Student Life
Athletics (http://catholicathletics.com)
The Department of Athletics supports the mission of the university by providing programs and services to enable students to engage in physical activities as an integral part of the overall educational experience. Opportunities for male and female participation are provided at the intercollegiate (or varsity), club, and recreational levels.
At the varsity level, Catholic University is a member of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division III, Landmark and Mid-Atlantic Rowing conferences.
As a member of NCAA Division III, Catholic University adheres to the NCAA philosophy statement, places the highest priority on the overall quality of the education experience and the successful completion of academic programs by student athletes, and upholds the highest standards of sportsmanship and ethical conduct.
The athletic department seeks to provide programs and leadership to enable Catholic University to be a model NCAA Division III institution in its commitment to academic and athletic excellence.
Campus Activities (http://activities.catholic.edu/)
The Office of Campus Activities empowers students to cultivate connections, discover their potential, and create a sense of belonging at Catholic University by providing a supportive and equitable environment through a commitment to holistic growth and experiential learning. The office strives to be the heart of engagement for students at Catholic University. The Office of Campus Activities (OCA) serves as the primary source for student engagement in the areas of leadership development, student organizations, campus events, and first year student orientation. Campus Activities is a place where you will find students from various student organizations, other leadership positions, and our Orientation program working, interacting
with the event planning team, and volunteering for various needs throughout the year. The office plans a number of events while also supporting approximately 100 student organizations in their event planning. Campus Activities also directly advises both the undergraduate and graduate student governments as well as the Program Board.
Campus Ministry (http://ministry.catholic.edu/)
The Office of Campus Ministry supports the members of The Catholic University of America community in their individual and communal growth as they strive to live the message of the Gospel, and offers a variety of opportunities designed to meet the spiritual needs and interests of students who are at different stages of their faith life. Some of what the Office of Campus Ministry offers include days of reflection, monthly discussions centered on faith and current social events and weekly scripture reflection.
The pastoral and professional campus ministry staff, composed of clergy and laity, seeks to be an open and affirming presence for students, faculty, administrators, and staff.
Students from other Christian denominations and religions are welcome to participate in any Campus Ministry services or activities. The office maintains a list of area ministers, rabbis, including information on the services provided by other religions and Christian Denominations.
Any student with concerns or requests about his or her religion is welcomed and encouraged to come to the Office of Campus Ministry for assistance.
Center for Academic and Career Success (https://success.catholic.edu/)
The Center for Academic and Career Success (CACS) is committed to providing comprehensive academic and career advising for a diverse population of students and alumni by bridging academic knowledge and professional development. CACS intentionally and collaboratively assists students from matriculation through graduation, helping them connect their academic and extracurricular experiences with their future career, educational, and/or service aspirations. Working with the Center, students will learn how to take ownership of their educational, career, and life goals, while acquiring the skills and abilities necessary to be successful both during their time at the university and beyond.
The Center for Academic and Career Success (CACS) provides the main academic advising services for almost all undergraduate students from matriculation through their first year. Faculty advisors become the main academic advisors once a student enters a major in their second year and CACS advisors assist in academic advising in a support capacity. CACS advisors continue to work with students on identifying/obtaining their career and graduate related goals throughout a student’s time as an undergraduate and also provide career services to all graduate students and alumni. Additionally, CACS provides Academic Coaching to undergraduate students with significant academic struggles. The office also hosts an Employer Relations arm to coordinate career programming, employer events, career fairs and maintain the job and internship posting site. Finally, CACS oversees the implementation of the work-study program and the training of supervisors of student employees
Center for Cultural Engagement (http://cultural.catholic.edu)
The Center for Cultural Engagement (CCE) advances The Catholic University of America’s commitment to a campus and a world that values every human being, and supports and celebrates their uniqueness, experiences, and contributions. Through the promotion of intercultural education and awareness, the CCE contributes to the personal and intercultural development of all students; fostering the development of a sense of self, belonging and commitment to the common good.
