A simple, practical guide to help you to evangelize on college campuses in a faithful, approachable, and effective way.

Making Contact

Begin by identifying the correct person at the college or university. Search the school’s website directory for offices such as:

  • Dean of Students
  • Associate Dean of Students
  • Office of Student Life
  • Director of Student Life

If you’re unsure, send an email anyway—the recipient will usually direct you to the right person.

Tip: Email is better than calling. It creates a record and is the preferred communication method for most universities.

Sample Outreach Email

Semester Request Email

What to Expect on Campus

  • Public universities are generally required to allow free speech, so approval is usually straightforward.
  • You may need to register through an “External Freedom of Expression” or similar process.
  • Schools may require you to choose from designated free speech zones.
  • The university will typically assign or approve your location.

Approach and Method

  • Keep the setup simple: a small table
  • No amplified sound or public speaking
  • Focus on one-on-one conversations
  • Maintain a non-confrontational, inviting approach
  • Offer:
    • Rosaries
    • Instruction on how to pray the Rosary
    • Catholic literature

Students are often busy and independent—respect their time and allow conversations to happen naturally.

Practical Tips from Experience

  • Aim for campuses with at least 6,000–7,000 students
  • Study the campus map ahead of time to choose high-traffic areas
  • Some campuses are more receptive than others—experience will help you discern where to return
  • When possible, connect with the existing Catholic presence on campus

Campus Considerations

Some campuses or locations may:

  • Limit access (especially satellite or commuter campuses)
  • Require a more formal affiliation for indoor activity
  • Be better suited for occasional visits rather than frequent outreach

Others may provide strong opportunities for regular evangelization.

Partnering with Catholic Leadership and Students

A key to long-term fruitfulness is building relationships with the existing Catholic presence on campus.

  • Reach out to campus ministry leaders, chaplains, FOCUS missionaries, or leaders at the Newman/Catholic Center
  • Introduce yourself and explain SPSE’s evangelization efforts
  • Let them know your planned outreach dates and locations
  • Personally invite them and their students to join you for evangelization

Involving Catholic students and leadership on campus is especially important. Many are open to stepping out in faith but simply need an invitation and a clear opportunity.

 

You can also collaborate in practical ways:

  • Ask campus ministry leaders or students to create simple invitation cards for upcoming events (retreats, talks, small groups)
  • Prepare a general Catholic information card that includes:
    • Mass times
    • Confession times
    • Location of the Catholic Center/Newman Center
    • Regular meetings or special events

These materials give students a clear next step and a way to stay connected beyond the initial conversation.

Strong collaboration with campus Catholic leadership helps ensure that your outreach is not isolated, but instead feeds into a larger, ongoing community of faith.

Final Encouragement

College campuses are mission fields filled with students searching for truth, meaning, and connection. A simple, faithful presence—offering conversation, prayer, and invitation—can have a lasting impact.

Start small, stay consistent, and trust that God will work through your efforts