Welcome from Luis R. Fraga, Faculty Director of the Institute for Latino Studies
Congratulations and welcome to the Notre Dame family! You and your parents should be very proud of what you have accomplished and I know that you will be even more proud of what you will accomplish in your undergraduate studies here at Notre Dame.
One of my affiliations at Notre Dame is as Director of the Institute for Latino Studies, where I hold the Rev. Donald P. McNeill, C.S.C., Chair in Transformative Latino Leadership. We have thirty-one affiliated faculty members from across the University and 67 supplemental majors and minors from all different colleges as well. If you have any interests in more deeply understanding one of the fastest growing ethnoracial groups in the United States and in the Catholic Church, please come and drop by our offices at Bond Hall and learn about all of the exciting opportunities we have for you.
I am also a professor of political science where I hold the title of Joseph and Elizabeth Robbie Professor of Political Science. I have 50 colleagues in political science who conduct research and teach in the areas of political theory, American politics, international relations, and comparative politics. We graduate about 125 majors per year. The challenges our country and other countries face today makes political science one of the most relevant areas of study that a student can choose. Come by our offices on the second floor of Jenkins Nanovic Halls to talk with me or one of our advisors.
I hope you know how much everyone at Notre Dame looks forward to welcoming you...whether in person or virtually. Here you will find the support to grow in your intellectual, social, and spiritual interests more than you might ever think possible. That is what happened for our daughter Isabel who graduated from ND in 2010. She is a committed alumna who works in Catholic education as a third grade school teacher in Plano, TX. She found her calling here at ND. I know that you will find a second home here at Notre Dame. It is the most special university where I have been privileged to teach across my thirty-four-year career.
May you and your family be safe and receive all of the blessings that Our Lady can offer.
Sincerely,
Luis R. Fraga
Rev. Donald P. McNeill, C.S.C., Professor of Transformative Latino Leadership
Joseph and Elizabeth Robbie Professor of Political Science
Director, Institute for Latino Studies
Fellow, Institute for Educational Initiatives
Community
Mascots of Notre Dame
You've heard of the famous leprechaun, but did you know each Notre Dame residence hall has a mascot? Learn more about them, plus our hall traditions, and the residential communities that make Notre Dame so special.
Academics & Research
Faculty Videos: Why Notre Dame?
At Notre Dame, we take pride in our faculty, who number over 1,300 scholars, and who are achieving research breakthroughs in a wide range of disciplines, including environmental sciences, peace studies, cancer, and nanoelectronics.
Yet, beyond expertise in their fields, our faculty members are deeply committed to the education of our undergraduate students.
In this video, six professors answer the question "Why Notre Dame?" They talk about what brought them to the University and highlight the unique aspects of our undergraduate education.
Global Perspective
Why Study Peace?
The study of peace requires engaging in deep thinking about some of the most urgent problems we face as global citizens in our contemporary world.
Notre Dame offers a supplementary major or interdisciplinary minor in peace studies.
Learn more via the Kroc Institute for International Peace Studies and watch the video to see why current undergraduates are choosing peace studies.
Aid & Affordability
Work-Study: What You Need to Know
You've probably heard the term "work-study" in relation to financial aid, but what does it mean for Notre Dame students?
- Watch the video for a quick explanation of work-study.
- Learn about The New Campus Job and see how students gain valuable work experience.
- Visit the financial aid website for information about Student Employment.
Bright Futures
Welcome from Jimmy Dunne '78
Jimmy Dunne believes strongly in the mission and value of a Notre Dame education. As a student, an alumnus, a parent, and now a trustee, Jimmy has been involved with the University for most of his life.
In this congratulatory message for admitted students and families, Jimmy speaks of the importance of getting involved, the close-knit campus community, and the global alumni network.
That network now numbers more than 135,000 alumni, including 223 domestic and 50 international Notre Dame clubs.
Click the button to watch Jimmy's video.
ICYMI: To learn more, you can also watch a recording our live webcast featuring the Notre Dame Alumni Association.
Faith & Service
Center for Social Concerns is a Force for Good
Catholic social teaching is rich with ideas about building a just society, but it asks us to do more than simply think about it. It asks us to reflect deeply on what is right and good so we can respond effectively to the world’s most challenging problems.
The Center for Social Concerns combines Catholic social teaching and sustained community-engagement to ensure that human dignity, solidarity with the marginalized, and the common good become a student commitment and a reality in communities near and far.
By enacting Catholic social teaching, the center contributes to the University's mission “to create a sense of human solidarity and concern for the common good that will bear fruit as learning becomes service to justice.”
Watch the video to see our students learning and working for the greater good through Spanish community-engaged learning courses.
Take a Virtual Campus Tour
We know it's tough to learn about a university without visiting in person. So much of the college search is about finding your "fit" and much of that is based on a feeling.
You are making this important decision without setting foot on campus and we appreciate that this is a difficult task.
We hope this virtual tour, led by a current student, helps. You'll visit the same tour stops we would take you through during your admitted student visit.
Highlights include the Golden Dome, Duncan Student Center, and Notre Dame Stadium. See it all from the perspective of a current student—just as you would on a visit to campus.
Explore the Local Scene: Get to Know South Bend
South Bend is a vibrant community with a variety of attractions, including great parks, entertainment venues, and local restaurants.
Check out our recommendations and you'll see why we're proud to call South Bend home.
Notre Dame Among Top Fulbright Producers for Sixth Consecutive Year
We know that as a bright student with big academic aspirations, you may have the Fulbright program in your sights.
We thought you might like to know that 15 Notre Dame students were awarded Fulbright grants in the 2019-20 academic year, making the University a top Fulbright producer among all research institutions in the U.S.
Do You Play an Instrument? Check Out These Instrumental Ensembles at Notre Dame
While the Marching Band may be the most recognized band at Notre Dame, there are many other options for students to continue (or begin!) instrumental performance in college.
Campus Resources
Sports and Fitness
Staying active outside of the classroom is important to your college experience. Notre Dame's RecSports provides lots of recreational and educational opportunities. Whether you play an intramural sport, take a yoga class, or scale the climbing wall in the Duncan Student Center, you'll find ways to explore sports and fitness at Notre Dame.
Notre Dame in Pop Culture: We're Highlighting All the Hits!
You may be surprised to learn how frequently Notre Dame has been featured in film, television, literature, and music.
Check out this list of Notre Dame pop culture references and count how many you have seen, read, or heard.
Up Next on Your Notre Dame Journey
Confirmed students will begin receiving communications from First Year Advising in late May.
View a timeline for upcoming communications and other important dates on our website.