Application Process

Due to Italian legal requirements, all participants in the Rome program must be 18 years of age by the start of their program. 

The Rome Program exists in large part to help deepen the students' understanding of issues raised in the Core Curriculum, so it is important that applicants have made appropriate progress in their Core Courses.

Minimum requirements for attending the Rome Program include: sophomore standing at the commencement of the Rome semester; at least one full-time semester spent on the main campus prior to participation (including the semester immediately preceding Rome participation); successful completion of Literary Tradition I and Philosophy and the Ethical Life; preferable completion of Literary Tradition II and Understanding the Bible; preferably a cumulative grade point average of at least a 2.5; and good academic standing at the University of Dallas.

Since the academic program of the Rome Semester is heavily weighted in the direction of courses that stress careful reading, cogent writing, and the disciplines of history, literature, and philosophy, applicants who are weak in these areas may be required to wait until their records demonstrate competence.  Preference is given to students who have demonstrated the ability to succeed academically while carrying a full five-course (15 hour) load in Irving.

Academic achievement the semester before Rome is especially important in determining eligibility. Students on academic probation and students with incompletes are automatically excluded from participation in the Rome Program.

Considerations for Students with Medical Conditions

• Limited access to care.
• Language barrier.
• Lack of mental health services.
• Limited availability of medications commonly prescribed in the U.S.
• Prescription medication cannot be shipped to Italy.

Health Requirements

• All health conditions must be stable for four months prior to the Rome semester and remain stable under current treatment throughout the Rome semester.
• Students must be able to travel, carry a heavy load, accommodate diet to available resources and adjust to rigorous academic and physical activity.
• Ongoing treatment must require minimal intervention, such that it can be administered on the Rome campus and during travel periods.
• Students with health conditions may be required to obtain clearance from a physician and submit proof of enough medication for the full semester.

Bear in Mind

• Previously resolved health problems may resurface abroad, especially asthma and conditions associated with fatigue, change in schedule and diet, and distance from home.
• Students must also be prepared to pay physicians and hospitals out-of-pocket for any medical services and then submit a claim for reimbursement to their insurance company. 

Housing and Student Affairs

It is a privilege, not a right, to study abroad during a student's time at the University. Student Conduct records are reviewed for every student applying to the Rome program and other foreign study programs.  Those with significant student conduct issues are likely to be initially rejected and then may appeal to be put on the waitlist.  Only after a successful appeal to the Rome Committee may they be allowed to attend these programs.  Ordinarily, students on Probation I are automatically rejected and must appeal.  Other conduct problems short of Probation I can result in a student being put on the waitlist.  Students on Probation II are excluded from participation without the possibility of appeal.

While participating in the Rome program, students must still abide by the Code, and furthermore must also abide by the policies and procedures outlined in the Rome Program’s Student Handbook.

As this is a community of traditional full-time residential undergraduates, students who do not meet this profile may find that the living facilities cannot meet their residential needs and that the campus life, schedule, and structure will not be appropriate to their social needs. Students must have reached 18 years of age prior to the departure date for the program to be eligible to participate. The program is not suited for married students, students with families, or students accustomed to living as independent self-supporting adults. Careful scrutiny will be given to students who for health reasons do not live on the Irving campus for two reasons: 1) the same health concerns which prevent living on the Irving campus may also affect a student's ability to live on the Rome campus; 2) we are less able to evaluate students' ability to live in community if they are not in residence in Irving. 

Student health and discipline records are evaluated by the Rome Office Director, in cooperation with the Office of Student Affairs, for the health and maturity necessary to meet the challenges of close community life, demanding schedules, and independent travel.

Around 70% of all graduates have been to Rome (80% of full time students who start as freshmen and graduate in 4 years). 60% of students go to Rome as sophomores. The remainder go as juniors/seniors, or in the summer.

Upperclassmen should work with their advisor when determining when is the best time to go to Rome.

Semester preference depends upon space availability for each semester. Applicants will have the opportunity to list academic and other reasons for a semester preference on their application forms.

Students may be placed on the waitlist for a variety of reasons, including a late or incomplete application (including failure to submit a photocopy of a passport valid at least six months after their return date); academic or disciplinary considerations; failure to attend required meetings or deadlines; or lack of space for all applicants to a given semester. To remain in consideration, all waitlisted students are expected to attend all meetings and to meet all deadlines. Traditionally, the waitlist is re-evaluated after final grades are reported in May. Students will receive an update of their status in June if they are on the waitlist. The spring list will also be re-evaluated in October after midterm grades are posted and if necessary in January once final grades are posted for the semester.