Undergraduate Degree Requirements

To qualify for the Bachelor’s degree, a student must be in good standing, both in conduct and academics; must satisfactorily complete 120 hours of coursework as specified by the department and school, attain a minimum cumulative index of 2.00, and earn at least a C- grade in every major field course used to satisfy the credit hour requirement of the major. At least half of the major field and a minimum of 45 credit hours must be earned at Siena. For majors in the School of Business, at least half of all business credits counted toward degree fulfillment must be taken at Siena.

All students should choose courses so that they fulfill the minimum number of credits in the liberal arts required for their degree: 90 credits of liberal arts and science (courses with the attribute ARTS) for the B.A. degree, and 60 credits for the B.S. degree.

Full-time students are required to spend the senior year as full-time matriculated students. Only in exceptional cases will a waiver of this policy be granted. Application for a waiver should be made in the School Office; final approval must be granted by the Provost and Senior Vice President.

Students must meet all of the program requirements as listed in the catalog under which they first matriculated or any subsequent catalog of their choice. Matriculated students who remain unregistered for eight or more consecutive semesters must meet all of the program requirements as listed in the catalog in place when they re-enter or any subsequent catalog of their choice.

It is the responsibility of the individual student to fulfill requirements for the degree. Through his or her own initiative, progress towards graduation should be reviewed with the Academic Advisor. The Registrar’s Office will determine if all requirements are met for graduation purposes.

Core, Major, Minor, Concentration, and Electives

The 120 credits required for graduation are to be earned through core, major, minor, concentration, and elective groupings. The student must follow the specific requirements of the major field, which are described in this catalog under each department.

Core Curriculum

The College Core comprises 42 credits and 14 courses. It is divided into three areas:

The First-Year Seminar (2 Courses)
Disciplinary Core (8 courses)
Franciscan Concern Core (4 courses)

First-Year Seminar (CFY)

The First Year Seminar is a two-semester sequence taught by the same faculty member to the same small group of students each semester of Freshman Year. There are four themes for the yearlong sequence: Heritage (fall), Natural World (fall), Diversity (spring), and Social Justice (spring).

Within each section offered, there are some common interdisciplinary readings plus an introduction to the stories of St. Francis and St. Clare. The values of Francis and Clare are interwoven throughout the year. Each faculty member teaching the course chooses the remaining readings and brings coherence to the section under a theme and title- for example, Voice, Multiculturalism, Technology, Incarceration, The Millennial Generation, or War.

The sequence prepares Freshmen for the intellectual life of college: how to read critically, how to engage with a text, how to articulate an informed position on big questions, how to write clearly and persuasively, how to voice an opinion in a classroom conversation, how to make connections between and among the readings they are doing, the subjects they are studying, as well as between Siena and the outside world.

FYSM is an important and required foundational core course sequence. If students fail (earn a grade of F or U) FYSM 100 (Fall Semester) or FYSM 101 (Spring Semester), they will be enrolled in a specially designated section of the course in the semester immediately  following the unsuccessful completion of FYSM 100 and/or FYSM 101.

There are no substitutions for FYSM 100 and FYSM 101. If an F or U is earned in FYSM 100 or FYSM 101, that grade will remain on a student’s transcript and continue to count in calculating the student’s GPA until the course is successfully retaken. Because there is a procedure for replacing a failing grade in FYSM 100 and FYSM 101, students should not withdraw from the course(s) unless they are withdrawing from all courses that semester and/or from the College.

Core: Disciplinary Courses

The disciplinary component of the Core ensures intellectual breadth and exposure to a variety of modes of inquiry that characterize liberal arts education.
English (CDE)
History (CDH)
Philosophy (CDP)
Religious Studies (CDR)
Creative Arts (CDA)
Quantitative Analysis (CDQ) Courses in Computer Science, Math and Quantitative Business Analysis
Natural Science (CDN) Courses in Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Studies, and Physics
Social Science (CDS) Courses in Psychology, Sociology, Social Work, Economics, Political Science and Education

Core: Franciscan Concern

The Franciscan Concern component of the Core ensures thematic exposure to themes of special importance to the Franciscan Tradition that can be explored from multiple perspectives. There are four Franciscan Concern areas:

Heritage: Traditions and Their Texts (CFH)

As a tradition born in the 13th Century, the Franciscan Tradition is embedded within Western heritage, and as a living tradition nearly 800 years old, the Franciscan Tradition is constitutive of subsequent Western heritage. The “Heritage” rubric embraces this broad sense of tradition. Courses are welcome that acquaint students with one or more of the major intellectual, cultural, or religious traditions in this history and the texts, figures, events, or movements associated with them. Courses in this category elucidate how these traditions address fundamental questions of humanistic or religious concern.

Diversity: American & Global Pluralism (CFD)

The Franciscan concern for diversity flows from its affirmation of each individual as worthy of respect and compassion. Individuality implies plurality of perspective, both on the level of differences among persons and on the level of differences among peoples. Appreciating diversity requires that students have the opportunity to see things from perspectives they do not normally occupy. This includes the examination of diverse intellectual perspectives.

