»First Year Programs

Do you enjoy hiking, kayaking, or just exploring the great outdoors?  Begin your Chapman University experience with an unforgettable wilderness adventure. 

Click here to learn more about our Wilderness Treks

The Emerging Leaders Summer retreat is a three day program where students will have opportunities to meet peers and learn more about leadership in a fun and interactive setting. In addition to hands-on activities and discussions, students will participate in an outdoor ropes course and service project. This will be a perfect opportunity to explore ways to get involved at Chapman before the fall semester even begins.

Upon completion of this program you will:

• Get to know your fellow peers
• Identify your personal characteristics and leadership style
• Identify and describe your values
• Determine where and how to get involved

Date

• August 17–20

Application

• Register Here
• This program is first come, first serve and is limited to the first 75 students who register.

Location

• The majority of the retreat takes place on the Chapman University campus
• 1 off-campus excursion will take place on Monday Aug.. 19 at the Irvine Ranch Outdoor Education Center.

Cost

• $115 per student
• Included in fee: meals, Strengths Quest books, ropes course, service project, t-shirts, and more!
• Details regarding payment will be emailed to partipants.

Moving into the Resident Halls

If living on campus, participants will move into the residence halls August 17^th, 6-8 p.m..  More information about move-in will be sent from the Office of Housing and Residence Life later this summer.

A few Quotes from last year’s participants:

“I now understand that leadership is even more complex than I previously thought. I want to learn more!”

“I honestly do not see myself forgetting this wonderful experience! The Emerging Leaders Program has been an amazing pre-orientation program. I will take away the motivation and drive to become a much better leader, and I have gotten the opportunity to be around people with the same goals. … I really feel that I got to know not only myself better, but others as well. I am encouraged to get involved and make a difference.”

“I’ve always been interested in leadership programs, but as an incoming freshman, I really wanted to take the opportunity to get a head start and become active early on. I’m super thrilled that I took the opportunity to do this though. Thank you, thank you, thank you! This program has already made my experience better.”

Questions?

Please contact Kelli Sattler, (714) 997.6961 or sattler@chapman.edu or Roya Aminzadeh, (714) 628-7379 or aminzade@chapman.edu.

The First Year Photo Project is a program made exclusively for you. It is a way to connect with Chapman early on and take others with you on your journey to college. We are now seeking incoming students who are interested in documenting this exciting transition through pictures.

So how does it work? We first ask that you apply by submitting an application. This program is limited to the first twenty applications received. Mid- June we will begin sending weekly topics for you to explore through photos. For example, one week may be “Getting ready to Move” or “My last summer vacation before college starts”. Once the semester begins, we will have a few group meetings to give everyone an opportunity to discuss their pictures and the stories behind them.

In December, we will have a display on campus to show off your hard work. Please email Kelli Sattler, sattler@chapman.edu if you are interested in participating and/or if you have any questions about the program. We look forward to seeing your journey through a different lens this summer. 

Submit your Application today!

The Peer Mentor Program is designed to help new students make connections with the campus community and begin to establish a sense of belonging at Chapman University. Peer Mentors are successful and experienced student volunteers who are dedicated to supporting first year and transfer students’ transition into college. This program is open to any new student who is interested in having a mentor to guide him/her through the first semester at Chapman. In an effort to build a successful mentoring relationship, mentees have the option of being paired with mentors based on a similar interest or individual characteristic. The Office of First Year Programs will monitor the program, providing mentor training and evaluation in support of successful mentor/mentee relationships.

Submit your Application today!    

This August 2013, we will host a 2-day Summer Bridge Program to help incoming first-generation college students and their families transition smoothly into Chapman University. We are pleased to announce that this program is being offered FREE to the first 50 students who sign up!  All incoming first-generation students will receive more information about this Program in late-June.

Summer Bridge Program Goals:

• To facilitate the smooth transition of first-generation college students into university life by providing them with the skills needed to be academically successful
• To help participants take advantage of campus resources and opportunities in order to succeed
• To develop a sense of community among incoming and current first-generation college students

The Associates Program is a series of evening workshops designed to provide first year students with additional opportunities to interact with faculty and representatives from various academic offices. Recent workshops covered topics such as study strategies, undergraduate research opportunities, tips for course registration, and scholarship opportunities. Students who attend this program will gain an insider’s perspective on ways to get ahead academically at Chapman and beyond. To learn more, contact the Office of Orientation and First Year Programs.

Each Fall and Spring we ask all first year students to complete a short online survey called MAP-Works (Making Achievement Possible). MAP-Works is designed to help students understand how they are connecting at the University, what challenges may lie ahead, and what services are available to help them meet those challenges. Be on the lookout for more information once the academic year begins.