We love Siena Commuters! The Commuter Transition Program aims to assist first-year commuter students with their adjustment to life at Siena through mentorship and dedicated programming.
The Commuter Transition Program (CTP) acts as a bridge to assist first-year commuter students in their transition from high school to life at Siena. The program connects new commuter students with a group of well-established Siena students called Commuter Transition Specialists (CTs). CTs introduce them to important resources across the College, Siena's DORS values (Diversity, Optimism, Respect, and Service), and the College's Franciscan mission through inclusive programming. Support and guidance are offered during Orientation, but the CTP is a year-long mentorship opportunity.
Frequently Asked Questions
Adam Casler - Assistant Dean of Students, Commuter Transition Program Advisor
Major in College: Undergraduate - B.A. in History & Canadian Studies with a minor in Secondary Education; Graduate - M.S.Ed. in Counseling Psychology.
Commutes from: Latham, NY
Why are you excited to be a part of this program?: I wanted to work with a group of students that I really didn't have a lot of interaction with in my previous role at Siena. I'm looking forward to helping our commuter students find connections & opportunities to succeed at Siena.
Favorite song to jam to in the car: "Fast Car" by Tracy Chapman
Thom Schlinck - Commuter Transition Program Advisor
Major in College: History
Commutes from: Albany, NY
Why did you want to be a part of the Commuter Transition Program? I wanted to help new commuters feel welcomed into our Siena community and ready to make this their home!
What song can you listen to on repeat while you are driving?"Can I Kick It?" by A Tribe Called Quest
Why did you want to be a part of the Commuter Transition Program? I have been with this program since the very beginning. When I initially joined I wanted to support the commuter population. Now in my third year, I have not only seen that and experienced it firsthand but commuters have never been this engaged and involved on our campus before. I am very happy with how far this program has come and I cannot wait to see it grow in the upcoming years.
What song can you listen to on repeat while you are driving? "Break My Stride" by Matthew Wilder
Jonas Benjamin Cabahug - Mentor Commuter Transition Specialist (MCTs)
Class Year: Senior
Major: Management with concentrations in Project Management and Strategic Human Resource Development
Commutes from: Albany, NY
Why did you want to be a part of the Commuter Transition Program?I wanted to be part of the Commuter Transition Program because I know how overwhelming and how much being an incoming freshman in college can force you to hide within your own comfort zone, especially as a commuter. However, I know from experience that being a commuter does not limit your involvement on campus. Therefore, I want to share my experiences on how to be more involved as a commuter as well as how to turn feelings of uncertainty into feelings of confidence and belonging in the Siena community.
What song can you listen to on repeat while you are driving?"Parachute" by John K
Why did you want to be a part of the Commuter Transition Program? I understand the struggles of commuter life in the beginning and I want to show commuters what an amazing home Siena can be!!
What song can you listen to on repeat while you are driving?"Drops of Jupiter" by Train
Why did you want to be a part of the Commuter Transition Program? At the beginning of my freshman year, it was hard to get accustomed to college life as a commuter. The Commuter Transition Specialists introduced me to various events on campus, different clubs, and other campus resources that helped me become familiar with Siena and ultimately make my transition to college as easy as possible. I want to do the same thing for upcoming commuters in an effort to help them get accustomed to college life and make them feel welcomed here at Siena College.
What song can you listen to on repeat while you are driving?I Wanna Dance With Somebody (Who Loves Me) by Whitney Houston
Why did you want to be a part of the Commuter Transition Program?I want to help guide new Commuter students through their struggles and hardships.
What song can you listen to on repeat while you are driving? "Problematic" by Bo Burnham
Azka Hasan- Commuter Transition Specialist (CTs)
Class Year: Junior
Major: Biology and Spanish
Commutes from: Albany, NY
Why did you want to be a part of the Commuter Transition Program? As a freshman, I had difficulty familiarizing myself with how to use different resources on campus that were used on a daily basis such as Canvas and others. Being a part of the Commuter Transition Program, I can help incoming commuters understand how to use the different resources on campus and become more comfortable using them.
What song can you listen to on repeat while you are driving? "Boyfriend" by Big Time Rush
Why did you want to be a part of the Commuter Transition Program? I wanted to be a CT to help make the transition to college for commuter students easier and more enjoyable. This program greatly helped me adjust during my first year at Siena and now I hope to give back by mentoring others!
What song can you listen to on repeat while you are driving?"Drivers License" by Olivia Rodrigo
Major: Communication-Marketing, Minor in Management, Concentration in Marketing Communications and Digital Marketing, Sales and Business to Business Marketing Management
Commutes from: Colonie, NY
Why did you want to be a part of the Commuter Transition Program? I wanted to be a CTs because I know how difficult it can be being a new commuter student transitioning into college. When I first transferred to Siena I was welcomed to the amazing commuter community, which made my transition to Siena much easier. With this program I will be able to help incoming freshmen and transfer students transition to life at Siena just as I was coming here.
What song can you listen to on repeat while you are driving? "Life is a Highway" by Rascal Flatts
Hilbriel Jan Hilvano - Commuter Transition Specialist (CTs)
Class Year: Sophomore
Major: Biology
Commutes from: Colonie, NY
Why did you want to be a part of the Commuter Transition Program? I wanted to become a CT because the transition from high school to college is a significant change. Balancing work, school work, and having a social life was a not an easy task, but with the guidance of my CT and along with the friends I have made in Siena I was able to adjust. I would like to use my experience to provide guidance for the incoming freshmen and become a person they can look to for help.
What song can you listen to on repeat while you are driving? "Marmalade" by Macklemore feat. Lil Yachty
Why did you want to be a part of the Commuter Transition Program? I wanted to help freshmen, especially commuter freshmen, see all the wonderful things about Siena College, and help them get accustomed to the college life!
What song can you listen to on repeat while you are driving? "You Belong With Me" by Taylor Swift
Why did you want to be a part of the Commuter Transition Program? I want to be someone that new commuter students can look to for help in navigating their first year on campus and their college experience.
What song can you listen to on repeat while you are driving? "S.O.S" by Jonas Brothers