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University of Nevada-Reno: A look at The Humanities
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College · Catholic life on campus

University of Nevada-Reno

  • LocationReno, NV
  • Type and sizePublic · 4-year · 21,778 students
Official website
Campus Ministry Honor Roll badge

University of Nevada-Reno is not a Catholic college. This rating measures Catholic life on campus: campus ministry, priests, Mass and confession, student groups, and nearby parishes.

Our Lady of Wisdom Catholic Newman Center, the Catholic campus ministry at the University of Nevada, Reno, is located on the university campus at 1101 N. Virginia St. Its site lists Mass on five weekdays, three Sunday Masses, and weekly confession and adoration, and names Father Joe Walsh as pastor. Student activities listed include FOCUS, Bible studies, retreats, a weekly student lunch, and service.

Mass, confession, and adoration

Confirm with the parish

Mass 5

  • Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday6:00 PMOur Lady of Wisdom Catholic Newman Center
  • Wednesday8:30 PMOur Lady of Wisdom Catholic Newman Center · Candlelight Mass.
  • Sunday10:00 AMOur Lady of Wisdom Catholic Newman Center
  • Sunday5:00 PMOur Lady of Wisdom Catholic Newman Center
  • Sunday8:00 PMOur Lady of Wisdom Catholic Newman Center · Academic year only.

Confession 2

  • Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday5:00 PMOur Lady of Wisdom Catholic Newman Center · Listed as Adoration & Confession.
  • Wednesday7:30 PMOur Lady of Wisdom Catholic Newman Center · Listed as Adoration & Confession.

Times come only from official parish, chaplaincy, or school pages, and can change with the season. Last verified Oct. 12, 2026.

Sources for these times (1)
  1. Pray | Wolf Pack Catholicwolfpackcatholic.com/mass-times · verified Oct. 12, 2026
    “Mon, Tue, Thu, & Fri Adoration & Confession: 5:00 PM Mass: 6:00 PM”
    The ministry lists Mass at 6:00 PM on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, with adoration and confession at 5:00 PM.
    “Mon, Tue, Thu, & Fri Adoration & Confession: 5:00 PM Mass: 6:00 PM”
    The ministry lists Mass at 6:00 PM on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, with adoration and confession at 5:00 PM.
    “Every Wednesday Adoration & Confession: 7:30 PM Candlelight Mass: 8:30 PM”
    The ministry lists a Wednesday Candlelight Mass at 8:30 PM, with adoration and confession at 7:30 PM.
    “Every Wednesday Adoration & Confession: 7:30 PM Candlelight Mass: 8:30 PM”
    The ministry lists a Wednesday Candlelight Mass at 8:30 PM, with adoration and confession at 7:30 PM.
    “Every Sunday 10:00 AM, 5:00 PM & 8:00 PM (8:00 PM Mass is only offered during the academic year)”
    The ministry lists Sunday Masses at 10:00 AM, 5:00 PM and, during the academic year, 8:00 PM.
    “Every Sunday 10:00 AM, 5:00 PM & 8:00 PM (8:00 PM Mass is only offered during the academic year)”
    The ministry lists Sunday Masses at 10:00 AM, 5:00 PM and, during the academic year, 8:00 PM.
    “Every Sunday 10:00 AM, 5:00 PM & 8:00 PM (8:00 PM Mass is only offered during the academic year)”
    The ministry lists Sunday Masses at 10:00 AM, 5:00 PM and, during the academic year, 8:00 PM.

Catholic churches nearby

Map of University of Nevada-Reno, its Catholic center and nearby Catholic churches0.5 mi1 mi2 miOur Lady of Wisdom Catholic Church: 0.4 mi1Saint Thomas Aquinas Cathedral: 1.2 mi2Our Lady of Wisdom Catholic Newman Center: 0.4 miUniversity of Nevada-Reno (campus)N1 mi
CampusCatholic centerCatholic church (numbered below)Open a street map ›
  1. Our Lady of Wisdom Catholic Church — 0.4 mi · 1101 North Virginia Street, Reno
  2. Saint Thomas Aquinas Cathedral — 1.2 mi · 310 West 2nd Street, Reno

Within 3 miles, as mapped by OpenStreetMap contributors. The map may be incomplete. Confirm with the parish or diocese.

Catholic life scorecard

Each line is one thing we looked for. A check means yes, a half means partly, a dash means no. “Not enough information” means official sources did not say.

ACatholic life on campus: Strong (grade A): 85 to 100 points out of 100 on what official sources document. Grades need sources for at least 60% of the checklist.

Catholic life on campus

89 of 100 points on what we could document.

