Campus Life
The Campus Life Division enhances student learning at Notre Dame de Namur University through experiential educational programs and student services.

Offices, services, and programs coordinated by the Campus Life Division are listed below

 

Career Services

Designed to empower students and alumni to prepare for lifelong career success, Career Services provides individual career counseling, part-time and full-time job listings, job search assistance (including resume writing, networking, and interview preparation), and a career resource library. Throughout the academic year, Career Services offers classes that provide students with the opportunity to explore values and interests, assess their skills, develop and execute effective job search strategies, create career portfolios, and integrate classroom instruction with practical work experience through internships. Career Services also sponsors numerous events including the Fall Internship Fair, Spring Job Fair, Kaplan Graduate School practice tests, Career Week, and an Etiquette Lunch.

Center for Spirituality and Social Change

Rooted in the heritage and hallmarks of the Sisters of Notre Dame, the Center for Spirituality and Social Change tends to two important aspects of university life: spiritual development and community-based learning and service.  Inspired by the Catholic tradition, the Center strives to create diverse opportunities for all members of the University community to tend the holy in themselves, each other, and the world through retreats, spiritual direction, pastoral care, and liturgical life.  The Center also provides institutional infrastructure, resources, and leadership for faculty and students to engage in community-based learning and community service, with the hope that we will bring about positive social change.  The Center is guided by a group of faculty, staff, and students who work together to support this vision.

Center for Student Leadership

Based on NDNU's mission of values-based learning, the Center for Student Leadership develops students' talents and potential to be effective leaders in diverse and dynamic communities.  The Center for Student Leadership is responsible for advising Student Clubs and Organizations and Student Government (ASNDNU), Leadership Programs, New Student Orientation, Student Activities, Commencement, Family Weekend, and Tabard Inn.

Student Clubs and Organizations

More than 20 student organizations representing a wide array of interests are active at NDNU.  Student organizations are an important part of campus life and allow you to purse your special interests - both new ones and those you bring to campus.  The CSL works with student organizations in planning on- campus meetings, workshops, speakers, cultural programs, service projects, and other special events.

Associated Students of Notre Dame de Namur University

The Associated Students of Notre Dame de Namur University (ASNDNU) is the official student governing body of the University.  All students enrolled at the University are welcome to participate in Senate meetings.

Leadership Programs

The Center for Student Leadership sponsors a number of programs throughout the year to develop and foster NDNU students' leadership skills including:

CSL Internship

Under general supervision of the Director of CSL and guidance from the Coordinating Team, the Leadership Intern will be responsible for coordinating the planning, publicity, production, and evaluation of the CSL programs and events.

Leadership and Public Service Minor

Through an interdisciplinary curriculum, the Leadership and Public Service Minor will provide each student with the opportunity to develop core knowledge about leadership within the larger context of social action and social change and to demonstrate leadership through written, oral, and community-based experiences.  The Minor is a collaboration between the Center for Student Leadership and the School of Education and Leadership.

Leadership Awards Ceremony

Each spring, the CSL hosts a student leadership awards ceremony to publicy recognize the accomplishments of student leaders and faculty membrs.

Leadership Retreats

The Student Leadership Retreat is a weekend program designed to prepare selected and elected student leaders for their duties in the upcoming academic year.  The Freshmen Leadership Retreat focuses on team building, diversity, and communication.  All activities are focused on building community and developing working relationships with their classmates.

Living-Learning Community - Emerging Leaders

This community is co-sponsored with Housing and Residence Life.  The community is open to first-year students of all academic majors who are interested in reaching their academic and leadership potential.  Students will become effective and ethical leaders through programs that develop and enhance the required skills, values, and commitment needed to be successful leaders.

New Student Orientation

Orientation offers new students and their families a successful transition into NDNU life.  Our program is composed of a team of student leaders and University officials who provide an introduction to academic and personal resources, encourage student involvement, and establish relationships with the campus environment.  Along with implementing the summer orientation sessions, the Orientation Team develops and implements the Week of Welcome program which is geared towards acclimating new students to the campus and Belmont community.

Student Activities

Student activities and events are produced by the Programming Board at Notre Dame de Namur University.  This student team is committed to creating a balance in students' lives by providing fun, educational, and inspiring co-curricular events.

