“We are Student Life”
Siena College Division of Student Life 2014-2015 Annual Report
Division of Student Life The Division of Student Life 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. Members of the Division of Student Life at Siena College utilize the
Principles of Good Practice for Student Affairs at Catholic Colleges and Universities, together with their respective professional association standards, to advance their work as student development.
DIVISION OF STUDENT LIFE LEADERSHIP TEAM Maryellen Gilroy, Ed.D. Vice President for Student Life Sr. Susan Dunn, OP, Ed.D. Assistant Vice President for Student Life Michael Papadopoulos ‘82 Assistant Vice President for Student Life/Director of Public Safety John Felio Dean of Students John Bebb Associate Dean of Students Jabrina Robinson, J.D. Associate Dean of Students Adam Casler 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 Veterans Services Nathan Pruitt, Ph.D Director, Center for Counseling and Student Development Carrie Hogan Director, Health Services Jeanne Obermayer Student Life Compliance Officer
Vice President for Student Life
Great News Worth Sharing: Dear Colleagues, Students, Parents, and Friends of Siena College, If three words could sum up the 2014-2015 academic year for the Division of Student Life, they would be renovation, reaffirmation and renewal. The renovations to the Sarazen Student Union and Casey’s have made our student union the place for students to hang out and have fun. We have seen a tremendous growth in attendance at campus wide student events as a result. The innovative programming efforts of the Student Activities and Leadership Development team were exceptional and their role in this transformative change to the campus cannot go unrecognized. The redecorating of several residence hall lounges with paint colors and soft furniture have helped those spaces to be welcoming and popular! Renovations included more than the traditional brick and mortar type. Our divisional efforts this past academic year were driven by a focus on the core of how we do business; rethinking the ways we build connections to engage our students, retooling our messaging about the division and our activities and identifying and addressing student perceptions of the division in order to remain flexible, engaged and relevant for our students. Other feedback we received challenged us to look inwardly to reaffirm our commitment to the student focused nature of our work and the value added approach of Siena’s mission in how we operate. In doing so, student life staff approached this through targeted opportunities to listen to what students had to say through community meetings in the residence halls, expanded social media platforms and the “We’re Listening” campaign. We learned that communicating back the changes we have made is just as important as making the change itself. Over the course of the fall semester two seniors as part of their Independent Study course provided feedback to us on the image and perception of the student life experience at Siena. They told us we needed to change our name from Student Affairs to Student Life and to provide a unified message for all the departments within the Division. This feedback was valuable as we began developing a strategic plan for Student Life for the next five years. This process served as a time to pause and look back, recognizing what we have accomplished but also allowed for a time of renewal for the future. Our annual report process allows us to critically reflect upon what we have done well and to welcome the challenges and opportunities to do better. Thank you for your interest in and support of our work with and on behalf of students. Sincerely,
Maryellen Gilroy, Ed.D. Vice President for Student Life
Dean of Students Office The Dean of Students Office establishes and upholds community standards. Rooted in Siena’s Franciscan Catholic tradition, the Dean of Students Office establishes and upholds community. Objectives: • • • •
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
Assessment Spotlights: New Student Orientation features an active bystander training program entitled, “Who Are You?” Participants completed a posttest at the end of the workshop. 95.9% of test-takers reported that they are 70-100% certain they would intervene by asking a student at a party who looks upset and who they did not know well if they are okay or need help.*
In the fall 2014 Health Survey, 85% of students reported that Siena encourages them to be an active bystander. This number increased from 79% in the previous 2013 Health Survey. **
90% of students felt they were listened to during the student conduct review process . (n=107)***
The majority of students felt that their involvement in the student conduct review process was meaningful. (n=82)*** *Data from ”By Stander/Who are You 2014” post test survey **Data from Siena College Health Survey 2013 and 2014 a representative sample of students across all four classes *** 2014-2015 Siena College Student Conduct Review Process Survey
Initiatives:
The Dean of Students and Community Living staff partnered to create and unveil a new alcohol and drug education campaign entitled, “Commit to Being You” called “choices,” in its short form. This campaign provides programs and resources to assist Siena students in making healthy choices regarding alcohol and drugs, such as monthly building-wide hall programs, monthly social norms/ education posters, micro-grants for alcohol-free programming, etc. The initiative also utilizes the active bystander model to encourage students to safely intervene to assist students in danger as a result of alcohol or drug use. The Dean of Students convened a Student Code of Conduct policy
review committee with students, and will be making several policy changes based upon the feedback of the students involved.
