In order to foster the total development of the student, St. Basil College encourages participation in extracurricular organizations and activities within and beyond the collegiate seminary life.

STUDENT REPRESENTATION

Much of the life of a college should flourish under the leadership of the students themselves. The student council is composed of five members, four of whom are elected from each class by its membership. These four class representatives then select a prefect who, moderated by a faculty member, assists in the development of student initiatives. The prefect offers leadership and helps to develop a sense of personal responsibility among the students he represents for the activities and life of the college.

Should a student wish to lodge a complaint or grievance, he may bring it to the attention of his prefect who then makes an appeal to the Dean and/or Rector. If he wishes, he may request the formation of an ad hoc grievance committee to which he may appeal his case.

HUMANISTIC FORMATIONS

PERSONAL DISCIPLINE:   At St. Basil College discipline is an integral part of education and is administered in that light. Supervision is closer than in most colleges.  No student of good will and sound moral principles will find it severe or exacting.  It is so natural and proper to true manhood that its observance becomes second nature to the student and distinguishes him as a truly mature and cultured man.

CULTURAL AND SOCIAL ACTIVITIES:   Opportunities are provided to the students for fostering cultural interests, for field trips which relate to curriculum, and for lectures in nearby colleges and universities. Students also have access to museums and performing arts centers in New York City and southwestern Connecticut.

ATHLETIC PROGRAM:  All the students are encouraged to participate in some type of physical fitness program. This is in accord with the objectives of the institution; that is, to educate the whole man. Annually, there is scheduled a physical education activity such as the Pan Basilian Games, a basketball foul shooting contest, etc. All the students participate in this activity and awards are presented at the graduation luncheon. Photos and results of this activity are featured in the College trophy case.

STUDENT WORK PROGRAM:   Manual labor is a traditional part of seminary training.  It teaches the student to accept responsibilities for his own and the community's needs.  It enables him to experience physical labor and to respect the men who live by it and whom he may serve some day as pastor.

THE SEMINARY LITURGICAL CHOIR:  The oldest group activity of St. Basil College, the Seminary Liturgical Choir, has performed frequently at civic and ecclesiastical functions.  Its repertoire includes traditional liturgical compositions of the Divine Liturgy, Presanctified Liturgy, Vespers, and other services of the Ukrainian Catholic Church.

SPIRITUAL FORMATION

SPIRITUAL LIFE:   One must be a good Christian before he can become a good priest.  So, the seminarian should develop those values imitative of Christ.  The Spiritual Director has the role of implementing the formation of the Christian community of the seminary.  By his conferences given to students and especially by his individual direction, he encourages this spiritual formation.  It is his responsibility to provide the unity of direction necessary for the priestly life through the integration of study, apostolic activity, and prayer.

COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES:  Seminarians participate on a voluntary basis in part-time apostolic work during the year.  This provides an invaluable experience in preparation for the student's future ministry. The main apostolates are: religious instruction in parish communities, human concern projects, such as Catholic Relief Services, visiting local hospitals and nursing homes, youth apostolate work, and the annual March for Life in Washington, D.C.