Teaching and Research
Balance
Students enjoy the benefits of a University where undergraduate education is a prime focus. Indeed Notre Dame’s Provost has indicated that one of the University’s main goals is to integrate teaching and research so as to provide a premier undergraduate education experience. Taught by top-tier faculty who are educated by some of the finest institutions in the world, students are exposed to scholars who help shape current thought. 90% of Undergraduate Notre Dame courses are taught by professors. The remaining 10% of courses are taught by teaching assistants near the end of their graduate requirements who are preparing for their careers as university faculty. For the past seven years, every First Year student has been required to participate in the University Seminar, which unites a professor with 15 to 18 students in written and oral analysis of research, literature, or film.
Scholars
Notre Dame faculty continue to add to the world’s body of knowledge in all areas of study at the University. The leading recipient of research fellowships from the National Endowment for the Humanities over the past four years, Notre Dame ranks third among private research universities in receipt of humanities fellowships. Whether studying ethics and religious values in business, providing insight into the development of cancer cells, or celebrating Latino culture in religion and literature, faculty at Notre Dame aim to improve conditions for people throughout world.
Through programs such as Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) and the Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program (UROP), undergraduates are given grants that allow them to contribute to the academy. Mentored by professors, students participate in original and interdisciplinary research. In 2003, Andrew Sarazin was awarded the University’s 14th Rhodes Scholarship for his research on mosquito genomics. His sophomore year research project studying the transmission of mosquito malaria in Haiti inspired him to further his, and the world’s, knowledge.
Mentors
Brilliant, accessible, caring, inspiring. Words attempt to encompass the student assessment of Notre Dame faculty, but never seem to fully express it. Notre Dame requires professors to hold regular office hours and encourages them to socialize with students outside the classroom. It is common for faculty to invite students to their private residences for dinner and discussion. Although busy with instructing, research, and their own personal lives, professors continually make themselves available to students who are determining the direction of their studies, careers, and lives.
An excellent reputation in the classroom is a must for faculty at Notre Dame, and to that end, the University has established the Kaneb Center for Teaching and Learning. Each year, the Center names eight Fellows who have achieved excellence in classroom instruction. One of the 2004-2005 recipients, Professor Dennis Jacobs, also received the 2003 United States Professor of the Year for Research and Doctoral Universities award from the Carnegie Foundation. Recently named a Vice President of the University, Professor Jacobs is famous on campus for his redesigned Introduction to Chemistry class which incorporates scientific knowledge and community awareness.