Social Justice: Principles and Practice (CFJ)

The Franciscan Tradition joins with other traditions and movements in placing a premium on social justice. Social justice permeates all levels of human affairs and admits investigation from a variety of perspectives. Broadly speaking, social justice concerns (a) the practical organization of human affairs allowing for maximal human flourishing, (b) the values and principles guiding or that might guide the organization of human affairs, (c) the extent to which such values or principles are practically realized or under-realized. The “Social Justice” theme welcomes courses that study the theory or practice of justice from social, moral, political, religious, economic, environmental, aesthetic, or technological points of view.

Nature: Scientific & Normative Approaches to the Natural World (CFN)

The Franciscan Tradition affirms the goodness of nature. As an intellectual tradition, it supports the scientific investigation of nature, and as a spiritual tradition, it cultivates deepened appreciation for the entirety of the created world and heightened commitment to the effective stewardship of the Earth and all living things. The “Natural World” theme welcomes courses that both investigate the natural world from a scientific perspective and also examine the impact and consequences of human involvement in natural systems.

Core Guidelines

Students may use a maximum of one major course to satisfy the Disciplinary Core requirement.

Students may use one additional major course to satisfy a Franciscan Concern Core requirement. Students can take additional courses in their major that are designated as “Core” to fulfill their major requirements - these will not count as Core. An exception to this rule is made for interdisciplinary majors where major requirements draw from courses in multiple disciplines. In that case major courses with different subject designations (i.e., English, History) will be permitted to satisfy Disciplinary Core and Franciscan Concern Core requirements.

All departments, except Religious Studies, allow their majors to count one major course as a Franciscan Concern course. Franciscan Concern courses must be taken at Siena with the following exceptions:

1. Students transferring to Siena may transfer in Franciscan Concern courses.
2. Study Abroad students will be allowed to transfer in up to two Franciscan Concern courses from their Study Abroad courses.

No more than one course from a subject (i.e. History, English etc.) can be taken to meet the Franciscan Concern requirements.

Changing Majors and Schools

Depending on the academic interest expressed in their applications, students are admitted to Siena College as members of the School of Liberal Arts, School of Business or School of Science. Students wishing to declare a major, change their major or change their School may request to do so at any time. The change of major request can be found on the Registrar Webpage.

Students with an interest in changing schools will see the assistant dean in their current schools who will forward their academic records to the assistant dean in the other school. The Dean of the new school is responsible for approving the request to change schools.

Major Guidelines

No later than the end of the sophomore year, each student must select a major field.
The following rules govern major:

1. The student, in consultation with his or her department advisor, selects courses in the major field. Students must complete at least half of the major field at Siena.
2. Auxiliary courses in subjects related to the major may be required.
3. Credits earned under the disciplinary requirement may be used in fulfillment of the requirements in the major field.
4. No more than 48 credit hours in any one subject field may be applied toward the degree requirement of 120 hours.
5. A student must earn a minimum grade of C- in each required course in the major field as well as in all other elective major courses that are used to satisfy the requirement of the major; and must have a minimum average of 2.0 in the major.

Minor Guidelines

Minors are optional for all students; no student is required to declare a minor. Students who want a minor designated on the transcript must declare the minor before the end of their junior year. It is the responsibility of the student to declare a minor within a timeframe that will allow enough time to complete the minor requirements before the student’s graduation. The form used to declare a minor is available on the Registrar Webpage. Students with a declared minor who decide not to complete the minor must notify their School’s office to “undeclare” the minor.
The following rules govern minors:

1. At least 18 credits (or 6 courses) are required, as outlined by the departments offering the minor.
2. Students are required to maintain a 2.0 average in the courses counted toward the minor; no grade below a C- will be included.
3. No course in a student’s minor may be taken pass/fail.
4. Students may use up to two courses to fulfill both the major and minor requirements simultaneously unless specified in the catalog by the department or program.*
5. One-half of the courses in the minor must be taken at Siena College.
6. Courses taken to satisfy the minor may also be used to fulfill the core.

Requirements for minors are provided in each department’s or program’s section of the catalog or in the “Multidisciplinary Courses and Minors” section of the catalog.

*Students must follow the Fall 2016 or a later catalog year to have this option. Students with an earlier catalog year may change to a later catalog year, but they must follow any new curriculum changes that were set forth for the major/minor/certificate for that catalog year. Students may change their catalog year at http://www.siena.edu/arc.

Concentration Guidelines

Concentrations are optional for all students not declaring the Business Major. Students declaring the Business Major must choose two concentrations within the School of Business. The two selected concentrations for the Business Major must not be in the same discipline. It is the responsibility of the student to declare a concentration within a timeframe that will allow enough time to complete the concentration requirements before the student’s graduation. Concentrations can be selected through the electronic Academic Record Change form. Students with a declared concentration who decide not to complete the concentration, must “undeclare” the concentration through the Academic Record Change form.
The following rules govern concentrations:

1. At least 15 credits (or 5 courses) are required, as outlined by the departments offering the concentration.
2. Students are required to maintain a 2.0 average in the courses counted toward the concentration; no grade below a C- will be included.
3. No course in a student’s concentration may be taken pass/fail.
4. Students may use up to two courses from their major to fulfill both the concentration and/or minor requirements for a concentration and/or minor outside of their major discipline.
5. Students may use up to two courses to fulfill requirements across multiple concentrations.
6. For concentrations and/or minors outside of a student’s major discipline, up to two courses may be used to fulfill both the major and concentration requirements. For concentrations within a student’s major discipline, students may use up to five courses to fulfill both the major and concentration requirements.
7. At least nine credits (or 3 courses) in the concentration must be taken at Siena College.

