Checklist for Catholic College Visits

NOTE from the Holy Heroes parents: We are now embarking this Fall on college visits for children #4 and #5 (Trey and Anna).  Thought this guest post would be helpful for parents when they are considering a Catholic college with their children: what to look for and how to assess what you see (and many apply to secular colleges, too).

GUEST POST by Kelly Salomon            

When you visit a Catholic college, naturally, your first thought will be about academics. Ask about the classes you will take, what’s required for your planned major, and try to meet some of your future professors.

Don’t forget to look carefully into the core curriculum, especially philosophy and theology courses. See if the college requires theology professors to have a mandatum—a promise to teach in accord with the Church—which helps indicate whether the college is serious about faithful Catholic education.

Is the college in The Newman Guide? This online resource provides detailed information on several faithful Catholic colleges, and it’s worth reading before you visit. Newman Guide colleges often emphasize the liberal arts and teach students to think critically and communicate effectively—skills that are important on any career path!

Be sure to look also beyond the academics to campus life. You will spend about 15 hours per week in the classroom and several more hours reading and studying, but the rest of your time will be spent elsewhere, including:

1. The dorms
   This is definitely a place where you will spend a lot of time. Are residence halls single-sex? Is that at least an option? Can males and females be in each other’s rooms, even late at night?

    A dorm room is a bedroom. It’s important for you to think about what type of housing environment will help you grow in virtue and protect against sexual assault.

2. The sports field and activities center
   What activities will you be involved with on campus? Will you be competing on an athletic team or participating in ROTC? Will you join the pro-life club or engage in community service? Or perhaps perform with the drama club or choir?

   A faithful Catholic college will ensure that such activities are consistent with Catholic values and help develop virtue. While visiting campus, try to meet student participants and adult leaders of these groups. Ask how they integrate the Catholic faith. See if they help build strong Catholic friendships.

3. The chapel
   Most Catholic campuses offer the sacraments, retreats, and spiritual counseling—but how many students participate? At a faithful Catholic college, you should find many opportunities for daily and Sunday Mass, Adoration, and Confession. Explore how else you can grow in your faith, such as Rosary walks around campus, Bible study, and “households” of students who live and pray together.

When you put the Catholic faith at the forefront of your campus visit, chances are you will make an excellent college choice. And that’s so important!

As the late Fr. Benedict Groeschel wisely reminded Catholic families, “Colleges are places where students are able to find God or to have God hidden from them—where they can learn to live a virtuous life or experience how easy it is to embrace the lies of our… culture.” May God lead you in your college search.

Kelly Salomon is editor of The Newman Guide at The Cardinal Newman Society.