Philosophy on Sexual Intimacy
As a community guided by our Franciscan and Catholic teachings, the College seeks to encourage and support a diverse community of belonging that is characterized by respectful relationships. Our traditions hold that sexual intimacy is most properly expressed as part of an all-encompassing union of life and love within the covenant of marriage. The College’s philosophy is guided by reverence for human dignity, understanding that sexual activity profoundly impacts an individual on a biological, psychological and spiritual level and the value of the fundamental goodness and sanctity of human sexuality. Acts of sexual intimacy outside of marriage are an incomplete expression of love and are contrary to the values and mission of the College.
Because of the values of the College as a Franciscan and Catholic institution, the College does not provide materials, dispense or distribute contraceptive methods or items that encourage termination of pregnancy. The College maintains programming and services related to healthy relationships, sexual health and education. We are committed to educating students and facilitating discussions around these issues.
The following centers and services are available on campus for further information and support regarding healthy relationships, sexual activity and the College’s philosophy on sexual intimacy:
- Siena College Health Services (an affiliate of St. Peter's Health Partners) – Our staff of nurse practitioners, nurses, physician assistants and a physician provide confidential conversations and services related to a broad range of health related concerns. These services include gynecologic exams, evaluation and treatment of sexually transmitted infections and pregnancy testing. Referral services are available to a variety of physician specialists on an as needed basis.
- Counseling Center – the center provides confidential counseling services free of charge to support the personal, emotional and physiological management of relationships, sexual health and sexual intimacy.
- Campus Ministry – the Office of the College Chaplain and Friars-in-Residence are available for confidential discussions related to matters such as sexual health, healthy relationships and sexual intimacy.
- Office of the Vice President for Student Life/Dean of Students – available for conversations about policy, education or other concerns related to the College’s approach to promoting healthy choices, self-respect and respect for others.
- Sr. Thea Bowman Women's Center- provides programming, peer education and trainings related to health and wellness, including healthy relationship and sexual violence prevention workshops.
Student Pregnancy and Parenting
"Lord, grant that I might not so much seek to be loved as to love" - St. Francis of Assisi
As a community guided by our Franciscan and Catholic teachings, Siena College is committed to the inherent dignity of the life of the human person and to offering students resources that welcome and support all as part of our Siena community.
The College is committed to providing an environment in which confidential, non-judgmental, caring and professional assistance and services are readily available for Siena students who are pregnant or parenting. Our comprehensive supportive services emphasize hospitality, respect and sisterhood/brotherhood to help you process the main emotional, spiritual and health questions related to your pregnancy or the pregnancy of someone close to you. The College does not provide materials, dispense or distribute items that encourage termination of pregnancy.
If you are pregnant or parenting while a student at Siena, we offer many services and resources to assist you in continuing your studies, completing your degree and preparing for life beyond Siena. Students who become pregnant while enrolled at Siena receive the full support of the Siena community. The College will assist in accommodating your student needs and concerns, including housing, health services, counseling services and academic planning. The Office of Community Living can assist you with any necessary housing accommodations during pregnancy and assistance with off-campus housing options while parenting. Health Services provides pregnancy testing and can assist with physician referrals. Confidential counseling services are available through the Counseling Center and Chaplain's Office. The Office of Student Success and Academic Advising, the assistant dean of your school and your faculty advisor can assist you with your academic planning. Assistance is also available for those affected by the pregnancy of someone close to them.
What should I do if I think I might be pregnant?
Health Services offers pregnancy tests during regular clinic hours, Monday-Tuesday 9:30 AM-5:00 PM, Wednesday-Thursday 9:30 AM-4:30 PM and Friday's 10:00 AM-3:30 PM. Generally, there is no fee for the care provided by Health Services and all services provided are confidential. You may call 518-783-2554, option 1 to speak with the nurse to make an appointment. For locations of off-campus pregnancy testing, please contact Health Services for confidential referral information.
If I reveal I am pregnant, will I be dismissed from the College?
No. Students will not face disciplinary action or be asked to leave the College should they reveal they are pregnant. In keeping with our traditions as a Franciscan and Catholic college, you will receive the full support of the College to remain and succeed in our Siena community should you become pregnant.
Will I have to move off-campus if I become pregnant? Are on-campus housing options available while parenting?
All students should feel welcome and included in our Siena community. If you are currently living in campus housing and become pregnant, you are welcome to remain in campus housing during your pregnancy. While the College's campus housing structure is not equipped to provide on-campus housing to students consistent with the needs to care for a child, the Office of Community Living can assist you with identifying suitable off-campus living arrangements.
Who can I speak with on campus to discuss the emotional and spiritual feelings surrounding my pregnancy or the pregnancy of someone close to me?
The Counseling Center provides confidential counseling services free of charge to support the personal, emotional and physiological management of feelings and planning surrounding a pregnancy. Our counselors provide support in a caring, non-judgmental environment. The Counseling Center is located in the basement of Foy Hall, room 110. You can stop by or call 518-783-2342 to schedule an appointment. The Office of the College Chaplain and Friars-in-residence are available for confidential discussions to explore the spiritual dimensions accompanying a pregnancy. The friars and Director of Liturgical Arts can help provide conversation, quiet prayer, a listening ear or a fresh perspective as you reflect on the pregnancy. Visit one of the friars-in-residence in the residence halls or call 518-783-2332 to make an appointment to meet with the Chaplain or Director of Liturgical Arts.
Where can I go to receive medical care during my pregnancy?
Health Services experienced staff of registered nurses, physician and health professionals are available to provide confidential conversations and services related to a broad range of health matters related to pregnancy. As an affiliated with St. Peter's Health Partners, Health Services can make referrals to a variety of physician specialists related to your pregnancy on an as needed basis.
What type of services are available for academic planning should I determine I am pregnant?
The Office of Student Success and Academic Advising, the assistant dean of your school, and your faculty advisor can assist you with your academic planning. They can assist you with considering a variety of options, including leaves of absence and managing student life as a parent. The Office of Student Success and Academic Advising is open from 8:00 a.m. until 7:00 p.m. on most days. It is staffed with professional and peer advisors to answer students' questions. The Academic Support and Advising Center (Siena Hall, room 215) can be reached at 518-783-2341. The College remains committed to supporting you as you continue your studies and completing your degree.
Resources
Siena College Health Services
(518) 783-2554
MacClosky Townhouse Commons-Lower Level
Available to provide confidential conversations and services related to a broad range of pregnancy related concerns. Referral services are available to a variety of physician specialists on an as needed basis.
Counseling Center
(518) 783-2342
Foy Hall, room 110 (basement level)
Confidential counseling services free of charge to help support the personal, emotional and physiological management around your pregnancy or the preganancy of someone close to you.
Office of the College Chaplain and Friars-in Residence
(518) 783-2332
St. Mary of the Angel's Chapel
Available for confidential discussions to explore the spiritual dimensions accompanying a pregnancy.
Office of Student Success and Academic Advising
(518) 783-2341
Siena Hall, room 215
Prepared to assist you with options related to your pregnancy and academic planning.
Off-Campus
Community Maternity Services
(518) 482-8836
24 Hour Hotline: 1-800-550-4900
Website: http://www.cccms.org
An agency of Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Albany, is committed to providing a continuum of services for children, families and pregnant and parenting adolescents. All services are provided regardless of income, age, gender, disability, race, ethnicity, lifestyle or religious belief.