Program Overview

Introduction to the Chapman Learning Community

The Chapman Learning Community is an award-winning, high-impact program for first- and second-year students of all majors, including undecided students. Established in 1997, Chapman is designed to teach students how to collaboratively work with local and regional nonprofit agencies to help those in need.

Program Details

• The leadership skills Chapman students gain as members of the community have been praised by scholarship-granting bodies, employers, and agencies for over two decades.
• These skills are often a major, contributing reason our members are awarded monies, accepted as interns, or hired professionally following graduation.
• The program welcomes anyone who is inspired to help others, is motivated to serve those in need, and wishes to prepare to lead in their respective professional fields.

Fees and Residential Requirement

• First Two Years: $300
• Last Two Years: $75
• Residential Requirement: First- and second-year students are required to live in the Learning Community.
• Students can choose to room with someone who is a member of the community or a non-member.

Community Service Opportunities

• Explore ecological sustainability and remove invasive species at a local park
• Research the impact of military deployments upon veterans and military families while assisting a regional equine therapy non-profit and other military and military family nonprofits
• Study food production and sustainability while growing plants for the BGSU Community Garden and flowers for downtown Bowling Green
• Study community literacy and serve at a local library

Leadership Roles

• Returning sophomore students (and beyond) become leaders in the community, known as Chapman Student Leaders (CSLs).
• CSLs have an important role within Chapman, including:
  • Serving as peer-mentors to first-year Chapman students
  • Working with graduate interns, CLC director, Resident Advisors, and other Chapman faculty to assist new students with questions, registration, and transitioning to life at BGSU
  • Planning community service and social events

About the Community

• Chapman students live in a distinct population in McDonald Hall along with other highly ambitious and motivated students who are members of other learning communities.
• Students work, live, and hang out together to ease the transition to college life, while also helping the community.

McDonald Hall

• McDonald Hall is a newly renovated, air-conditioned, traditional hall that is centrally located and steps away from the Bowen-Thompson Student Union and the Social House dining facility.
• Amenities include a recreation room, study areas, computer lab, laundry on each floor, and a full community kitchen.

Application Process

• To join the Chapman Learning Community, students must apply and be accepted into the community.
• The application process involves:
  • Completing a housing application
  • Applying to the community through the university's system
  • Selecting a room in the designated community space in McDonald Hall after being approved by the community director.