St. Joseph of Cupertino Program

The St. Joseph of Cupertino (SJC) Program empowers students with intellectual and developmental disabilities by providing access to and inclusion in the Benedictine College student experience. SJC students live on campus, audit classes, and participate fully in the life of the college. They also engage in practicums in the community to help them build up a resume for their future careers.

In the Fall of 2020, an initial gift was made to fund the establishment of this program at Benedictine, and the College welcomed its first SJC student.  The program continues to grow and develop, but the goal remains the same: improving access to Catholic education for those with disabilities in our communities. The SJC program strives to engage students with intellectual and developmental disabilities who otherwise may not have access to all that a college experience offers: academic education, human formation, spiritual development, social engagement, career training, and much more. Inclusion is a key characteristic of SJC: students live, study, and pray alongside their peers in day-to-day life with minimal outside support.

Academic programs are developed based on each SJC student’s individual goals. SJC students may be full-time or part-time, and may opt for a two-year or four-year program. All SJC students have audit-only, non-degree-seeking status their first semester. After that, if they want, they can transition to degree-seeking by completing the Benedictine College Admissions process. They may also decide to remain audit-only, non-degree-seeking for the duration of their time at Benedictine.

All SJC students receive support through the Student Success Center; these supports include course accommodations such as note taking, quiet test taking rooms, no-cost tutoring and other reasonable learning accommodations requested and approved. SJC Program staff meet with SJC students on a regular basis to work on individual plans and organization, goal setting, and accountability. The SJC staff also arranges for academic, social, and wellness peer mentoring for SJC students with current Benedictine students.

After successfully completing the program, SJC student receive a Certificate of Completion and participate in the College’s Commencement Exercises.

Admission Process

1. Submit a complete application packet. This packet can be requested from mdoyle@hwfj-art.com.
2. Completed application packets and requested documentation will be reviewed by the SJC Admissions Committee.  
3. Applicants will be notified if they have been selected for an SJC admissions visit. If selected, they will participate in an interview independently and with family/support person. They will also participate in an overnight stay independently in one of our residence halls with a current student host.
4. Admissions visit documentation will be reviewed by the SJC Admissions Committee.  
5. The SJC Admissions Committee will admit up to 2 students each year into the SJC program.

Patron Saint

St. Joseph was born in 1603 at Cupertino, Italy. Joseph was said to be slow to learn and absent-minded. He asked to become a Franciscan, but they initially would not accept him. He was finally accepted to work as a servant at the Franciscan monastery, taking care of the horses. Eventually he was invited to enter the Franciscan order and study for the priesthood. Although he was a good and holy friar, he had a difficult time with studies. During his seminary exams, the examiner happened to ask him to explain the only thing he knew well, and so he passed his exams and was ordained a deacon, and later a priest. The Holy Spirit  worked many amazing miracles through St. Joseph.

Pope Clement XIII canonized him in 1767. He is the patron saint of individuals with learning disabilities. Source

Leadership

Meredith Doyle, Director of St. Joseph of Cupertino Program, Benedictine College

Dr. Sean Mulcahy, Assistant Dean of Student Success, Benedictine College

Dr. Kimberly Shankman, Dean of the College, Benedictine College