Siena College Student Affairs
2013-2014 Annual Report www.siena.edu/StudentAffairs
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Table of Contents
DIVISION OF STUDENT AFFAIRS LEADERSHIP TEAM Maryellen Gilroy, Ed.D Vice President for Student Affairs
Page 3 … From the Vice President for Student Affairs, Dr. Maryellen Gilroy Page 4 … We’re Listening! Page 6 … The DORS 10th Anniversary
Sr. Susan Dunn, OP, Ed.D. Assistant Vice President for Student Affairs Michael Papadopoulos ‘82 Assistant Vice President for Student Affairs/ Director of Public Safety
Page 8 … Office of the Dean of Students
John Felio Dean of Students
Page 10 … Office of Residential Life
John Bebb Associate Dean of Students
Page 12 … Franciscan Values and Life at Siena Page 14 … Office of Student Activities and Leadership Development Page 16 … Office of Public Safety Page 18 … Student Affairs Compliance Page 20 … Franciscan Values and Life at Siena Page 22 … Office of Services for Students with Disabilities and Veterans Services Page 24 … Center for Counseling and Student Development Page 26 … Office of Health Services Page 28 … Franciscan Values and Life at Siena Page 30 … Damietta Cross Cultural Center Page 32 … Sr. Thea Bowman Center for Women Page 34 … Franciscan Values and Life at Siena
Joy Galarneau, Ph.D. Associate Dean of Students Position Vacant at Time of Publication Director, Community Living Christa Grant Director, Damietta Cross-Cultural Center Karen Keis Director, Student Activities and Leadership Development Shannon O’Neill, Ph.D. Director, Sr. Thea Bowman Center for Women Robert Bahny Director, Services for Students with Disabilities and Veteran Services Wallace Bzdell, Ed.D Director, Center for Counseling and Student Development Carrie Hogan, MS, ANP Director, Health Services Jeanne Obermayer Student Affairs Compliance Officer
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Welcome! From the Vice President for Student Affairs Dear Colleagues, Students, Parents and Friends of Siena College, I am pleased to present you with the 2013-2014 Annual Report for the Division of Student Affairs. The accomplishments of the student life staff are many, as evidenced by the quality and breadth of programs and services provided to our students as highlighted throughout this report. The following report utilizes each student life area’s assessment data to tell the department’s story and how student learning is fostered and measured. The importance of listening to students is particularly evidenced through student input on a design concept committee to renovate and re-design the Sarazen Student Union. It is because of the excitement generated through this committee’s work that the new student lounge, Casey’s—featuring fair trade coffee, specialty sandwiches and salads—will be available for all students. Additionally, an interfaith prayer space and improved commuter support areas will be available for all Siena students as we open the fall semester. A quality student life experience is never the result of one person’s effort: it takes a talented and committed group of individuals to provide a quality experience for our students, and that is what Student Affairs staff do each day. I am proud of what we have accomplished and look forward to the year ahead. Sincerely, Maryellen Gilroy, Ed.D.
www.siena.edu/StudentAffairs
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We’re Listening! In the spring of 2013, the Division of Student Affairs engaged the Siena Research Institute to conduct focus groups with approximately 300 students regarding their experiences at Siena College. The students‟ insights sparked a number of exciting new initiatives and enhancements to existing programs and services. In the fall of 2013, Student Affairs launched the “We‟re Listening!” campaign to let the campus community know just how much we value student feedback, and the changes we‟ve made because of their input.
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We’re Listening! Siena Students have let us know what‟s important to them. Here‟s a sampling of how we are responding with new and improved programs and services:
Sarazen Student Union renovated—providing dedicated student gathering space and a fair-trade coffee shop
Dining options and hours expanded— accommodating allergies and schedules, celebrating diversity
Student policies streamlined—like the new guest registration system developed by students
Opportunities provided for dialogue with administrators—such as the ‖Donuts with the Deans‖ Residence Hall listening sessions
Better student programming offered— including new clubs, more late night programming, dynamic new programs, and interactive diversity programs created and led in partnership with students
Student safety concerns addressed—including increased lighting on campus, more frequent communication of emergency protocols, and more opportunities for students to develop active bystander skills to address a wide variety of issues
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In 2003, the Division of Student Affairs and partners at Siena College rolled out our plan to collaboratively and intentionally focus on four Franciscan values – diversity, optimism, respect, and service...