Counseling Center (http://counseling.catholic.edu)
The Catholic University Counseling Center strives to enhance the overall educational experience by assisting students with the opportunities, demands, and challenges of university life. As students grow and develop, they do so in a values-based institution that offers a unique learning and living environment to enable them to discover excellence and experience success.
The Catholic University Counseling Center assists students with defining and accomplishing personal and academic goals by serving as a multidisciplinary, campus-based mental health organization dedicated to addressing the diverse needs of Catholic University students. In pursuing an active and fulfilling college life, a student can experience difficulties with adjusting to and balancing new roles and responsibilities. The center provides a broad range of direct clinical/counseling, educational, learning assistance, consultative, outreach, training, assessment, and emergency response programs and services.
Dean of Students (http://deanofstudentscatholic.edu)
The Office of the Dean of Students (DOS) provides programs and services designed to encourage the holistic growth and development of each student throughout his or her Catholic University career. The office supports students in the transition to and from college life; empowers students to become active participants and leaders in campus life, both inside and outside of the classroom; engages students in learning opportunities that will allow them to become responsible and contributing members of the campus community; fosters an environment that understands, appreciates, and respects cultural and human differences on both the individual and global level; and increases understanding and appreciation of student rights and responsibilities. The office strives to help all students build connections to the campus community that will assist them in navigating life at Catholic University and better prepare them for their role in society.
Specific areas of focus within the Dean of Students scope of responsibilities include: alcohol and other drug education, off-campus student education and community relations, sexual assault education and prevention, student conduct and ethical development and student persistence and retention. The Counseling Center, Disability Support Services, Residence Life, Student Conduct and Ethical Development, and Student Health Services are departments within the Dean of Students area that provide specialized services to students.
Dining Services (https://dineoncampus.com/catholic)
Dining Services at Catholic University are managed by Chartwells Higher Ed, which strives to provide the best experience for students each and every day. Garvey Hall is a brand-new residential dining facility that opened in December 2022 that serves students, faculty, and staff who have meal plans. In addition to Garvey Hall, dining services are also offered at the Pryzbyla Center via a food court (featuring Chick-fil-A), Starbucks, the Market (convenience store), and Murphy's Grill (a full-service restaurant). Chartwells also offers catering to meet the needs of the campus community and its guests.
Disability Support Services (http://dss.catholic.edu/)
The Office of Disability Support Services provides programs and services designed to support and encourage the integration of students with disabilities into the mainstream of the university community. DSS works with registered students with disabilities to ensure access so that they may participate as fully as possible in campus life. At the same time, students with disabilities are responsible for making their needs known and meeting the academic standards set for all Catholic University students. Although it is not required that students with disabilities register, students who wish to use accommodations must be registered with DSS on an annual basis. New students should contact DSS as soon as possible after accepting admission to Catholic University to learn more about services and the registration process.
Events and Conference Services (https://pryzbyla.catholic.edu/)
The Office of Events and Conference Services supports the University community by optimizing campus facilities, services, and resources to foster a vibrant environment for The Catholic University of America and its constituents.
Events and Conference Services staff strive to:
- Strengthen the undergraduate and graduate experience by developing student staff opportunities that offer comprehensive skill sets to provide high-quality, responsive and effective service, consistent with Catholic social teaching and the value of human work;
- Provide superior services hosted in hospitable, campus-centered facilities;
- Benefit students and grow institutional assets by practicing responsible financial and facility stewardship;
- Generate a broader understanding for the most effective uses of campus facilities and resources through collaboration and educational outreach.
Housing Services (http://housing.catholic.edu)
The Office of Housing Services supports the mission of the university by providing and managing well-maintained, safe, and modern multi-use residential facilities that are responsive to the changing needs of students. Housing Services is responsible for the overall management of the campus housing system, which comprises 17 low- and medium-rise buildings, having a total capacity for approximately 2,000 residential students. Housing Services is committed to providing facilities that meet student developmental needs, support the formation of community, and encourage the creation of seamless learning environments.
