Additional questions?
Please reach out to communications@siena.edu.
Updated june 16, 2020
THE RECOVERY TASK FORCE
What reopening options is Siena considering? When will campus life resume?
THE SIENA CAMPUS
Will people be able to attend Mass in the campus Chapel or visit the Grotto for prayer?
SUMMER 2020 ACADEMICS
Will summer 2020 courses be offered online?
What if I need technical assistance while working or studying remotely?
How will labs, performances and internships required for credit be handled during remote learning?
How do I access Siena’s student support services, (SASE, the Writing Center, Advising, etc.)?
Can members of the Siena community travel abroad for study, conferences or research?
What about short-term international study tours?
COMMENCEMENT
What details are available on the rescheduled Commencement for the Class of 2020?
When will I technically earn my degree?
ADMISSIONS AND ENROLLMENT
Will prospective students and families be able to visit Siena?
HEALTH AND WELLNESS
How do I manage fear and anxiety around coronavirus?
EMPLOYMENT
Will there be any reductions in the workforce or pay?
What if I need to take personal leave related to the pandemic?
THE reopening TASK FORCE
What reopening options is Siena considering? When will campus life resume?
Siena’s Reopening Task Force is exploring various academic and residential scenarios for the fall. The Task Force, chaired by President-elect Chris Gibson, Ph.D., is divided into divisional and departmental working groups to examine various re-opening options related to academic affairs and programming, student life, enrollment, finance and administration, athletics, mission, and general College operations.
Our contingency plans for the fall 2020 semester preserve as a top priority the in-person dimension of a Siena education, without compromising the safety of our community and the health of the broader public. We intend to enthusiastically and safely welcome students back to campus and will make every effort to complete two semesters of on-campus instruction for the 2020-21 academic year, in full in compliance with federal and state guidelines.
Details about Siena’s reopening plans will be shared with the community shortly.
THE SIENA CAMPUS
Yes. College offices have remained opened for business throughout the pandemic shutdown, with employees working remotely. As of mid-June, employees and faculty have begun gradually returning to their offices as Siena reopens its campus under Phase Two and Phase Three of the New York Forward state reopening plan. Don't hesitate to reach out to any office on campus.
As of mid-June, pre-approved employees and faculty who have registered with Public Safety and who are in compliance with health protocols may come to campus. They must show Siena ID at the front gate on Route 9 to enter campus.
Prospective students and their families who wish to tour the campus are welcome to do so by checking in the Route 9 front gate and obtaining a campus map and guide. Buildings will be closed, but a driving tour through campus can be self-conducted.
Will people be able to attend Mass in the campus Chapel or visit the Grotto for prayer?
The Siena friars live-stream their Sunday Mass on their Facebook page. Also, the College’s Mission Office has introduced the You Are Not Alone series, so that the Siena community can continue to maintain its spiritual connections.
SUMMER 2020 ACADEMICS
Will summer 2020 courses be offered online?
All summer courses at Siena will be offered remotely or online in the sessions scheduled. Visit siena.edu/summer for the updated calendar, course listings and pricing.
What if I need technical assistance while working or studying remotely?
Please visit Siena's 'Working Remotely' webpage for tools and resources. Siena’s Information Technology Services team is also able to provide assistance. They can be reached at 518-782-6000 or helpdesk@siena.edu.
How will labs, performances and internships required for credit be handled during remote learning?
Faculty will work with students on alternative methods to handle these requirements. Internship requirements will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
All library services and resources are available remotely through https://lib.siena.edu/home.
How do I access Siena’s student support services, (SASE, the Writing Center, Advising, etc.)?
The College is offering all of its student resources remotely. More details on support services are available here. Please feel free to reach out to these offices via phone and email.
Can members of the Siena community travel abroad for study, conferences or research?
No. The Department of State advises U.S. citizens to avoid all international travel due to the global impact of COVID-19. Read more here.
What about short-term international study tours?
All summer international travel programs have been cancelled.
COMMENCEMENT
What details are available on the rescheduled Commencement for the Class of 2020?
Academic Affairs and Student Life are working closely with members of the Class of 2020 to plan alternative Commencement and senior events. We are still tentatively targeting Saturday, August 15 as the new date for an in-person Commencement, with corresponding social gatherings and festivities taking place on days before or after. These dates may need to change as this pandemic evolves. Siena offered an online tribute to its graduates on May 17; video can be accessed on Siena’s Facebook page.
When will I technically earn my degree?
Receipt of degrees was official as of May 17, 2020 for all students satisfying the graduation requirements. Graduates will be able to tell employers and graduate schools that they have completed their bachelor’s or master’s degrees as of that date and obtain a transcript verifying your accomplishment shortly thereafter. Diplomas will be mailed out during the summer on our normal schedule.
ADMISSIONS AND ENROLLMENT
Will prospective students and families be able to visit Siena?
If you are looking to learn more about Siena College, please contact admissions@siena.edu. We are currently offering many virtual campus experiences and chats as well as opportunities to connect remotely with admissions counselors, faculty and current students. We have also introduced a new drive-thru tour of the campus.
My family is coping with financial hardships because of the pandemic. Will I be able to continue/begin my education at Siena?
The coronavirus pandemic has impacted everyone, and some Siena families are facing particularly acute hardships. These challenges should not impede a student’s opportunity to continue their education here. The College is studying the needs of students and families experiencing financial distress brought about by the current crisis. Emerging federal and state legislation may help address the changes in financial circumstances. If you would like to receive updates as they become available, please email communications@siena.edu.
I am considering enrolling at Siena as a freshman in the fall, but I have questions about making a commitment during this challenging time.
If you have any questions about your enrollment for the fall or your financial aid package, please contact your Admissions counselor.
HEALTH AND WELLNESS
What should I do if I think I have coronavirus or have been in contact with someone who has tested positive for coronavirus?
Please contact your health care provider for the latest information about health protocols and testing.
How do I manage fear and anxiety around coronavirus?
Siena’s Counseling Center is making arrangements for virtual appointments, along with phone call check ins. For the coping strategies suggested by our Counseling Center, click here. Also, the College’s Mission Office is hosting the You Are Not Alone series, which many may find helpful during this stressful time.
EMPLOYMENT
Will there be any reductions in the workforce or pay?
Siena has adopted several short-term austerity measures to help mitigate financial damages inflicted by the pandemic shutdown. Effective May 1, 75 employees in departments across campus were furloughed. A significant portion of the jobs affected were those that could not be performed while students are off campus. The College intends to reinstate their employment when the crisis subsides.
What if I need to take personal leave related to the pandemic?
The College has instituted a new Supplemental Leave Policy to accommodate employees who may need to temporarily step away from work obligations as well as those who cannot work remotely.