Tabard Inn

Tabard Inn is our on-campus cafe that provides a fun and colorful environment that is perfect for purchasing snacks, hanging out, taking a break from class, and even studying.

Counseling Services

Counseling Services is concerned with the personal growth and emotional well-being of students.  Students have an opportunity to discuss problems and decisions with a trained professional.  Students explore ways to become more effective in personal relationships, to increase self-understanding and acceptance, to gain support during emotional crises, and to clarify short- and long-range goals.

Campus Chaplain

The chaplain provides a variety of ecumenical services for the university community. He coordinates the use of the Cunningham Chapel, works closely with the Center for Spirituality and Change, and teaches part-time in the department of religious studies.

Dining Services

Meals are provided by Bon Appetit Catering.  Service is offered to the entire University community in the Cafe located in Campus Center.

Health & Wellness Services

Health & Wellness Services offers a holistic approach to health education, counseling, and support. We offer assessment, nutrition education, stress management, basic care for common health concerns, and referrals to local health care providers as appropriate.

Health and Wellness Services also coordinates student health insurance coverage. The office assures that all students who are required to have health insurance (see policy below) will be automatically billed and enrolled in the NDNU Insurance program unless a signed completed waiver form, verifying comparable coverage, is submitted to H&W by the deadline. (For waiver criteria, deadline and forms click here.)

Mandatory Health Insurance Policy: The following categories of students are required to have health insurance coverage and will automatically be charged and enrolled in the NDNU Insurance Plan: 1) all students living on campus (undergraduate or graduate, full-time or part-time), 2) all athletes, and 3) all international students (graduate and undergraduate).  Students with comparable coverage may waive out of the NDNU Insurance Plan if the signed completed waiver form is submitted to Health & Wellness Services by the noted deadline.  Review criteria for "comparable coverage" and download waiver form.

Housing and Residence Life

Based upon the mission of the Campus Life Division, Housing and Residence Life (HRL) provides a healthy and safe living environment where students are challenged and supported in their personal development.  The University offers students several different living environments: traditional co-educational facilities that accommodate men and women, apartment complexes accommodating upper-division men and women, and suite-style residences with single rooms.

Resident Advisors serve as peer advisors and assist residents in developing their learning skills for community living and in developing competencies needed to live productive and responsible lives in a multicultural world.  Within the residence halls, the staff works with students in planning educational, social, and recreational programs and in utilizing the cultural, intellectual, and athletic opportunities of San Francisco and the extended Bay Area.  Resident students also have the opportunity to exchange ideas in spontaneous discussions, study groups, and cross-cultural experiences.  Resident Directors are professional staff membrs that live and work on campus.  They assist and supervise the Resident Advisors in their mission to develop communities and individuals.

Required On-campus Residence Policy:  In the Fall and Spring semesters, any student with freshmen or sophomore standing who is registered full-time (12 or more units) is REQUIRED to live on-campus.  A student may be granted an exemption if he or she submits an exemption form documenting that he or she meets at least one of the criteria below:

    1. Age 22 or more as of the prior August 1; or
    2. Lived on-campus at NDNU or another higher education institution for at least four semesters (or equivalent); or
    3. Lives with immediate family within San Mateo, San Francisco, Santa Clara, Alameda, or Contra Costa counties during the entire semester AND has a medical, financial, religious, or other compelling reason for not living on campus.

For new students, the basis for class standing will be transferable credits on transcripts submitted to the Office of Admission.  For continuing students, the basis for class standing will be academic units reflected on the NDNU transcripts.  Any student requesting an exemption must submit an exemption form to HRL for approval.  Failure to attain an approved exemption from the HRL will automatically result in the posting of the semester housing and meal plan charges to the student's NDNU account.

Office of Student Development and Responsibility

The Office of Student Development and Responsibility collaborates with other university offices in the development and implementation of student-related policies, procedures, and initiatives based on emerging student development trends.  SDR manages the University's student conduct system and its processes. It coordinates the Student Conduct Board, which hears cases of alleged policy violations of the student code of conduct. SDR oversees the publication of the Student Handbook and reinforces "Students' Rights, Freedoms, and Responsibilities".  SDR also oversees the Conflict Resolution Center.

Public Safety

Public Safety Officers patrol the campus 24/7 providing security and safety services to ensure a safe living, learning, and working environment for the University community.  Public Safety oversees the parking management program.