Clarke University

Clarke University is a liberal arts and sciences university focused on progressing with the times. Humble beginnings have developed into over 30 undergraduate and 6 graduate programs, including a best-in-class adult education program.

It is an institution guided by the core values of freedom, education, charity and justice.

Mission Statement

We are a Catholic, co-educational, liberal arts university founded in 1843 by the Sisters of Charity of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Dubuque, Iowa. Clarke educates students at the post-secondary level in the liberal arts and sciences, the fine arts, selected professional programs, and graduate programs.

We, the faculty, students, staff and administration are a caring, learning community committed to excellence in education. We provide a supportive environment that encourages personal and intellectual growth, promotes global awareness and social responsibility, and deepens spiritual values.

On behalf of the staff and students, the residence life office at Clarke University welcomes you to our residence halls! Our four facilities are host to approximately 450-500 undergraduate and graduate students and are a cornerstone of campus involvement and life at Clarke.

Mary Benedict Hall
Female students, freshmen through senior

Mary Josita Hall
Male students, freshmen through senior; Graduate male and female students

Students under the age of 21 are required to live on-campus unless they are formally exempt and are residing with their parent(s), legal guardian(s) or spouse.  This policy applies to all students (first year, sophomore, junior, international, and transfer) that are under the age of 21. Academic credit hours and/or class status do not exempt one from this policy. All requests for exemption must go through Kate Zanger, vice president of student life. 

In alignment with the Clarke University mission, and in the BVM core values, the division of student life partners with the academic community to facilitate the growth of the whole student. Student Life departments strive to provide learning opportunities, role models, services and facilities that challenge and support students in reaching their fullest potential, resulting in the development of skills that are transferable to future career, social and civic responsibilities. 

Through participation in student life activities at Clarke, students will:

• Demonstrate interpersonal effectiveness through a demonstrated commitment to good character, integrity and spiritual awareness,
• Cultivate civic responsibility by participating in service, volunteer and community activities,
• Strengthen interpersonal effectiveness through developing leadership skills, and an appreciation of diversity,
• Develop a sense of personal direction through clarifying values and identifying personal and professional goals,
• Practice emotional intelligence through the development of self-reliant behaviors and mutually beneficial relationships with others.

Life at Clarke is living traditions, being proud, participating in the campus community and is also about being an active member of our greater community. By Discovering Dubuque, students become active and engaged citizens.

Clarke university sits on a bluff in a quiet residential area overlooking the city of Dubuque, Iowa and the Mississippi River