Courses were offered for women only, initially leading to degrees in home economics, nursing, teaching, and secretarial science.

The college added more facilities and courses during the 1950s and began accepting male students on a limited basis in 1958 in evenings and summer.

The Fine Arts Center is named after Maria De Mattias, the founder of the Adorers of the Blood of Christ.

The Gymnasium is named after the O'Shaughnessy family which has made generous donations towards Newman and were the lead donors for the athletic department.

The family also supports scholarships and other buildings around campus such as De Mattias Fine Arts Hall.

Their main focus is to find ways in which to better the experience of students while they attend Newman University.

Along with a daily Mass, the organization hosts events such as bible studies, liturgical lunches, game nights, and service trips.

Newman competes in 19 intercollegiate varsity sports: Men's sports include baseball, basketball, bowling, cross country, golf, soccer, tennis, triathlon and wrestling; while women's sports include basketball, bowling, cheer & dance, cross country, golf, soccer, softball, tennis, triathlon and volleyball.