The Catholic University of AmericaStudent Guide

Academic dates, campus language, housing, and student-life references for The Catholic University of America. Free for students.

Private Non-Profit Liberal Arts College in Washington, DC. Operating on a semester system.

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Free for all The Catholic University of America students. No credit card required.

7K+

Total Enrollment

Liberal Arts College

Institution Type

25

Housing Buildings

Student guide · Fall Semester 2026

The semester, explained for The Catholic University of America

Dates from the active academic calendar, plus the campus language and local details students actually need. Every entry comes from DormWay's approved campus reference library.

Relevant term
Fall Semester 2026
Campus terms
47
Local details
26

Academic calendar

Fall Semester 2026 runs Aug 31, 2026 – Dec 19, 2026. Calendar aliases that share a date range are grouped together, with every source term still shown.

8 entries
  1. Summer 2026 Session 114 (14 Week Session)
  2. Summer 2026 Session DD (Dynamically Dated Session)
  3. Summer 2026 Session 25 (Second 5 Week Session)
  4. Summer 2026 Session 26 (Second 6 Week Session)
  5. Summer 2026 Session ON2 (Second 7 Week Session)
  6. Fall Semester 2026Relevant now
  7. Spring Semester 2027
  8. Summer Session 2027

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Campus language

Search the full glossary. Nothing is sampled or hidden when the search field is empty.

47 terms

B

Brookland
The neighborhood in Northeast D.C. where the university is located.

C

Campus Min
Campus Ministry, the center for spiritual life, retreats, and community service on campus.
Campus Ministry
The department that coordinates liturgical services, retreats, and service projects.
Cardinal
The university mascot and the term used to refer to any student of the university.
Cardinal Cash
A debit-like account on the student ID used for laundry, printing, and participating off-campus merchants.
CPB
Campus Program Board, the student-led organization that plans major campus events like Mistletoe Ball.
CUA Gaels
The university's competitive and performance Irish dance team.
CUAllies
The university's student-led LGBTQ+ advocacy and support group.
CV
Centennial Village, a cluster of eight traditional-style residence halls primarily for freshmen.

D

Dining Dollars
Funds included with meal plans specifically for use at on-campus dining locations.
DPS
Department of Public Safety, the campus police and security force.

F

Flather
Flather Hall, a prominent residence hall often housing freshmen and sophomores.
FOCUS
Fellowship of Catholic University Students, a prominent Catholic missionary organization on campus.

G

Garvey
The Garvey Hall dining commons, a newer primary dining facility on campus.
Gibbons
Gibbons Hall, a historic residence hall located near the center of campus.

L

Little Rome
A nickname for the Brookland neighborhood due to the high concentration of Catholic institutions.

M

Metro
The Brookland-CUA Metro station on the Red Line, the primary transit point for students.
Millie
Millennium North and South residence halls, typically housing upperclassmen.
Murphy's
Murphy's Grill, a sit-down restaurant and bar located in the Pryz.

O

OCA
Office of Campus Activities, which oversees student organizations and events.
Opus
Opus Hall, a residence hall primarily for upperclassmen and graduate students.

P

PB
Program Board, the student-led organization responsible for planning major campus events like concerts and formals.
POD
The P.O.D. (Provisions on Demand) Market, a convenience store located in the Pryz.
Program Board
The student organization responsible for planning major campus events like the Mistletoe Ball.

R

Reading Day
The designated study day between the end of classes and the start of final exams.
Regan
Regan Hall, one of the residence halls located in the Centennial Village area.
Ryan
Ryan Hall, a residence hall within Centennial Village often housing first-year students.

S

SAPB
Student Activities Programming Board, responsible for organizing major campus events like concerts and formals.
SAPC
Student Affairs Policy Committee.
SGA
Student Government Association, the primary representative body for students.
Starbucks
The full-service Starbucks located on the first floor of the Pryz.

T

The Brookland
The neighborhood surrounding the university, often used to refer to the local shops and restaurants.
The Bubble
The perceived isolation of the CUA campus from the broader Washington, D.C. environment.
The Du
Short for the Dufour Athletic Center.
The Eatery
The main all-you-care-to-eat dining hall located on the second floor of the Pryz.
The Flather
Flather Hall, a common residence hall for freshmen and sophomores.
The Food Court
The retail dining area on the first floor of the Pryz featuring various fast-casual options.
The Lawn
The University Lawn, the central green space used for graduation and student recreation.
The Mall
The University Lawn, the large green space in front of McMahon Hall where students study and socialize.
The Metro
Refers specifically to the Brookland-CUA station on the Washington Metro Red Line.
The Nest
The online portal used by students to join clubs and track campus involvement.
The POD
Provisions on Demand, the campus convenience store located in the Pryz for snacks and essentials.
The Pryz
The Edward J. Pryzbyla University Center, the primary location for student dining and services.
The Red Line
The Washington Metro line accessed via the Brookland-CUA station, used by students to travel downtown.
The Shrine
The Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, located adjacent to campus.
The Student Restaurant
The main all-you-care-to-eat dining hall located on the second floor of the Pryz.
The Tower
The independent student newspaper of the university.

