Stanford University has announced plans to purchase the Notre Dame de Namur University (NDNU) campus in Belmont, saying the potential transaction would support NDNU’s ongoing transition to a primarily graduate level studies university while adding space for Stanford programs.
In January, NDNU decided to stop offering undergraduate studies at the 170-year-old university and to sell campus lands “to a compatible organization” that would “provide the operating funds required to see the university through to sustainability.”
Stanford said the Belmont property’s existing use as a residential academic campus was an important consideration, along with its Peninsula location with proximity to public transit and Stanford’s existing main and Redwood City campuses. Stanford says its agreement with NDNU will provide opportunities to expand programs and extend the reach of its Continuing Studies course offerings to more Bay Area residents, while NDNU will have the financial resources to develop new programs for its students.
Stanford said its campus plan will be developed with input from NDNU, the Stanford community, City of Belmont and local residents, a process expected to take several years, “beginning when Stanford submits its application for site improvements that require city approval,” the university said.
NDNU President Beth Martin said the agreement with Stanford provides NDNU “the flexibility to grow again in new and exciting ways.”
“We will be able to continue the programs for which we are so well known, and to add new programs directly targeted to changing student needs, including a mix of in-person, hybrid and fully online programs,” Martin said.
Stanford Provost Persis Drell said the campus purchase enables Stanford to reach a part of the Peninsula “where we have historically not had as much of a presence and invest in expanding our academic mission in service to the community.”
“While we do not anticipate moving existing teaching and research activities off of the main campus, adding a campus in Belmont will provide us with additional space and facilities to enhance those activities through more regionally-focused work,” Drell said.
Photo of the Notre Dame de Namur University campus in Belmont. (Courtesy of Notre Dame de Namur University)