Go to the Business Major section of the catalog for information on the concentrations to be used to meet the Business Major requirements.

Double Majors

A student may graduate with a major in two disciplines upon completion of the requirements for both. This choice helps focus the plan of study but reduces the options for course selection each semester. Students must officially register as a major with the primary department and file a form for recognizing the second major with the Registrar. Double majors must be completed by the time the four year degree requirements have been met. If all requirements for the second major are successfully completed, both majors will be recorded on the student’s official transcript upon graduation. The primary major will be recognized as the field of concentration for Commencement purposes.
Occasionally two separate majors may have some overlap of course requirements. A course may be used to satisfy requirements in both majors. A student will not be considered to have completed a second major unless at least 21 credits completed in fulfillment of the second major do not overlap with credits taken to fulfill the primary major. If the primary major requires auxiliary courses (which are required for the major but are not considered part of the major), they may be counted toward the second major. The minimum grade point average required for completion of the primary major also applies to a second major. Any questions regarding a student’s eligibility for a second major will be resolved by the School Dean, if both majors are in the same School, or by the Provost and Senior Vice President - Student, if the majors are in different Schools.

Double Degrees

Simultaneous Awarding of Degrees

A second Bachelor’s degree may be earned when a student completes major programs that are in essentially different areas of study in two different degrees, e.g. BA and BS. To be eligible, the student must complete at least thirty (30) additional credit hours and fulfill all the requirements for both major programs, required auxiliary courses in both majors, and College core requirements. Students must submit the “Double Degree Request Form” with signatures of the appropriate deans and the Provost and Senior Vice President to the Registrar’s Office.

Second Degree

An alumnus and/or graduate of another four year college or university may be considered for a second degree from Siena College by meeting the following requirements: 1) completing at least 30 additional credit hours at Siena in matriculation, 2) fulfilling all of the College’s core curriculum, and 3) the degrees are in two essentially different areas of study and at least 21 credits must be taken from different major areas. In addition to these three conditions, the non-Siena graduate must meet the admissions requirements stated in this catalog relating to transfer students, i.e., credits earned with a grade of C or better from another accredited institution will transfer when the course is similar in content and scope to courses offered at Siena. When a course is accepted in transfer, only the credits transfer; quality points (i.e., grades) do not transfer. All students wishing to pursue either simultaneous or second degrees must consult with the Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs - Student Academic Success and Engagement.

Transfer Credit for Matriculated Siena Students

A Siena student requesting transfer credits will have courses reviewed by the assistant dean in the school within which the student’s major is positioned. All course descriptions are reviewed by the respective assistant dean who may then consult with assistant deans in other schools as necessary prior to registering for a course at another institution, students must provide their School Dean with a description of the desired course, and complete a transfer credit permission form. Courses consistent with the mission of the college may be approved through the Office of the School Dean.

Any course that is equivalent to a course at Siena that is “300 or above” must be taken at a four-year institution. Exceptions may be made only for those schools with which Siena has an articulation agreement. See your School office for information regarding specific courses as each School at Siena has its own internal rules governing the transfer of credits.

Transfer credit will be given only for those courses in which at least a C-* grade has been earned and that are similar in content and scope to courses offered at Siena. When a course is transferred to Siena, the credits are transferred, but the grades are not. Beginning in Fall 2013, once students matriculate at Siena, they are permitted to transfer in up to 18 additional credits. Any exceptions must be pre-approved by the School Dean. This limit of transfer credits does not apply to credits earned from Study Abroad programs. The maximum total of transfer credits is 75.

*This policy will not apply to individual programs that have a higher minimum grade requirement.

Hudson-Mohawk Association - Cross Registration

Full-time matriculated students enjoy the opportunity to enrich their education by cross-registering for courses at the following area institutions: Albany College of Pharmacy, Albany Law School, Albany Medical College, The College of Saint Rose, Empire State College, Hartwick College, Hudson Valley Community College, Junior College of Albany, Maria College, Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts, Regents College, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Russell Sage College, Schenectady County Community College, Siena College, Skidmore College, State University of New York at Albany, and Union College. Qualified Siena students are eligible to register for courses offered at these other institutions, provided they have the approval of their faculty advisor and Dean. Students taking advantage of the cross-registration privileges are subject to the regulations and policies of the host institution. Grades and credits earned at the other institution will become part of the student’s permanent record at Siena College and are included in the calculation of the term and cumulative indices. Summer Sessions are excluded from the cross-registration agreement. Contact the Registrar for further information.