  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Catholic campus ministry serving this campus (Catholic center, campus ministry, or chaplaincy)Yes (The ministry's own site states the Newman Center is on the University of Nevada, Reno campus.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Contact | Wolf Pack Catholicwolfpackcatholic.com/contact-2 · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Our Lady of Wisdom Catholic Newman Center is conveniently located near the heart of the University of Nevada campus.”
      The ministry states its Newman Center is located near the heart of the University of Nevada, Reno campus.
      “We are located at 1101 N Virginia St, Reno, NV 89503, on the campus of the University of Nevada, Reno.”
      The ministry states its church and Newman Center are on the campus of the University of Nevada, Reno.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Dedicated Catholic center or chapel on or next to campusYes (Dedicated church and Newman Center on campus at 1101 N. Virginia.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Contact | Wolf Pack Catholicwolfpackcatholic.com/contact-2 · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Our Lady of Wisdom Catholic Newman Center is conveniently located near the heart of the University of Nevada campus.”
      The ministry states its Newman Center is located near the heart of the University of Nevada, Reno campus.
      “1101 N. Virginia Reno, NV 89505”
      The ministry's published address is 1101 N. Virginia, Reno, NV 89505.
  • Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    Priest chaplain assigned to campus ministryPart-time or shared priest (The named priest is listed as pastor of Our Lady of Wisdom and also holds diocesan posts (judicial vicar and director of vocations); the chaplaincy is shared with other duties.)
    Sources (1)
    1. About Us | Wolf Pack Catholicwolfpackcatholic.com/about-us · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Father Joe Walsh is the Pastor of Our Lady of Wisdom and also serves as Judicial Vicar and Director of Vocations for the Diocese of Reno.”
      The ministry names Father Joe Walsh as pastor of Our Lady of Wisdom, with additional diocesan roles.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Weekday Mass at the campus ministryEvery weekday (5 or more weekdays) (Mass is listed Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday at 6:00 PM and Wednesday at 8:30 PM, at the Newman Center.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Pray | Wolf Pack Catholicwolfpackcatholic.com/mass-times · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Mon, Tue, Thu, & Fri Adoration & Confession: 5:00 PM Mass: 6:00 PM”
      The ministry lists Mass at 6:00 PM on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, with adoration and confession at 5:00 PM.
      “Every Wednesday Adoration & Confession: 7:30 PM Candlelight Mass: 8:30 PM”
      The ministry lists a Wednesday Candlelight Mass at 8:30 PM, with adoration and confession at 7:30 PM.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Sunday Mass at the campus ministry or a campus chapelTwo or more weekend Masses (Sunday Masses at 10:00 AM and 5:00 PM, plus an 8:00 PM Mass during the academic year only.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Pray | Wolf Pack Catholicwolfpackcatholic.com/mass-times · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Every Sunday 10:00 AM, 5:00 PM & 8:00 PM (8:00 PM Mass is only offered during the academic year)”
      The ministry lists Sunday Masses at 10:00 AM, 5:00 PM and, during the academic year, 8:00 PM.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Scheduled confession at the campus ministryWeekly or more often (Adoration and confession are listed on a weekly schedule, Monday through Friday; the page presents them together.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Pray | Wolf Pack Catholicwolfpackcatholic.com/mass-times · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Mon, Tue, Thu, & Fri Adoration & Confession: 5:00 PM Mass: 6:00 PM”
      The ministry lists Mass at 6:00 PM on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, with adoration and confession at 5:00 PM.
      “Every Wednesday Adoration & Confession: 7:30 PM Candlelight Mass: 8:30 PM”
      The ministry lists a Wednesday Candlelight Mass at 8:30 PM, with adoration and confession at 7:30 PM.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Catholic student groups and missionary outreach (e.g., FOCUS, Saint Paul's Outreach, Knights of Columbus, Bible studies)Two or more (FOCUS missionaries and Bible studies are listed on the ministry's own pages.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Home | Wolf Pack Catholicwolfpackcatholic.com · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Each January FOCUS missionaries take students to SEEK, a national conference for students and young adults”
      The ministry states FOCUS missionaries work with its students and take them to the SEEK conference each January.
      “Rosary with FOCUS Missionaries October 1, 2026 9:00 am - 9:30 am”
      The ministry's calendar lists a rosary led with FOCUS missionaries.
      “Bible Study with Lance”
      The ministry's calendar lists men's and women's Bible studies led by students and staff.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Formation programs (retreats, OCIA/RCIA, service, small groups)Two or more kinds (Retreats each semester, guided formation for those becoming Catholic, and service opportunities are listed.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Home | Wolf Pack Catholicwolfpackcatholic.com · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “We hold a retreats each semester which are held onsite”
      The ministry states it holds retreats each semester on site.
      “Serve by feeding the homeless along with other wolfpack catholic students.”
      The ministry lists service to feed the homeless and mission trips as student opportunities.
      “enter into the fullness of the Church through the Sacraments and guided formation.”
      The ministry offers guided formation for people becoming Catholic.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Catholic church within walking distance (computed from OpenStreetMap)Within 1 mile of campusComputed from OpenStreetMap church locations.
  • Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    Published weekly schedule of Mass, confession, and adoration12 to 19 times a week (13 weekly times documented: 8 Mass, 5 confession, 0 adoration.)Computed from the verified Mass, confession, and adoration times listed on this page (each day a time is offered counts once).

