Two students laugh with their arms around each other on a grassy area, other students and food trucks are visible in the background. One student wears a navy blue t-shirt and the other wears a forest green Notre Dame Irish t-shirt.

Undergraduate Student Life

In support of the University’s Catholic, Holy Cross mission to educate both the mind and the heart, Notre Dame seeks to prepare students not only academically for professional success but physically, emotionally, and spiritually for the benefit of the common good.

At Notre Dame, this is often referred to as holistic formation, which is best exemplified when students learn, live, and grow alongside one another in the context of community. For undergraduate students, community can be shaped in a variety of ways, but occurs most often while sharing space in a residence hall, being actively involved in student clubs and organizations, engaging in opportunities for faith formation, and participating in programs and activities that align with individual interests and pursuits.

The Division of Student Affairs exists to intentionally cultivate Notre Dame students’ holistic formation. Through programs and resources that promote faith, wellness, service, engagement, and discernment, the 18 departments that operate within the division work to develop students to their full potential as individuals, community members, and future leaders in the Church, society, and world.

A few offices that contribute to this important work include:

Residential Life

Residential life is perhaps the most distinctive feature of the Notre Dame undergraduate experience. At Notre Dame, residential life is designed to form undergraduate communities that are inclusive of all members; dedicated to the intellectual, moral, and spiritual development of each individual; and characterized by a collective sense of care and concern for the common good and service to others. The residence halls also form the base of many students’ spiritual, athletic, social, and volunteer service activities. While each of the 33 hall communities is a world unto itself, collectively, they combine to create a unified campus community that is unlike any other in American higher education.

Student Activities Office

The Student Activities Office (SAO) enhances student life at Notre Dame by providing spaces, resources, programs, and events to help students pursue their passions, explore their interests, find belonging, and grow as student leaders and employees. Importantly, SAO supports hundreds of recognized student clubs and organizations, which encompass a wide range of academic, athletic, cultural, performing arts, social service, and special interest pursuits. Additionally, SAO offers meaningful student employment opportunities and operates various spaces for social, cultural, and educational pursuits.

Campus Ministry

Inspired by the charism and spirituality of the Congregation of Holy Cross, Campus Ministry is dedicated to ministering faithfully and fervently to all students, regardless of denomination or faith tradition, and inspiring students to engage others about their faith while discovering their most authentic selves. Campus Ministry encourages participation in the sacramental and liturgical life of the Church; offers opportunities for small group discussions, pilgrimages, retreats, and service; aids in personal and vocational discernment; supports worship and personal prayer; and provides pastoral care.