NOTRE DAME, Ind. -- Seventeen people were arrested Thursday night and charged with criminal trespassing on the campus of the University of Notre Dame.

Officials say about 40-50 protesters gathered on campus around 5 p.m. Thursday, and that the group was protesting peacefully and without interference from police or administrators in a prominent location near the entrance to campus earlier in the evening.

It wasn't until protesters began to move toward the central dorm spaces on campus that things began to escalate.

ABC57 is told that senior administrators warned the group repeatedly not to disturb students studying for finals, but the protesters allegedly ignored the warnings.

A final warning was given before a small group of protesters advanced further into the heart of campus and were arrested.

The St. Joseph County Prosecutor’s Office has authorized criminal charges for criminal trespass which is a Class A misdemeanor.

"As per the protocol of the St. Joseph County Superior Courts, a magistrate has reviewed the PC Affidavits," the St. Joseph County Prosecutor's Office said. "The three individuals who were detained and were still in custody have been released on their own recognizance and ordered to appear before the court on June 28. The other fourteen individuals who had previously been released were also ordered to appear before the court on June 28."

Any one convicted of criminal trespass could face up to one year in jail.

"While the University of Notre Dame welcomes students’ voices on issues and causes they care about, we have rules in place that govern the time, place, and manner of gatherings and demonstrations," the university said.

"This evening a small group of individuals gathered on the south side of campus without registering as required by University rules. After being repeatedly reminded of university rules, including rules governing disturbances during finals and study days, the group instead marched toward the central University quad which houses several dorms. After being warned again that demonstrations are not allowed during specific times, Notre Dame Police arrested several noncompliant group members."

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