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Ten years later, the DORS initiative continues as a living witness to our efforts to support and shape a community of living and learning in which our Franciscan values inform not only what we do but also how we do it. During this anniversary year, we celebrated the DORS in our campus community with several programs and events: DORS on Doors Contest Resident students decorated their doors around the themes DORS values. DORS Hall of Fame Contest The Siena community shared creative expressions of the DORS values in action. Individual and group entrees came in the form of essays, poetry, photography, paintings, and even a gigantic DOOR! DORS 10th Anniversary Celebration We gathered together to celebrate the winners of the DORS contests, admire the contest entrees, and experience the unveiling of “Communion,” a painting donated by artist Shari Golub-Schillinger „86 to commemorate the DORS 10th anniversary. 2014 Ours to Do Lecture Dr. Carolyn Woo, President and CEO of Catholic Relief Services, delivered a lecture entitled “The Business of Servant Leadership: Personal Stories and Global Perspectives.” At this event, DORS contest winners were again honored, along with the winners of the 2014 Ours to Do Women‟s Center Service Trip Scholarship: Pamela Townsend „14 and Joanna Bebber „15. A second unveiling of “Communion” captivated the audience. The evening ended with a special presentation to Dr. Woo of donations raised by the Siena community to support Catholic Relief Services, including donations from sales of signed prints of “Communion” and note cards featuring the painting.
www.siena.edu/StudentAffairs
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Office of the Dean of Students The Office of the Dean of Students establishes and upholds community standards rooted in Siena‟s Franciscan Catholic tradition, in order to enable student learning, development and success.
We
Administer a student conduct process which is rooted in and promotes Siena’s Franciscan and Catholic values.
Provide educational programs and resources to assist the Siena College community in recognizing, reporting and preventing sexual violence, relationship violence, and stalking.
Provide educational programs and resources to assist students in making healthy choices regarding alcohol and drug use.
Serve as a central campus resource and community advocate for students in the management of routine issues and emergency situations that present barriers to students’ personal and academic success.
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Office of the Dean of Students 2013-2014 Assessment Spotlight Students will be able to articulate ways to recognize, report and prevent sexual violence, relationship violence and stalking.
Program Spotlight: “Mission Possible” A Mission-Driven Active Bystander Training Workshop
85% of 2013 ―Who Are You?‖ active bystander orientation workshop attendees correctly identified at least one bystander intervention strategy on the post-test. (n=760.) 97% of respondents to the follow-up survey reported that the workshop made them feel more responsible for the safety and well-being of their peers, and provided them with the knowledge they need to help recognize, report and prevent sexual violence (n = 203.)
Teaches students to use bystander intervention skills to address behaviors and attitudes that violate personal and community values. Is mission-driven and highly interactive. Was developed in response to student feedback. Active bystander model was being used to address sexual violence. Students wanted training in applying skills to other situations: hazing, discriminatory behaviors, etc. Active bystander model now being used in other formal training programs such as LGBT Ally Training.
99% of participants in 2013 Resident Assistant (RA) Training were able to correctly identify one way to recognize, report, and prevent sexual violence or relationship violence in their role as an RA (n = 81.) “Focusing on Siena's mission and values
98% of RA’s and Orientation Leaders who participated in 2013 ―Mission Possible‖ Active Bystander Training were able to identify three situations in which they might apply their active bystander training, and at least one bystander intervention strategy (n = 123.)
infused this year's RA training with a greater sense of purpose, and helped me see a deeper inspiration and meaning to my day to day activities. Tying the mission into Siena's AntiViolence efforts made the mission more real; it's not just words about affirming the dignity and worth of each person, and creating a more just and peaceable world, it's what we do and why we do it. It helped me place my role as an active bystander into the framework of my faith and personal values, which energized and inspired me! I Recognize, Report and Prevent any type of violence because I recognize the dignity and beauty of each individual I encounter. That's what I do and why I do it.” – RA reflection
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Office of Residential Life The Office of Residential Life advances the mission of Siena College by fostering a safe and healthy campus living environment where a culture of mutual respect and personal responsibility enhance intellectual growth and success.
