Currently the college consists of a residential community of 165 graduate students, postdoctoral researchers, and visiting scholars.

Involvement takes the form of participation on various social and academic committees, and attendance at functions and lectures sponsored by or otherwise linked with the College.

Residents regularly organize talks and forums on current events around the globe, building upon the College's international diversity as well as UBC's global scholarly expertise.

Drawing upon the strong bonds of trust and communication developed within the SJC community, residents and guests of the College are able to discuss difficult and often contentious issues in an atmosphere of mutual respect in which everyone can listen to and learn from each other.

To keep the school's traditions alive, SJU alumni (called Johanneans) funded three academic institutions around the world bearing the name of St. John's.