The distinct residential mission of Notre Dame centers upon the capable ministry of the hall rectors.
Rectors serve as teachers, counselors, disciplinarians, and friends to the students of their halls.
Assistant Rectors, who are typically graduate students, as well as Resident Assistants, who are fourth or fifth year undergraduates, complete the make-up of our hall staffs, and serve very important roles within the life of each hall. The rich tradition of residential life at Notre Dame began early in the University s history. The first buildings on campus combined classrooms with living quarters for students, faculty, and staff. Notre Dame further developed a distinct commitment to residential life in the early 1880's when it became the first Catholic university to offer residential halls with private rooms. Generations of students have found residential halls to be a hallmark of life at Notre Dame.