<p>Honestly, how would a school like UD be for someone who is very non-Catholic? My sense is the Jesuit colleges are a little less obvious in their religious affiliation, but UD reads like a great school where kids are happy. How would it be for someone who doesn't participate in an organized religion?</p>
<p>I’ve been asking this question a lot lately, as it looks like my non-Catholic D is headed there. Everyone said that religion is a non-issue at the school. During the info session, I got a little upset when the speaker said that a class in Catholicism was required. We’ve toured several religious schools and all have required a course in religion, but have offered choices.</p>
<p>I wouldn’t have a problem with Catholicism (or any religion) being taught in an academic atmosphere. As long as it’s not presented as any more true than other beliefs. Do you know that percentage of kids at UD who are practicing Catholics?</p>
<p>Practicing…no, but 70% claim to be Catholic, which is higher that most Catholic schools. I believe most Catholic schools are about 60/40. I don’t think anyone can tell you the number “practicing”. I’d guess it’s significantly lower. Let’s ask this on the Dayton forum, listed on the main discussion page under “alphabetical” lists of colleges.</p>
<p>UD is a Marianist college. I have several relatives who went there, I used to live near the school, a good friend works there. There are many non-Catholics there. And a lot of the Catholics aren’t that “religious.” They do (or used to) have a religious ed or philosophy requirement, but the choice of courses isn’t all Catholic. (Looking at their course catalog, I see that their Intro to Religion class has a general option and a Catholic option. There are also courses on other religions like Islam, Hinduism, etc.) You will find service/social justice oriented/campus ministry clubs. Students/staff/profs are generally very kind and friendly, maintaining a Christian atmosphere. If they don’t mind seeing a few statues and crucifixes around, non-Catholics shouldn’t have a problem.
I can’t find info on percentage of non-Catholics there, but I’m guessing 30-40%, though this may include part-time and grad students.</p>
<p>atomom, I asked the admissions’ speaker point blank, “Do you have to take a class in Catholicism?”, because I thought that surely I had heard her wrong. She said, “Yes, but it’s combined with the history of UD.” I have no idea what the class is called.</p>
<p>My S goes to a Jesuit HS. We are non practicing Catholics and he was never baptised. He has to take 4 years of “religion”. He is also required to attend mass about once a month. The first year was History of religion with a huge emphisis on Catholicism. Since then it has been ethics type classes. There are jewish and kids from other religions also. I really don’t see the big deal about learning about Catholicism or any other religion. They aren’t trying to indoctrinate anyone. </p>
<p>If it is a big deal to you and something you cannot get over having your D take this required class regardless of the other benefits of UD then your D should probably take a pass. At least at my S’s Jesuit HS it has really been a non issue.</p>
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<p>If you’re referring to me, then I guess you didn’t read my first post.</p>
<p>I have poked around the UD forum. Here’s something on the topic: <a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/university-dayton/839530-religion-courses-atmosphere.html[/url]”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/university-dayton/839530-religion-courses-atmosphere.html</a> . It’s just that I take the “happiest students” ranking with a grain of salt, since there’s so much self-selection involved (e.g., all those happy, intolerant kids at some of the southern schools).</p>