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Provide and coordinate housing accommodations for residential students to have a meaningful college experience and to support student learning.
Create safe and inclusive communities where individuals are respected and differences are celebrated.
Provide programming for students to live within a Franciscan community highlighting opportunities for students to forge personal relationships and connections to the Siena community.
Provide leadership opportunities and learning experiences through the Resident Assistant (RA), Residence Hall Association (RHA) and work study programs.
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Office of Residential Life 2013-2014 Assessment Spotlight
Students will demonstrate an understanding that their personal choices affect their communal living environments.
On the Fall 2013 Resident Survey, 81% of respondents agreed or strongly agreed that their personal choices impact the greater community. (N=1706.)
Students also identified a total of 1019 ways in which their actions have had a positive impact on the Siena community.
Respondents were asked to explain how they contribute to creating a safe, quiet and respectful community. Students identified a total of 1282 ways they can contribute to a safe quiet and respectful community.
Program Spotlight: Franciscan Servant Leader Program
Was created and is facilitated in collaboration with the Franciscan Center for Service and Advocacy.
This residential program is open to rising juniors who have demonstrated a commitment to service at Siena and in local community.
Participating students live together as a community in a 4-person townhouse, give four hours of volunteer service per week, participate in one community service day a semester, arrange for one guest speaker per semester, and hold a weekly meeting during which they share and reflect on their experiences in light of Siena’s Franciscan and Catholic tradition.
Did you know? In Fall 2013… *RA’s created over 325 hall programs. *First Year Leadership Institute sponsored 13 workshops. *Exploring Campus Engagement and Leadership (EXCEL) offered 13 workshops to help sophomore students become more involved and build leadership skills.
www.siena.edu/StudentAffairs
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Franciscan Values and Life at Siena Diversity, Optimism, Respect, Service
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I am proud to say that the most impactful and profound experiences of my life occurred as a result of my time here at Siena College.
Through the Franciscan Center for Service and Advocacy, I was fortunate enough to be able to travel to Fontaine, Haiti… While Haiti is considered the poorest country in the Western hemisphere, it is rich in compassion and faith in God. This work is inspired by a child I met at the school whose name is McKenzie. McKenzie was not a student at the school, but would come anyway to visit us. He unfortunately is not at the same mental capacity as the other students and oftentimes he was made fun of by them. McKenzie had the ability to tell us his name but not much beyond that. He loved to be held and picked up and even the slightest touch put a huge smile on his face. McKenzie‟s love for the simple act of human contact, something that I used to take for granted, inspired me to create a work using acrylic paints and only my fingers to apply it to the canvas. Each mark is a fingerprint. This way, in a more figurative sense, McKenzie will always have human contact and a smile on his face. This work encompasses the diversity between American and Haitian culture, the optimism that seemingly simple acts of kindness bring, the respect I feel for those living with mental illness, and the service work my colleagues and I have done abroad.
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-Amanda Selanikio, Class of 2015 Reflection on her painting “McKenzie” Winner of the DORS Hall of Fame Contest
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DIVERSITY In our Franciscan community, diversity is an invitation to celebrate the God-given uniqueness of each individual, as well as the cultural differences that enrich us all. So,
BE UNIQUE BE WELCOMING BE OPEN TO THE WORLD
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Office of Student Activities and Leadership Development The Office of Student Activities and Leadership Development provides co-curricular programs to students, which are rooted in Siena‟s Franciscan and Catholic values, and which promote personal growth, engagement in the campus community, and leadership development.
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Provide leadership development opportunities to students that are informed by Siena’s Franciscan and Catholic values.
In collaboration with academic departments and faculty, provide co-curricular activities to students that complement their academic programs.
Provide opportunities to welcome, transition and engage students in the Siena campus community.
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Office of Student Activities and Leadership Development 2013-2014 Assessment Spotlight
Students who participate in co-curricular programming will demonstrate capacity to explore different cultures, ideas and beliefs.
