Siena College Transforming into Siena University: What This Change Means for Students and Community

Siena College is changing its name to Siena University. This decision, approved by the New York State Board of Regents, comes as part of a broader effort to highlight its graduate programs alongside its well-established undergraduate offerings.

College President Chuck Seifert announced the change last month. He emphasized that while the name is changing, the day-to-day operations at the college will remain largely the same. The goal of this rebranding is to enhance Siena’s visibility and recognition, particularly for its master’s programs.

Siena currently offers 40 undergraduate programs and 8 graduate programs. According to Seifert, achieving university status will also open doors for more state and federal grants, enhancing the school’s financial flexibility. The transition to university status was made possible after the State Department of Education approved a master’s in social work program in December.

The rebranding process will cost around $60,000 for signage updates. Despite this expenditure, Seifert believes the change will lead to increased enrollment and heightened prestige for the institution. He noted that other colleges that have made similar transitions often see a rise in demand for their programs.

Tuition for undergraduate students at Siena is currently set at $46,690. Seifert shared that input from the Siena community—including students, staff, and alumni—was key in making this decision.

Change can be daunting. Yet, Seifert reminded everyone that this transformation is about growth. He drew a parallel with a small stone worn smooth over time. It symbolizes the legacy of those who came before and the importance of evolving while honoring that history.

This celebration of change will culminate with a community event on September 18, where the significance of this new chapter for Siena will be embraced and recognized.

As an interesting side note, many institutions adopting university status have reported not only an increase in applications but also a stronger brand identity that attracts diverse funding sources. This trend highlights the importance of continuous evolution in the educational landscape, especially for schools striving to better serve student needs.



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