New on campus for 2026-27

From a new hockey arena and four new academic majors to expanded safety resources and service opportunities, St. Norbert College students will return this fall to a campus that continues to evolve in meaningful ways.

As the 2026-27 academic year approaches, several projects, programs and campus enhancements are taking shape across campus. Whether students are returning to familiar traditions or discovering St. Norbert for the first time, they’ll find new spaces, expanded opportunities, and exciting additions waiting for them this fall.

One of the most visible additions this year is the Donald and Patricia Schneider Family Arena at Cornerstone Community Center. Crews are completing the final touches on the facility, which will serve as the new home for SNC’s women’s, men’s and ACHA hockey programs.

Underground utility work is underway on Baer Mall and is expected to be completed by the end of October.

Students will also notice a few service-related changes. The Print Center has relocated to the first floor of Cofrin Hall, while the Tech Bar and Library Service Desk have combined operations on the first floor of Mulva Library, creating a convenient, centralized location for academic and technology support.

St. Norbert College is further strengthening its commitment to campus safety through the installation of Emergency Response Stations across campus. Designed to be highly visible and easily accessible, these stations will provide quick access to critical emergency equipment for students, employees, and visitors. Each Emergency Response Station includes a fire extinguisher, automated external defibrillator (AED), trauma and bleeding control kit, and Naloxone (Narcan) response kit.

The Higher Learning Commission has approved four new undergraduate majors beginning this fall, expanding opportunities in some of today’s fastest-growing career fields. Students can now pursue degrees in applied artificial intelligence, nutrition, business analytics, and data science.

Academic Advising and Career Development is also introducing new opportunities designed to help students build professional connections and strengthen networking skills. Highlights include Mingle Like a Pro, a refreshed etiquette and networking event, as well as an immersive Schneider-hosted experience that allows students to observe a professional sales team in action while engaging directly with company leaders.

Residential and outdoor spaces are receiving enhancements as well. Students will notice updated landscaping in the Victor McCormick Hall courtyard and two new pickleball courts located between Michels Hall and Gries Hall.

Housing assignments have also shifted in a few areas. Mary Minahan McCormick Hall will primarily offer single-room accommodations, while Bergstrom Hall will house Honors Program students and members of the Freshman Living Community associated with the Campus Ministry Scholarship Program.

New and returning students will find additional opportunities to connect with the college’s mission and Norbertine values. 

The Sturzl Center is relaunching Into the Streets, a longtime St. Norbert tradition that engages first-year students in community service during their first days on campus. The program reflects the Norbertine values of actio and stabilitas loci by fostering meaningful connections between students and the local community.

Campus Ministry is expanding opportunities for spiritual growth through additional retreats and Bible studies and a growing Order of Christian Initiation for Adults (OCIA) program. Plans are also underway for future chapel renovations, with more details expected in the coming months.

As previously announced, all St. Norbert College students, faculty, and staff have free access to the Hallow prayer app.

From new academic pathways and enhanced student services to expanded opportunities for faith, community engagement, and career development, the 2026-27 academic year promises to offer new ways for students to learn, connect, and thrive. Additional updates will be shared throughout the year.