This edition of Wilkinson College’s Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences From Our Eyes is written by Wilkinson College Newsletter Editor Selah Sanchez (’27 Creative Writing, CCI minor). Sanchez has embraced Chapman University and Wilkinson College since the moment she stepped on campus. By attending events, managing the Wilkinson College newsletters, writing stories for various publications, and holding the position of Editor-in-Chief of Ouroboros Magazine, all while maintaining a 3.75 GPA, it’s safe to say, she’s an excellent example of what it means to be a Wilkinson College student.   

As a rising junior majoring and minoring in programs in Wilkinson College for the Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences, it’s clear that I’m well past my first year at Chapman University and know my way around! I have fully involved myself in many Wilkinson and Wilkinson-adjacent activities, and I have a good understanding of why Wilkinson College is referred to as the Heart and Soul of Chapman University. The idea of going through college can be daunting. But from its welcoming faculty to the students and the many events it puts on, Wilkinson College has created a much-needed space for those who want to explore a loving and supportive community on campus while also pursuing their academic and career goals. Whether you are an incoming first-year student interested in a Wilkinson major or minor, or you are just curious as to what Wilkinson College has to offer, here are six tips for how to make your first year in Wilkinson College memorable!

(right to left) WIRE research fellow Rachael Bae (’26 English, Secondary Education minor) with her mentor Dr. Brian Glaser (English).

Get to know your professors

Getting to know and connect with your professors is integral to pursuing your academic goals on campus. Many of them are highly practiced and have a great understanding of their respective fields. If they see that you’re passionate and self-motivated, they’d be more than happy to give you the guidance you need. If I hadn’t talked to my professors about my passion for writing and interest in the publishing industry, I would not have learned about several of the research/creative opportunities on campus, such as WIRE or SURF (student research opportunities), or attended the AWP Conference (a writers conference) this past spring. It’s also just fun to pick their brains about the projects that they’re working on, and their interests, as well as your own. In short, professors are here to help, and they love it when students go above and beyond to talk to them. Whether you visit them during office hours, shoot them an email, or simply talk to them after class, most are quite welcoming!

Take advantage of advising opportunities

Wilkinson College Academic Advisor Maggie Sandoval.

As a Wilkinson College student, you have several resources available should you need academic or career guidance. For example, you have peer advisors based on your major, program/department advisors based on your major and minors, and an academic advisor, Ms. Maggie Sandoval. All of these roles specialize in different areas of the academic process, such as mapping out a four-year plan, helping you decide which classes to take, and keeping you on track to graduate. You could also benefit from asking your professors for future advice, as they are practiced in their field and are likely to know a lot about their respective industries, as well as how students have successfully entered them.

After paying a visit to the Office of Career and Professional Development, I would advise making an appointment with Wilkinson College Career Manager Erin Berthon. She can help with revising your resume and getting you on track for the career you want. In addition, she teaches a one-credit course entitled “Leading Your Life, Managing Your Career,” which helps students develop essential skills when navigating or searching for a career. Berthon also hosts several events such as resume drop-ins, career workshops, and panel discussions. Attend all of them.

Visit the Dean’s Suite

Students gather in the Student Study Lounge in Roosevelt Hall.

Roosevelt Hall is considered the home of Wilkinson College– it’s here you can find the departments of History, Sociology, Political Science, and where various peer advising and career events are often located. In the Dean Suite on the first floor of Roosevelt Hall, you will find a plethora of resources as a Wilkinson College student, starting with Sandoval’s office (Wilkinson’s Academic Advisor). Near her is Berthon’s office (Career Advisor), and the office of Wilkinson College Dean Jennifer D. Keene. You’ll also find the associate Deans of Wilkinson College, Dr. Charissa Threat (History) and Dr. Stephanie Takaragawa (Sociology). As soon as you enter the Dean’s Suite, there is also a student study lounge. There, you can plug your devices in and do homework, read a book, or quietly hang out with your friends. It’s a great place to unwind between classes. And if you are lucky enough, sometimes there are treats and snacks for students.