Honor:
Dean of Students John Felio was honored as “Administrator of the Year” by the Student Senate.
Community Living The Office of Community Living 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. Objectives: • 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 student to live within a Franciscan community highlighting opportunities for students to forge personnel relationships and connections to the Siena community • Provide leadership opportunities and learning experiences through Resident Assistant (RA), Residence Hall Association (RHA) and work study programs
Assessment Spotlights: 82%
of students moderately agreed or strongly agreed that living on-campus has positively impacted their learning
(n=1425) *
78% of respondents mildly agreed or agreed with the statement “As a residential student, I identify as a member of an open and
welcoming residential community” (n=1424)*
81% of students moderately agreed or strongly agreed that living on campus has contributed to their sense of belonging at Siena (n=1454)* 83% of students moderately agreed or strongly agreed that they will recommend living on campus to new students (n=1447) * * Data from the ACUHO-I/EBI Survey 2014
Initiatives:
Honors:
The Director of Community Living hosted a series of “Community Life Chats” in the residence halls to meet directly with students and hear their concerns for improving Residential Life at Siena. Several completed projects emerged from this work: painting of lounge spaces, addition of wireless Internet coverage, and new common lounge/study spaces.
Siena College Director of Community Living Adam W. Casler was a keynote speaker at the 16th Annual Celebrating Excellence in Education event hosted by NYS Senator John J. Bonacic (R-42nd District). The event focuses on celebrating the academic achievements of graduating seniors who have earned the distinction of being valedictorians, salutatorians, or earning high honors from their high schools. Over 100 students, family members, and high school leaders were present for the event.
Recognizing the achievements of our faculty, staff, and students has been a key priority for the Residence Hall Association (RHA) this year. Residential Life started a series called “Of The Month” awards which have honored individuals as well as departments for their contributions to improving the Siena College community.
Casler spoke on the importance of taking chances as students begin the next phase of their lives and the importance of seeking out and making connections with new people who will challenge and support them in their endeavors.
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. Objectives: • • • •
Provide opportunities to assist all students in building an inclusive community at Siena which is rooted in the Division of Student Life 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
Assessment Spotlight: 100% of Damietta Advocates intentionally and appropriately applied one or more Franciscan DORS Values to the development and implementation of programs for the Siena community. These student leaders were able to fully articulate their understanding and application of these values in one-on-one conversations, reflection papers and their end of the semester performance plan. *
* Data from Department administered student surveys, evaluations and assessment meetings
Initiatives: “I AM” Series – Programs that examine various social identities and their intersectionalities. Some dialogs have focused on gender, class, immigration and mental illness. Social Justice Week – A series of programs that focus on promoting social justice, diversity, inclusion and ally ship Ally Training – A brand new in-house Ally Training for the Siena Community Cultural & Arts Programs- Spoken Word, Latin Bazaar, Black Bazaar, Platanos y Collard Greens Play, Yasmina’s Necklace Play #damiettapresents – A marketing initiative that promotes the Damietta Cross-Cultural Center via Social Media - inspired by “the Human of New York” campaign to feature stories of different Siena students 1st annual Carnival/Mardi Gras – Led by the Damietta Cross-Cultural Center, co-sponsored by the Brazilian Club, the Spanish Club, the Black & Latino Student Union, LUNA, Siena Night Life and Center for International Programs
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. Objectives: • • • •
Provide individual counseling services 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 the Siena community
Assessment Spotlights: 92%
of students agree or strongly agree that they would recommend the services of the Center for Counseling and Student Development to other students *
82% of students agree or strongly agree that as a result of the counseling process, “I feel more optimistic/hopeful about my future” * 87% of students agree or strongly agree with this statement “My psychologist treated me in a non judgmental and caring manner” * 87% of students agree or strongly agree with the following statement “I am glad that I came to counseling and would come again if needed. *
* Data extracted from the Client Survey, Center for Counseling and Student Development, 2014-2015. Measurement is a scale of 1 (not applicable) to 5 (strongly agree), n=72
Initiatives:
• • • • •
Facilitated a group for students with divorced parents Assisted in the development and provision of bystander training for Orientation Provided trainings for student leaders Consulted with a men’s spirituality group Facilitated a grief group for students, faculty and staff
Highlight: During the 2014-2015 academic year, the CCSD provided 376 consultations in addition to 77 urgent evaluations.
