Parent FAQ
Higher education is a major investment, and at Dominican we understand your concern about making the right choice from the vast selection of colleges. There is so much at stake, so you want a school that is a good fit—one that will prepare you for a rich and solid adult life, and where for the next four years you will thrive and flourish. With our deep commitment to each individual, Dominican strives to develop our students to their fullest potential—academically, spiritually and emotionally. We challenge students with rigorous academics and emphasize applying their values in every aspect of their lives. The educational efforts of the faculty, administrators and staff—inside and outside the classroom—aim to deepen understanding of self, others, God and the universe. Ultimately, our goal is to prepare students to pursue truth, to serve compassionately and to participate in the creation of a more just and humane world.
Hopefully many of your questions will be answered here, but if not, we look forward to the opportunity to meet you and personally address your questions and concerns. You can check out our campus visit page here. Please email us any questions and concerns at domadmis@dom.edu.
I want to attend a stable college with solid
values. What is Dominican University’s history and heritage?
Sponsored by the Sinsinawa Dominicans, the University began as St.
Clara College in Wisconsin in 1901. In 1922, the sisters relocated
to River Forest, Illinois and renamed their school Rosary College.
In 1997, to better reflect our growth and evolving traditions and
philosophies, Rosary College became Dominican University.
The Sinsinawa Dominicans bring to the University a dedication to their core values of truth, compassion, justice, community and partnership. The University emphasizes instilling and enhancing these values in the students, from classroom discussions to service learning.
Where is Dominican,
and what is the campus like?
Dominican’s physical setting attracts many students. Our beautiful
campus is made up of stately Gothic buildings in 30 acres of woods
and landscaping. Just 20 minutes from downtown Chicago, students
can experience the excitement of a big city¾while in the comfort
and convenience of a residential community. You can learn more about
the Oak Park and River Forest community here.
Dominican’s campus exudes warmth and dignity. Students often describe the atmosphere as “homey” because of the beautiful paneling and carved wood chairs of the dining hall and the many comfortable areas where students can lounge or study. Freshmen live in Coughlin Hall, which houses 160 students in double rooms. Furnishings include a microfridge, Internet access with email, telephone with voicemail, and a sink. There is also a recreation area, mailroom, lounge, and laundry facilities. You can find more information about our residence halls here.
How safe is the campus
and neighboring community?
An essential component of the University’s mission includes
commitment to the safety and security for the entire community, which
provides an environment conducive to academic and personal development.
Because of this commitment, Dominican is a relatively safe and crime-free
campus. We also have the advantage of being located in a safe, quiet
and elegant residential neighborhood. With the effective combination
of security policies, educational programs, and timely reporting
and communication of campus crime statistics, the university approaches
the ideal environment for learning.
How is Dominican’s
financial strength? Are facilities being maintained or improved?
Dominican has recently celebrated its 100th year with a record enrollment
and our largest, most ambitious capital campaign ever. In support
of our growth, a new residence hall is scheduled to open in January
2004, and we have recently completed a multi-million dollar renovation
of our library, making it a statewide model for a University library.
We have strengthened our long-term financial outlook by doubling
our endowment, and we continually launch new academic programs and
refine our core curriculum.
Will I be able to
afford Dominican?
U.S. News and World Report has rated Dominican University
for several years as one of “America’s Best Colleges”
as well as a “Best Value”—one of few institutions
to make that list. Our tuition is just below the mid-range of private
universities, and with the wide availability of scholarships and
financial aid, over 80% of our freshmen pay much less. Therefore,
it is important for you to make a final college choice after you
have worked with one of our admissions counselors and have received
all of the scholarship and financial aid awards.
What is unique about
Dominican’s academic program?
Dominican University’s curriculum challenges students with
solid, professional preparation in over 40 majors supported by a
strong liberal arts foundation. Liberal arts studies include the
humanities (literature, foreign languages, fine arts, theology, etc.),
the social sciences (sociology, psychology, history, political science,
etc.), mathematics, and the natural sciences (physics, biology, chemistry,
etc.). The liberal arts prepare students for a lifetime of careers
by fostering creativity, critical thinking and adaptability, and
developing written and verbal communication skills. Here is a link
to our core curriculum.
What is the classroom
environment like? How available are professors?
Dominican’s small size is a huge asset—with no lecture
halls and an average class size of less than 20, students get individual
attention and become actively involved in the classroom.
In the liberal arts courses, students participate in provocative and insightful class discussions. In areas such as the sciences, languages and education, labs or fieldwork are included with the majority of classes, and all students can put their new knowledge to practical use through internship opportunities.
Outside of class, professors make themselves available to work with students. Although Dominican professors are involved in activities such as research and consulting, they choose to be here because of Dominican’s emphasis on excellent teaching. Dominican professors teach all of our classes, and over 89% of our professors hold doctorates or the highest degree in their field.
