This is Benedictine University
Jog along a tree-lined walkway. Relax on a bench and watch the sun set over Lake St. Benedict. Enjoy a few minutes between classes in the Krasa Student Center. Cheer for NCAA tournament qualifying baseball and softball teams in the award-winning Village of Lisle-Benedictine University Sports Complex. Work out in the spacious million-dollar Rice Center fitness facility. Peer inside the creative minds of artists, sculptors and painters at the Fr. Michael E. Komechak, O.S.B., Art Gallery or marvel at the more than 50,000 specimens and fossils ranging from a whale skeleton to tiny aphid inside the Jurica-Suchy Nature Museum. Spend a peaceful evening studying or get creative and write on the wall of the library. Enjoy a Frappuccino® at the Starbucks Café in Goodwin Hall. Unwind at the BenUnion with a game of pool, foosball, air hockey or pingpong, or join a few friends and watch sports on the big screen TVs inside the Coal Ben eatery.
Did Somebody Say "Fun"?
There's always something happening at Benedictine University.
Things like kicking off the school year with a concert by country stars Easton Corbin and Jerrod Niemann. Student activities like Welcome Weekend, Spread the Red and Founders' Fest. Whiteouts at men's and women's basketball games. Homecoming. Quad Day. Mardi Gras. Casino Night. Spring Formal.
Programming Board and Student Activities sponsor a number of events for students off campus, too. They offer special discounts on tickets to sporting and cultural events throughout the Chicago metropolitan area, like the “Second City” comedy club, Broadway Playhouse at Water Tower Place, Bulls and Blackhawks games, lakefront cruises and local movie theaters.
Then on the more serious side, there are presentations on campus by political giants like former Republican National Committee chairman Michael Steele and Democratic consultant David Axelrod, former U.S. Attorney General Alberto R. Gonzales, author Michelle Alexander and former presidential economic adviser Austan Goolsbee.
Your college experience should not be limited to the four walls of a classroom or the networking capability of a computer.
We're here to help
Benedictine University students are serious about their studies.
We are, too. That's why we provide the tools students need to develop their mind, body and spirit. The Student Success Center is dedicated to ensuring that our students succeed academically. The Career Development Center will help you prepare for life after college (because it's never too early to think ahead). The Benedictine Library provides access – online and off the shelf – to the greatest thinkers past and present. Want to give back to somebody in need or just need a spiritual boost? Visit Campus Ministry. Need a flu shot or some TLC? Try Student Health Services.
Maybe you just need some downtime from studying. Why not live out a pro golf fantasy at the indoor golf center? Or how about a workout in our 11,000-square-foot fitness facility in the Dan and Ada Rice Center? Twenty minutes on a treadmill and a circuit or two can relieve stress and refresh your mind. How about joining a group fitness class or organizing an intramural basketball team? You don't have to be an all-star to participate. Just a willingness to have fun and meet people.
Furniture, fresh food and Founders'
Whether your taste buds crave an egg on bagel sandwich or a pizza topped with spinach, our meal plans take the planning out of dining.
The Krasa Center Dining Room is open for lunch and dinner. You can choose from sizzling specialties of the day or an all-you-caneat helping of your favorite cultural fare. Dining Services works with Benedictine's dietetic interns to create special offerings throughout the semester, including low-fat, low-sodium taco salads, an apple festival, chili and soup bars, and more.
The Coal Ben eatery offers breakfast, sandwiches, pizza, burgers and premium fruit smoothies with multivitamins, protein or energy additive options for your palatal pleasure while you are surrounded by plasma TVs, Wi-Fi and entertainment. Or for a quick bite between classes, the Kindlon Hall Coffee Shop has light snacks to go and the Starbucks café in Goodwin Hall has all your favorite frozen coffees. Visit ben.edu/dining for more information.
Student housing options include Ondrak for the men and Jaeger for the women – or as an upperclassman, enjoy suite-style living at Neuzil Hall or apartment-style living at Founders' Woods. Check out the floor plans at ben.edu/reshalls.
Our dogs don't bite...much
Who is the most popular non-student on campus?
Hint: Her name is Sophie.
Sophie is a member of the Benedictine Police Department. She is a golden retriever whose role includes detecting illegal drugs and providing a safe environment for students, staff and faculty. But she also is there to provide friendship and a smiling face when you are having a tough day (OK, so she drools … a little).
Your safety is always our biggest concern. That is why the campus is well-lit and maintained; access to residence halls is controlled by card readers; high-resolution color cameras monitor sensitive campus areas; our officers are members of the first accredited private university law enforcement agency in Illinois and patrol campus 24/7; an emergency response team has been established; and the BenAlert System was installed to warn students, their families, staff and faculty, should the need arise, about dangers on campus.
Benedictine University is one the safest four-year schools in Illinois (according to data required by the U.S. Department of Education). We’re working hard to keep it that way.
Don’t know what it means?
You can find out by joining the Math Club, one of more than 40 clubs and student organizations at Benedictine University that teach leadership skills, provide service opportunities, and even offer a few answers to this and other questions you might have.
There is the American Chemical Society/Society of Physics, the Knights of Columbus and Everybody Matters. There is also the Investment Club, the Hindu Student Association, the Muslim Student Association, the Sci-Fi Fantasy Club, the Photography Club, Theater Club and Best Buddies.
And buddies are what you will make for life when you participate in a mission trip to Bolivia, package food for the hungry during Welcome Weekend or go green with SEEDs (Students for Ecological and Environmental Development).
There is something for everyone at Benedictine.
Find your something at ben.edu/studentactivities.