1. What is the announcement regarding NDNU’s property?

Notre Dame 91¸ŁŔű×ĘÔ´Őľ (NDNU) has entered into a sale agreement with University of California Investments (UC Investments), the investment arm of the University of California system, for 96.5 acres of property in Belmont, comprising the historic campus plus Water Dog Lake park.

2. How will students be affected?

  • NDNU students will experience no disruption in their education. The university will remain on the Belmont campus for up to five years, maintaining academic programming and student services on campus, as well as online, during this period.
  • NDNU’s long-term financial sustainability ensures that we will be able to continue to provide high quality academic programs to students that align with the Hallmarks of a Notre Dame de Namur Learning Community.
  • As previously announced, NDNU will not be oPering student housing after August 2025.

3. Will NDNU continue to operate on the Belmont campus after the sale?

Yes. Under the agreement, NDNU will lease back the existing campus from UC Investments for up to five years, ensuring uninterrupted on-campus instruction while the university plans for its long-term location and growth.

4. Why is selling the campus property beneficial to NDNU?

  • When NDNU transitioned to focus on graduate programs and undergraduate degree completion programs from a 4-year residential undergraduate university in 2021, much of the Belmont campus was no longer used or needed to support educational programs.
  • This will better serve our degree completion and graduate students, ensuring the long-term sustainability and support of the mission continuity of NDNU by lowering the university’s operating costs and providing additional endowment support.
  • There will be no impact to NDNU’s accreditation. WSCUC accreditors will see this as very positive news, as it will reaLirm NDNU’s long-term fiscal sustainability.
  • The decision to sell the campus property will allow us to transition to a new location in San Mateo County within the next 5-years.

5. What role did the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur play in this decision?

The Sisters' values and legacy have guided this process. The agreement was unanimously approved by the NDNU Board of Trustees and the SNDdeN Leadership. This agreement honors the Sisters over 100-year presence in Belmont and the terms of the sale ensures that their mission—centered on education, service, and social justice—continues through thoughtful stewardship of the property and long-term sustainability of Notre Dame 91¸ŁŔű×ĘÔ´Őľ.

6. Why is NDNU selling the property to UC Investments?

  • This decision ensures the long-term sustainability and mission continuity of NDNU.
  • The sale allows the university to continue oPering in-person instruction on the Belmont campus for up to five years while preparing for its next phase. 
  • It also secures a partner that values NDNU’s legacy, the property’s historical significance, and the broader educational mission.

7. How does this benefit the Belmont community?

The sale:

  • Preserves public access to Water Dog Lake’s treasured open space
  • Protects the campus’ historic architecture
  • Ensures the campus remains active and educationally purposed
  • Attracts long-term investment and innovation aligned with community values

8. How is UC Investments Related to the University of California?

UC Investments is a separate entity from the University of California and operates under the OLice of the Chief Investment OLicer for the Regents that manages the University of California’s retirement, endowment, and working capital assets. These funds support UC’s 299,407 students, 73,000 faculty members and other academics, 173,300 staL, more than 77,000 retirees, and the 10 UC campuses and six academic health centers. UC Investments’ current portfolio, which includes a mix of assets across public and private markets, is valued at $190 billion. For more information, visit  

9. What does the sale include?

The transaction includes:

  • The Belmont campus and academic facilities
  • Ralston Mansion and Carriage House (both listed as historic landmarks)
  • Water Dog Lake’s 50.5-acre wildland preserve

10. Will public access to Water Dog Lake and its trails be aPected?

No. Water Dog Lake park will remain leased to the City of Belmont, ensuring continued public access to its hiking trails, lake, and natural beauty

11. What are UC Investments’ plans for the property?

UC Investments intends to uphold the historic integrity of the site while positioning it for long-term use that aligns with both institutions’ missions. Specifically, UC Investments plans to: 

  • Renovate Ralston Mansion and Carriage House
  • Keep and maintain the Campus Chapel
  • Continue to serve the region through education and innovation

12. What is the significance of UC Investments purchasing the property?

This is part of UC Investments’ “centennial investing” strategy, which focuses on longterm assets that will provide value for generations to come. Their involvement brings:

  • Institutional stability
  • A shared commitment to education and public benefit
  • Preservation of local landmarks

13. What happens over the five-year lease period?

NDNU will use this time to plan and prepare for its next campus location, with a focus on maintaining program continuity and access for students.

14. When will more information be available?

All details of the sales agreement will remain confidential including financial details. We’ll keep you informed as we complete the property sale to UC Investments. We are waiting for final approvals from Congregational Leadership Team, the Archbishop, and the Vatican.

15. Who can I contact if I have any questions?

For any further questions related to NDNU and its future plans, please contact: Office of University Marketing & Communications Email: pr@ndnu.edu Phone: 650-801-9011