Sr. 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 women. Objectives: • • •
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
Assessment Spotlight: This year we actively recruited frequent program participants to join Team Bowman at least on a volunteer basis by signing up with one of the committees. Our Peace and Non-Violence committee and our Health and Wellness committee have both doubled their membership this year. This increased membership allowed the clubs to increase programing and expand their anti-bullying programs to focus on stopping slut-shaming and cat calling on campus.
Initiatives: The Sister Thea Bowman Center for Women received a grant from the Dominican Sisters of Sparkhill Special Projects Fund for the Bowman Center’s Hope 7 after school program with middle school girls. Team Bowman Leaders were trained to deliver the Grow Girl Program by a local agency. Team Bowman members then went weekly to Hope 7 and worked with the girls conducting workshops on building self-esteem, bullying prevention, friendship, goal setting, healthy relationships, body image and overall empowerment. They also did lots of fun arts and crafts and learned some sun dances. At the end of the year, girls from Hope 7 came to campus for a fun filled afternoon of dinner in the dinning hall and a Beautiful Me workshop.
Honors: Delaney Rives ‘15, Senior Bowman Coordinator, was featured on the MSNBC website in the Women in Politics : College Edition, as a young woman who is making a difference.
Health Services Siena College Health Services, operated by St. Peter’s Health Partners 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. Objectives: • • • •
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
Assessment Spotlights: 100% compliance for NY State Immunization Public Health Law for nine consecutive years. * 96% customer satisfaction according to the St. Peters Health Professionals patient satisfaction survey, Fall 2014 ** 89% students feel that Health Services is a campus resource for students according to the Siena College Health Survey 2014 ***
94%
students correctly indicated a new healthy behavior they will implement after attending the 2014 Wellness Carnival **** * Data from NY State Immunization Public Health Law ** Data extracted from the St. Peters Health Professionals Satisfaction Survey fall 2014 (n=76) *** Data extracted from the Health Services Satisfaction Survey fall 2014 (n=450) **** Databased on a written response to the following question: What new healthy behavior will you implement as a result from attending the 2014 Wellness Carnival? n=34
Initiatives: Food Allergy Awareness and Safety- All cooking done in the campus dining halls is now being done completely tree nut and peanut free. A nutrition referral form has been developed collaboratively with Dining Services to be used by Health Services when referring students with special diet needs and food allergies. Travel Health Programs- Presentations were done for students traveling to Haiti and Jamaica for service trips. The presentation helped prepare and teach students how to care for themselves and about minimizing their health risks in the countries they are traveling to do service. Students studying abroad and other student groups traveling also benefited from this training. Electronic College Student Health Record and appointment scheduling software system in compliance with the NYSDOH electronic prescribing mandate was implemented.
Student Activities & 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. Objectives: • Provide leadership development opportunities to students that are informed by Siena’s Franciscan and Catholic values • Collaborate with academic departments and faculty to provide co-curricular activities to students that complement their academic programs • Provide opportunities to welcome, transition and engage students in the Siena campus community
Assessment Spotlights: 94%
of students stated they attend an average of 1-30 student activities per month *
68% of our students are involved in at least one club on campus.* 90% of students stated attending programs helped them learn to challenge others’ abusive use of stereotypes* 89%
of students stated attending programs increased their interaction with people different from themselves *
* Data from Student Activities Education Benchmarking (EBI) Survey 2015, n=495
Initiatives:
Family Weekend collaboration between Student Event Board and Student Activities & Leadership Development to reach an all-time high of 1600 participants. This collaboration allowed us to create a more engaged and vibrant campus for families. Sponsored Bubble Soccer, Jabali Afrika, Poetry Slam Competition, Petting Zoo, Comedians, Game Shows, Therapy Dogs and more to attract different student populations. Send out daily tweets with themed days (Motivational Monday, Trivia Tuesday, Weekend What’s Up, Throwback Thursday and Feel Good Friday). Held events earlier and during free period to better accommodate the commuter population.
Student Activities & Leadership Development Highlights:
Since the opening of Casey’s in the Sarazen Student
Union, student attendance at Student Activities and Leadership Development programs held in Casey’s has increased 40% compared to programs held in previous years.* Currently, 1,557 students are involved in at least one of the 80 clubs on campus .** 2014-2015 average number of attendees at our events has increased by 15% for this academic year. ** According to an in-house survey, 95% of survey respondents agreed or strongly agreed that “the new student orientation made me feel welcomed and connected to the campus.” (n=273) ** Student Activities Office and Senate assisted students in creating 12 new clubs this academic year, 40% of which were Academic Clubs. * Data from Student Activities & Leadership Development Student Attendance Database 2014-2015 * *Data from 2014 Simplicity Community Database
Office of Services for Students with Disabilities The Office of Services for Students with Disabilities provides programs and services designed to support and encourage the integration of students with disabilities into the mainstream college experience. Objectives: • • •
Ensure educational opportunities and a responsive campus environment for students with disabilities. Advocate for students needs, both inside and outside the classroom, to promote academic success of students utilizing the services of our programs. Determine appropriate accommodations (e.g., extended time for test-taking, provision of note-takers) in compliance with College policies and state and federal equal access laws.
