This Hub focuses on managing the community impact on people, fostering equity, belonging and well-being within Siena. It promotes long-term stability by advancing inclusion, aiming to reduce inequality and enhance social capital.
Key goals include strengthening employee engagement, ensuring safe working conditions, and securing a social license to operate
What is social sustainability?
The “S” in ESG, social sustainability is an often overlooked aspect of sustainability, as sustainable development discussions often focus on environmental, economic, and climate-related topics. All three dimensions of ESG–environmental, social, and governance–are important elements of sustainable development and should be addressed on an institutional scale.
The following three definitions of social sustainability paint a broad picture of the topic and together emphasize how key equity, diversity, and wellbeing are to supporting thriving, sustainable communities:
Social sustainability occurs when the formal and informal processes; systems; structures; and relationships actively support the capacity of current and future generations to create healthy and livable communities. Socially sustainable communities are equitable, diverse, connected and democratic and provide a good quality of life. (Source: WACOSS, Western Australia Council of Social Services)
Social sustainability is a process for creating sustainable successful places that promote wellbeing, by understanding what people need from the places they live and work. Social sustainability combines design of the physical realm with design of the social world – infrastructure to support social and cultural life, social amenities, systems for citizen engagement, and space for people and places to evolve. (Source: Social Life, a UK based social enterprise specializing in place based innovation)
The ability of a community to develop processes and structures which not only meet the needs of its current members but also support the ability of future generations to maintain a healthy community. (Source: Business Dictionary)
Social Sustainability Statement
Social Sustainability at Siena
Here at Siena University we have many ways in which forster and maintain social sustainability.
The Office of Accessability works to enhance the mission of Siena University and acts as a liaison for students with disabilities within the community. The office ensures compliance with responsibilities under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 and current amendments.
Accommodations are granted to students who have registered and provided current and relevant documentation of their disability and accommodation needs to the office. All information disclosed is considered confidential and will not be released without the student’s permission. The office looks forward to working with each student to help make their time at Siena a success!
The Title IX/EEO Office has primary responsibility for coordinating the University’s efforts to comply with, and carry out, its responsibilities under Title VI, Title VII and Title IX, which prohibit discrimination in all of the University’s programs and activities.
The office is a resource for students and employees seeking information on their rights under the law, and on support services available to them related to discrimination, harassment, and sexual misconduct.
Every student has the right to pursue their education while practicing their faith.
New York State law requires campuses to excuse, without penalty, individual students’ absences due to religious beliefs and to provide equivalent opportunities for makeup exams, study or work requirements missed due to such absences.
To request a reasonable religious accommodation, contact your course instructor(s) directly and with sufficient time for them to make the accommodation. Instructors should work directly with students to accommodate religious observances.
Whenever possible, instructors and Siena community members should not schedule exams, presentations, major due dates, or events on major religious holidays and observances