Housing Services also provides resources and options to assist upper-class, graduate, and law students in securing off-campus housing. These options include the Off-Campus Housing website where students can search listings for off-campus rental properties, search for roommates, and access links to helpful information regarding living in the metro DC area.
International Student Services (http://international.catholic.edu)
International Student and Scholar Services, ISSS, which falls under Student Affairs, supports the mission of the university by promoting international educational exchange within the university, to federal agencies, and to the world. ISSS seeks to ensure university compliance with applicable immigration-related regulations while facilitating the legal entry and transition of international students, faculty, and researchers. The office advocates on behalf of international students and scholars within the university and to federal regulatory agencies to ensure they are afforded every opportunity to complete their academic objectives. ISSS provides opportunities for international intercultural education and exchange, partnering with university departments and schools to provide educational and cultural programs that foster greater understanding and appreciation for other cultures and traditions.
Individually, ISSS partners with individual students and scholars to help them understand the federal regulations that govern their immigration status, to provide advice and guidance designed to assist the international community in preserving their legal status in the U.S. and in making the most out of opportunities that may arise. Institutionally, the office is charged with ensuring institutional compliance with the immigration regulations governing the various programs the federal government has authorized the University to administer. As such, the office is obligated to maintain up-to-date records on international students and scholars in the Department of Homeland Security's Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS).
Military and Veteran Student Services (https://military.catholic.edu)
The Office of Military and Veteran Student Services (OMVSS) seeks to make the Catholic University of America the premier destination for military affiliated students in higher education by creating a resilient fellowship-based campus experience as well as to create a robust, professional and active learning environment for Army, Navy and Air Force ROTC Training. The Office of Military and Veteran Student Services (OMVSS) serves four main mission sets within the University:
- Dedicated student services point of contact for military affiliated students
- Oversee all Air Force, Naval and Army ROTC Operations.
- Coordinate University compliance with all Department of Defense and Veterans Affairs programs.
- Admissions liaison for military affiliated students at both the graduate and undergraduate level
VA Education Benefits (https://enrollment-services.catholic.edu/veterans/index.html)
The university, through the Office of Enrollment Services, works in partnership with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs to assist veterans and dependents eligible to participate in the VA’s education benefits programs.
Eligibility for benefits is determined by the Department of Veterans Affairs, which has Education Benefits Counselors available at 888-GI-BILL-1 (888-442-4551). Once a student has determined his/her eligibility for benefits they should contact the Office of Enrollment Services to discuss how to apply those benefits to their program of study at the university.
Once a student has begun using VA education benefits at the university, it is their responsibility to check in with a Veteran Certifying Official in the Office of Enrollment Services every semester for re-certification of benefits. Additionally, students making changes to their enrollment after they have been certified for a semester are responsible for contacting a Veteran Certifying Official so that any necessary adjustment to benefits can be processed.
Students utilizing VA education benefits should be aware of their financial responsibilities to the university.
The university will not assess financial penalties (late payment fees and/or interest charges) or enforce holds on registration, transcripts, diplomas, or university services for students utilizing veterans’ education benefits provided that: 1) the student has provided the university with valid authorization from the Department of Veterans Affairs confirming eligibility for benefits, and 2) the amount of any pending veterans’ education benefits for the current or prior term(s) fully covers the balance due on the student account.
In the event that the amount of pending veterans’ education benefits for the current or prior term(s) does not cover the entirety of the balance due on the student account, the portion of the balance that will be covered by the pending benefits will be exempted from financial penalties as described above.
Any portion of a student’s account balance that will not be paid by pending veterans’ education benefits for the current or prior term(s) should be paid in accordance with the posted deadlines on the Enrollment Services website.
Students with charges in excess of pending VA payments, as well as students utilizing VA benefits that are paid directly to the student (chapters 30, 35, 1606), who are unable to remit payment to the university in full at the start of the term are encouraged to utilize the optional monthly payment plan. Information on the plan can be found at http://enrollmentservices.catholic.edu/Student-Financial-Information/PaymentPlan.cfm.
