This section summarizes important facets pertaining to students, faculty members, educational programs and facilities at the University.

Student Enrollment

Consistent with the vision of NDU, the majority of students join the University because of its American system of education, the diversity of undergraduate and graduate liberal arts and professional majors, the reputation of the University in the community, and the proven achievement record of NDU graduates in the national and regional market place. Moreover, the Catholic identity of the University and its incessant emphasis on its core ethical values as embedded in the curriculum, student activities and community service have been the main reason for attracting more students. These students who graduate from Catholic schools find it advantageous to pursue their higher education at a Catholic university that follows the American system of education and maintains equal opportunity policies and practices that accommodate all students regardless of their religion, gender, creed, belief, disabilities or nationality.

Between 2000 and 2007, a total of 11,920 students were accepted at Notre Dame University - Louaize, of whom 9,781(80%) enrolled. From 2000 to the fall of 2007, the University has consistently maintained an average annual increase in student enrollment of about 5%. The highest enrollment was in the Fall of the academic year 2007-08; 1316 new students enrolled.

Composition of the Student Body

The majority of students who attend NDU are Lebanese (95%) with a slight representation of non-Lebanese overseas students. Non-Lebanese students come mainly from Arab states, Australia, Africa, the United States of America and Europe. In terms of gender, the majority of students who attend NDU are males (64.7%) compared to females (35.3%). Females significantly outnumber male students in three Faculties: Faculty of Humanities, Faculty of Architecture, Art and Design, and the Faculty of Political Science, Public Administration and Diplomacy, while the majority of males are concentrated in two main Faculties, i.e. Engineering and Business Administration and Economics.

Graduates

NDU has graduated a total of 5100 students from the Fall of 2000 to the Summer of 2007. The striking majority of these graduated students (n = 4721) were undergraduates (92.6%) as opposed to 332(6.5%) graduate students with about 47(0.92%) in teaching diploma programs (see figure 1).

Figure 1: Composition of graduating students from Fall 2000 to Summer 2007.

Educational facilities

Students at NDU enjoy access to a vast array of educational services and facilities. For instance, the library renders a host of services that facilitate students’ research projects through subscription to reputable refereed journals in different fields and specialized academic books and primary resources that can be accessed on-campus and off-campus through the online database system. Also, students have access to many electronic facilities (e-mail, wireless internet, electronic registration and Blackboard) that make student life on campus easy and enjoyable. Additionally, approximately 45% of the classrooms are equipped with LCDs and computers to facilitate learning and meet students’ diversified learning styles. Besides, NDU has newly constructed modern labs for students to engage in experimentation and research. Prospective students enjoy campus tours and admission career guidance services. Once enrolled, students benefit from academic advising before and during their enrollment. Moreover, the University’s modern cafeteria with its distinctive location on top of a precipice overlooking the Dog River, receives hospitality management students for training and internship.

Recreational facilities

Notre Dame University - Louaize has recently established a complex of sports and recreational facilities including outdoor tennis courts, basket and volley ball grounds and indoor sport facilities that encourage student and community involvement in sports, recreation and profitable use of their leisure time.

The Campus Ministry

Consistent with its Catholic identity and core values, Notre Dame University - Louaize nourishes students’ spiritual lives through the activities at the Campus Ministry. The Campus Ministry is staffed with five full-time campus chaplains who celebrate daily masses at convenient hours in the University Chapel; these services cater for the religious, personal, and moral concerns of the University community and are open to all students, faculty and staff regardless of their religious backgrounds.

Medical facilities

NDU renders on-campus medical services to students, staff and faculty members. These services include medical check ups, laboratory tests and medication.

Scholarships and assistance

In concert with the Christian Maronite ethos embedded in the mission of NDU, more than 18% of the University’s budget has been allotted to help low income students in the form of work study grants and scholarships (more than 32 million US$). Scholarships are also allotted to the top ten ranking students graduated from secondary Catholic schools which signed agreements of cooperation with NDU.

Student life

Students at NDU enjoy a vibrant campus life including a variety of social, academic and recreational activities needed for their healthy social, psychological, and physical development. Students organize themselves in clubs on a yearly basis. These clubs initiate and organize social, recreational and national activities on campus as guided by the University’s mission and core values and supported by the Student Affairs Office (SAO).

Virtually all the services rendered by the University have their impact on students who apply to NDU.