Welcome to University of Notre Dame

This is the accessibility version designed specifically for users needing extra accessibility features.
Feel free to check out the original experience here.

notredame trail

Welcome

Tour stop audio transcript

Welcome to the University of Notre Dame, a private Catholic research university located in South Bend, Indiana. Notre Dame is home to more than 10,000 students that hail from all 50 states and 70 countries, making for a diverse community of learners. The majority of them choose to live in one of 27 residence halls, each of which creates a unique social environment. Life outside the classroom includes hundreds of active student organizations, community service opportunities, religious services, and many recreational options. Athletes known as the Fighting Irish participate in 25 NCAA Division I sports, with the football team garnering the most attention campus- and nationwide. All of the above combined with a tradition of strong academics result in Notre Dame consistently ranking in the top 20 universities. Join me now and explore just a few of the highlights of this beautiful, 1,250-acre campus.

Tour stop audio transcript

The 14-story Hesburgh Library features the large "Word of Life" mural that faces the football stadium. Its collection, combined with the holdings of the other campus libraries, totals over 3 million materials, making it one of the largest university library systems in the country. The first floor's Information Commons provides 75 computer workstations as well as printers and copiers for student use. Students can reserve study rooms for group projects and can access the library 24/7 using their ID cards after normal hours of operation.

Tour stop audio transcript

Completed in 2006, the Jordan Hall of Science is a modern state-of-the-art facility dedicated to scientific research and learning in the 21st century. In addition to classrooms, lecture halls, and laboratories, Jordan Hall is also home to a greenhouse, herbarium, the Museum of Biodiversity, and an observatory. The Digital Visualization Theater is equipped with technology that allows students to be inside 3D versions of enzymes, DNA, and the human body. The Jordan Hall of Science is one more facility that puts Notre Dame on the map when it comes to groundbreaking research.

Tour stop audio transcript

Notre Dame is committed to nurturing both the mind and body of every student. The Rolfs Sports Recreation Center exists to support health and fitness goals, with 5,000 square feet of space full of exercise machines and equipment. Students can sign up for fitness and dance classes, use the pool and ping pong tables, or take part in "Drop-In" recreation hours for sports like floor hockey and soccer. The RecSports staff will help you create a personal fitness plan that works with your academic schedule.

Tour stop audio transcript

Named after a Notre Dame alum who was also a professor and the university's president, Malloy Hall is occupied by the theology and philosophy departments. Both departments are found within the College of Arts and Letters, and offer undergraduate and graduate programs of study. Theology students will be immersed in concentrations like moral theology, biblical studies, Latino spirituality, and the history of Christianity. To complement these studies, Malloy Hall is home to a chapel and plays host to conferences and visiting scholars.

Tour stop audio transcript

Stepan Chemistry Hall is located in the center of campus and is connected to Nieuwland Science Hall. Stepan is the primary classroom building for chemistry and biochemistry courses, with space dedicated to a substantial amount of faculty-led, grant-funded research. Faculty and grad students focus on chemistry subspecialties like nanotechnology, molecular medicine, energy research, and surface science.

Tour stop audio transcript

Initially serving as an academic building for the sciences, it was renovated and expanded in the 1950's to become the LaFortune Student Center. Commonly referred to as LaFun, here you can find an expansive food court, hair salon, convenience store, computer areas, and a bank. With its doors open 24/7, LaFortune is also a popular gathering space for both academic and social purposes; there are literally hundreds of organizations and clubs that use the meeting spaces and ballrooms.

Tour stop audio transcript

Named after this country's first president, Washington Hall is a performance venue with a seating capacity of 564. In addition to student theatre and music groups holding rehearsals and events in this space, Washington Hall's stage has also been graced by famous figures like Tennessee Williams, Henry James, and Will Rogers. One of the most prominent legends of Notre Dame involves the ghost of Washington Hall, with new stories and speculations generated by each class.

Tour stop audio transcript

The Main Building is the second largest structure on campus and is easily recognized by its Golden Dome, on which stands a 19-foot tall statue of Mary. Dating back to the late 1800's, the Main Building originally housed most of the university under its roof, with space for classrooms, offices, and residences. Today, the Main Building is home to a variety of administrative offices, including Student Affairs, Admissions, and Financial Aid.

Tour stop audio transcript

The beautifully ornate neo-Gothic Basilica of the Sacred Heart is the spiritual epicenter of the Notre Dame community; daily Masses are held here throughout the year. Students can audition for one of several Basilica Choirs, including the folk choir and hand bell choir, or become a liturgical minister that plays multiple roles during services. The Basilica's numerous grand stained glass windows have made Notre Dame home to the largest collection of 19th-century French stained glass worldwide.

Tour stop audio transcript

The Crowley Hall of Music is one of several facilities utilized by the Department of Music. Music majors prepare in the practice rooms, which are equipped with instruments, including Steinway grand pianos. All students are invited to audition for one of Notre Dame's ensembles, which include the Band of the Fighting Irish, the oldest college marching band in the United States. Because of its connection to the Catholic tradition, the Department of Music features unique offerings like the interdisciplinary minor in Liturgical Music Ministry and the Master of Sacred Music.