Assessment Highlights:
74% of respondents to the 2013 Educational Benchmarking Institute’s (EBI) survey reported that attending Siena's programs has helped them understand and identify different cultures (n=503.)
82% stated that attending programs has increased their interaction with people who are different from themselves (n=507.)
81% reported that attending programs has helped them learn to challenge others’ abusive use of stereotypes (n=498.)
82% stated that attending programs has assisted them in understanding the impact of diversity on society (n=498.)
Program Spotlight: Orientation Overhaul
A collaborative team of students and employees revamped the four-day New Student Orientation program based on feedback provided by first-year students who completed the 2013 Orientation Survey, as well as student leaders.
A new initiative, ―Weeks of Welcome,‖ will continue to welcome and transition new students into the Siena community for several weeks after Orientation; providing continued opportunities for connection and involvement.
SAINTS (Orientation Leaders) will commit their time and talents beyond Orientation; serving as mentors and resources for new students throughout the fall semester.
Did you know? *By mid-semester, Spring 2014, the average attendance at Student Activities programs had increased from 108 in Fall 2013 to 162, thanks to new programs, a student marketing intern, and a student-run ―Siena Night Life‖ planning team.
www.siena.edu/StudentAffairs
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Office of Public Safety The Office of Public Safety at Siena College promotes and maintains a safe campus environment conducive to living, learning, working, and visiting. This is accomplished through the delivery of a variety of programs and services in keeping with Siena‟s Franciscan and Catholic values.
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Provide programs and services to maintain a safe campus environment and to equip students with the knowledge and skills needed to promote personal and community safety.
Provide specialized courses to teach students life safety skills.
Provide training programs to assist the Siena community develop the skills needed to appropriately respond to emergencies.
Provide fire safety training to prevent causalities in case of fire.
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Office of Public Safety 2013-2014 Assessment Spotlight
Students will demonstrate the individual skills needed to appropriately respond in a campus emergency. Assessment Highlights:
98% of Resident Assistants who attended Public Safety’s ―Emergency Preparedness‖ training session in the fall of 2014 reported that they are able to describe and demonstrate the individual skills required to appropriately respond in a campus emergency (n=82.)
94% of campus community members who completed the 2014 Public Safety survey were able to identify correct actions to take in response to a ―Shelter in Place‖ notification (n=64.)
Program Spotlight: Partnership with Students Creates New Guest Registration Process
Public Safety staff worked with Prof. Tim Lederman’s Software Engineering Class to develop a new guest registration process to better accommodate student needs.
Students in the class conducted peer focus groups as part of their predevelopment process.
The new program was built by Prof. Lederman’s students in 2012-2013 and implemented by ITS in 2013-2014.
Did you know? *In Summer 2013, Public Safety conducted its first-ever campus-wide active shooter exercise, with partners from the local community, including Colonie Police, EMS and Fire Department. *In Fall 2013, Siena earned an ―A‖ for safety and was listed as one of the safest campuses by the SafeWise Report. *In 2013-2014, Public Safety trained over 100 students in CPR, Defensive Driving, and Rape Aggression Defense (RAD.)
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Student Affairs Compliance The Student Affairs Compliance Officer provides mission affirming best practice regulatory compliance guidance to the Division of Student Affairs and risk management oversight to students and those working with students in the co-curricular setting.
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Provide a comprehensive model of risk assessment to use in planning events and activities for student leaders, faculty and staff.
Provide educational opportunities on risk management to student leaders, faculty and staff.
Provide guidance and oversight on regulatory compliance to the Division of Student Affairs
Monitor legislative action related to higher education to provide educational updates for Student
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Student Affairs Compliance 2013-2014 Assessment Spotlight
Student leaders and Resident Assistants will be able to identify and assess risk management/ mitigation strategies
Assessment Highlights:
93% of students who participated in risk management training and completed a post training survey answered all questions correctly; including correctly identifying types of mitigation strategies and when they would apply each strategy (n=68.)
Program Spotlight: Customized Training for Teens Working with Minors
"Teens working with Minors" provides mission-based, age-appropriate sexual abuse prevention and intervention information to protect teen counselors and their campers.
