diff --git a/backend/src/main/java/com/tcu/projectpulse/config/DataInitializer.java b/backend/src/main/java/com/tcu/projectpulse/config/DataInitializer.java
index 5a785b5..bda89ee 100644
--- a/backend/src/main/java/com/tcu/projectpulse/config/DataInitializer.java
+++ b/backend/src/main/java/com/tcu/projectpulse/config/DataInitializer.java
@@ -65,6 +65,11 @@ public DataInitializer(SectionRepository sectionRepository,
     @Transactional
     public void run(ApplicationArguments args) {
 
+        if (adminRepository.count() > 0) {
+            System.out.println("=== DataInitializer: seed data already present, skipping ===");
+            return;
+        }
+
         // Use the current Monday as an anchor so seed data is always "this semester"
         LocalDate thisMonday = LocalDate.now().with(DayOfWeek.MONDAY);