how conservative is conservative?

<p>i'm thinking about going to ND but i'm worried i'm going to find the atmosphere too conservative. i've been brought up relatively liberally - i have no problems with gay marriage and i'm pro-choice. i'm worried this will cause problems, not discrimination exactly, but more of a lack of connection with a majority of the student body. as a catholic-turned-agnostic, i'm scared my lack of belief will also be a problem. How many kids on campus are waiting until they are married to have sex? Can you really be punished if you are found having sex?
From current students, how does the conservative atmosphere effect every day life?</p>

<p>I'd say the campus is a pretty even split, with just as many liberals as conservatives and most falling into the moderate range. You shouldn't have any trouble relating to the student body here. The Notre Dame student body is only "conservative" compared to the liberal attitude prevalent at other colleges. There are also a few agnostics here, and a lot of "catholics" who don't go to mass or anything. People wont judge you. Technically, it is against the rules to have sex before marriage, and yes you can be punished for it. But i've never actually heard of this actually happeneing to anyone. The atmosphere really isn't that conservative. If you don't respect conservatives and want a super liberal environment, go to any other top 25 school. If you actually want some people on both sides of the spectrum and can handle the presence of conservatives, the politcal atmosphere here shouldn't btoher you. Some of ND's policies are more conservative than at other schools (parietals, no-sex, no hard alcohol/kegs), but they don't really impact daily life to that great an extent. Things still happen, it just has to stay under the radar.</p>

<p>I'll offer my opinion as the parent of a current Domer.</p>

<p>Notre Dame is open to students of all faiths and those who adhere to no faith. You can find a place there. However, your self-description as a "catholic-turned-agnostic" makes me think that you would find the atmosphere on campus oppressive. I can <em>feel</em> the presence of the faith on campus when I go to visit my son - the spirit permeates everything that is Our Lady's University. You see it, and feel it, all around you as you walk from place to place, and I just have to wonder if you'd spend your time there in a constant state of irritation.</p>

<p>Be sure to arrange to visit overnight before you apply. Give it a couple of days, and see how it feels to you.</p>

<p>Good Luck!</p>

<p>I agree that it seems pretty split, though with being a Catholic school you are going to be in the minority on issues like gay marriage and abortion. However, there are many here who do feel the same way you do on those issues. </p>

<p>You will probably notice a lean, especially if you were to go to Mass here, though it doesn't sound like that will be an issue. You will be accepted though. The College Dems and Progressive Student Alliance is alive and well on-campus. Honestly I think the Dems outwork the Republicans here.</p>

<p>ND is only conservative in relative terms. If I had to guess, voting would be split Democratic / Republican. Because most colleges, and most college-type people are liberal, ND seems conservative. </p>

<p>Its students are very conservative about gay marriage and abortion. A high number, though, advocate liberal economic policies - both in the government in general and in the incredibly wasteful ways the school throws subsidies and funds at various University "interest groups."</p>

<p>I am a Libertarian, though. </p>

<p>One thing I will say....ND students are incredibly thoughtful, and most wll talk about any political issue in a very sane, reasonable fashion.</p>

<p>If you are a "catholic turned agnostic," but want to feel that you are on the same page with most of your fellow students on issue of faith and morals, then I wonder what attracts you to Notre Dame in the first place. You wouldn't have any trouble fitting in at most other schools with which Notre Dame usually competes for students, and if you want an essentially secular education with some Catholic patina, Georgetown, Boston College, or Villanova would fit the bill nicely. If it's going to bother you that your roommate and his girlfriend aren't having sex (though it's hard to see why that would pose any problem at all), or that your chem partner wears a prolife T-shirt, then perhaps you would be happier elsewhere.</p>