Grades come from the documented indicators under the published rubric. “Not enough information” does not mean the school lacks it.

Strengths

  • Mass is listed on five weekdays and three Sundays, with weekly confession and adoration at the Newman Center.
    Sources (1)
    1. Pray | Wolf Pack Catholicwolfpackcatholic.com/mass-times · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Mon, Tue, Thu, & Fri Adoration & Confession: 5:00 PM Mass: 6:00 PM”
      The ministry lists Mass at 6:00 PM on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, with adoration and confession at 5:00 PM.
      “Every Wednesday Adoration & Confession: 7:30 PM Candlelight Mass: 8:30 PM”
      The ministry lists a Wednesday Candlelight Mass at 8:30 PM, with adoration and confession at 7:30 PM.
      “Every Sunday 10:00 AM, 5:00 PM & 8:00 PM (8:00 PM Mass is only offered during the academic year)”
      The ministry lists Sunday Masses at 10:00 AM, 5:00 PM and, during the academic year, 8:00 PM.
  • The ministry lists FOCUS missionaries and Bible studies among its student activities.
    Sources (1)
    1. Home | Wolf Pack Catholicwolfpackcatholic.com · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Each January FOCUS missionaries take students to SEEK, a national conference for students and young adults”
      The ministry states FOCUS missionaries work with its students and take them to the SEEK conference each January.
      “Bible Study with Lance”
      The ministry's calendar lists men's and women's Bible studies led by students and staff.
  • Staff listed include a pastor, deacons and campus ministers, with students among the campus ministers.
    Sources (1)
    1. About Us | Wolf Pack Catholicwolfpackcatholic.com/about-us · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Father Joe Walsh is the Pastor of Our Lady of Wisdom and also serves as Judicial Vicar and Director of Vocations for the Diocese of Reno.”
      The ministry names Father Joe Walsh as pastor of Our Lady of Wisdom, with additional diocesan roles.
      “He first got involved with Wolf Pack Catholic as a student coordinator and now serves as a Campus Minister.”
      The ministry lists student and staff campus ministers.

Concerns

  • The named priest is listed as pastor and holds diocesan roles.
    Sources (1)
    1. About Us | Wolf Pack Catholicwolfpackcatholic.com/about-us · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Father Joe Walsh is the Pastor of Our Lady of Wisdom and also serves as Judicial Vicar and Director of Vocations for the Diocese of Reno.”
      The ministry names Father Joe Walsh as pastor of Our Lady of Wisdom, with additional diocesan roles.

Know something we missed? Suggest a correction.

The Catholic center

Our Lady of Wisdom Catholic Newman Center

  • Address: 1101 N Virginia St, Reno, NV 89505
  • Location: On campus
  • Facilities: church, private study rooms, coffee bar, pool table

View on map ↗

Source: wolfpackcatholic.com, verified Oct. 12, 2026, wolfpackcatholic.com, verified Oct. 12, 2026, wolfpackcatholic.com, verified Oct. 12, 2026

Catholic clubs and student life

11 groups and regular activities · 3 on campus, 2 off campus, 6 location not published

Retreats 2

  • SEEK conferenceOff campus
    Each January
    FOCUS missionaries take students to SEEK, a national conference.
    wolfpackcatholic.com
  • Semester retreatsOn campus
    Retreats held each semester on site.
    wolfpackcatholic.com

Service 2

  • Spring break mission tripsOff campus
    Spring break
    Mission trips nationally and internationally.
    wolfpackcatholic.com
  • Feeding the homeless and local charities
    Service with the Food Bank and the Reno Burrito Project.
    wolfpackcatholic.com

Social life 3

  • Wednesday student lunchOn campus
    Wednesdays 11:30 AM to 1:00 PM, fall and spring semesters
    Free lunch for all students at the Newman Center.
    wolfpackcatholic.com
  • Coffee HouseOn campus
    Monday to Friday 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM
    Free coffee, with cereal and pastries on some days.
    wolfpackcatholic.com
  • Movie nights, BBQs and waffle bar
    Social events listed by the ministry, including movie nights, BBQs and a Friday waffle bar.
    wolfpackcatholic.com

Faith formation 2

  • Becoming Catholic formation
    Guided formation through the Sacraments for people becoming Catholic; contact the ministry for details.
    wolfpackcatholic.com
  • Alpha program
    Mondays 6:45 to 8:00 PM
    Eight-week program for questions about Christianity; the page lists the spring 2026 session.
    wolfpackcatholic.com

Clubs and groups 2

Everything listed is published by the school, its campus ministry, or the parish. Ask the campus minister what’s happening this semester.