I do not know what
to major in—how do you work with undecided students?
Most of the freshmen at Dominican are undecided and we encourage
them to explore their interests through our liberal arts classes.
They receive guidance through their assigned academic advisor—their
freshman seminar professor whom they see frequently in class or in
advising sessions. Our Center for Career Development is also a valuable
resource. Dominican’s small classes and focus on the individual
become an advantage again when it comes to choosing a major. Often
students are able to graduate in four years even after changing majors
because they are able to work with their academic advisors and get
into the classes that their new major requires.
How successful are
your students in obtaining employment or attending graduate school
after graduation?
One of the top reasons students choose Dominican is because our graduates
get good jobs—almost all of our students are either employed
full time or are in graduate school within six months of graduation.
Our Center for Career Development provides a variety of services
designed to help students find out more about themselves and about
the careers that interest them. As early as freshman year, students
can prepare for their post-graduate jobs through relevant part-time
jobs, shadowing, and vocational assessment and counseling. Juniors
and seniors have access to excellent internships with leading organization—at
home and abroad. Seniors receive additional career counseling, resume
preparation and job placement assistance. Also, a solid alumnae/i
base provides a large network of job opportunities for Dominican
graduates.
Dominican is small.
Are there many extracurricular opportunities?
Although small in size, Dominican is big in opportunities, and this
is particularly true of our extracurricular opportunities. You will
find a niche and develop teamwork and leadership skills by getting
involved in one or more of our 30 student organizations or 14 sports
teams including men’s and women’s soccer, basketball,
cross country, tennis, baseball/softball, and women’s volleyball.
Here is a link to our sports
page. A wide selection of intramurals, club sports and open recreation
opportunities are also available.
Our students also perform or participate behind-the-scenes in our popular Performing Arts Center theatre program. Dominican University has a long history of presenting the fine and performing arts, and the Performing Arts Center program offers an abundance of rich and varied fine and performing arts opportunities. Each year, over 100 students participate in Performing Arts Center productions including a professional series, a main stage series and a second stage series. Opportunities are available to all students.
Beyond formal organizations, the campus is constantly abuzz with events and activities; from concerts to current issues, you will be active, entertained and engaged.
What about student
life…how will I fit in?
With about 1,200 undergraduates, Dominican is the right size for
you to make friends, get involved and contribute to our community
in a meaningful way. Dominican's student body is richly diverse,
coming from 24 states, 18 foreign countries and a variety of ethnic
and cultural backgrounds. Our 2002 freshmen enrollment grew an unprecedented
34%; university-wide enrollment is also growing, up 8.76% from last
year. Students who come to Dominican tend to stay. This year 84%
of our freshman returned which is well beyond the national average,
and about 65% of freshmen that enroll will graduate from Dominican,
again well above the national average.
I am not Catholic—will
I feel uncomfortable?
A significant aspect of the Dominican tradition is respect for the
individual. This attitude encourages authentic self-expression for
students of all backgrounds, nationalities and religious traditions.
We require all students to take one course in theology. The theology
department offers several courses that satisfy students that are
interested in exploring other faiths or broader spiritual themes.
Many students also work with University Ministry, which provides a variety of opportunities for students to express their faith. The center offers an atmosphere of hospitality and inclusiveness where people of all religious traditions can gather to discuss and practice their faith. Throughout the school year, students are encouraged to lead or participate in programs such as community service, urban plunge, social justice discussions, daily and Sunday Mass, and ecumenical prayer.
Where can I go
for assistance with personal concerns, such as adjusting to college
life?
Dominican’s size and caring environment make it difficult to
get lost in the crowd. Professors, residence hall directors and other
staff members get to know the students and are available to them.
There is also the Wellness Center, which is a resource to students
as they navigate through the many new responsibilities, personal
choices and pressures that are part of university life. The professional
staff provides psychological counseling services, educational testing,
health education, and preventive health care as well as various developmental,
educational, support and therapeutic groups. Outreach programs and
workshops, as well as consultation on issues of wellness education,
are available to all students, faculty and staff.
I have more questions…what
is the best way to find out more information?
The best way to evaluate a college is through a campus visit. At
Dominican, you can either come as part of a group to one of our visiting
days or Discover Dominican Information Sessions, or you can arrange
to meet privately with one of our admissions counselors. If you desire
to meet with a professor, coach, student or other university professional,
the admissions counselors can arrange that as well. Dominican is
known for providing individual attention to our students, and that
attention begins with the admissions process. It is very likely that
you or your son or daughter will contact your admissions counselor
frequently in the application process, and you will find this resource
helpful, welcoming and reassuring. For more information, follow this
link to email our admission
staff or call us at (800) 828-8475 outside the Chicagoland area.