Academic Advising

Every student at Siena is assigned a Faculty Advisor. The advisor teaches in the School (in the case of students who have not declared majors) or in the discipline in which the student is majoring. The purpose of academic advising is to empower students to choose a direction for their course of studies, help them make intelligent choices for courses within the confines of degree requirements, guide students through the course registration process, and to help students when they are having academic problems. While students are ultimately responsible for confirming that they meet all graduation requirements, they are encouraged to keep in regular contact with their academic advisors, and are required to consult with them before registration.

In addition to meeting with an individual faculty advisor, students may also contact the Student Academic Success and Engagement Office with advising concerns or questions about college policy and procedures. The Office can assist with drop-in questions or when faculty advisors are unavailable. Professional staff in the office serve as resources for both faculty and students. Additional information about advising is available on the College’s web site (http://www.siena.edu/advising).

Regular, Winter, and Summer Sessions

The Fall Semester begins in September and ends in December, and the Spring Semester begins in January and ends in May. Winter term begins in December and ends in January. There are multiple summer terms available that begin in May/June and end in June, July, or August. Course offerings are published and are available on the college website before each academic session. In any of these sessions, a course for which there is an insufficient enrollment may be cancelled.

Unit of Instruction

A credit represents 55 minutes of lecture or a minimum of two hours of laboratory work (120 minutes) per week for one semester, or the equivalent, unless otherwise noted. Laboratory work, where required, is considered an essential part of the course and must be pursued in conjunction with the lectures to obtain credit.

Siena College follows the U.S. Department of Education definition of a credit hour. Siena College applies this definition to traditional face to face and distance education courses. Specifically, the College defines a credit hour as:

“An amount of work represented in intended learning outcomes and verified by evidence of student achievement that is an institutionally established equivalency that reasonably approximates not less than:

1. One hour of classroom or direct faculty instruction and a minimum of two hours of out-of-class student work for approximately fifteen weeks for one semester credit or
2. At least an equivalent amount of work as required in (1) of this definition for other academic activities as established by the institution, including laboratory work, internships, practica, studio work, and other academic work leading to the award of credit hours.”

Registration

All students are expected to register during the registration period. The details and dates of the registration procedures may be found in the schedule of classes published before each semester by the Office of the Registrar. Information is also listed on the Registrar’s web page. Each student’s registration is not complete until the student has satisfied all financial obligations with Student Accounts and has met all Health Service requirements. Students need permission from their School Dean and the Provost and Senior Vice President to take more than 19 credits in a given semester. This applies to courses taken at Siena and those taken concurrently at other colleges. Only in exceptional cases will permission be granted.

Adding a Course

Students may add courses until the deadline published in the Academic Calendar.

Dropping a Course

If a student drops a course during the first week of classes, the course will not be reflected on the transcript. Students who drop a course after the first week of classes, and until the date set in the Academic Calendar for dropping with a “W”, will receive a grade of “W” on the transcript. After this date, up until the date set in the Academic Calendar (approximately two weeks before the last day of classes), student may drop a course with either the grade WP (withdrawn passing) or WF (withdrawn failing, not computed in the GPA) based upon the student’s academic status in the course at the time it is dropped. Dropping a course is not allowed after the last date for WP/WF specified in the Academic Calendar.

The student is responsible for understanding the implications that may occur from dropping one or more courses (examples: financial aid, housing, health and/or auto insurance eligibility, NCAA regulations, and others).

Withdrawing from the College

Please see the “Withdrawals and Refunds ” section located under “Undergraduate Tuition and Fees”.

Separation from the College

Since a student’s continued presence as a recognized member of the Siena community is subject to the authority of the College, the College reserves the right, at the discretion of the administration, to enforce all regulations concerning a student’s academic performance and, if necessary, to cancel registration, refuse academic credit or deny the Bachelor’s degree. The conditions that may warrant dismissal for academic deficiencies are explained above.

Independent Study

Independent Study courses allow students to work on topics of their choosing under the supervision of a faculty member. The courses are listed under each department and require a proposal approved by the faculty member, the Department Chair, and the Dean.

Tutorials

Tutorials may be given only in courses listed in the catalog other than Independent Study. Tutorials are to be requested only in rare instances; e.g., if a course is required, but will not be offered before graduation. Therefore, tutorials are aimed at seniors seeking to complete requirements for a major, minor or certificate. Tutorials require the same number of contact hours as regular courses, and the permission of the faculty member, the Chair, the Dean, and the Provost and Senior Vice President.

Absences from Class

A student is expected to attend every class and laboratory for which he or she has registered. Each instructor will make known to the student his or her policy with respect to absences in the course. It is the student’s responsibility to be aware of this policy. A student may present to the instructor a written statement from an authorized school official if an excused absence is requested for a college-related activity, e.g., an athletic meet, class trip, etc. The instructor makes the final decision to excuse or not to excuse an absence. An instructor is entitled to give a failing grade (U) for excessive absences.

If there has been an extraordinary reason for excessive absences, such as prolonged illness, a student may petition the Provost and Senior Vice President in writing to consider reinstatement in the class or permission to withdraw with the grade W.

It is the personal responsibility of the student to make up all work assigned during an absence from any class or laboratory.