Catholic campus ministry

Sources (3)
  1. Contact | Wolf Pack Catholicwolfpackcatholic.com/contact-2 · verified Oct. 12, 2026
    “Our Lady of Wisdom Catholic Newman Center is conveniently located near the heart of the University of Nevada campus.”
    The ministry states its Newman Center is located near the heart of the University of Nevada, Reno campus.
    “Our Lady of Wisdom Catholic Newman Center is conveniently located near the heart of the University of Nevada campus.”
    The ministry states its Newman Center is located near the heart of the University of Nevada, Reno campus.
    “We are located at 1101 N Virginia St, Reno, NV 89503, on the campus of the University of Nevada, Reno.”
    The ministry states its church and Newman Center are on the campus of the University of Nevada, Reno.
  2. About Us | Wolf Pack Catholicwolfpackcatholic.com/about-us · verified Oct. 12, 2026
    “Father Joe Walsh is the Pastor of Our Lady of Wisdom and also serves as Judicial Vicar and Director of Vocations for the Diocese of Reno.”
    The ministry names Father Joe Walsh as pastor of Our Lady of Wisdom, with additional diocesan roles.
  3. Home | Wolf Pack Catholicwolfpackcatholic.com · verified Oct. 12, 2026
    “relax in our private study rooms”
    The ministry offers private study rooms for students.

Reach out

Contact details for Our Lady of Wisdom Catholic Newman Center office (Office (Newman Center)) and 3 official social and news channels are available to signed-in users.

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Academic Excellence

CAcademic Excellence: Mixed (grade C): 55 to 100 points out of 100 on what official sources document. Grades need sources for at least 60% of the checklist.
66 of 100
From federal data, on fixed published scales.

Each measure counts for the share shown.

  • Graduation rate 35% of scoreThis measure counts for 35% of the Academic Excellence score.61%
  • First-year retention 20% of scoreThis measure counts for 20% of the Academic Excellence score.80%
  • Entering students' test scores 15% of scoreThis measure counts for 15% of the Academic Excellence score.SAT 1,132 · ACT 22.5
  • Student-to-faculty ratio 15% of scoreThis measure counts for 15% of the Academic Excellence score.17 to 1
  • Instructional spending per student 15% of scoreThis measure counts for 15% of the Academic Excellence score.$14,669

Bars show points on each measure’s scale. How Academic Excellence is computed.

Source: College Scorecard (College Scorecard, most recent cohorts (data release 06/10/2026))

Cost and value

Federal data, shown separately. Cost, debt, and earnings are never part of any grade.

Undergraduate students
Fall enrollment (IPEDS)
17,965
Total students21,778
Average net price (per year)
After grants and scholarships, for students receiving federal aid
$15,927
Cost of attendance (per year)$25,786
Median federal debt at graduation$18,922
Graduation rate
First-time, full-time students finishing within 150% of normal time
61%
First-year retention80%
Median earnings 10 years after entry$60,614
Admission rate74%
Students receiving Pell grants23%
Admission test scores (middle 50% of admitted students who submitted scores)
Average SAT1132
SAT reading & writing540–650
SAT math520–640
ACT composite19–26
Test policyConsidered but not required

Value index: 68 / 100 (how it’s computed)

Sources: College Scorecard · IPEDS College Navigator · Net price calculator
College Scorecard, most recent cohorts (data release 06/10/2026); IPEDS 2024-25 directory and institutional characteristics; fall 2023 enrollment.

Local Church

Diocese of Reno

The Most Reverend Daniel H. Mueggenborg, Bishop of Reno

Formal address: “Your Excellency”

Source: usccb.org, verified Oct. 7, 2026.

Diocese determined from the county, using the diocese’s county list (Wikipedia). Confirm with the diocese.

About this school’s data

Questions families ask

Is University of Nevada-Reno a Catholic college?
No. University of Nevada-Reno is not a Catholic college. Catholic School Compass rates the Catholic life on its campus instead. Catholic students are served by Wolf Pack Catholic (Our Lady of Wisdom Catholic Newman Center).
What is University of Nevada-Reno’s Catholic Life Score?
83 out of 100 (grade A). It measures Catholic life on campus: campus ministry, priests, Mass and confession, student groups, and nearby parishes, together with academics.
Where is Mass celebrated at University of Nevada-Reno?
Mass is listed at Our Lady of Wisdom Catholic Newman Center. Days and times are on this page; please confirm with the parish or campus ministry before you go.
Is University of Nevada-Reno Compass Recommended?
Yes. University of Nevada-Reno meets the Compass Recommended standard for Catholic life on campus.

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