This customized training program was developed in response to feedback from Siena’s summer camp peer counselors: the online United Educators training utilized by the rest of campus wasn’t appropriate for adolescents serving as peer counselors.
Did you know? *By mid-semester Spring 2014, 108 students had participated in mission-centered ―Risk Management in Event Planning‖ workshop. *An additional 69 individuals completed online training. *Student Affairs Compliance Officer conducted 38 meetings with students to discuss risk assessment and mitigation planning.
www.siena.edu/StudentAffairs
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Franciscan Values and Life at Siena Diversity, Optimism, Respect, Service We are honored that artist, civic leader and Board of Trustee member, Shari GolubSchillinger’86 has donated her painting ―Communion‖ to commemorate the 10th Anniversary of the DORS Initiative. Shari drew upon her Siena experience, the values of the Franciscan and Catholic mission of the College, and her faith as inspiration for her painting. ―Communion‖ artistically and symbolically brings to life Siena’s DORS values. According to Shari, the painting is also inspired by and beautifully envisions the wisdom and poetry of the Gospel of John, in particular these excerpts: ―But whoever drinks the water I shall give will never thirst; the water I shall give will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life.‖ – John 4:1 ―We have come to know and believe in the love God has for us. God is love, and whoever remains in love, remains in God and God in him.‖ – John 1:16 In Shari‟s own words: “The water in front of the tree represents Baptismal waters; rebirth and renewal in Christ. The roots of the tree are literally in the water, representing the spiritual sustenance that we receive from the Love of God. As I continued to paint, as so often happens, the image evolved into so much more: A reflection of all of us: our dignity, our specialness, our connection. The image represents the idea of many leaves but one tree. I realized that the images in the painting convey the tenets of the DORS Initiative. Diversity- each leaf is different and special, just as each individual human being is different and special. Optimism- the light beaming from behind the tree, signifies that there is always God‟s light within and around everything, even after darkness. Respect- the Franciscan respect of nature and the beauty all around us is part of our legacy from St. Francis. Service- we serve each other, because like the leaves on the tree, we are all individuals, yet we are connected. Serving one, impacts all.” -Shari Golub-Schillinger, Class of 1986 “Communion,” by Shari Golub-Shillinger, „86
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OPTIMISM In our Franciscan community, optimism is a faith-filled affirmation of the basic goodness of life and of all men and women because, in the words of St. Francis, God our Creator is “good, all good, supremely good.” So,
BE POSITIVE BE HOPEFUL BE OPEN TO THE FUTURE
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Office of Services
Office of
for Students with Veterans Services Disabilities The Office for Students with Disabilities and Veterans Services promotes Siena‟s commitment to student-centered education within an environment that affirms the uniqueness and diversity of each individual. The office provides advocacy for and services to students with disabilities and student veterans, in order to ensure equal access to educational opportunities and to empower student self-advocacy and success.
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Provide advocacy for and reasonable accommodations to students with disabilities, allowing equal access to all Siena College programs.
Monitor the academic progress of students enrolled in the office and assist in the retention efforts of the College.
Coordinate services, provide advocacy and support to student veterans and dependents of veterans at the College.
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Office of Services
Office of
for Students with Veterans Services Disabilities 2013-2014 Assessment Spotlight
Students will be able to identify accommodations provided by the Office for Students with Disabilities to allow them equal access to Siena‟s programs
Assessment Highlights:
A survey was distributed to all students registered with the Office of Services for Students with Disabilities
47 out of 102 registered SSD students completed the survey for a 46% response rate.
97% of respondents provided accurate information on the first three questions, which focused on having the student identify his/her disability, list and describe the accommodations received, and to describe how the accommodations received helped the students’ academic performance (n=46.)
85% of respondents rate their accommodations as very or highly effective (n=47.)
Program Spotlight: ADS Friday Night Social Group
ASD Friday Nights offers students on the Autism Spectrum the opportunity to meet new people and showcase their talents and interests in a safe and nonjudgmental environment all while having a great time.
This group meets every other Friday.
This program was developed and implemented in Spring 2014 in collaboration with colleagues in SRI.
