About Washington Hall
Washington Hall is operated by the Student Activities Office under the Division of Student Affairs.
Our primary focus is to serve the official Notre Dame student clubs and organizations in the production of their performances throughout the year and are proud to serve as a primary venue for the student body.
As the university's first performing arts center, we are honored to share the stories, art, and lore of Washington Hall. The hall serves our campus community as a venue for events, meetings, lectures, performances, rehearsals and commencement ceremonies.
In the past, the hall has been featured on the Travel Channel program 'Weird Travels" and the ESPN special, 'Peyton's Places: Peyton and Eli's Spooky Adventure' hosted by Super Bowl winner quarterback brothers, Peyton and Eli Manning and featured Notre Dame Alumni, Super Bowl Champion, and Football Hall of Famer, Jerome Bettis.
You can read more about our extensive history online or by reading a comprehensive history of the space in the book, Washington Hall at Notre Dame by Mark C. Pilkinton, available through Notre Dame Press.
Our Mission
The Student Activities Office provides space, resources, programs, and events that enable students to grow holistically, develop as student leaders and employees, strengthen passions that improve well-being, engage in healthy social interactions, and explore relationships with others from different backgrounds and interests.
ACUI and the Role of the College Union
Our office embraces the college union statement to serve as inspiration for our student centers and student-centric spaces as outlined by the Association of College Unions International and stated:
The college union advances a sense of community, unifying the institution by embracing the diversity of students, faculty, staff, alumni, and guests. We bolster the educational mission of the institution and the development of students as lifelong learners by delivering an array of cultural, educational, social, and recreational programs, services, and facilities.
By any form or name, we serve as the heart of the campus community and create a welcoming environment by:
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Operating as a student-centered department that engages in shared decision-making and holistic development through employment and involvement.
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Advocating for inclusivity and equity, fostering respect, and affirming the identities of all individuals.
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Educating students in leadership and social responsibility and offering firsthand experiences in global citizenship.
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Providing gathering spaces to encourage formal and informal community interactions that build meaningful relationships.
Traditionally considered the living room, the college union enhances the student experience and cultivates an enduring connection to the institution.