notre dame super conservative?

batman628 · 02-24-2006, 11:09 PM

okay, i've been looking to visit several colleges..but i just wanted a general overview of nd

are other religions besides catholicism accepted? is everyone at ND conservative politically?? any dems or liberals?? and most importantly..how's the social life? are there any frats, parties?

thanks.

irish68178 · 02-25-2006, 12:15 PM

are other religions besides catholicism accepted?
Yes, while ND is 85% Catholic it is also an accepting place (from what I hear, I am Catholic as well) and most people don't have any problems with this.

is everyone at ND conservative politically?? any dems or liberals??
ND is NOT completely conservative. There is probably a slight lean to the right but it is very slight IMO. The liberal groups are strong on campus and make their presence known. Also, you may find that you are surrounded by liberals in certain majors, which may be good or bad depending. I can tell you from my experience that almost everyone is liberal in Psychology, but then again is that a surprise? I think we have a pretty good mix

and most importantly..how's the social life? are there any frats, parties?
Just to be perfectly honest with you, if this is "most importantly" then ND may not be the place for you. Don't get me wrong, we are very work-hard play-hard and there are plenty of parties both on and off campus (the best ones are off, however, and we do not have frats here). It isn't a party school like you will see from a Wisconsin, Colorado, etc, so don't expect that coming here. However, if you are looking for a place where you don't drink EVERY night but rather you work hard during the week and then let loose on the weekend...ND could be a good fit. Partying isn't my strength, however, since I don't drink (it will make my 21st birthday next week interesting, not sure what I will do) but that is my perception of it at least.

Hope that helps some at least.

btb846 · 02-25-2006, 06:47 PM

I just got back from visiting ND today, and it was AMAZING! I will really be bummed out if i don't get accepted this fall...man, the campus and everything is just incredible. You are very fortunate, irish68178, to be able to attend. If you don't mind, could you post your HS stats? Thanks in advance!

NDIrish101 · 02-25-2006, 07:12 PM

Irish was a transfer. He tells his story on his website. http://www.nd.edu/~mnadorff/transfer/

P.S. Irish, hope I didn't steal any of your thunder!

irish68178 · 02-25-2006, 09:20 PM

No problem, you didn't steal any of my thunder. I did transfer in so my high school stats really won't help you too much (though they are posted on my website) but I have been around long enough (read:I am an old fart) that I pretty much know what ND looks for if you want to talk about chances or anything.

Also, I am very thankful for being at Notre Dame, though I am amazed that it will be over pretty soon (I am a senior next year). It is hard to believe! It is a great place to be and I am so thankful to be here. I am glad you enjoyed your visit today!

nemo2001 · 02-26-2006, 02:47 AM

I pretty much have to echo what Irish has already said...if you are looking for a pure party school look elsewhere. While partying does go on, both on and off campus, the University does have a lot stronger control over your life through their policies and Residence Life and Housing board than you would see at your average state school. This may or may not be a bad thing, depends on what type of person you are...

I've never had any instances where I felt as though any other religion was not being accepted, that having been said, a buddy of mine who is non-christian down the hall has told me that they as though they have been "pressured to convert" by some people on campus. This seems to be more a rare exception than the norm

As to the whole political issue...I think there is more of a conservative bend than a liberal one, but that on the whole the "liberal" clubs or organizations can sometimes be better organized and more vocal so you hear much more of their side often...

Irish1089 · 06-16-2007, 09:30 PM

My sister goes to ND
She's Liberal.(unfortunately... sorry can't help but toss my beliefs in lol)
She joined College Dems but wasn't active in it (only went to onew meeting) and she says they aren't too active really either.

irish68178 · 06-16-2007, 10:19 PM

I noticed college dems (unfortunately, lol) and actually I think that the liberal forces on campus do a good job.

jvon2432 · 06-17-2007, 03:44 AM

yeah, i heard they just recently let a gay club officialy join ND (correct me if i'm wrong?), which is surprising considering they follow catholocism so strictly (example: no pre-marital sex)

CitricAcid · 06-17-2007, 10:27 PM

Doubt they officially recognized it.

jvon2432 · 06-17-2007, 10:32 PM

i didn't think they would, but that is what my friend told me whose brother graduated from ND a few years ago... he was like editor of the "underground" liberal newspaper lol

irish68178 · 06-17-2007, 10:48 PM

Ahh, Common Sense...they get their butt kicked by the Rover as far as political newspapers go, so if any of you are thinking of journalism and have a liberal bend they really need your help!

The gay club, AllianceND, is not recognized by the university FWIW, which as jvon mentioned, is not surprising given that ND is a Catholic university. Like it or not that is the hand you are going to have at ND and should have at any Catholic school. There are lots of other schools out there. The problem is that groups like AllianceND support a homosexual lifestyle, not merely homosexuals. If they only did the latter I think that they could gain sponsorship because we really need to do that part better at ND. It is a tough line, support the person but not the lifestyle, but if you are Catholic that is what the Church says you must do.

shellzie2006 · 06-18-2007, 12:00 AM

Well, ND does have the CORE Council which is officially recognized and is meant as a support system for GLBT students, while rejecting the lifestyle and the sort of political activism AllianceND focuses on.

Kr123 · 06-20-2007, 12:22 AM

WE have an ND student doing service work in our area who said she wasn't crazy about ND loved the academics but felt there were a lot of hypocrits. That many students espouse religion but don't live it. She said there was a definate anti gay mentality by some and related an anti gay attack on a student that was quite disturbing and hopefully dealt with by administration. She said she wold have left but her boyfriend is a student there as well.SInce she was telling all this to my incoming freshman I was disappointed in her comments .

irish68178 · 06-20-2007, 12:49 AM

I wouldn't worry about it, we all have different views, and that is just one person's view. There are hypocrites at ND, but save a Franciscan U or an Ave Maria it is about as Catholic as it gets, and the University really tries to keep the Catholic character. Overall, the people at ND are some of the most upstanding people I have ever met. Just look at those you have on this board...well, save a few (just kidding).

As for the anti-gay mentality, I suppose it depends on what you are used to. I haven't noticed it much, but I am also a conservative who lives in Denver. If you are ultra-liberal from LA, you are going to notice more than me probably just because you are more sensitive to it than me. Is there some at ND, absolutely, but the administration knows about it and is trying to work on it as well as they can within a Catholic framework. I personally haven't heard of anyone being attacked for being gay. She may be thinking of Equality Ride, and if that is the case, please get in touch with me for the full story on them and that situation.

I think you will find that ND will be a great school for your child. That being said, it isn't for everyone. I am sure there are a lot of people that think the school is anti-gay just because it follows the Catholic church's view on homosexuality, but it is a religious school and you can't get around that. It isn't for everyone, and it isn't as liberal as Berkeley, but luckily there are schools out there that are for people who want that environment. Do I think it is for most Catholics, absolutely (and non-Catholics too, but especially Catholics).

If you have any questions about my experiences or what I have observed let me know but really ND is a wonderful place!