At Siena University, a Franciscan education has always meant more than what happens inside the classroom.
The Division of Experiential Learning, through our four centers, partnerships and collaborations with academic departments, and other campus divisions, supports all Saints to weave these critical experiences into an individualized Siena journey. Students are encouraged to participate in experiential learning opportunities throughout their Siena years.
As a Siena Saint you get to experience multiple future possibilities in- and outside of the classroom and on- and off-campus. These aren’t ‘extras’ - they are essential to students' development as learners, leaders, and agents of change. Critical and in-depth learning happens when you reflect on and apply ‘real world’ experiences in the classroom and take classroom knowledge into the wider community. Whatever your major, whatever your calling, experiential learning transforms your time at Siena into an Education for a Lifetime.
Siena’s Center for Academic Community Engagement is built on community-engaged learning. Saints who participate in ACE programs have the opportunity to enhance their academic experiences by getting out of the classroom and into the world.
The Siena Center for International Programs expands students’ horizons through transformative global experiences that foster cultural understanding, personal growth, and preparation for success in an interconnected world.
Siena values classroom learning and high-impact, hands-on learning. That’s why we established our Center for Undergraduate Research and Creative Activity (CURCA). CURCA ensures that undergraduate research and scholarship opportunities are available to as many students as possible, regardless of major.
From the moment you step onto campus, The MacDonnell Career and Internship Center (TMCIC) becomes your go-to resource for turning your passions into opportunities. Siena's team of dedicated career advisors works with you one-on-one to explore your interests, craft standout resumes, and build interview skills.
Through these avenues, you might spend a semester abroad, work alongside a professor on impactful research, give back to the Capital Region community through service, or intern with an organization in your field. Every experiential opportunity makes a difference for your degree, your resume, and who you want to be.
Check out all of our centers and see what we offer. Remember, you are not limited to just one experiential learning opportunity. We can help you turn your experiential learning dreams into reality!