Community Living

By living on campus, you will have approximately 2000 Chapman students who will be your neighbors and fellow community members! The Office of Housing and Residence Life empowers residents by supporting their rights, while also expecting active and positive contributions from each individual. 

Student Conduct Code

All residents at Chapman University and their guests are responsible for complying with University and Housing and Residence Life policies as stated in the Student Conduct Code.  

Basic Rights of Residential Students

The Basic Rights of Residential Students ensures safety and respect to all community members. As a resident of Chapman's living areas, there are minimum standards in place to help students respect our community’s rights. These rights carry with them a reciprocal responsibility on your part to ensure that these same rights are maintained for your roommate and other residents. Students who violate the basic rights of another student/community member will be subject to conduct review.

Your basic rights are listed here. Roommates/floormates/suitemates/housemates may choose to add to this list as well. It is important that these items and the concept of others' rights and responsibilities be discussed and honored during the year.

• The right to read and study in your room, free from unreasonable interference.
• The right to have one's personal belongings respected.
• The right to free access to your residence facilities.
• The right to live in a clean, safe and healthy environment.
• The right to sleep and relax in your room.
• The right to entertain guests and visitors when it does not infringe upon a roommate's or a community member's rights.
• The right to settle conflicts.
• The right to be free from intimidation, physical and emotional harm.
• The right to confront another's behavior which infringes on your rights.
• The right to seek the aid of staff in resolving possible roommate conflicts after having already attempted and been unsuccessful at resolution.

Roommates

Nearly everyone living on campus at Chapman has a roommate (or two!). All roommates, including those in triple assignments, are matched based upon the responses provided on the online housing application. It may be necessary to make adjustments to your lifestyle to accommodate living with your roommate in order to have a successful living situation. Discussing the below issues at the beginning of the semester will help things go smoothly throughout the year. Remember, don't be disappointed if you and your roommate are not best friends - casual, mutually respectful relationships can provide you with a satisfying, secure "home base" as you navigate college life.

SMOKING/ALCOHOL/DRUG USE: the Student Conduct Code prohibits students and guests from smoking, storing or consuming alcohol (unless students are 21+), and possessing, manufacturing, distributing, using, or selling drugs in the residence halls and apartments. Nevertheless, roommates should discuss these issues and establish rules so that all are comfortable in the room.

"NIGHT" OR "MORNING" PEOPLE: the times that roommates retire for the night and wake up in the morning can become a source of tension and difficulty. Roommates should communicate about their sleeping habits so that everyone is reasonably accommodated. 

VISITATION / GUESTS: it is important to discuss your guest policy at the beginning of the year. In addition to the guidelines given in the Student Conduct Code, you and your roommate(s) should discuss the acceptable duration and frequency of visits, especially as it relates to guests of the opposite sex.

STUDY HABITS: Talk about when and where you like to study, acceptable noise levels, and other issues regarding your studying environment. The residence halls should be a place where all residents feel comfortable studying.

BATHROOM SCHEDULE: Do you prefer to shower in the morning, evening, or late at night? How long does it take you to get ready in the morning? Do you use devices that make excessive noise, such as a hair dryer or electric razor? These issues should be addressed to establish a situation that works for all roommates.

CLEANLINESS: Residents often have varying levels of cleanliness when they move into the residence halls. Do you need to have a clean room before you feel that you can be productive? Do you have to wait until Health and Safety Inspections to feel motivated to clean? Cleaning habits have a tremendous effect on how comfortable residents feel in their room!

COMMON PROPERTY: Would it disturb you to find out that one of your roommates was listening to your music, watching your TV, using your computer? Does it bother you when someone else borrows your clothing without your permission? Your roommate may not feel the same way, so it is important to establish explicit guidelines regarding shared property.

A Note about Social Networks: While Facebook and Twitter are helpful resources, it is important to remember to keep an open mind when checking out future roommates. All students are much more than what is presented on a personal website. One of the most important ways students learn in college is by exploring new aspects of their identities and interacting with those who may have different beliefs and perspectives. Chapman University is committed to the principle that equal opportunities, including housing assignments, shall be afforded to all persons regardless of race, color, marital status, religious creed, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, handicap, age, disabled or Vietnam veteran status, or any other protected status, and that discrimination, either passive or active, will be neither condoned nor tolerated.

Getting Involved

Residential students have the opportunity to shape their community by taking advantage of the leadership positions offered by the Office of Housing and Residence Life. Visit our Student Employment and Leadership Opportunities page to learn more about these exciting opportunities.