About the Program

You are at the point where

the project (book, essay, poem, composition, whatever) is ready to begin or
the project is underway and you’re stuck or
the project is almost done

But you can’t get started or unstuck or finished because you need some time away from daily distractions in a place where thinking and writing are nurtured and supported and you can start today where you left off yesterday and where other people are working, too, and will stay out of your way if you need them to but are available for conversation if that’s what you want

Or maybe you’re on a roll, and the project is coming along splendidly (lucky you!) . . .

Whether you’re at the beginning, in the middle, or approaching the end of your project, and whether it’s a slog or a snap, Studium may be just what you need—for a stay of anywhere from a week to four months.

Criteria

Your project and your personal style need to be in keeping with Benedictine cultural and social commitments (the boundaries are wide!)—awareness of God; community; prayer and work; listening; hospitality; stewardship; peace—and you need to tell us why you believe Studium is an appropriate venue for your work. You must also be willing to share the fruit of your work at a regular monthly Studium meeting. Studium is not just a place where people gather; Studium is what happens because these people gather.

Accommodations

Each Resident Visiting Scholar is provided an apartment which has a kitchenette, living room, bedroom and bathroom. Linens are provided.
Each Visiting Scholar, whether Resident or Day, has a spacious office and access to a copy machine, fax machine and typewriter in a central room. Charges for copying and faxing are nominal.
Generally, scholars bring their own computer. A computer/printer can be rented from the College of Saint Benedict/Saint John’s University Information Technology Services; the scholar makes rental and payment arrangements. The scholar’s computer can be connected to the Internet via the CSB/SJU network, one of the most up-to-date and sophisticated anywhere in the US.
Each apartment and office has a private phone. Scholars are asked to use phone cards for their long-distance calls.
Usually the noon and evening meals are taken in the monastery dining room.
Laundry facilities are available.

Opportunities

Participation in daily monastic Eucharist and Liturgy of the Hours is encouraged (though not required).
Access to the College of Saint Benedict and Saint John’s University Libraries, Saint Benedict’s Monastery Archives and the Hill Museum & Manuscript Library at Saint John’s University.
Visiting Scholars are welcome to attend cultural and artistic events at Saint Benedict’s and Saint John’s that are open to the public. They may purchase tickets to events in the regular subscription arts series.
Access to the College of Saint Benedict’s Haehn Center—track, fitness rooms, swimming pool (hours during the summer and vacation periods may vary from those of the regular school year).

Financial Arrangements

Rates for Resident Visiting Scholars (apartment, office, meals):

Per week: $350.00
Per month: $1250.00

Rate for Day Visiting Scholars (office):

Per month: $75.00

Scholarships

Two $500 scholarships are awarded annually to Resident Visiting Scholars who are here for a month or longer. These are available from the Elwood G. Lindblad and the Sister Monica LeFleur, CCVI, Scholarship Endowment Funds. To apply, send a short statement (200 words or less) on the financial need for the scholarship.

Application

For an application form, click here.