Chapman University's most recent hire and latest addition to the department of Student Affairs is Case Manager Miguel Calderon, a social work master’s degree graduate from California State University, Dominguez Hills.

This is the latest move by the administration to address demands by the Black Student Union through their 12-point action plan. The student organization originally wanted to see change by hiring a new case manager to help “marginalized students acquire the necessary on and off-campus resources to succeed at Chapman.”

As a case manager, Calderon’s main role is to advocate for student success when faced with adversity such as academic struggles or family and health crises. In doing so, Calderon will provide students with access to university resources like Chapman’s food pantry, or Disability Services. If the student’s needs exceed what the university can offer — currently capped at six to eight weeks of therapy —  Calderon will assist in connecting the student with services outside of Chapman University. 

“I am a social worker, so my social worker hat is always on and I’m always making sure that everyone’s well-being is at 100%,” Calderon said.

The case manager position has been vacant for approximately a year, following the departure of Lisette Martinez Gutierrez at the end of March 2020. In order to help students who are in distress or who struggle with housing and food deprivation, Calderon said he seeks to create a comfortable campus environment that emphasizes student connection.

“I do want to let all of my students know that confidentiality is my priority,” Calderon said. “I ensure that everybody feels comfortable that they can disclose a lot of information to me.” 

Although the entire Office of Student Affairs is trained to support students during their college years, Calderon’s specific position will aid students in receiving personalized one-on-one support that exceeds the services provided by the Student Psychological Counseling Services. Calderon will work to help students connect with Chapman resources and outside resources, rather than exchanging conversation with a trained mental health professional. 

“All of us (in Student Affairs) have a job supporting students in a broad way, but like everything else, it’s nice to have someone who is that cornerstone of it, and someone who has the skill set of a social worker,” said Dean of Students Jerry Price. “(Calderon) knows how to just pick up the situation and know where to go with it.”

Calderon graduated from California State University, Dominguez Hills, with a bachelor’s in Science in Criminal Justice Administration and later earned his master’s in Social Work. His training mostly focused on clinical and mental health, and he has additional experience working at a psychiatric hospital and multiple nonprofit organizations.

After meeting and addressing student concerns, it is essential for the case manager to develop action plans to continuously check-in with the student.

“One of the big roles of this position is making sure appropriate follow-up happens,” Price said. “When we are working with students, sometimes people get busy or miss a step and the case manager’s job is to make sure things don’t fall through the cracks.”

Starting in November 2020, Calderon competed against at least eight other applicants for his current position at Chapman. After a series of virtual interviews, he received the call in late January that he was chosen for the position.

“I was honestly in my element,” Calderon said. “Case management is my experience, and this is what I thrive off of.”

Students can currently make self-referrals by reporting to the Student Concerns Intervention Team (SCIT), or by reaching out to the Dean of Students Office or its Student Affairs staff members. After Calderon’s training is complete — in which he is working with DeAnn Yocum Gaffney, associate vice president for Student Affairs, and meeting with faculty from all departments — most communication within Student Affairs will be through Calderon himself via phone, email or website. Students can reach Calderon at mcalderon@chapman.edu or 714-532-6042.