But are they really backing off, or just taking a breather? They've indicated that they will continue to move forward with additional on-campus housing -- a good start but as noted in prior posts, they're a long way from being able to make even a small dent in the need for on-campus housing (about 3,200-3,300 beds shy!). And they haven't backed off from wanting to expand the student population from 8,700 to 11,650 -- just postponed it. Get ready for a confrontation, because it's going to happen.
A Pattern is Emerging...
I was looking at some articles from the past -- and Orange/Chapman University have been down this path before, and it's eerily similar to what is happening now:
- Chapman proposes expansion
- Public outcry ensues
- Chapman retreats
- Chapman ultimately quietly prevails
Don't believe it?
Read the two articles below, one from 2003 and the other from 1989. "Deja vu all over again". The citizens of Orange need to be on their toes, as this proposed expansion may be the deal-breaker.