Campus

Chico State University’s influence on the community is undeniable. Students make up a large portion of Chico’s population, and the school is one of the area’s largest employers. Much of what makes Chico famous—and possibly infamous—starts at the university.

Chico State excels in a variety of programs, from engineering and business to nursing and agriculture. The student-run weekly newspaper, The Orion, consistently takes home the top awards at national competitions. Chico State students enjoy an affordable education in a laid-back college town. Current students and alumni who never left contribute to the community and to the special atmosphere that makes Chico so—well, Chico.

Whether you’ve lived here for years or are new to the area, take time to walk around the centrally located campus. You will enjoy the gorgeous orange-and-red brick buildings, the huge shade trees, the lazy creek winding below narrow bridges, the blooming rose garden and the relaxed vibe of students lounging on the ubiquitous verdant lawns.

Don’t miss the Bell Memorial Union (“the BMU” to students) on your way through the heart of campus, which is a bike-free zone. Buy a Chico State sweatshirt or other school-pride paraphernalia at the two-story Associated Students Bookstore, sip on a beverage from the coffee stand or munch on a snack from the convenience store or a variety of restaurant counters in the Marketplace Café.

Construction has begun on the 120,000-square-foot Wildcat Activity Center adjacent to campus. It’s set to open by fall 2008.

Part of what makes the campus so tranquil is that parking is forbidden. But it also means students fight each other and the community at large for parking spots near the university. Visitors can avoid the confusion by purchasing parking permits from machines in the parking structure at West Second between Ivy and Cherry streets, the lot on West Second along Hazel, or by going to the Public Safety Office in Yuba Hall, next to the Performing Arts Center at Second and Normal streets.

If you want to know more about the long history of the university, guided tours are available Monday through Friday at 11:30 a.m. from the Admissions Office in Colusa Hall. Saturday tours can be arranged by appointment and start from the University Police center on Normal Street. For more information, call 898-6322 or visit the Office of Admissions, room 101 in Colusa Hall.

Historic Quarter
The four brick buildings in the central part of campus date from the early part of the 20th century, when Chico State was still a teachers’ school. The Romanesque-style Kendall Hall, Laxson Auditorium, Trinity Hall and Ayres Hall comprise this historic quarter, built after the original Normal School burned down in 1927.

Bell Memorial Union
The BMU—paid for, owned and operated by the Associated Students—is home to the campus bookstore, the Marketplace Café, an auditorium, study areas, a game room, the Information Center and the Associated Students offices. BMU hours: Mon.-Fri. 7 a.m.-midnight; Sat. 11 a.m.-midnight; Sun. noon-midnight. 898-4636. www.csuchico.edu/community/map/bmu.html

Meriam Library
Named after the late Ted Meriam, a former Chico mayor and California State University trustee, it is the largest library north of Sacramento and an important regional information resource. Hours: Mon.-Thurs. 7:30 a.m.-11:45 p.m.; Fri. 7:30 a.m.-4:45 p.m.; Sat. noon-4:45 p.m.; Sun. noon-11:45 p.m. 898-5862. www.csuchico.edu/library

Performing Arts Center
This large building just east of the BMU is the hub of the university’s extensive performing-arts program. It houses two excellent theaters and a recital hall as well as such support facilities as a scene shop, makeup rooms and practice rooms.

Laxson Auditorium
One of the four brick buildings that make up the historic quarter, this majestic auditorium also hosts the vast majority of music, theater and dance events on campus, including the spring musical and performances of the North State Symphony Orchestra. Call the University Box Office for tickets at 898-6333. The Janet Turner Print Gallery is also housed in the auditorium.

Museum of Anthropology
Located in Chico State’s Langdon Hall, the museum features photos and artifacts in historical displays. Admission is free, but donations are welcome. Open 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tues.-Sat. while school is in session. Call 898-5397. www.csuchico.edu/anth/Museum

More Education

Butte College
The local community college is located in the foothills between Chico and Oroville with satellite centers in Chico, Willows and Orland. With exceptional academic programs, impressive computer labs and even its own cable television station, Butte College has earned a reputation for education and job training. More than 14,000 students attend the school. The 54,000-square-foot Butte College Chico Center opened in 2005, making it possible for students to attend classes without making the long drive to the main campus. The center has 18 classrooms, four computer labs and a bookstore.

The accredited two-year college offers associate degrees and fully transferable general-education courses, as well as vocational certificate programs. For more information about Butte College, call 895-2511. www.butte.cc.ca.us

Cal Northern School of Law
The need for a law school with night classes in the North State was filled by Cal Northern, at 1395 Ridgewood Drive in Chico. The four-year course of study provides prospective attorneys with real-world training, and the school has been accredited by the State Bar of California since 1992. For more information, call 891-6900. www.calnorthern.edu

University of Phoenix
Several University of Phoenix programs are offered at the North Valley Learning Center at 500 Orient St. For most programs, classes are once a week and are held at night or on weekends. The accredited university keeps classes small to encourage active participation and lively discussion. Courses are offered one at a time and build upon each other to provide a context for better understanding. The university accepts graduate and undergraduate students. 800-266-2107. www.phoenix.edu