Assessment Spotlight: 30% increase in students registered with Services for Students with Disabilities. * 50% of Siena students report that he or she is aware of the services provided by the Office of Services for Students with Disabilities. **
* Data from NYSED 2H2 Report 2015, n =138 ** Data From Siena Health Survey 2014-2015
Highlights: This year, there was over 90% retention and satisfactory academic progress for students registered with the Office of Services for Students with Disabilities. Three students from the North Colonie High School Transition program graduated this year. The percentage of regular and occasional users of accommodations increased to 67% from 58% in the previous year. The average cumulative GPA of all students registered with the office this year was 2.93.
New Initiatives: Deployed of Live Scribe Smart Pens as an additional resource for students who need note taking assistance. Worked with the Damietta Cross-Cultural Center and Community Living to raise awareness of disabilities through targeted programming and training opportunities.
Veterans Services The Office of 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 student veterans, in order to ensure equal access to educational opportunities and to empower student self-advocacy and success. Objectives: •
Coordinate services, provide advocacy and support to student veterans and dependents of veterans at the College
Assessment Spotlight:
90% of student veterans and National Guard members surveyed by the Office of Veteran Support Services reported that
accessing support services at Siena is easy (70%) or doable with help (20%). Students were then asked to name the resources that they have accessed for support. Data from 2015 Veterans Learning Outcomes Survey, n =10
Honors: Siena College was awarded Military friendly Status for 2015 by Victory Media (2nd year in a row).
Initiatives: In September 2014, a new Veterans Lounge was opened in collaboration with Facilities, Development and ROTC. New this year is priority registration for student veterans . This and the new lounge have been ranked #1 and #2 in terms of the most important services and resources by our student veterans.
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. Objectives: • • • •
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
Assessment Spotlight: 88%
of students indicated that they felt safe walking on campus at night (n=1485)*
92% of students indicated that they felt safe in their residence hall or townhouse(n=1455)* 90% of students reported that they feel Public Safety has adequately communicated Community Alerts (n=438) ** 100% of participants who completed a Rape Aggression Defense (RAD), CPR or Defensive Driving Course passed the course.
* Data from the EBI Resident Survey fall 2015 ** Data from the EBI Student Activities Survey spring 2015
Initiatives: • Designed and deployed a new automated Visitor Vehicle Registration System. Faculty, staff and administrators can now register guest vehicles online with this new and streamlined process. • Partnered with students and Facilities Management to improve lighting on campus. Installed a number of new LED fixtures to create a safer environment for community members walking at night. Also, new mega-pixel CCTV cameras were installed in several exterior locations, as well as the several interior spaces to enhance campus security and investigative capabilities. • Conducted three tabletop exercises with Public Safety Staff. Developed and executed two tabletop exercises with College Emergency Operations Team, which included participation from the Town of Colonie Emergency Responders and other local colleges.
Student Life Compliance The Student Life Compliance Officer provides mission affirming best practice regulatory compliance guidance to the Division of Student Life. It also provides risk management oversight to students and those working with students in the co-curricular setting. Objective: • • • •
Provide a comprehensive model of risk assessment to use in planning events and activities for student leaders, faculty and staff Offer educational opportunities on risk management to student leaders, faculty and staff Provide guidance and oversight on regulatory compliance to the Division of Student Life Monitor legislative action related to higher education to provide educational updates for Student Life
Assessment Spotlight:
Student leaders who completed risk management training in the fall of 2014 were asked to complete a post training survey, 68% of respondent correctly articulated how Risk Management is related to the College’s mission and our Franciscan DORS Values (diversity, optimism, respect, service )*
Initiatives: Created Clrey Act Compliance Committee Based upon student and parent feedback, the student health insurance plan provider is now CDPHP. This plan provided better coverage at a reduced cost. Student Life Compliance Officer assumed full responsibility for administering Student Health Insurance plan, of which the goal is to provide good coverage for students without other insurance or who have insurance that doesn’t cover Capital District region medical care in order to best enable a student to remain enrolled and be successful at Siena.