Did you know? *The 3rd Annual Veterans Recognition Dinner hosted over 150 attendees. *2013-2014 served as the inaugural year of the Veterans Brunch Series.
www.siena.edu/StudentAffairs
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Center for Counseling and Student Development The Center for Counseling and Student Development supports student development and success by providing counseling, medication management, psycho-educational programming, and consultations to the campus community to help students cope effectively with personal, emotional and situation barriers to learning
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Provide individual counseling service to enrolled students. Provide emergency consultations/interventions to enrolled students. Provide psychological consultations to the campus community. Provide psycho-educational workshops, trainings, and passive outreach to enrolled students and members of the Siena community.
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Center for Counseling and Student Development 2013-2014 Assessment Spotlight
Students, administrators, faculty and staff will identify and utilize sameday emergency consultations to assist students who are confronting lifethreatening circumstances, current or recent traumatic crises, and serious mental illness.
Assessment Highlights:
CCSD staff conducted 85 crisis evaluations in 2013-2014.
96% of the respondents in the student satisfaction survey who indicated that their situation was urgent endorsed that their situation was handled in a timely manner.
AVPSA for Public Safety reported: ―CCSD has always been immediately available after hours for telephone consultations to determine the level of crisis and appropriate level of response; CCSD has provided immediate and professional response in all interactions with Public Safety in crisis situations; CCSD has provided outstanding support to appropriately assess and assist students in crisis and have provided outstanding guidance to Public Safety Did you Know? and Residential Life Staff on how to *Between 2000 and 2014, CCSD has respond to students in crisis.‖ experienced a 150% increase in students seen Dean of Students reported: ―The annually. Center for Counseling and Student *In 2013-2014, 404 students were seen for a Development absolutely responds in a total of 1774 appointments. timely and appropriate manner to
urgent calls/situations. Their timely response covers both "work day" and "non- work day" times. In addition, I am also thankful for their timely outreach to my office for situations that we may need to be aware of and/ or respond. I am grateful for their compassion and expertise, especially in these difficult situations.‖
*In 2013-2014, 280 consultations were provided to faculty, staff, administrators, parents, students, and family members. *In 2013-2014, 86 hours of direct outreach were provided to enrolled students and members of the Siena community in the form of psycho-educational workshops and trainings.
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Office of Health Services Siena College Health Services empowers all community members to achieve optimal wellness through competent and compassionate care for students and the provision of educational programs to the entire campus in a manner that respects and promotes Siena‟s Franciscan and Catholic values.
We
Provide quality ambulatory health care to students.
Promote a healthy college community by prevention and surveillance of disease and disability from infectious communicable diseases.
Serve as a health care referral for students.
Provide programs to promote student self advocacy and wellness as it relates to personal health and personal responsibility for health care.
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Office of Health Services 2013-2014 Assessment Spotlight
Students will demonstrate knowledge of their diagnosis, treatment plan after each visit.
Assessment Highlights:
A post-clinical visit oral quiz was administered to students at the conclusion of their appointment at the Health Center.
95% of students quizzed correctly answered questions 1 and 2: What is your diagnosis? What is your treatment plan?
82% of students quizzed correctly answered question 3: What prevention measures have you learned?
100% of students quizzed indicated a healthy behavior they would add to their life as a result of their visit to health services.
Program Spotlight: Travel Health Program
This program was created by Angelique Papadopoulos, RN, and is offered to: Students traveling as part of their academic requirements such as the Biology summer of service program; Students traveling as part of a service trip; Students traveling as part of their study abroad experience.
The presentation prepares and teaches students how to care for themselves and minimize their health risks in the countries where they are traveling.
Did you Know? *In the fall of 2013, Health Services saw 1106 students (not including phone consultations) and achieved 100% compliance for NY State Immunization Public Health Law. *In 2013-2014, students reported 98% satisfaction with revised student check-in process to decrease wait time.
