November 18, 2022

Dear Faculty, Staff, and Administrators,

We titled our new strategic plan Leading the Way because this is a pivotal moment in Siena’s history. While seismic changes reshape higher education and pose enormous challenges to the national landscape, we realize our College is uniquely positioned to seize on opportunities and move forward. There are several reasons why, but it is our people who shine at the very top of that list.

Siena is blessed with world-class professors, administrators and staff. Together, we’ve accomplished record enrollment, budget surpluses, transformational gifts, rising national rankings and strong solidarity behind our new strategic plan. We’ve christened new facilities over the past year, and in March we will break ground on Nobel Hall. Over the next several years, we will complete significant upgrades to our residential facilities and continue to transform our campus to holistically serve our students. In short, we are poised to continue our ascent among the elite Catholic institutions in the country. In view of all of this, I’m pleased to announce the following:

• Effective January 1, all eligible staff and administrators will receive a three percent raise* and there will be a three percent increase to the faculty compensation pool. As per the College’s policy and commitment to shared governance, the faculty will make a recommendation on how to allocate the increase to the compensation pool. The Faculty Compensation and Benefits Committee (FCBC), in conjunction with the Provost and Deans, will be reviewing peer data and discussing this with the entire faculty in the coming weeks. The goal is to present a recommendation in time to implement the pay raises for January 1.
• Extended time off around the holidays is a special perk to Siena employment and an important benefit that allows our community to focus on quality time with friends and family. This year, the College will be closed from Wednesday, December 21 through Monday, January 2. Because of how the holidays fall on the calendar, an additional day off has been scheduled on Friday, January 6, providing two full weeks of time off during the winter break.
• On Sunday, December 4 at 6 p.m., the entire community is invited to our inaugural “Christmas at Siena” celebration. There will be a Christmas tree and dome lighting, and carols on the steps of Siena Hall. Please bring your family of all ages, and enjoy winter activities with snacks and hot cocoa.

Also, mark your calendars for the Advent Party graciously hosted by our friars at St. Bernardine of Siena Friary on Tuesday, December 13, beginning at 3:30 p.m. If you’re able to attend, please be so kind as to RSVP by emailing friarydesk@siena.edu.

Finally, before we fully turn our attention to the Christmas season, there will be an opportunity to gather as a community prior to Thanksgiving. All are invited to a special blessing of the new St. Francis of Assisi statue – situated near the entrance to Patricia Gioia Hall – next Tuesday, November 22 at 3:30 p.m. There will also be an exciting announcement at the blessing that will impact Siena’s future and provide an explanation for Pope Francis’ recent conversation about Siena.

I’m proud of all we’ve accomplished together this year and for the future we’ve planned for in Leading the Way. Reaching the bold goals set forth in our plan will rarely be easy. I know that our successes will be hard-earned, but I want you to know your sacrifices on behalf of Siena and our students never go unnoticed or unrecognized. Have a wonderful Thanksgiving with family and friends next week, and I look forward to celebrating the Christmas season with you next month.      

Sincerely,

Chris

* For employees paid bi-weekly, the raise will be effective December 24 and reflected in your January 13 paycheck. For employees paid semi-monthly, the wage increase will be effective January 1 and included in your December 30 paycheck. This raise represents an adjustment to the base hourly rate or salary and may be prorated for administrators and staff members employed at the College less than one year. All eligible staff and administrators will receive a letter from Human Resources before January 1 confirming your adjusted pay rate.