Undergraduate programs

Undergraduate Programs

Want to get proximate to questions of justice? There are opportunities for every stage of the academic journey, from pre-enrollment to after graduation. Experiences range from fall break experiences in Appalachia, to fully funded immersive summer engagement experiences, to multi-year fellowships, and more.

Appalachia

The Appalachia course is designed to introduce students to the cultural and social issues of the Appalachian region — its history, people, culture, challenges, and strengths — through study and experiential learning.

Franciscan Land Experiences

This course combines hands-on outdoor work experiences with community living and study in the spirit of Pope Francis’ encyclical, Laudato Si’, held at the Franciscan Life Process Center outside of Grand Rapids, Michigan.

Genesis

Genesis develops a range of initiatives, events, and projects that help extend the institute’s commitment to justice and the common good. It’s focused on connecting other Notre Dame students with opportunities to engage critical issues and topics related to justice.

McNeill Common Good Fellows

First year students can apply for this paid, three-year fellowship in an interdisciplinary community of scholars eager to explore how to live an ethical life of meaning, purpose, and impact. 

McNeill Winter Plunge

This course is a three-day immersive experience in Boston followed by a one credit S/U course that invites students to engage deeply with the realities of homelessness and the Catholic social teaching principle of the common good.

NDBridge

First year students can apply for this immersive summer experience to work with marginalized communities, confront systemic injustice, and think about how to use their academic and professional careers to promote the flourishing of all.

Beyond ND

Explore diverse postgraduate opportunities as a great way to explore an interest, discern your vocation, pursue a passion, and develop skills and knowledge while making a difference in the lives of others and with communities in need.

Proximities

Proximities are one credit S/U seminars for undergraduates to briefly but intensely engage with a question of justice in a specific time and place. They include an immersive experience during spring break.

RISE

RISE is a pre-orientation program that gives incoming students a jump start on their college experience by introducing them to questions of citizenship, morality, and justice in a community of neighbors and peers.

Engaged Learning Initiatives

This partnership with the Department of Romance Languages offers summer programs for Romance language students to engage in service-oriented projects while being fully immersed in local communities.

Social Concerns Summer Fellowship

Intended for sophomores and juniors, summer fellowships at the institute connect vocation and research in the classroom with communities around the world in order to create a more just future for everyone.