Postal Services (https://student-affairs.catholic.edu/campus-services/postoffice.html)
The mission of Catholic University Postal Services is to provide the University community with timely and accurate handling, distribution, and processing of mail. Staff members are available to assist students with a broad range of services.
Public Safety (http://publicsafety.catholic.edu)
The Department of Public Safety provides comprehensive programs, including security patrol, escort, transportation, identification, and access services to maintain a safe and secure campus that is conducive to learning, working, living, and visiting. A staff of trained professionals, including commissioned special police officers, focus on crime prevention and investigation, safety education, emergency preparedness, response, and recovery. Services are coordinated closely with federal and local law enforcement agencies. Safety education and awareness programs are conducted for students throughout the academic year. The department works closely with other student life services to implement initiatives to support healthy individual and community living.
Residence Life (http://residencelife.catholic.edu)
Residence Life cultivates values-oriented communities that are grounded in the faith-based mission of The Catholic University of America; connects students with campus resources to offer continued support and promote student success; offers opportunities for student learning outside of the classroom in support of the university’s academic mission; establishes and upholds community living standards; recognizes and respects cultural and human differences; and prepares students for civic engagement and responsibility by providing student leadership opportunities and promoting involvement in residence hall communities.
Opportunities within the residential communities will contribute to healthy student development; encourage student citizenship and civility; create connections to the Catholic University community; and promote individual responsibility for actions and interpersonal accountability for the common good.
Student Conduct & Ethical Development (https://deanofstudents.catholic.edu/conduct/index.htmlct/)
Student Conduct and Ethical Development (SCED) educates students with regard to community expectations; coordinates campus resources and support services in the resolution of behavioral problems, including the adjudication and resolution of student conduct interventions; and creates, delivers, and supports purposeful learning opportunities fostering citizenship, community standards, ethics, values, and civility, in a faith-based environment.
When students choose to accept admission to The Catholic University of America, they accept the rights, privileges, and responsibilities of membership in the university’s academic, social, and spiritual community. When student behavior departs from the community expectations, members of the community are expected to challenge and confront these inappropriate behaviors. When that behavior becomes unacceptable and impacts the sense and spirit of community, it will be addressed by peers or administrators who follow the procedures outlined in the Code of Student Conduct.
Student Health Services (http://health.catholic.edu)
The Office of Student Health Services provides an outpatient healthcare facility for students in an environment of joy, care, and respect in treatment of the whole person. In addition to providing healthcare for illnesses and injuries, its team of medical professionals are actively involved in campus health education. The staff helps students better understand the nature and causes of their health problems and injuries and the importance of treatment and prevention. To promote lifelong wellness and to support academic success, students are encouraged and empowered to learn how to reduce their risk of illness and injury and to make appropriate lifestyle choices. All healthcare provided is confidential and consistent with the beliefs and practices of the Catholic Church. In fulfilling this mission, Student Health Services subscribes to the mission of the University.
University Bookstore (https://www.catholic.edu/resources/bookstore/index.html)
The Catholic University Bookstore staff is dedicated to providing students with the best service possible to ensure they have exactly what they need for a successful career at Catholic University.
In addition to selling new and used textbooks, the Catholic University Bookstore also stocks general reading and reference books such as best-selling fiction, research & writing aids, a wide range of non-fiction titles, and exciting new releases. Along with traditional school supplies and electronics such as graphing calculators and headphones. We also stock supplies for fine art and architecture students. The Catholic University Bookstore is also the best place to get emblematic apparel and gifts for everyone including parents, professionals, & alumni. Throughout the year we assist with on campus events such as author lectures, Cardinal Weekend, and during the exciting Commencement season the bookstore is the best place to purchase regalia and diploma frames. Our Barnes & Noble Café offers a wide selection of coffee beverages, teas, grab & go convenience and grocery items, all while being a great place to study.