Policy Title Winter Session Policy
Type or category of Policy: University Policy
Approval Authority: Provost and Senior Vice President
Responsible Executive: Winter Session Coordinator
Responsible Office: Office of Academic Programs, Academic Affairs
Owner Contact: April Backus, Director of Academic Programs & Events, abackus@siena.edu.
Reviewed By: April Backus
Reviewed Date: September 23, 2024
Last Revised and Effective Date of Revision:  

Reason for Policy
To provide information, deadlines and protocols regarding the Winter Session.

Scope of the Policy: Entities or Individuals affected by this policy:
▪ All members of the Siena University community

The Official Policy

SIENA WINTER SESSION

The academic Winter Session is administered annually by the Office of the Provost and Academic Affairs (Winter Session Coordinator), with coordination through the three Deans, the School Offices, and the Office of the Registrar. One 4-week is offered, online only.

Deans recruit interested faculty members during September to allow for initial compilation of the Schedule of Classes. An emphasis each year is placed on offering various Core courses, as well as a variety of other courses and major required/ elective courses, in addition to independent studies and internships. Such diversity in offerings is beneficial to increasing enrollment, and affording opportunities for part-time and returning adult students. Full-time faculty members are compensated with an overload stipend, and part-time faculty members receive an adjunct contract. School Offices are
required to submit expected faculty member names for contract administration purposes to the Office of Academic Affairs by the end of October, for budget planning/ contract preparation.

Registration for classes is conducted through BANNER, in conjunction with Spring Semester registration, and continues through the opening day of the term. Withdrawal and refund policies are published by the Registrar in conjunction with the Winter Schedule of Classes. Schedule information is published by the Office of the Provost and Academic Affairs, updated as required, and posted at https://www.siena.edu/winter

Final grades for all courses are to be submitted to the Office of the Registrar by Faculty Self Service within one week of the end of term. There are no Mid-Term grades used during Winter Session.

WINTER TUITION RATES

Winter Session tuition rates are listed on the website at siena.edu/winter.

  • Graduate courses are not eligible for the discounted rate.
  • The winter tuition rate is only available for courses taught at Siena University.

Students may only take one 4-week course at a time prior to seeking approval from the Provost’s office.

WINTER SESSION STUDENT STATUS

Students enrolled at the University during the academic Winter Session are responsible for compliance with all Siena University student policies, contained in Siena Life, and other pertinent policies. Additionally, students not enrolled in a specific course, but participating as a student researcher/participant under the International Studies Programs or other similar Research Programs / Independent Studies, or participating in other University-sponsored activities, including their receiving housing and meal plans, are also subject to the same compliance requirements.

STUDENT EMPLOYMENT

The University Work Study Program is only available during the fall and spring semesters. Students may be employed during the winter under the University’s “regular” payroll program, processed by the Business Affairs Office. Student employment policies are available for review 

STUDENT HOUSING

The University does not provide housing during Winter Session. All Winter Session courses are online only.

Students who wish to reside on campus during this timeframe can submit a vacation housing request. Please see the vacation housing policy.

Early Arrival Waivers

Community Assistants, spring season student-athletes and other students, required to receive training immediately prior to the beginning of the spring semester, may request to arrive on campus before the spring semester begins and may be provided with room and board. All departments that require on-campus student training are encouraged to conduct the training during the fall semester before the students leave campus, if possible.

Resources
www.siena.edu/winter

Adopted: September 23, 2024

Reviewed by: Provost and Senior Vice President

Revised: