Student Academic Success and Engagement
Siena College recognizes academic advising as a critical component of the educational experience of its students. Academic advising is a process of problem-solving and decision-making through which a student explores and seeks information from professionals of the campus community. It is marked by a dynamic relationship between proactive students and advisor/mentors who act as teachers and guides in this interactive partnership. Students are assigned a faculty advisor in their declared major or for undeclared students, a faculty member in the School within which they are declared. In addition, the Student Academic Success and Engagement Office provides professional advising to any student needing: drop-in assistance; help with College procedures or advising concerns; or, assistance when a faculty advisor is unavailable. In this way, the College facilitates high quality academic advising for all Siena students. We are located in Siena Hall 215.
SSAA-001. Siena Student Advantage 0-1 credits
This is a zero to one credit pass/fail course. Some sections are designed for incoming first year or transfer students during the fall and spring semesters. Students learn how to improve study habits and time management and explore major options and other topics that can assist with their academic progress. This course gives students an opportunity to connect with an administrator who will serve as an additional point of contact.
Other sections represent a required course for students on academic probation. For a student’s first semester on Probation, it is a one credit pass/fail study skills course called LEAP I that the student takes in the semester following placement on probation. Students on academic probation for a second or third semester take LEAP II or LEAP III and will have individual meetings with a professional member of SASE to review their academic progress and strategies for success.
Siena Enhanced Educational Development (SEED)
The Siena Enhanced Educational Development (SEED) program provides individualized support to increase the persistence and retention of student participants. A program student must be admitted to Siena as a SEED student. Students sign cooperative agreements to participate fully in the goals and activities of the program, including but not limited to:
- One-on-one meetings with the Director
- Dedicated tutors for courses, as appropriate
- Study Sessions
- Peer Mentoring
- Individualized Academic Advising plan
- Student Success course
Students receive services throughout their time at Siena. Questions should be directed to Holly Cheverton (hcheverton@siena.edu), SEED Director, 518-783-2323, 110 Kiernan Hall.
English for Speakers of Other Languages
Melody Nadeau, Ph.D., Assistant Director ESOL, Center for International Programs
ESOL-115. ESOL Communication (Intermediate) 3 credits
ESOL Communication (Intermediate) is designed to develop intermediate students’ knowledge of American English classroom participation, reading, and writing conventions so that they can become fully engaged members of Siena’s academic community. Students are required to take an Oxford Online placement assessment combined with a CaMLA writing assessment, and may register for 115 if their CEFR score is B1 or lower, or if they have a CEFR of B2 combined with a CaMLA writing score that is 29 or below. Students may repeat ESOL 115 once for credit. Through classroom discussions, presentations, and reflection papers, students gain confidence in listening, speaking, reading, writing, and providing peer feedback. Students are also introduced to the methods of doing research and citing sources. (ATTR: ARTS)
ESOL-120. ESOL Communication (Advanced) 3 credits
ESOL Communication (Advanced) is designed to develop advanced students’ participation, reading, and writing conventions so that they can become fully engaged members of Siena’s academic community. Through classroom discussions, presentations, and reflection papers, students gain confidence in listening, speaking, reading, writing, and providing peer feedback. Students are also introduced to the methods of doing research and citing sources. Students are required to take an Oxford Online placement assessment combined with a CaMLA writing assessment, and may register for ESOL 120 if their CEFR score is C1 or higher, or if they have a CEFR of B2 combined with a CaMLA writing score that is 30 or above. Permission of Instructor. (ATTR: ARTS)
ESOL-220. Academic Writing for ELLs 3 credits
Academic Writing for ELLs is designed to enhance students’ knowledge of American English academic writing conventions and to facilitate improvement in their writing skills across written genres by exploring the processes of writing: comprehending, analyzing, and evaluating college-level texts; inventing, drafting, and revising; and seeking, providing, and responding to constructive feedback. Students also explore the methods of doing research and citing sources. Through classroom discussions based on assigned readings, in-class activities, writing assignments, peer reviews, and reflection papers, students are expected to gain confidence in writing, revising, and providing feedback to others’ writing. Students are required to take an Oxford Online placement assessment combined with a CaMLA writing assessment. Permission for registration is given if the CaMLA score is 35 or above, or if students have previously mastered ESOL 115 or 120. Permission of Instructor. (ATTR: ARTS)
Tutoring Services
Tutoring Services are available to all currently registered students at Siena College through the Student Academic Success and Engagement Office. Group and individual peer tutoring are available during both the fall and spring semesters. Summer tutoring is available by special arrangement.