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Franciscan Values and Life at Siena Diversity, Optimism, Respect, Service Meet Joanna Bebber ‟15 2014 Ours to Do Women’s Center Service Trip Scholarship Winner ―Thanks to Siena College’s Women’s Center and the Ours To Do Women‟s Center Service Trip Scholarship, I experienced a once in a lifetime service trip opportunity in the Dominican Republic. Each day was packed with extraordinary experiences that I will never forget. There were many challenging moments and rewarding ones as well. My favorite memory from the trip was on our last day of teaching. We handed out stuffed animals to each of the students. As we left the school building, I peeked through the window and saw the kindergartners screaming with joy as they danced around and threw their new toys up in the air. The pure simplicity of their amusement is something so rare and special. My trip to the Dominican Republic was my first experience abroad, and I could not have asked for more. The people of the community showed us immense kindness and hospitality everywhere we went. I am so thankful to everyone who supported me as I prepared for this trip as well as the amazing group of people who shared the experience with me. I hope to one day return to the community as well as continue serving across the globe.‖
The Women's Center Service Trip Scholarship covers the full cost of attending the January service trip to the Dominican Republic sponsored by the Sr. Thea Bowman Center for Women. The trip provides the opportunity for students to witness and join women as leaders in advocating for social justice and living in solidarity. The service team stays with the Bernardine Sisters from Brazil and works in their school and health clinic in the impoverished urban community of Los Tres Brazos.
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RESPECT In our Franciscan community, respect is a profound reverence for God‟s real presence in ourselves, in others, and in our world. So,
BE RESPECTFUL OF YOURSELF BE AFFIRMING OF THE DIGNITY OF OTHERS BE CARING OF THE ENVIRONMENT AROUND YOU
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Damietta Cross-Cultural Center The Damietta Cross-Cultural Center fosters campus-wide, cross-cultural competency in order to advance Siena‟s commitment to building a world that is more just, peaceable and humane. Inspired by the legacy of Saint Francis‟ encounter with the Sultan Malik al-Kamil at Damietta, the Center provides innovative initiatives that educate, engage and empower students to live and work effectively in culturally diverse environments.
We
Provide opportunities to assist all students in building an inclusive community at Siena which is rooted in the Division of Student Affairs core values of Diversity, Optimism, Respect and Service (DORS).
Provide training to develop all students’ cross-cultural competencies for social justice.
Provide identity development support for all students and in particular student affinity groups.
Provide programs that develop and support inter-faith dialogue efforts for the Siena community.
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Damietta Cross-Cultural Center 2013-2014 Assessment Spotlight
Students will demonstrate and apply the knowledge and skills needed to be cross-culturally competent.
Assessment Highlights:
Over 91% of Cross-Cultural Solidarity Experience (CCSE) workshop participants were able to identify and apply at least one or more skills needed to be cross-culturally competent at the completion of the workshop: 47% identified 3 skills; 29% identified 2 skills; 15% identified 1 skill.
At the end of the semester, CCSE participants were asked to complete two reflection questions that reflect their level of "cultural self-awareness", "knowledge of cultural worldview frameworks" and "Openness.‖ 86 reflection papers were randomly selected for review out of 172. A 4-point scale was used to code the papers and determine students’ cross-cultural competency: 1=benchmark level, 2-3 = milestone level and 4 = Capstone level. 45% of students reached the level of milestone under "cultural selfawareness"; 43% reached the level of milestone under "knowledge of cultural worldview frameworks" and 56% reached the level of milestone under "openness."
Program Spotlight: Exploring the Intersections among Identities
A new series of programs offered in 2013-2014 explores intersections among different identities. For example: Hidden Voices: The Lives of LGBT Muslims; Unveiled (A one woman performance about 5 women from different ethnic backgrounds and identities); Black Men on A Ledge (program about blackness and masculinity); Queer People of Color Panel.
Did you Know? *In 2013-2014, the Damietta Cross Cultural Center provided 45 programs to students. *The Cross-Cultural Solidarity Experience ran for the third year: Five faculty and 230 students participated in the program. 20 students were trained to serve as Solidarity Advisors in the program. Solidarity Advisors presented in 17 classes.
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Sister Thea Bowman Center for Women The Sister Thea Bowman Center for Women advances Siena College‟s commitment to building a world that is more just, peaceable and humane by providing advocacy, programming and service opportunities which promote social justice, gender equity and the development of
We
Provide programming to the Siena community to raise awareness about social justice issues and promote participation in service and advocacy opportunities.
