Dean of Students

Meet the Staff

 

 

Jeanne Obermayer Assistant Vice President for Student Affairs/ Dean of Students
John Bebb Associate Dean of Students	John Felio Associate Dean of Students

 

Mission

The mission of the Office of the Dean of Students is to serve as a central campus resource, assist students in the management of issues or concerns, and aid in the achievement of personal and academic success. Through partnerships with students, enforcement of policy, administration of the student conduct review process, and sponsorship of programs and training sessions that enhance the understanding of rights and responsibilities, the Office incorporates the Franciscan and Catholic tradition to foster responsible conduct and personal accountability, strengthen skills in conflict management and resolution, and focus on the moral and ethical growth and development of the individual within the greater community.

 

Community Standards/Conduct Review Process

The philosophy of Siena College regarding matters of student conduct is grounded in fostering student skills and understanding of what it takes to live responsibly in community, focusing on the growth and development of the individual within the greater context of the community.  To foster responsible conduct and personal accountability, disciplinary procedures and penalties for violations of rules and regulations are designed for personal growth in moral and ethical development while protecting the College community in order to enable the community to pursue its stated mission. Conduct which disrupts the community will be addressed appropriately. The Franciscan Values DORS Initiative (Diversity, Optimism, Respect and Service) is often used as a framework for addressing student misconduct. Siena College considers members of its community to be mature individuals who are responsible for establishing and accepting appropriate standards of conduct. Each person is expected to conduct himself/herself in accordance with the regulations of the College and such laws of the Town, State, and Federal governments that apply, and particularly to respect the rights of other members of the community.

The Office of Student Affairs is responsible for handling incidents of student and student group misconduct. The Assistant Vice President for Student Affairs/Dean of Students is the Chief Conduct Officer for the College and, as such, oversees the Student Conduct Process. Any question of interpretation regarding the Code of Conduct and/or the Conduct Review Procedures shall be referred to the Vice President for Student Affairs, AVPSA/Dean of Students or designee for final determination.

Policies and procedures are provided in:

 Siena Life, the student handbook

Statement on Student Rights and Responsibilities (pdf)

 

In addition, students interested in careers in law or justice are invited to pursue positions on the Student Conduct Review Board (a conduct review panel of faculty and students) or as Student Advocates. Those interested should contact Student Affairs for additional information.

Conflict Management Services

Through the Dean of Students Office, Siena College provides trained mediators to assist students in managing conflict through Conflict Management Services.  For more information about this service, please view the following webpage: Conflict Management Services.

Leaves of Absence for Medical and/or Psychological Reasons

The Office of the Dean of Students assists students with issues arising from illness and missing classes for an extended period of time. Documentation from the treating practitioner is required.

Parental Notification

The Office of Student Affairs reserves the right to notify parents of students of disciplinary action taken against the student with a signed release from the student. In cases of alcohol and/or drug policy violations, the College reserves the right to notify (usually in writing) parents of students under 21 once the case has been adjudicated regardless of whether the student signed a release.

The College reserves the right to contact parents and/or legal guardians without student consent in the case of health or safety emergencies, most specifically in instances where a student has been transported to the hospital for alcohol intoxication, regardless of age, so that parents may discuss the situation with their child.  The College also reserves the right without student consent to notify parents of students who have been disciplined for non forcible sex offenses or violent crimes that are violations of Siena College's Code of Conduct.

The College is allowed to notify parents without student consent in all instances stated above under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act ("FERPA").