* Data from the Risk Assessment in Event Planning Post Training Assessment fall 2041, n=74
Honors: Jeanne Obermayer, Student Life Compliance Officer, had an article published in the URMIA Journal 2014
Highlights: 223 Campus Security Authorities completed online training 228 event planners completed Risk Management in Event Planning Training 110 Event Factor Risk Analysis were submitted
Student Engagement Awards The Women’s Center Service Trip Scholarship is awarded annually to a female student, and covers the cost of attending the spring break service trip to the Dominican Republic, sponsored by the Sr. Thea Bowman Women’s Center. This trip provides the opportunity for students to witness and join women as leaders in advocating for social justice and living solidarity. The service team stays with Bernadine Sisters from Brazil and work in their school and health clinic in the impoverished urban community of Los Tres Brazos. This year two Siena students received the scholarship, Tess Biskup’16 and Katelyn McDowell ‘15. Tessa Biskup’16 Our service trip to the Dominican Republic truly encompassed all aspects of the Franciscan education which we strive to attain through our education at Siena. While there, we lived with the Hermanas Franciscanas Bernadinas (Franciscan Sisters) who have spent the past 23 years transforming a community of people into a community with vibrant life. Through the creation of a kindergarten through 5th grade school, a pharmacy which serves the people at little to no cost, and an adult education program which caters to the tourist industry in order to help the people move up the social ladder, the Sisters have gained unending trust and are so admired by the people of Los Tres Brazos. Although the people of Los Tres Brazos have little – some could not afford shoes or clothes, even the barest of necessities were not guaranteed – the community was so grateful for all that they had. The experience was humbling to say the least. We truly learned how to embody DORS values: each trip member had diverse backgrounds which resulted in unique skills and talents. As we worked together, we accomplished great things. These ranged from stocking a pharmacy to teaching Bhangra to a gym class of 2nd graders. Our group remained optimistic in the face of challenges, whether it was a late night completing lesson plans followed by an early morning walk to the convent or the difficult realization of how much of our hearts we had given to the community over the course of the week and the idea that we would soon have to part with them. Each individual on this trip experienced the realization of the sacredness of human life and the respect which we all must have for one another. The trip truly engaged our hearts in its personal nature. The community was completely open to us, members invited us into their houses to teach us about their lives and asked about our own. We learned stories of people who had lived in the neighborhood their whole lives as well as those of the sisters who moved there in 1992 and the change which they had created in such a short span of time. The service which we did brought out the best in ourselves but more than that, it truly enabled us to see the best in others. We all learned the true meaning of servant leadership and were able to use this to create sustainable change rather than to solely address short term issues within the community. We attempted to create an impact which would live on after we left and as we spent time with the sisters, we felt the longstanding impact which previous groups had made. The connection which the Sisters and the community have developed lives on from year to year in the love which they have for one another and their remembrance of Siena Students who return on the trip time and time again. The short trip will live on forever in our hearts as it was a transformative experience which we will never forget. Katelynn McDowell’15 Over spring break I had the pleasure of attending a service trip to the Dominican Republic, which has changed my life forever. I, along with eight other students, had been preparing for the last four months to attend this trip. We diligently gathered donations and created lesson plans with the intention of aiding and teaching members of the community at a local elementary school. However, once we arrived, I quickly realized that the majority of the learning was to be done by us. The people of “Los Tres Brazos” opened their homes and allowed us into their beautiful community. I learned so much about the Dominican Republic in the short time I was there. This experience allowed me to immerse myself in such a beautiful culture; one that is heavily rooted in music, dancing, love, happiness, and laughter. There are no words in the English language that can accurately describe how perfect this trip was. I truly lived life to the fullest for the seven days I was in the Dominican Republic. One day that stands out in my memory was the very first day. The students lined up to do their morning prayers, pledge of allegiance, and announcements for the day. It happened to also be the birthday of both a student and teacher, each of whom was standing in front of the entire school body. The vice principal asked who wanted to volunteer and bless them for their birthday; at least 30 hands shot up. Three students were proudly picked and walked to the front to bless the student and teacher with good health, a prosperous year, and a happy family. Each blessing was followed by a hug. Being in the Dominican Republic gave me the opportunity to be a servant leader and allowed me to carry out Siena College’s DORS initiative. The trip allowed me to diversify my knowledge of another culture in the best was possible. I learned about optimism from the people of “Los Tres Brazos.” They taught me how to be truly appreciative for what I have, and how to live a humble and happy life. I was able to experience how respected the sisters were in the community because of the love and compassion they have for the people who live there. And, above all, I was able to find out who I was by being lost in the service of others.