Provide educational opportunities and initiatives for students that promote gender equality.
Conduct targeted programs to women students that develop and empower them to achieve their personal, academic and professional aspirations.
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Sister Thea Bowman Center for Women 2013-2014 Assessment Spotlight
Students will demonstrate awareness that advocating for social justice is a Franciscan and Catholic value.
Assessment Results:
A rubric was used to assess whether progress reports submitted by student members of the Bowman Leadership Team (BLTs) demonstrate awareness that advocating for social justice is a Franciscan and Catholic value. 62% of BLTs were able to articulate how advocating for social justice is a Franciscan and Catholic value. The Director of Sr. Thea Bowman Center for Women is developing a training for BLTs in fall 2014 to increase student learning in this area.
Program Spotlight: Partnership with BOAT Member Bonny Boice Helps Students Grow Professionally and Personally
In 2013-2014, Bowman Center worked with Board of Associate Trustees (BOAT) member Bonny Boice to provide students with opportunities to develop skills needed for personal and professional success.
Offers personal one-on-one coaching sessions.
Provides workshops such as: Centered Leadership Model taken from the McKinsey Leadership Project; Circle of Personal Perspective; Managing your energy not your time.
This initiative is the result of student feedback about readiness for post-graduate opportunities.
Did you Know? *The Bowman Leadership Team is comprised of four student-led committees that coordinate signature programs and spearhead ad-hoc initiatives: Peace and NonViolence, Global Concerns, Community Engagement, Health and Wellness.
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Franciscan Values and Life at Siena Diversity, Optimism, Respect, Service Meet Pamela Townsend, ‟14 2014 Ours to Do Women’s Center Service Trip Scholarship Winner ―My life has changed over the course of seven days thanks to the Ours To Do Women‟s Center Service Trip Scholarship and the Siena College Sister Thea Bowman Center for Women. Because of this scholarship, I was afforded the opportunity to travel with nine other students and two Siena faculty members to Los Tres Brazos, a barrio in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. Our group was welcomed with open arms and loving embraces by the Bernardine Franciscan Sisters with whom this service trip was coordinated. One of the many experiences which was particularly humbling for me was when our group was presented with the opportunity to teach English to younger and older adults from the community. Their willingness to step outside of their comfort zones and their enthusiasm and eagerness to learn made our time with them so energizing and enjoyable. The sisters have been a gift to this community and have touched the lives of so many simply by doing what they were called to by God. They truly represent what it means to live a life modeled by Saints Francis and Clare of Assisi. The smiles, warm embraces, kindness, and hospitality of the people we had the pleasure of meeting have changed my life forever. Their spirit and optimism in all they are and do is what I will always hold close to my heart. Although our group traveled to the Dominican Republic to be of service to the community; the memories and experiences we took back with us were gifts that no amount of money in the world could buy.‖ The St. Clare Leadership Series: Ours to DoWomen Leading the Way was inspired by a desire to honor St. Clare’s living legacy of servant leadership and advance Siena College’s mission to provide experiences which instill in students the values and knowledge needed to lead lives of service and leadership.
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SERVICE In our Franciscan community, service is paying the debt we owe to God for the gifts we have been given, by working and advocating for the well-being of all, especially the poor and marginalized. So,
BE GRATEFUL BE GENEROUS WITH YOUR TIME AND TALENTS BE COMPASSIONATE
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The Division of Student Affairs at Siena College serves as a resource, advocate and partner for student learning. We welcome and support students by fostering a safe, healthy and respectful living and learning community that embraces diversity and celebrates Siena‟s Franciscan and Catholic identity. We provide transformative learning opportunities that invite and challenge students to join us in promoting the common good, affirming the dignity and worth of each individual, and engaging in experiences reflective of servant leadership. We:
Provide opportunities to welcome students into the campus community, which celebrate Siena’s Franciscan Catholic identity and embrace diversity in both faith and culture.
Provide programs and services to students to foster and maintain a safe, healthy and respectful community for living and learning.
Provide intentional activities for students to learn about, reflect upon, and apply the Division of Student Affairs core Franciscan values of
diversity, optimism, respect, and
service.
www.siena.edu/StudentAffairs