Faculty Attendance Policies

1. Faculty members establish their own class attendance policies and must provide these policies to students at the beginning of the semester (in writing and/or posted on a public website). This policy should also be verbally communicated during the first class (and laboratory) session of the semester (within the drop/add period). Please be certain that your current policy is included in your syllabus and that your syllabus is on file with your School office. For all courses that have any required activities scheduled outside of class time, faculty must include the required activities with their attendance policy. In addition, students must be given sufficient advance notice, at least 4 weeks in advance of the date and time of these activities. For all courses that will conduct exams outside of class time, faculty must include with their attendance policy the time and the day (e.g., Wednesdays 6-8 p.m.) at which the exams will be administered. 

2. It is each faculty member’s discretion as to whether missing class for any purpose (bereavement, observance of a religious holiday, health/medical, personal business, varsity intercollegiate athletic contest, or any other activity) is an excusable absence. Faculty should establish attendance policies that treat all students equally. Siena College is committed to diversity. An essential element of this commitment should be recognition of the diverse religious practice within our community. On occasion, a student’s religious obligations may conflict with the academic requirement to attend class. In that case, a student should provide faculty instructors advance notice that he or she plans to miss class and arrange to make up work, in a manner consistent with course attendance policies. The faculty, in turn, will support students in any way they can.

3. Class attendance policies are not in effect during a vacation period (vacations as listed in the Academic Calendar) and between terms when classes are not in session, unless attendance at a class-related-activity is specified by the faculty member in the course syllabus at the beginning of the semester. In conformance with College policy, when course exams are held outside of class time, if a student is absent due to a conflict with a scheduled contest, the student is “excused” and subject to the faculty member’s policy regarding excused absence from an examination period.

4. It is often necessary to reschedule contests after the semester has commenced (often due to weather-related cancellations). The Athletic Department and student-athletes should inform faculty of these changes in schedule as soon as is possible. Faculty should be flexible and reasonable in handling these changes. For these cases, the stated attendance policy is in effect and the faculty member should as soon as is possible inform a student if the changes in schedule will affect the student’s grade and/or the student’s ability to successfully complete the course requirements.

5. If a post-season athletic contest, scheduled by the MAAC or the NCAA, conflicts with a course examination, an affected student is excused from the examination and the faculty member will provide a make-up exam (or other appropriate accommodation) at another time within the examination period or no later than 24 hours after the last day of the examination period.

6. The VPAA, Deans, and Registrar should attempt to make up the final examination schedule as early as possible. The earliest date would most likely be at the end of the last “add” date. Also, this would most likely involve changes in many practices, including the deadline for faculty requests for “examination exceptions/special-scheduling”. 

Academic Integrity

Contact Information: Faculty may address all concerns regarding academic integrity to the Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs, Dr. Glenn Braddock, in Siena Hall 215, ext. 2341, or gbraddock@siena.edu .

The concept of academic integrity lies at the very heart of any college. This is particularly true of Siena with its strong Franciscan tradition and its dedication to fostering sound moral growth. In such an environment, academic dishonesty cannot be tolerated. Students found responsible for such violations subject themselves to sanctions as severe as dismissal from the College.

Academic dishonesty can take different forms, including, but not limited to: cheating [dishonesty in a test situation], plagiarism [dishonesty in the presentation of materials in a paper or report], and failure to report known instances of academic dishonesty. If a student is unsure of what constitutes academic dishonesty, it is the student’s responsibility to ask his or her instructor for clarification. It is also the student’s responsibility to be familiar with the Academic Integrity Policy and related information: “Academic Integrity Forms and Policy.”

The Siena Academic Integrity Committee hears cases of alleged academic dishonesty, reviewing all evidence regarding the alleged violation. If the student is found responsible, the committee will determine the appropriate sanction(s), which may include failure of the course, suspension from the College, or permanent dismissal. A statement of the reasons for such sanctions will be placed in the student’s permanent academic record.

Alleging ignorance of what constitutes academic dishonesty or of the College’s policy on the subject will not be considered a valid explanation or excuse.

Examinations

Final written examinations may be administered at the discretion of the instructor. Every instructor schedules other tests and examinations that, in his or her judgment, are required either by the objectives of the course or by the specific needs of the students. Credit will not be granted in any course until all assignments and examinations in that course have been completed. Instructors will hold final examinations on file for a period of one year.

When a student has missed a final examination for some valid reason, a make-up examination may be taken. The make-up examination must be taken within one month from the closing of the term at the convenience of the instructor. Once taken, no final examination will be re-administered.

College Proficiency Examinations, Noncollegiate Sponsored Instruction, and Prior Learning Credit

Siena participates in the College-Level Examination Program (CLEP), Excelsior College Examination Program, the American College Testing Proficiency Examination Program (ACT/PEP), the National Program on Noncollegiate Sponsored Instruction (NPONSI), and the American Council on Education (ACE) programs that evaluate credit for prior learning.  The total number of credits that any one student may earn by proficiency examination, noncollegiate sponsored instruction and assessment of prior learning is thirty-six (36) credits; a grade equivalent to Siena’s C- must be attained. These credits do count towards the maximum transfer credit that is permitted.  (See Transfer Credit for Matriculated Siena Students.) 

