University

Near downtown Chico rests the Chico State University campus. The 113-year-old institution boasts scenery that almost lives up to its academic excellence. With its bright green lawns and lavish plant life, you couldn’t ask for a better place to study, hang out with friends or catch up on some beauty sleep. Big Chico Creek, which soothes the ears of the school’s 14,000 students with its bubbling brook, runs right through the heart of campus.

If you want to take a study break, there are many options just a stone’s throw from Chico State. Bookstores, music shops, specialty stores and many fine eateries are just a few of the options that are available. And when it’s time to head back to class the architecture of most of the older buildings in the middle of campus will leave you breathless and eager to learn.

Visitors can obtain parking permits from the Public Safety Office in Yuba Hall, next to the Bell Memorial Union at Second and Chestnut streets. Guided tours are available Monday through Saturday at 11:30 a.m. All tours meet at Sutter Hall except for Saturday tours, which meet at the University Police center; call 898-6322 for more information or inquire at the Student Admissions office in Sutter Hall, Second and Hazel streets.

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 small California “normal school” for teachers. Trinity Hall, Kendall Hall, Laxson Auditorium and Ayres Hall: These structures give the campus an Ivy League-style dignity. To the northwest are the two newest structures: Tehama and O’Connell halls.

Bell Memorial Union
The new BMU, which is still under construction and expected to be complete in December 2001, is currently home to the brand-new bookstore, the Union Express and the Associated Students offices. Hours: Mon.-Fri. 7:30 a.m.-7 p.m.; Sat. 7:30 a.m.-5 p.m; closed Sunday.

Meriam Library
Named after Ted Meriam, a former mayor and state university trustee who is one of Chico’s pre-eminent elders, it is the largest library north of Sacramento and is also an important regional information resource.

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

Laxson Auditorium
This lovely theater is the most easterly of the three red-brick buildings that form the heart of the campus. Like the others (Kendall Hall, which houses the university administration, and Trinity Hall, which includes the campus bell tower), it was built in the early 1930s in a gorgeous Romanesque style reminiscent of Mediterranean cultures. Laxson is the site of numerous music, theater and dance events, including the spring musical and performances of the Chico Symphony Orchestra. 898-5791 for tickets.

Museum of Anthropology
Located in Chico State’s Langdon Hall, the museum features photos and artifacts in historical displays. 898-5397.

Art galleries

Janet Turner Print Gallery
Located in the mezzanine of Chico State’s Laxson Auditorium, this gallery features rotating exhibits taken from the vast and excellent collection of prints given to the university by the late Dr. Janet Turner, a longtime Chico State art professor and noted serigraphist. Open weekdays 11 a.m.נ p.m., as well as during auditorium events and by appointment. Call 898-4476.

Third Floor Gallery
Located on the third floor of the Bell Memorial Union at Chico State, this small gallery offers a variety of theme-based art shows. Open BMU hours. Call 898-5079 for current exhibit information.

University Art Gallery
Located in Taylor Hall on the Chico State campus, this is an all-purpose facility exhibiting everything from work by nationally prominent artists and university faculty to master’s thesis projects. Hours: Mon.–Fri. 10 a.m.נ p.m.; Sun. noonנ p.m. 898-5864.

More Education

Butte College
The local community college is located in the foothills midway between Chico and Oroville and also has centers in Chico and Willows—all easily accessible by bus.

With exceptional academic programs, impressive computer labs —even its own cable television station—Butte College has earned a reputation for education and job training. More than 12,000 students attend the school.

The accredited two-year college offers associate degrees along with fully transferable general education courses, as well as vocational programs with certificates.

For more information about Butte College, call 895-2511.

Cal Northern School of Law
The need for a law school with evening classes in the Northstate was filled with Cal Northern at 1395 Ridgewood Drive in Chico. The four-year course of study trains 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.

Chico Unified School District
The local school district, with its 16 elementary schools, three junior high schools and three high schools, continues to produce students who exceed the national average in standardized tests. Nearly 14,000 students attend the district’s schools altogether. For information, call the District Office at 898-3000.