC REGISTER did last year for Cinco de Mayo.

    http://fastfood.freedomblogging.com/2008/05/01/orange-avocado-plant-revs-ups/

    MARLA JO - you didn’t do justice as a reporter, remember about being impartial?”

  • bpsqwerty says:
    March 4, 2009 at 5:09 pm

    the developments for the main campus are nice. however new Irvine campus also sounds exciting. I attended there which is very crowded, and it would be a huge improvement so I’d love to see what they do with the new building (3 entire stories as opposed to 1/2 a story now - wow)