Definition of Student

Siena College students must not only comply with all degree requirements to obtain a Siena College degree, but also must follow all College rules and policies affecting their student status, including, but not limited to, those set forth in this Catalog, as well as those enumerated in Siena Life, the student handbook. For this reason, it is important to understand who is considered a “student.”

The term “student” includes all persons:

1. taking courses at Siena College, full-time or part-time, either on a matriculated or non-matriculated basis, pursuing undergraduate, graduate, certificate or professional studies;
2. who have been notified of their acceptance for admission;
3. who are living in Siena College residence halls, although not enrolled in this institution;
4. who withdraw or stop attending after engaging in behavior that is subject to disciplinary sanctions under College policies;
5. who are not officially enrolled for a particular term but who have a continuing relationship with the College and engage in behavior that is subject to disciplinary sanctions under College policies (including but not limited to those students on voluntary or mandated medical leave, study abroad, leaves of absence from Siena College even if taking classes at another institution; or
6. who have completed all degree requirements until commencement exercises are complete and they have vacated the campus.

Academic Classification

Matriculated students are classified according to the number of credits they have completed toward their degrees, as follows:

Unfinished coursework from prior semesters, (I grades), and coursework in which a student is currently enrolled do not count in the calculation of academic classification.

Students not enrolled in a degree or certificate program are classified as “Non-matriculated” or “Auditor.”

Students enrolled in the Accounting; Computer Science; Education; Information Systems; International Studies, Foreign Languages and Business; Pre-Law Studies; Revolutionary Era Studies; Risk Management; and Theatre Certificate Programs are classified as matriculated in their program.

System of Grading

Credit hours are earned for any grade of D- and higher. Quality point values are assigned for each credit hour awarded as follows:

A=4.0 quality points per credit hour; A-=3.7; B+=3.3; B=3.0; B-=2.7; C+=2.3; C=2.0; C-=1.7; D+=1.3; D=1.0; D-=0.7; F=0.0; U=0.0 (Failure due to excessive absence); I=0.0 (Incomplete).

No other grades carry quality point values. Other grades are:

And, for courses on the Pass/Fail Option:

The Incomplete grade I is assigned to students who have missed a final examination because of illness or some other serious reason. The students must make up the examination within one month after the close of the term at the convenience of the instructor; otherwise the I grade is converted to an F. For GPA purposes, I grades are calculated the same as F grades. All I grades must be reconciled prior to receipt of a degree. Grades appearing on a student’s academic record at the time of graduation will not be changed to any other grade subsequent to the graduation date.

Grade Reports

Mid-semester grades are requested from faculty for all students. If these grades indicate that the student’s progress is generally unsatisfactory, the student is informed via Banner Self Service by those faculty providing mid-semester grades. First-year students also receive a letter at their home address. Mid-semester grades are for internal purposes only and are not included on a student’s official transcript.

A final grade report is made available to every student shortly after the close of each semester. In the event that the office of academic affairs determines that there has been a violation of Siena’s academic integrity policy, Siena reserves the right to adjust any grade in line with the findings of the Academic Integrity committee.

Appeal of Assigned Grades

A student who believes that an error has been made in assigning a grade should discuss the basis upon which the grade was determined with the instructor within 60 days of receipt of the grade report. If after this review the student is not satisfied with the assigned grade, an appeal may be made to the Department Chair. Such appeal should be made in writing, stating the basis upon which the grade is questioned and requesting a departmental review. If following the review the student is not satisfied with the departmental decision, appeal may be made to the School Dean. If the situation is not resolved at the school level, a final determination for disposition of the matter will rest with the Provost and Senior Vice President.

Scholarship Indices (GPA)

The scholarship index for every student is determined at the conclusion of each semester. The index is obtained by dividing the total number of quality points earned by the total number of credits attempted. A cumulative quality point average of 2.0 is required for graduation.

The following example illustrates how the scholarship index is determined for one semester:

The cumulative quality point index is determined by dividing the total number of quality points earned by the total number of credit hours attempted for all Siena courses in which grades with quality points were possible. Courses taken under the Hudson-Mohawk Association are included in the calculation of the grade point average (GPA).

Pass/Fail Option

The pass/fail option is designed to encourage students to take courses outside of their major fields without affecting the grade point average.

Any full-time matriculated student may elect to take one pass/fail course each semester (excluding Summer and Winter Session) to a maximum of eight courses towards graduation. Unless students have already satisfied with a graded course(s) all the requirements - as listed on their degree audit from Degree Works - they may not take any of the following courses pass/fail: courses in their major, minor, concentration or auxiliary courses for the major; courses in the college core or the common business requirements or the business core. Certain Certificate Programs do not allow students to take required courses under this option. Students should check with the Director of the Certificate Program.

Courses offered only on a pass/fail basis do not count as part of the eight course pass/fail limit. See School offices for lists of courses mandated as pass/fail.

Matriculated part-time students also may take advantage of this option. The student must be registered for at least six credits in the semester in which the Pass/Fail Option is chosen (excluding Summer Session) and may not use the option in two consecutive semesters.