Student Engagement Awards Matthew Pinchinat ‘15 and Anna Youngmann ‘15 Student Life Award “Given in recognition of their involvement in the community through leadership, service and enhancing the lives of their fellow students”.
Ryan Kelleher ‘18 Outstanding Commuter Student Award “Given in recognition of dedication to service, programs, and the communal life of Siena College.”
Michaela Pearl ‘15 Edward F. Lennon Award. Edward “Bud” Lennon was the first President of the Student Senate when it was formed in 1937. The award is presented to a student who displays exceptional leadership ability.
Adderlin Taveras ‘ 15 Jim Knust Community Service Award “Presented to a student that has been instrumental in forming and strengthening bonds between the college and the greater Capital Region through participation in community service activities and/or projects.
Anthony Bjelke ‘16 Father Noel Fitzpatrick, O.F.M. Award. Presented to a junior male who has demonstrated outstanding scholarship, taken a prominent leadership role, and exemplifies the highest ideals of Christianity and Franciscan tradition.
Fanta Sissoko ‘16 Solidarity Advocate Award presented to a student who foremost exhibits values, characteristics and actions that reflects the Franciscan Tradition. The recipient of this award is one who displays courage to acknowledge social inequities and works within a peaceful framework to foster an inclusive campus culture
Image and Perception Student Report “This semester it was our task to evaluate the current attitudes and perceptions of Student Affairs and the Student Affairs brand.
We started the research process by gathering secondary data, and then we went into our primary data collection to really grasp an understanding of the current perceptions of Student Affairs. We conducted interviews with the directors of each department, hosted a polling session in the Sarazen Student Union, hosted a focus group, and administered a campus wide on line survey. This project was an amazing experience because we were able to gather so much important data for Siena, and really make some great recommendations that we think will improve the Student Affairs brand’s perceptions.”
Erin Troy ‘15 Management Major
Elaine Arnold ‘15 Marketing Major
Habits of Franciscan Community Brotherhood and Sisterhood:
What Francis called fraternity: a model for the way we relate to and live with each other as brothers and sisters in God’s love, which puts us in right relationship with each other.
Faith: The foundation of Franciscan community: faith in a personal and provident God who is “good, all good, supreme good.”
Prayer: Prayer, worship and reflection, individually and as a community, as a way to open one’s self to God and to celebrate God’s goodness in our lives.
Hospitality: In a Franciscan community, the openness of welcome, meeting someone where they are, being attentive to one’s needs to feel safe and cared for, and welcoming and supporting all as part of an inclusive community.
Inclusion of the other: Acceptance of the ‘other’ in our lives, celebrating the God-given uniqueness of each person and the cultural and religious differences that enrich us all.
Respect: A profound reverence for God’s real presence in ourselves, in others, and in our world while affirming the dignity of each person.
Common Good: The notion of the common good (which is also the Catholic notion); seeking the greatest good for ALL to promote human flourishing while affirming and protecting the dignity and rights of the individual.
Peace: Engaging in just, fair and non-violent interactions, while avoiding stereotypes of others. “Peace and all good” is an expression Franciscans use to greet each other, as well as the larger community.
Habits of Franciscan Community is a collaborative project between Maryellen Gilroy, Ed.D. Vice President for Student Life and Fr. Dennis Tamburello, OFM, Ph.D., Professor of Religious Studies and Friar in Residence, August 2015.
STUDENT LIFE MISSION AND COMMITMENT The Division of Student Life welcomes and celebrates the uniqueness of all students in the Siena College community. We serve as a resource, advocate and partner for student success. We support, encourage and help students succeed personally and academically by providing student centered programs that invite all to:
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Explore and experience our rich Franciscan and Catholic values; Be active, engaged and committed members of our community; Participate in experiences reflective of servant leadership; and Affirm the dignity and worth of individuals while promoting the common good.
Vision The Division of Student Life at Siena College will be a recognized leader in establishing best-practice models for student development in Catholic higher education, by providing intentional, comprehensive and integrated programs and services to promote student growth and success in a values-oriented, faith-based learning community. Values The essence of Franciscan and Catholic tradition is a way of relating to people that is grounded in faith and values. Diversity, Optimism, Respect and Service provide a framework of values for the Siena College community to discuss and learn about the Franciscan tradition and its approach to fostering positive interpersonal relationships. 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 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 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 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 Revised 2015
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