Keep yourself informed on monthly events and opportunities

The best way to keep yourself informed is by following Wilkinson College on Instagram and making sure you read This Week in Wilkinson every Monday in your inbox! There’s bound to be something that catches your eye.

Wilkinson students attending the ETW: Ethnic Studies poetry event.

One thing I’ve observed about Chapman University since my initial tour is that there is always something going on, and this is no truer than in Wilkinson College. To start, there is the Engaging the World series of events that happens each fall. There are panel discussions, film screenings, and a keynote speaker who discusses the themed topic of the year. Last year, the topic was Gender and Sexuality, and this year it’s The Environment and Building Resilient Futures. On top of that, there are lectures and other scholarly events going on throughout the year in each department, events pertaining to academic and career advising, and more community-oriented events such as Wilkinson Winterfest (in December) and Earth Day (in April), which is hosted by the Wilkinson Student Advisory and Leadership Council. One of my favorite events that happens each year is Fem Queer Fest, hosted by Women’s and Gender Studies, which is a celebration of feminist and queer achievement. It includes student performers and Chapman faculty discussing their research on relevant topics.

Get to know your (upperclassman) peers

Roosevelt Hall, home of Wilkinson College, includes the Dean’s Suite, Sociology, History, and Political Science.

Sometimes it’s not easy to decide which events to go to, which classes to enroll in, or even just how to broaden your social horizons at Chapman. That’s what peers are for. As small as Chapman is, there are so many people with nuanced interests that eventually you’re bound to find people with the same goals as you. Try to find at least one or two people in each of your classes that you can comfortably text or talk to, even if it’s just regarding homework. Your academic year will be much smoother for it. Branching out and talking to people is also a good way of learning how to get involved on campus, whether it’s a club, attending on-campus events, or simply having a group of friends to study with or share plans.

Upperclassmen especially have the advantage of being more experienced in their program and more well-rounded when it comes to campus involvement. Even if you’re a first-year student, you’re likely to find a few in your classes. Pay attention to what they have to say, especially if they’re highly involved in their programs or studies. If you’re looking for your next class to take or need someone to discuss ideas for research, go to them for a knowledgeable opinion!

Be aware of student orgs that are Wilkinson-adjacent

Alongside your major and minor, there are many clubs and student organizations that can help supplement your Wilkinson College experience. Make sure you attend the Fall or Spring Student Involvement Fair. Keep an eye out for clubs that provide space to study, such as various language and art clubs, or research groups. A club can help you find community, for instance, student unions based on race or gender, or even organizations that are actively putting their studies into practice, including volunteer organizations, honors societies, and clubs like NSAC (National Student Advertising Competition). Chapman has a ton of writer’s groups and publications like Chapbook, The Panther, Calliope, Ouroboros, and The Underground (most of which are connected to Wilkinson College). I’ve been a part of Ouroboros Magazine for two years now, and I can’t imagine my college experience without it. The camaraderie my team has fostered and the editorial experience we’ve gained has taught me so much about what it means to collaborate and how the publishing industry operates.

Wilkinson College Student Advisory and Leadership Council, 2024.

The Student Advisory and Leadership Council is also available. The Council is a group consisting of Wilkinson College students, the Wilkinson College Senator, and Dean Keene, with the purpose of discussing the needs, perspectives, and activities of students majoring and minoring within Wilkinson College with college administrators. Applications are open year-round. If you want to make a difference in how Wilkinson College operates on campus and events that take place, I would highly recommend joining!

Even a relatively small campus such as Chapman University can seem huge; I know when I first joined, I was nervous as to where I would even begin to get involved. Little did I know that being in Wilkinson was my first step in that direction. There are spaces to get involved on campus with creative, welcoming, and passionate people who want to support you! And they will, if you know where to find them. At the end of the day, my best advice for anyone new at Chapman is to “just go to things,” even if it’s unfamiliar or intimidating. College is the place to try new things, branch out, and make connections, and you’ll never know what will become of something until you give it a go! Now get out there and make some memories.

(Pictured in header: Wilkinson College students during Orientation Week, 2023.)