While some might view tutoring as a mechanism for ‘fixing’ difficult coursework, tutoring can play a proactive part in a student’s academic success. Participating in a group tutoring session can clarify formerly difficult concepts, provide additional study time and connect students with study partners. When used this way, tutoring enhances academic performance and improves success rather than just ‘fixing’ problems. Students, therefore, are encouraged to use tutoring services.
Students may attend any or all of the group tutoring sessions offered. This service is free to all currently registered undergraduate students at Siena College.
The Writing Center
The staff of the Writing Center offers free, one-on-one assistance to all students, faculty, and staff at Siena. Knowledgeable, highly-trained, and compassionate peer writing consultants provide objective, critical responses to assignments and projects across the disciplines and at any stage in the writing process. Regardless of the assignment, consultants can help writers generate ideas, organize an argument, clarify purpose, or identify an audience. We teach strategies for writers to use when revising their own work, and though we do not edit, correct, or “fix” technical problems, we can address those that reoccur throughout a text. We strongly encourage writers to visit the Writing Center several days prior to when the project is actually due and to plan for follow-up appointments.
Our staff is available to work with ALL writers: less-experienced and apprehensive writers who may need to work on basic writing skills and techniques as well as more advanced ones looking for constructive feedback. For students reading, writing, and speaking English as a second language, our staff includes a professional ESL instructor who can help with any type of assignment or even with non-academic communication issues.
Additional information about our mission, services, and hours of operation is posted at www.siena.edu/writingcenter. The Writing Center is located in L09 on the lower-level of the Standish Library. Walk-ins are welcome, but appointments are highly recommended and can be scheduled online or by telephoning 783-4125.
Career Education and Professional Development Office (CEPD)
Choosing and finding a career takes time, effort and work, but the rewards are unlimited! The Career Education and Professional Development Office (CEPD) serves all Siena students as they pursue their career and postgraduate options. The office serves all class years, majors, and alumni in achieving their career and professional goals. Services provided by CEPD can be utilized throughout each step in the discovery process. Even if just starting out, students are encouraged to meet with professional career counselors to help them “figure it all out.” Start early and come often to the CEPD.
There are a wide range of services, programs and resources offered. Online self-assessment instruments are available to assist students with deciding on a major or career path. CareerSaint, the recruiting database, lists opportunities for on and off campus employment, work study and internship positions, as well as on campus interviews. Appointments can be scheduled with professional counselors to discuss any career topic including: choosing a major, preparing a resume/cover letter, searching for an internship or professional position, preparing for interviews or applying to graduate school. Student Peer Career Advisors can assist with resume writing and general search questions. Career education programs and events including the annual Spring Career, Internship and Graduate School Fair are an example of the career development benefits offered to students. In addition, CEPD offers a one credit Career Exploration course which is open to all students.
You can locate us in Foy Hall 203, on the first floor next to the theatre. More information and resources can be found on the internal website at https://www.siena.edu/offices/cepd/. Appointments can be scheduled by visiting CareerSaint at https://siena-csm.symplicity.com/students/ or calling 518-783-2339. The education of a lifetime will take you many places, and CEPD wants to help you get there.
Prestigious Scholarships and Fellowships
Dr. Matthew Clemens works as Siena’s Advisor for Prestigious Scholarships and Fellowships. He publicizes a comprehensive list of - and works with Siena students interested in - competitive fellowships and scholarships. Through workshops, information sessions, and individual appointments, he provides guidance for students at all points in the process, from preapplication readiness to application submission and interview preparation.
Questions should be directed to Dr. Matthew Clemens (mclemens@siena.edu), Advisor for Prestigious Scholarships and Fellowships, 518-783-2956, 215B Siena Hall.
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