In order to receive a passing grade P, the student must earn at least a D- grade in the course. Otherwise, the failing grade Z will be assigned, and no credit will be received. A Pass/Fail grade does not affect a student’s quality point index. The original letter grade will not be revealed to the student, listed on a transcript, or transmitted to another college.

The student must complete the appropriate form in the Office of the Registrar by the published deadline and may not make a change after the deadline.

Repeated Courses

A student may repeat a course in which a C- or less has been awarded. Both grades will appear on the student’s transcript, but the lower grade will not count in cumulative totals. Only the higher grade will be used in computing the cumulative grade point average (GPA). Repeated courses may be taken at Siena or at another institution and transferred back to Siena. Credit for the course will be given only once, unless the course is designated in the catalog as “repeatable for credit.” If repeating a course is not required in order to make progress towards a graduation requirement, the course does not count towards full-time status. A change to part-time status (less than 12 credit hours per semester) could affect a student’s financial aid eligibility and other eligibility. A student with a question about status when repeating a course should discuss this matter with the Registrar or Financial Aid Office.

Honor Lists

To be eligible for semester honor lists, a student must have completed no fewer than 12 credit hours as a full-time matriculated student or no fewer than 8 credit hours as a part-time matriculated student.

Deans’ List: Requires a term index of 3.5 to 3.89.
President’s List: Requires a term index of 3.9 or above.

*Please note that Honor Recognitions and Graduation Honors only apply to undergraduate students.

Honor Societies

Alpha Kappa Alpha is the Honor Society of Siena College. Membership in this society is the highest award granted to a student at graduation. To be eligible, a student must have completed 54 credit hours at Siena College, have achieved a minimum index of 3.5 for each year (Fall/Spring semester average) in attendance (including study abroad), have completed a degree application for the appropriate term and must show a significant record of involvement in voluntary service activities during the course of his/her Siena studies. Any students transferring a minimum of 9 credits from any school to Siena are required to have met the same academic standards at the other institutions. Students graduating in January or August who meet the guidelines will be invited to apply for the following May’s induction.

Alpha Kappa Delta, Alpha Psi chapter, is the International Honor Society in Sociology. Sociology major and minors are nominated for membership by the Sociology Department based on a record of excellence in Sociology coursework and overall scholarship.

Alpha Mu Gamma, Alpha Tau Chapter, the National Foreign Language Honor Society, recognizes achievement in the field of Foreign Languages. To be eligible, students must have completed four courses above the elementary level, have a 3.0 GPA overall and a 3.5 average in language courses.

Beta Alpha Psi (Nu Xi Chapter) is the International Honor Organization for Financial Information Students and Professionals.

Beta Gamma Sigma, membership in Beta Gamma Sigma is the highest recognition a Business student anywhere in the world can receive in an undergraduate or master’s program at a school accredited by AACSB International.

Delta Epsilon Sigma, Beta Psi chapter, is a National Scholastic Honor Society for students in Catholic colleges and universities. Eligible student candidates for induction will have completed 84 credits or more by February 1, with a cumulative GPA of 3.8 or higher.

Kappa Delta Pi, Alpha Epsilon Beta chapter, is the International Honor Society in Education. KDP was established to foster excellence in education and promote fellowship among those dedicated to teaching. The mission of Kappa Delta Pi is to sustain an honored community of diverse educators by promoting excellence and advancing scholarship, leadership, and service while helping committed educators be leaders in improving education for global citizenship. To be eligible, students must have completed at least 30 credit hours of collegiate course work; have at least 12 credit hours in education course work in progress, or completed; demonstrate leadership attributes; have a cumulative grade-point average of 3.0 or greater; and receive an invitation to membership from the Alpha Epsilon Beta chapter.

Omicron Delta Epsilon, Beta Mu chapter, is the International Honor Society in Economics. Membership in this society is in recognition of academic excellence in Economics.

Phi Alpha Honor Society, Delta Upsilon chapter, is the National Honor Society for students, faculty, and practitioners promoting humanitarian goals and recognizing the attainment of academic excellence and scholarship related to Social Work. Student candidates must be admitted into the Social Work program, have completed the first semester of their senior year, have completed at least 15 credits in Social Work, and have a minimum GPA of 3.25 in Social Work and 3.0 overall.

Phi Alpha Delta is the Pre-Law Honor Fraternity.

Phi Alpha Theta, Omicron Xi chapter, is the National Honor Society in History. To be eligible, students must complete 12 credit hours of History, obtain a GPA of 3.4 in History and 3.0 overall, and receive overwhelming support of the History Department faculty.

Phi Lambda Upsilon is the National Honor Society in Chemistry.

Phi Sigma Tau, New York Kappa chapter, is the National Honor Society in Philosophy. Students are nominated by the Philosophy Department for membership.

Pi Gamma Mu, Alpha Gamma chapter, is the International Social Science Honor Society. Membership in this society is in recognition of academic excellence in the Social Sciences.

Pi Mu Epsilon, New York Alpha Epsilon Chapter, is the National Mathematics Honorary Society. Membership is based on scholarly achievement.

