Academics
Siena College and its “beautiful campus [are] just the perfect distance from the city of Albany.” The “small Franciscan Catholic school” is home to just over 3,000 Siena Saints who cite “many research opportunities” and “the reputation [Siena has] among peers and companies” as a few of the reasons they chose the school. Others comment on “awesome opportunities for jobs and internships in the Capital Region.” One student attributes this to the school’s “strong internship office and strong alumni connection.” Science and Business are popular programs, but Siena offers a broad mix. “I am a physics major, and I have friends in marketing, environmental science, social work, comp sci, biochemistry, and business,” shares another student. Regardless of program, students generally have high praise for the faculty, who are “not only here to teach material and lessons … they are here to mentor and help shape the path you wish to take in your future.” And students appreciate that professors “are always offering office hours and one-on-one attention.” On the other hand, some note that opportunities are more plentiful for those who seek them out on their own, stating, “You definitely have to work to succeed at Siena.” But succeed, they do.
Student Body
“School spirit … is amazing” at Siena, which bolsters “a strong sense of community.” And Siena Saints are “passionate about service and committed to living selfless lives” outside of the classroom. The population is mostly “divided among [the] School of Business and School of Science,” but as a Business major says, “Weekend activities … afford the opportunity to mix with kids from other schools (liberal arts and science).” Many students are “upper middle class [and] mostly from across New York state,” which leads some to note that the school is “lacking diversity.” However, “there is a big initiative toward inclusion and diversity acceptance.” And the students are ready to achieve that broader acceptance, overall being “very friendly [on a] campus [where] everyone is there to help others succeed.”
Campus Life
“The best part of Siena is the sense of community both inside and outside the classroom,” one student shares. “We hold the door for one another,” which “is representative of Franciscan values” and contributes to an atmosphere that “feels like a big family.” In daily life, academics comes first. “A typical day is usually going to class and then the library to do homework.” But there’s more to Siena than just work. “The student government organizations and over 100 clubs are always hosting events on campus,” and activities include “international food events or free ice skating,” “bingo, dances, [and] movie showings.” Clubs and intramural sports are also popular, as is spending time at the “recently renovated athletic center.” No matter your interests, there are opportunities to get involved. The school suggests that “Saints don’t sit on the sideline,” and gives students—regardless of their interests—the opportunity to get involved. In fact, the campus sidelines themselves hold chances for outlets beyond the classroom here: Nearby “Troy and Albany are fun places to go on the weekends, because there are lots of good restaurants, cafés, and bars.” Overall, students agree that the “close knit community, and strong sense of tradition” at Siena help make “college feel even more like home.”
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