Program Overview

Introduction to the Chapman Learning Community

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

Program Details

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

Residential Requirement

• First- and second-year students are required to live in the Learning Community.
• Third- and fourth-year students serve in a leadership role and do not have to live in the community to be a member.
• Students can choose to room with someone who is a member of the community or a member of another learning community.

Fees

• First Two Years: $300 per semester
• Last Two Years: $75 per semester
• Fees are in addition to residential fees.

McDonald Hall

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

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 serve as peer-mentors to first-year Chapman students.
• They work with graduate interns, the CLC director, Resident Advisors, and other Chapman faculty to assist new students with questions, registration, and transitioning to life at BGSU.
• CSLs plan community service and social events.

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 and applying to the community through the university's system.
• Students can apply to two communities on their own; applying to more than two requires contacting the additional communities directly.

Community Life

• 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.