Chapman University
Responses from the Student Interview
From a student who identifies as Major: Creative Producing
Minor: None
Student Self Identifies as: Caucasian Heterosexual Male
Summary
I’m in Greek life and now I’m figuring out what I want to do [for extracurriculars] in the fall.
Background
Gender Identity: Male
Race/Ethnicity: Caucasian
Sexual Orientation: Heterosexual
High School Experience: Public high school in Missoula, MT with a graduating class of about 200 students. There was a culture of going to college.
First-Generation College Student: No
Major: Creative Producing
Minor: None
Extracurricular Activities: I’m in Greek life and now I’m figuring out what I want to do [for extracurriculars] in the fall.
What impact has Greek life had on your experience so far?
I’ve met a lot of people, and they always have stuff going on which is nice.
Academic Experience
Can you describe your weekly coursework for your major?
It depends on the week. In Spanish, I had a quiz every week and a test every other week. For my major, there are a couple of projects here and there and then a final. For the project, I was working with a group making short films.
Is there anything you feel that Chapman does especially well or poorly academically?
They do especially well with the hands-on work. You really get the freedom to work with different types of people and equipment. It’s pretty independent so I got to learn a lot. I haven’t experienced anything done poorly, all of my professors have been very thorough.
How would you describe the learning environment? Do you think it’s particularly competitive or collaborative?
I think it’s really collaborative. Everyone supports each other. If one of us does well then other people are motivated. It’s a really healthy environment to learn and make films in.
How accessible are your professors?
They’re very accessible, especially over email. I’ve had several office hours meetings that are pretty good. If you need help, you can always get it.
How was transitioning academically as a freshman? Were there any resources in place that helped you adapt?
I transitioned well academically, but I struggled with time management. If I needed help with writing or my schedule I’d go to the [Center for Undergraduate Excellence]. They helped me figure out a four-year plan right away. It was really easy to get in touch with them.
Why did you choose your major? Are you happy with your choice?
I’m really happy with my choice. I chose Creative Producing because I wasn’t sure what part of [the entertainment industry] I wanted to do, but a lot of the skills you learn are useful in a lot of departments. The [Film Production] program seemed too specific and I wasn’t interested in some of the other departments.
Reasons to Attend
1) I’ve liked pretty much every person I’ve met. We all have common views and goals, so we mix well.
2) It’s a good location. It’s not super polluted and the streets are clean.
3) There are lots of fun on-campus activities.
Reasons Not to Attend
1) If you want tailgates and football games or a big sports scene and big parties.
Around Campus
Where have you lived on and around campus?
Freshman: Pralle-Sodaro Hall with two roommates.
How was transitioning from your hometown to Orange, CA in terms of location?
It was pretty easy because they just throw you in so you’re really busy and don’t get to think about home and friends for a lot of the time, and then all of a sudden, you’re adjusted. Everyone was friendly and willing to meet new people. It was good.
Can you describe the level of safety you’ve experienced on and around campus?
There are public safety officers everywhere on-campus and I feel safe all of the time.
Social Opportunities
What kind of weekend activities or nightlife do you like to participate in?
We go to the beach a lot, and we see movies or go shopping. I want to get into hiking but have a hard time finding a place to go. I also try to go to parties when the fraternity I’m in throws one.
What are your favorite events or activities?
At the beginning of the year, there’s something called Airbands, which is a dance lip sync competition. I really like going to the beach. It’s really fun with your friends. The parties are also fun if a lot of people go.
What is the impact of Greek life on nightlife at Chapman?
It’s common to go. We don’t have too many complaints and people do a good job of teaching the fraternities consent. It’s a pretty safe partying culture. The parties start at 10 and people are back by 1 AM. It’s pretty reasonable. [About 25% of men join fraternities and 48% of women are in sororities.]
How happy are you with the weekend options at Chapman? Is there anything you would change about them if you could?
Fraternities are kind of exclusive, so guys can’t go to all of the fraternity parties, but the girls can. I’d party more if I could.
Campus Culture
How did you meet your closest friends?
I live with them and we all got along right away.
How would you describe the overall social scene at Chapman?
I really enjoy it, especially living in the dorms. As far as space, it gets annoying, but I like seeing everyone around the halls saying hi. It’s a pretty small campus so I know a lot of people. Everyone seems to be friends with everyone.
To what extent do people of different races and sexual orientations mix socially?
The campus is predominately White, but everyone seems to be mixing well. The same goes for sexual orientation. It’s common to see diverse groups of friends around campus. [The undergraduate population is about 51% White, 15% Hispanic, 1.7% Black, 13% Asian, and 4% international.]
To what extent do people in Greek life and not in Greek life mix socially?
I hang out with people in other fraternities. A lot of people who aren’t in fraternities hang out with people who are. It seems like everyone meshes together.
How do you like the size of Chapman in terms of undergraduate enrollment? How has it impacted your experience? [There are about 7,300 students at Chapman.]
I wish it were a little bigger. It’s almost the perfect size. Because it’s small, you meet people easier.
How did you like being placed with other students in the film school as a freshman?
I like it, but since the film school is a couple of blocks away so you get into a bubble of only being with film students. If you reach out the first couple of weeks, you’ll meet people from other majors.
Careers
Have you learned any computer languages or software that will be helpful to you professionally?
I learned Avid and Final Cut at the Summer Film Academy.