Dear Siena Community,
Today and Wednesday, hundreds of incoming students and their families will visit campus for our annual Preview Days. These days provide our newest Saints the chance to explore campus before orientation. They’ll meet classmates, walk the path to their classrooms, and begin to truly imagine their Siena experience and its impact on their future. Their excitement brings a jolt of energy to campus, and it’s an invigorating reminder of why we do what we do. If you’re on campus today or Wednesday, take a moment to meet a new Saint and soak in the Siena spirit.
As we prepare to welcome the Class of 2030, I’d like to share several exciting developments that position Siena for continued success. First, I am pleased to announce that New York State has approved three significant additions to our graduate portfolio: a redesigned Master of Business Administration, a new Master of Science in Digital Marketing and Marketing Communications, and an Advanced Certificate in Business Transformation with Artificial Intelligence.
Together, these programs strengthen the School of Business's graduate offerings. Specifically, the redesigned MBA, with its remote and hybrid option, will expand opportunities for alumni, working professionals, and students seeking flexible pathways to career advancement. All of these programs represent an important step forward in Siena’s long-term graduate enrollment strategy and our commitment to meet the evolving needs of students and employers.
In addition, the New York State Board of Regents recently approved Siena's new Bachelor of Science in Engineering Physics. As our first academic program to carry the "Engineering" designation, it marks an important milestone in the University's academic evolution and reflects the outstanding work of our faculty in developing a program that combines rigorous technical preparation with the ethical leadership and communication skills rooted in our Catholic and Franciscan tradition.
These approvals are more than new academic offerings. They are evidence of Siena's continued momentum as we thoughtfully expand opportunities for current and future students while remaining firmly grounded in our mission.
That mission will be front and center on Thursday, September 24, when we gather for a special Academic Convocation celebrating Siena University's observance of the Jubilee Year of Saint Francis. Proclaimed by Pope Leo XIV to commemorate the 800th anniversary of the death of St. Francis of Assisi, the Jubilee invites the worldwide Franciscan family to reflect on the vision and values of St. Francis, which provides the foundation of our Mission.
For the Convocation, we are honored to welcome Brother William Short, OFM, an internationally recognized Franciscan scholar, whose keynote address will help us reflect on how Francis' legacy continues to shape Siena's future and the education we provide our students.
I hope every member of our community will join us for this important celebration. More information can be found here. All community members are invited to participate in the academic procession in regalia. If you do not own regalia, I encourage you to reserve regalia for the day, at no cost, by contacting the bookstore at rcalhoun@siena.edu no later than August 7. Following the Convocation, we will gather for a community reception to celebrate our Summer Scholars, welcome our new colleagues, and reconnect as we begin a new academic year together.
Thank you for all you do to advance Siena's mission each day. I hope you enjoy these final weeks of summer, find time to recharge, and return refreshed for what promises to be an exciting year ahead.
Peace all all good,
Chuck