Catholic University of America

Catholic University of America Summary

The Catholic University of America (abbreviated “CUA”), located in Washington, D.C., is unique as the national university of the Roman Catholic Church and as the only higher education institution founded by U.S. Roman Catholic bishops. See main article History of The Catholic University of America The proposal to create a national Catholic university in America reflected the rising size and influence of nation’s Catholic population and also an ambitious vision of the Church’s role in American life during the 19th century. Between 1900 and 1940 more than 50 international Catholic institutions rented or owned property in neighboring Brookland which gave the neighborhood the nickname ‘Little Rome.’ The period after World War II saw the rise of Catholic visibility in America, and particular prominence for CUA. During the first post-war years, Catholic University experienced a dynamic expansion in enrollment thanks to the G.I. The office of University Center, Student Programs and Events maintains an up to date directory of student organizations. Although the Catholic University states that it does not have any Greek Life on campus it infact has two social greek organizations and one service greek organization. Catholic University Greek Life includes Alpha Delta Gamma the National Catholic Social Fraternity- Kappa chapter, Kappa Tau Gamma the local Chirstian Social-Service Sorority, and Alpha Phi Omega the National Service Fraternity- Zeta Mu chapter which is co-ed. Student Government includes the Undergraduate Student Government with its Legislative, Academic, Judicial and Treasury branches and the Graduate Student Association. While the University welcomes students of all faiths, 84% of undergraduates and 59% of graduate students self-identify as Catholic. Campus Ministry also coordinates university liturgies, plans and runs retreats, provides faith formation including R.C.I.A., and operates the online Prayernet. CUA competed in Division I, where they won a national championship in boxing (1938), the baseball team advanced to the NCAA Division I Tournament in 1977, and the football team appeared in two major bowl games (the 1936 Orange Bowl, which they won and the 1940 Sun Bowl, which they tied), until the academic year of 1981-82, when they decided to move to Division III. The men’s swim team has won four Capitol Athletic Conference titles and three National Catholic Division III championships, while women’s swimming has won a Catholic Division III title and softball has an ECAC Southern Region title. Pryzbyla University Center was opened in the spring of 2003, bringing student dining services, the campus bookstore, student organization offices, an 800 person ballroom, a convenience store and more student services all under one roof. Nearby campus is the Pope John Paul II Cultural Center, the Franciscan Monastery, Trinity University and the offices of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. Also see the List of buildings at The Catholic University of America. Catholic University has 11 schools and the Metropolitan College in addition to 21 research centers and facilities. Catholic University is the only U.S. university with an ecclesiastical faculty of Canon law and is one of the few U.S. universities with ecclesiastical faculties of philosophy and sacred theology. School of Architecture and Planning School of Arts and Sciences *Indicates areas of study that are also offered with Secondary Education Minor School of Engineering Benjamin T. Rome School of Music School of Nursing School of Philosophy Pre-Professional Studies School of Architecture and Planning School of Arts and Sciences School of Canon Law School of Engineering Columbus School of Law Sc