Self-design majors put on moratorium

Illustration by Sami Seyedhosseini, Photo Editor

What if your dream major or minor doesn't exist? 

At Chapman, students don't have to settle for a traditional path. Through the self-design program, they can build their own major or minor around an interdisciplinary subject that isn't offered anywhere on campus. It's one way Chapman puts its motto of "personalized education" into practice

As of June 1, this program was put on hold. 

Created 20 years ago, the parameters for self-design programs have grown from a short paragraph to approximately three pages of complex requirements. The requirements include that no more than 40% of courses may be from a single discipline, there must be clearly articulated learning outcomes, information must be provided on how each course relates to the learning outcomes and students must get a signature from each department head for each course included. 

Some students have found it increasingly difficult to navigate these qualifications and, in some cases, are discouraged from pursuing interdisciplinary education.  

“It's just so rigid,” said Madison Selby, a junior screen acting major. “I feel like it's not very forgiving.”

While managing social media pages for multiple clubs across campus, Selby discovered a passion for social media marketing, a program that Chapman does not otherwise offer. 

However, Selby felt the self-design process had become too convoluted and realized she would be unable to graduate in four years. 

“They at least need to make it more accessible,” Selby said.

Currently, Julye Bidmead, the faculty chair of the Undergraduate Academic Council, and her committee are re-evaluating the self-design major program to improve clarity of expectations for students and faculty moving forward.

“In order to streamline this, we needed to start the process over again,” Bidmead said. “It was very complex, not just for the students but for the faculty.” 

The council does not plan to place a hold on self-design minors; rather, once their re-evaluation is over, which is projected by the end of the semester, they may adjust the percentage rule and improve the online interface. 

This moratorium does not affect current students with a self-designed major or minor, nor does it affect their ability to petition to add or replace classes to their program.

However, for some students, it may be too late. The self-design major requirements state that students must submit their self-design project prior to completing 75 credits. This could mean students who do not meet that requirement may be out of luck. Students can petition for an exception, but it is not guaranteed. 

At Chapman, students don't have to settle for a traditional path; the path is only currently under construction. 

“My goal is to make it easier for everybody,” Bidmead said. “But also make it something worthwhile, something special.”