The College of Saint Benedict and Saint John’s University, founded and sponsored by the sisters and monks of the Order of Saint Benedict respectively, are unwavering in our commitment to respecting the dignity of all persons and to welcoming students, faculty, staff, and guests who find inspiration and value in these commitments.

The College of Saint Benedict and Saint John’s University (CSB and SJU) are Catholic Benedictine, residential, liberal arts colleges dedicated to the education, growth, and development of undergraduate students. The College of Saint Benedict and Saint John’s University are committed to maintaining safe and affirming environments for all students to pursue their educational goals free of inequality, prejudice, and discrimination. We remain loyal to our missions to advance the holistic development of all students while providing access to an education for those who have been oppressed or excluded based on gender or gender identity.

In recognition of our evolving understanding of gender and gender identity and the College of Saint Benedict and Saint John’s University mission, traditions, and values as a residential college for women and a residential college for men, CSB and SJU is deeply committed to recognizing and honoring all students that make up the Bennie and Johnnie legacy. We support every student’s right to self-identification and access to an educational environment that celebrates human dignity, self-discovery, and respect for all. We are dedicated to creating spaces that allow women, men, and those who do not identify within the binary including transgender, non-binary, gender-fluid, and gender-nonconforming individuals to matriculate and thrive at the College of Saint Benedict and Saint John’s University. 

This policy maintains consistency with our long-standing practice of accepting persons with the gender and gender identity they present to us without further substantiation.

College of Saint Benedict and Saint John’s University

The College of Saint Benedict is a Catholic and Benedictine, residential, liberal arts college committed to the education, growth, and development of undergraduate women.  Founded and sponsored by the Sisters of Saint Benedict, the College of Saint Benedict is unwavering in its commitment to respecting the dignity of all persons and to welcoming students, faculty, staff, and guests who find inspiration and value in these commitments.

Saint John’s is a Catholic and Benedictine university with a residential, liberal arts that is committed to the education, growth, and development of undergraduate men.  Founded and sponsored by the monks of the Order of Saint Benedict, Saint John’s University is unwavering in its commitment to respecting the dignity of all persons and to welcoming students, faculty, staff, and guests who find inspiration and value in these commitments.

In furtherance of our mission, tradition, and values as a college for women, and a college for men and in recognition of our changing world and evolving understanding of gender and gender identity, the College of Saint Benedict will consider for undergraduate admission those applicants who were assigned female at birth as well as those who were assigned male or female at birth but now consistently live and identify as female, transgender, gender fluid or nonbinary.   The College of Saint Benedict will continue to use gendered language that reflects its tradition and mission as an undergraduate residential  college for women.  Likewise, Saint John’s University will consider for undergraduate admission those applicants who were assigned male at birth as well as those who were assigned female or male at birth but now consistently live and identify as male, transgender, gender fluid or nonbinary.  Saint John’s University will continue to use gendered language that reflects its mission as an undergraduate residential college for men.

This admission policy does not affect students who transition while enrolled at the College of Saint Benedict and Saint John’s University. Once admitted, every student will receive the individualized support that is an essential part of the Saint Ben’s and Saint John’s experience.  If an enrolled student decides that CSB and SJU no longer offers an appropriate educational environment, guidance and resources will be available to assist in making choices that are best for that student.

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