Major: Biology

Minor: Spanish

Email: kaitlinndaviss@gmail.com

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Questions about Academics and COVID-19

 

What were your classes like in your first year or in your major/concentration, especially transitioning from Shen? 

My first year at Siena I took General Chemistry and General Biology for my major. At Shen I had taken honors chemistry, so the first semester of Gen Chem felt like a lot of review for me with second semester just building off of those topics. Since I had taken AP Biology at Shen I was placed into Advanced Gen Biology my first semester which was basically an honors version of Gen Bio 2. The class was challenging, but in a very rewarding way and the professor is amazing. If you are worried about your prior knowledge or the transition, Siena offers transition courses for chemistry which can give you extra support in the beginning of your first semester.

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What academic experiences have stood out to you at your college in either positive or negative ways?

Siena is a small liberal arts school. Some of the core requirements seem tedious at times, but if you go in with an open mind they are great for rounding out your education. My favorite part about Siena is the relationships you build with professors and the community that exists on campus. Professors are not only passionate about what they teach, but also about their students. This opens the door for research opportunities, additional advising, potential letters of recommendation, and just a general feeling of support. I also had the opportunity to study abroad in Spain through Siena. Depending on your goals for study abroad, there are a lot of different options and the faculty in the study abroad office are extremely helpful.

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How was your online learning experience at your college? What resources did your college provide you during this time?

In general, I’d say the online learning experience was as positive as it could have been. The largest challenge was science labs, but they were substituted with either online simulation or using data from past years. Most of my teachers would post pre-recorded lecture videos with periodic checkpoint quizzes graded for completion. Deadlines became flexible and office hours were held via Zoom when normal class hours would be. Finals were either for completion or open notes/book. This is an instance where I felt like the close student/professor relationship at Siena was beneficial as it felt like we were figuring things out together.

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What did your college do well or poorly to support students and communities when COVID-19 first hit?

We left for spring break and several days later were told it would be extended a week and then that we would not be returning to campus. I know there was talk of closing before we left, but there was no warning given to students to prepare for that. International students or those that were not able to return home were allowed to remain on campus for a period of time. Attempts were made to provide virtual versions of popular Siena events, as well as community discussions.

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Questions about Student Life

 

If students are interested in your major/concentration, what extracurricular activities do you recommend they do at your college?

For biology or other science majors, I’d recommend looking into research or biology/chemistry club. Siena students are also highly involved in service activities. I personally am involved with Bus Stop Club which provides play therapy to the siblings of children with disabilities or illnesses.

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What are common things to do on weekends? Do students commute back home for the weekend or are there events on campus?

Some students will go home since many are local. However, student events hosts events every Thursday night. Also, because almost all students live on campus night life becomes safer since it all takes place on campus.

 

Extra Questions

 

What advice would you give to current Shen students when applying to your college?

Don’t dismiss Siena because it is close to home. Your college is as close or as far as you want to make it.

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What makes your college special to you?

The community. The people at Siena are genuinely good people and they want you to succeed, both the students and faculty.

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Before COVID-19, what was the housing like at your college? What would you recommend to Shen seniors to find their roommates?

Freshmen housing is primarily doubles. I recommend either using the accepted students Facebook group to find a roommate or to go random. I would think twice about rooming with someone from high school.

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