Places and practicalities

Buildings, logistics, and other local references drawn from the approved campus snapshot.

26 details
basilica_cafeteria
Basilica Cafeteria
Brookland-CUA
The name of the Metro station that serves as the primary public transit link for the university.
Cardinal Card
The official student ID card used for building access, meal plans, and library services.
Cardinal Cash
A prepaid account on the student ID used for laundry, printing, and at participating off-campus merchants.
Cardinal Station
The online student portal used for course registration, checking grades, and financial aid.
CUA Alert
The emergency notification system that sends texts and emails regarding campus safety or closures.
CUA Safe
The official campus safety mobile app used for emergency alerts and requesting safety escorts.
CUAlert
The university's emergency notification system that sends texts and emails regarding campus safety.
Dining Dollars
Funds tied to a meal plan specifically for use at on-campus retail dining locations.
Dufour
The Raymond A. Dufour Athletic Center, the primary facility for sports and recreation.
garvey_dining_hall
Garvey Dining Hall
garvey_hall
Garvey Hall
Gowan
Gowan Hall, the primary building for the Conway School of Nursing.
Hannan
Hannan Hall, the building housing the Department of Physics and the Herzfeld Auditorium.
Hartke
The Hartke Theatre, the primary venue for the university's drama and musical theatre productions.
McMahon
McMahon Hall, a historic academic building housing administrative offices and classrooms.
Mullen
The John K. Mullen of Denver Memorial Library, the main campus library.
murphy_s_grill
Murphy's Grill
Nesting
The practice of students claiming a specific spot in Mullen Library for long study sessions.
pryz_food_court
Pryz Food Court
pryz_market
Pryz Market
SafeRide
A university-operated shuttle service providing safe transportation around campus and the immediate neighborhood at night.
The Loop
The campus shuttle service that runs a continuous route between campus buildings and the Metro station.
The Nest
The centralized online portal where students register for classes, check grades, and manage financial accounts.
The Shrine
The Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, located adjacent to campus.
Ward
Ward Hall, the main building for the Benjamin T. Rome School of Music, Drama, and Art.

Quick answers

Useful facts students can verify from the guide above.

What academic term is relevant now?
Fall Semester 2026 runs Aug 31, 2026 – Dec 19, 2026.
How much campus context is included?
47 approved campus terms and 26 local details are included in full.
Are all approved campus terms included?
Yes. The complete approved glossary is available in the scrollable, searchable campus-language section.
Where does this guide come from?
Calendar dates, campus terms, and local details come from DormWay's approved campus reference library.

Get to know your university

Assisted

Find a few communities to try at The Catholic University of America

These are things we discovered from public campus sources. We are constantly looking for more.

Tell us what we missed

24 mapped items from 5 public sources

Interest filters
  • Major-aligned clubs, pre-professional groups, and research communities.
  • Performing arts, visual arts, student publications, film, and music.
  • Cultural orgs, identity communities, and faith-based groups.
  • Volunteer groups, civic engagement, mutual aid, and student government.
  • Outdoor clubs, intramural sports, club sports, and rec center programs.
  • Entrepreneurship, hackathon teams, makerspaces, and engineering project teams.
  • Casual hangouts, interest groups, and open events without applications.

Worth a look

Graduate Student Association (GSA)

Represents the interests of all graduate students at the university, providing advocacy, professional development opportunities, and social events.

Source: graduatestudies.catholic.edu · Verified 3 days ago

Learn More

Men's Club Ice Hockey

Competes in the American Collegiate Hockey Association (ACHA).

Tryout required

Source: cuahockey.com · Verified 3 days ago

Learn More

Program Board

A student-run organization responsible for planning and executing large-scale campus-wide events, including concerts, comedians, and other entertainment.

Student Government Association (SGA)

The official representative body for undergraduate students, advocating for student interests to the university administration and managing the student activity fee.

Regular commitment

Source: studentaffairs.catholic.edu · Verified 3 days ago

Learn More

Treasury Board

A committee of students responsible for allocating the Student Activity Fee to registered student organizations for their events and initiatives.

Source: studentaffairs.catholic.edu · Verified 3 days ago

Learn More

Women's Club Ultimate

A competitive ultimate frisbee team known as the 'Nuns'.

Open to all

Source: fitness.catholic.edu · Verified 3 days ago

Learn More

Easy to try first

Active Minds

A student-led group dedicated to changing the conversation about mental health on campus through advocacy, awareness events, and education.

Drop in any time

American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE)

Student chapter providing members with opportunities for professional development, networking, and participation in engineering competitions like the Concrete Canoe.

Drop in any time

American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME)

The student chapter of the professional organization for mechanical engineers, focusing on professional development, networking, and hands-on projects.

Drop in any time

Best Buddies

Aims to create one-to-one friendships, integrated employment, and leadership development for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).

Drop in any time

Resources & spaces

Center for Academic and Career Success

Offers comprehensive support including academic coaching, tutoring services, writing assistance, and career development resources like resume reviews and internship guidance.

