General Information
- When was the University founded and what is its history?
- Where is Dominican University of California located?
- How can I search for and find a person or a course?
- What is the University parking policy?
- Is Dominican an accredited university?
- Who is responsible for security on campus?
- What are the duties of Barbier Security?
- How do I contact security?
- Is smoking allowed on campus?
- Are there any designated smoking areas on campus?
- How will the no smoking policy be enforced?
- Where can I find facts and figures about the University?
- What if I want some more in-depth statistics?
- How do I get around in the Bay Area?
- What are the University office and facility hours?
Q: When was the University founded and what is its history?
Dominican University of California takes its name from St. Dominic de Guzman, who was born in Caleruega, Spain, in roughly 1172. The University was founded in 1890 by the Dominican Sisters of San Rafael and in 1917 it became the first Catholic college in California to grant a bachelor’s degree to women.
Under the stewardship of President Joseph R. Fink, Dominican College of San Rafael became Dominican University of California in the 2000–2001 academic year.
Learn more about the University’s history and traditions.
Q: Where is Dominican University of California located?
Dominican is located in an upscale residential neighborhood of San Rafael, a suburban town of about 50,000 people just 12 miles north of the Golden Gate Bridge. Although we are in a suburban setting, we are also just a short drive from San Francisco and Oakland, two major urban centers, and less than an hour from the small rural communities along the northern California coast.
Q: How can I search for and find a person or a course?
To find someone by name or department, use our A to Z Index.
To find a course or view the course catalogue, visit the self-service portal. The self-service portal allows students to view unofficial transcripts, grades, and current and past schedules.
Q: What is the University parking policy?
Parking is available to students, faculty, staff and guests either free or with a permit. For more information, view our parking policy.
Q: Is Dominican an accredited university?
Yes, Dominican is accredited by the Western Associated of Schools and Colleges (WASC).
Learn about WASC or see a list of our accreditations.
Q: Who is responsible for security on campus?
The safety and security of the University is of utmost importance. Our campus is patrolled 24 hours a day, including weekends and holidays. Security is conducted by Barbier Security Group (BSG) and may be reached at 415-269-6070.
Q: What are the duties of Barbier Security?
Aside from supporting safety on campus and at Four Points Sheraton hotel where some students reside, security is available to escort members of the campus community between buildings or from a building to a vehicle at night.
Q: How do I contact security?
Contact security 24/7 by dialing 415-265-6070.
Q: Is smoking allowed on campus?
Effective January 1, 2011, Dominican University of California has become a smoke-free campus. The use of cigarettes, cigars, cloves, pipes, medical marijuana and hookah is prohibited on all property and in all indoor and outdoor spaces owned, leased, licensed or otherwise controlled by Dominican University.
The use of nicotine products not regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for cessation use is prohibited on campus. FDA-approved nicotine replacement therapy products (e.g., gum, the patch) can be used on campus. Smoking is prohibited in all vehicles owned by Dominican and at any event or activity on campus property.
Learn more about the University Smoking Policy.
Q: Are there any designated smoking areas on campus?
Smoking is permitted in one designated area located near the Palm Avenue driveway in front of Fanjeaux and Pennafort dormitories.
Q: How will the no smoking policy be enforced?
See the University Smoking Policy for more detailed information.
Q: Where can I find facts and figures about the University?
See our quick statistics about the University.
Q: What if I want some more in-depth statistics?
The Institutional Research Department collects, analyzes, reports and maintains data for the University. There you will find the University Factbook, Common Data Set and the Student Right to Know.
Q: How can I get around in the Bay Area?
Whether by bus, ferry, BART or subway, there’s always a way to get from point A to point B. See more information on public transportation in the Bay Area.
Q: What are the University office and facility hours?
- Monday–Thursday 9:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m.
- Friday 10:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
- Monday–Thursday 9:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m.
- Friday 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
- Monday–Thursday 9:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m.
- Friday 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
- Monday–Thursday 8:30 a.m.–5:30 p.m.
- Friday 8:30 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
- Monday–Friday 8:00 a.m.–10:30p.m.
- Saturday 9:00 a.m.–10:30p.m.
- Sunday 2:00–10:30 p.m.
- Monday & Tuesday 9:30 a.m.–6 p.m.
- Wednesday & Thursday 9:30 a.m.–5 p.m.
- Friday 10:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m.
- Saturday & Sunday Closed
Caleruega Dining Hall
Monday–Friday
- Breakfast 7:30–9:30 a.m
- Lunch 11:30 a.m.–2 p.m.
- Dinner 5:00–7:30 p.m.
Weekends and Holidays
- Brunch 10:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
- Dinner 5:00–6:30 p.m.
- Monday–Thursday 9:00–11:00 a.m. & 7:30–11 p.m.
- Friday 9:00–11:00 a.m.
- Sunday 7:00–9:30 a.m.
- Weekends and holidays closed
Conlan Recreation Center
Operating hours vary by season and availability. Visit the Conlan Center web page for more information regarding its offerings, as well as hours.
