Student support
Support for your studies, your wellbeing and your spiritual life — from lecturers, librarians, chaplains and the Student Support Officer.
A student-led discussion during a recent Apologetics unit taught by Fr Antonios Kaldas.
More than a classroom
A theological college exists to educate its students, and St Cyril’s fully embraces that. But as an intrinsic part of the Coptic Orthodox Church, we also see our work as serving the whole Church: through our graduates, it reaches the whole community.
So our mission is also one of spiritual formation. From an Orthodox perspective, academic excellence and spiritual formation are two sides of the same task. As Evagrius put it, “The one who prays is a theologian; the one who is a theologian, prays.” At St Cyril’s the chapel is as integral as the lecture room, and the transformation of the heart as significant as the illumination of the mind.
Our students don’t only study together; they pray and worship together, and form lifelong friendships. As St John Chrysostom noted, there are two altars: one in the church and one in the town square. See our news and events for how students are formed in a theology that goes well beyond the classroom.
Support services
St Cyril’s and the AUCD offer a range of services to support each student’s learning, study and wellbeing, in an environment that is welcoming, safe, inclusive and respectful for students and staff.
Academic learning support
Lecturers, librarians and other staff provide ongoing academic help, with online tutorials and workshops on Moodle. Students also have 24/7 access to Studiosity, an online one-on-one service that helps with written work and academic literacy.
Counselling and mental health
Study can be challenging: time pressure, living away from home, a new environment, workload and technology can all add up. Counselling services within the colleges help students find the support they need; links and contacts are on Moodle e-Learning. Students can also use TalkCampus, a safe app that connects students with mental-health support at any time of day.
Pastoral care and chaplaincy
Pastoral care is the backbone of St Cyril’s. Chaplaincy services and dedicated staff help students on their spiritual journey and offer counsel. Our lecturers are research-active, and also practitioners in local ministry, often clergy of the Orthodox Church.
Chapel
Students take part in regular liturgical services in the chapel, and can use it for personal or group devotions.
Campus facilities
WiFi, computers, study spaces, the library, leisure spaces and catering.
Community engagement
Through the Coptic Orthodox Church, partnerships with other organisations and colleges, and academic and social programs, students can build relationships and networks beyond the College. St Cyril’s and the AUCD also run symposiums, conferences and workshops that connect students with people around the world who share their interests.
Student Support Officer
The Student Support Officer (registrar@stcyrils.edu.au) helps all students with admission and their ongoing study needs, and is your point of contact for:
- study information and enrolment advice
- health, counselling, chaplaincy and legal services information
- security and safety concerns
- reporting harassment or inappropriate behaviour
- reporting hazards and critical incidents
- health and safety policies and procedures