Siena has received $355,252 in funding from the Dormitory Authority of the State of New York (DASNY) under its Higher Education Capital Matching Grant Program (HECap).
The funds, which were approved at DASNY's June 26 HECap board meeting, are designated for the acquisition of new furniture, fixtures, equipment and IT for campus residence halls and townhouses.
The total budget for procurement for this project phase stands at approximately $1.4 million. Siena's request for $355,252 was fully approved, and the College will provide a matching contribution of $1,065,755, adhering to DASNY's 3:1 match requirement for HECap funds.
“Siena College is grateful to DASNY and the New York State Legislature for supporting this request," said President Chuck Seifert, Ph.D. “Our residence halls and townhouses serve as the home away from home for hundreds of students each academic year, providing them with a safe and supportive environment conducive to academic success and personal growth. To maintain these spaces as vibrant communities that foster student well-being and engagement, it is crucial to continuously upgrade and replenish their equipment and amenities.”
The College houses more than 2,400 students (75 percent of the student body) in eight residential communities that include traditional residence halls, suite style living, and townhouse units. A majority live on campus for all four years of their education. This residency rate is comparable to that of peer institutions that do not require on-campus residency, and is exceptional considering the significant percentage of enrolled students who have hometowns in the four surrounding counties of Albany, Schenectady, Rensselaer and Saratoga.
“Siena is committed to providing an outstanding student experience across all measures of academics and student services,” said Seifert. “It is essential to invest in these spaces to ensure they meet the evolving needs and expectations of our student body.”
DASNY is expected to announce a new round of funding for 2025, and Siena is already considering options for its next application. DASNY awarded more than $37 million to private colleges and universities in New York in this latest round of funding; $40 million has been budgeted for HECap for 2025.