Pi Sigma Alpha, Alpha Beta Iota chapter, is the National Honor Society in Political Science. The Political Science Department admits students who have demonstrated academic excellence in the study of Political Science.

Pi Sigma Gamma Sigma is the National Honor Society in Biology.

Psi Chi, the International Honor Society in Psychology, admits students who have attained high academic achievement in this field.

Sigma Pi Sigma, the Siena Chapter of the National Physics Honor Society, recognizes students with high scholarship and achievement in Physics.

Sigma Tau Delta, the English Honor Society, is open to students with at least 15 credits in English, a 3.3 minimum GPA overall, and a 3.55 GPA in English. Selection is subject to departmental approval.

21st Century Leaders Society is the honor society for School of Business majors. Members are selected based on a combination of academic achievement and demonstrated outstanding leadership characteristics. The society is endowed through a donation from Vincent Puritano ‘59.

Upsilon Pi Epsilon is the National Computer Science Honor Society, which recognizes academic excellence at both the undergraduate and graduate levels in the computing and information disciplines.

Good Academic Standing

A student is in good academic standing if he or she is matriculated at Siena College and is considered to be making satisfactory progress toward a degree.

For enrollment verification purposes a student registered for a minimum of 12 credits at the close of the last day to add a semester course as defined by the academic calendar is classified as a full-time student for the duration of that semester. Students registered for fewer than 12 credits are classified as part-time students.

Academic Notice and Academic Dismissal

To obtain a degree, a student must have at least a “C” average (2.00 cumulative grade point average) for all Siena coursework. If a student’s cumulative GPA falls below a 2.00, the student meets the criteria for Academic Notice or Academic Dismissal based on the following chart after the fall and spring semesters, but that dismissal may be appealed.

* Includes transfer credits and earned credits

** Any student dismissed from the College for poor scholarship may not apply for readmission unless he or she has attended a recognized college for one year and has attained a record of satisfactory scholarship. Documented continuous full-time employment or service in the military will be considered as possible substitutes for academic accomplishments. However, in all cases the final decision for readmission shall be at the discretion of the Provost and Senior Vice President.

*** Any student who is currently on Academic Notice must participate in academic support programming. Failure to comply may result in a “Hold” being placed on the student’s account, or the cancellation of the student’s current or next semester registration. The cancellation of a student’s current registration will result in the immediate withdrawal or dismissal of the student from the College. Any student who earns a 1.0 or less in any given semester, regardless of their cumulative GPA, will be scheduled by the Student Academic Success and Engagement Office for academic support programming (LEAP) in the following semester.

Good Conduct Standing

A student is in good conduct standing if s/he has no outstanding disciplinary charges against her/him. Disciplinary action can be taken against a student after all academic degree requirements have been met but before a student has participated in Commencement exercises and vacated the campus. Moreover, the College reserves the right to withhold a degree or revoke a degree as set forth below.

Graduation

Prospective graduates must file a degree candidate application with the Registrar according to the dates for filing as published by the registrar’s office in order to be considered for graduation.

Any student who potentially meets all graduation requirements in his/her last semester as of the day after the last day to withdraw from a course with a “WP/WF” will be allowed to participate in commencement activities. A Senior who will not complete all degree requirements prior to the ceremony, but who wishes to participate in the ceremony with their class, may choose to do so by completing a Degree Application by the stated deadline and indicating their desire to “participate” as a non-graduate. All candidates who have completed degree requirements at the end of the spring semester should be present at Commencement. Others who may have completed degree requirements in the previous fall or summer semester are invited to participate. The Registrar makes the final decision regarding participation in Commencement activities. Participants in Commencement exercises wear cap and gown. Diplomas will be mailed to graduates upon the completion of all degree requirements.

For seniors who expect to graduate in May, official transcripts recording transfer credits earned at any other college must be received by the Registrar no later than March 1 of their senior year. Students are responsible for having transcripts from other colleges sent to Siena and should check with the Office of the Registrar before March 1 to be sure that the transcript has been received.

Each degree candidate must settle all accounts with Student Accounts before a diploma is granted.

Graduation Honors

Three distinctions are awarded to undergraduates, based on their attainments in scholarship:

1. Summa Cum Laude, or the highest honors, to those having a scholarship index of 3.90 or higher.
2. Magna Cum Laude, or high honors, to those having a scholarship index between 3.70 and 3.89.
3. Cum Laude, or honors, scholarship index between 3.50 and 3.69.

In order for a student to qualify for graduation honors the person must have completed 54 credit hours at Siena College. Students pursuing second degrees must have all Siena credits included in the computation and are subject to the 54 credit minimum.

*Please note that Honor Recognitions and Graduation Honors only apply to undergraduate students.

Withholding Degree

Siena College reserves the right to withhold awarding a degree pending the completion of the process set forth in the Student Code of Conduct, including the completion of all sanctions imposed, if any.

Revocation of Admission and/or Degree

Admission to or a degree awarded from Siena College may be revoked for fraud, misrepresentation, and/or criminal behavior which may place the College community at risk, or other violations of the Siena Code of Conduct, or for other serious violations committed by a student.