Open to all

Counseling Center

Provides confidential individual and group counseling, psychiatric services, and wellness workshops to support the mental health of all full-time students.

Open to all

Using DormWay at The Catholic University of America

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The Catholic University of America on DormWay

Current DormWay activity for this campus

12

Active Students

16

Syllabi Analyzed

16

Courses on DormWay

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Popular Courses

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Analytic Geometry and Calculus ICornerstone Writing and RhetoricElementary Arabic IFirst Year SeminarFoundations in Architecture IGeneral Chemistry Lab IGeneral PsychologyHealth Psychology

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Life in Washington for The Catholic University of America Students

Everything you need to know about living and studying in Washington.

Timezone

Eastern Time (ET)

Median Rent

$1,800

Cost of Living Index

152

Student Population

170,000

City Transportation

Walkability

76

Bikeability

69

Public Transit

Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority Metrorail, Metrobus, DC Circulator, Maryland Area Regional Commuter (MARC), Virginia Railway Express (VRE)

Nearest Airports

Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, Washington Dulles International Airport, Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport

Climate Averages

Climate

Humid subtropical

Avg Annual Temp

58.3°F

Avg Snowfall

13.7 in

Campus Operations Snapshot

Parking and Transit

University Parking Garage

garage

Accessible off of John McCormack Road.

McMahon Lot

surface_lot

Recommended for family weekend events.

Marist Hall Lot

surface_lot

Located in outlying areas of campus.

O'Boyle Hall Lot

surface_lot

Located in outlying areas of campus.

DuFour Athletic Center Lot

surface_lot

Located near the athletic center.

Campus News

Latest updates from The Catholic University of America

Pope Leo XIV's Representative Celebrates Annual Mass of the Holy Spirit

Archbishop Gabriele Caccia, the papal nuncio, served as celebrant and homilist for the annual Mass of the Holy Spirit opening the academic year.

Sep 4, 2026

Read More

University Gains Sixth ABET Global Accreditation for Environmental Engineering

The undergraduate environmental engineering program received accreditation by ABET after a rigorous 18-month process.

Sep 1, 2026

Read More

Orientation Weekend Marks Beginning of Class of 2030's College Journey

New students arrived on campus for a weekend of orientation activities to begin their four-year journey.

Sep 1, 2026

Read More

President Kilpatrick: Students Make Catholic University What It Is

President Peter Kilpatrick welcomed students back to campus, highlighting opportunities for growth in community and faith.

Aug 31, 2026

Read More

Mills South Fire reported on July 31, 2026.

Mills South Fire reported on July 31, 2026.

Read More

Upcoming Events

What's happening at The Catholic University of America

Class of 2030 Convocation

September 16, 2026

The Catholic University of America Campus

An annual ceremony welcoming first-year students, featuring speeches from campus leaders and the distribution of university pins.

Father Jude DeAngelo Memorial Mass and Alumni Reception

September 19, 2026

Caldwell Chapel

A memorial mass and reception for alumni and friends of the university.

Beatification of Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen - Catholic University Reception

September 24, 2026

Magnolia St. Louis - St. Louis, MO

A reception celebrating the beatification of Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen.

HR Speaker Series - Protected for Purpose: Part 1

September 24, 2026

University Campus

The first part of a two-part speaker series focused on professional development and purpose.

A Conversation with Monsignor Robert Sokolowski

September 25, 2026

Aquinas Hall

An academic conversation featuring Monsignor Robert Sokolowski.

Catholic University Night at Nationals Park

September 25, 2026

Nationals Park

A community outing for students and alumni to attend a Washington Nationals baseball game.

Dorms & On-Campus Housing at The Catholic University of America

Various dorm and housing options are available for students.

24 known dorm and housing options. Every known option is shown below.

Caldwell Hall

Room types: single, double

Camalier House

Room types: house-style apartment

Centennial Village

Room types: double with bath

Curley Court

Engelhard House

Room types: house-style apartment

Flather Hall

Capacity: 172

Room types: double, triple

Gibbons Hall

Capacity: 138

Room types: single, double, triple

McDonald House

Room types: house-style apartment

Millennium Halls (North and South)

Capacity: 350

Room types: suite single, suite double, apartment single, apartment double

Millennium North

Capacity: 175

Room types: double

Millennium South

Capacity: 175

Room types: double

Opus Hall

Room types: suite single, suite double

Opus North

Room types: double

Opus South

Room types: double

Quinn House

Room types: house-style apartment

Reardon House

Room types: house-style apartment

Regan Hall

Room types: double

Ryan Hall

Room types: single, double, triple

Saint Lawrence Village

Capacity: 121

Room types: apartment (4-person units), traditional (2-person rooms), apartment double

Seton Hall

Room types: single, double

Seton Wing

Room types: double

St. Lawrence Village

Capacity: 121

Room types: apartment double, double

Unanue House

Room types: house-style apartment

Walton House

Room types: house-style apartment

Campus Details

Academic System

Semester

Control

Private Non-Profit

Email Domain

@thecatholicamerica.edu

Official Website

Visit Website →

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