Siena Heights University
I .
GENERAL INFORMATION
Overview
Siena Heights University is a Catholic , coeducational , liberal arts university offering associate ' s , bachelor ' s and master ' s degrees . The University was founded in 1919 by the Adrian Dominican Congregation . In addition to the main campus in Adrian , Siena Heights operates degree completion programs across southern Michigan in Battle Creek , Benton Harbor , Dearborn , Jackson , Kalamazoo , Lansing , Monroe , and Metro Detroit as well as a Totally Online program . The university offers graduate programs in Adrian , Battle Creek , Lansing , Metro Detroit and also totally online Leadership degrees .
This University Catalog contains information pertaining to academic programs leading to associates , bachelors ( baccalaureate ), and master ’ s degrees .
History of Siena Heights University
A Catholic liberal arts institution founded in 1919 by the Adrian Dominican Sisters , Siena Heights was originally named St . Joseph College , and enrolled many of the graduates of neighboring St . Joseph Academy , founded some years earlier by the Adrian Dominicans . In 1939 , St . Joseph College was renamed Siena Heights College , in honor of Catherine of Siena , a 14th century Italian Dominican who dedicated her life to a quest for truth and social responsibility , and in recognition of the College ' s location on the highest land in the surrounding area . In 1997 , the Board of Trustees voted to change the institution ' s name again , effective July 1 , 1998 ; Siena Heights University was chosen as a more accurate reflection of the kind of institution Siena Heights is today .
Throughout its history , Siena Heights has built a proud tradition of innovative response to changing social needs . Originally a college for women who intended to become teachers , Siena Heights broadened its offerings over the years and by the 1950s was recognized as one of the nation ' s ten best liberal arts colleges for women .
In 1957 , in addition to undergraduate studies , Siena Heights University initiated a Division of Graduate Studies , which was approved by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools in 1963 . During the late 1960s , Siena Heights became coeducational and expanded its curriculum to include programs in business and human services . In the 1970s Siena Heights took a leading role in providing opportunities for adult students by offering evening and weekend classes and opening degree-completion centers in Southfield , Michigan , and Toledo , Ohio .
In 2000 , Siena Heights established three colleges to deliver its academic programs : the College of Arts and Sciences ( CAS ), the College for Professional Studies ( CPS ), and the Graduate College .
Today Siena Heights continues its long tradition of integrating liberal arts and career education . The student ' s total development as an intellectually , socially , and spiritually responsible human being is the basis of Siena Heights University ' s educational philosophy . The University provides an education that will help students create meaning in their lives and inspire others by their aspirations and achievements . Siena Heights believes that caring people are the key to creating peace and justice in the world .
Philosophy
Siena Heights is a private , post-secondary institution which seeks to identify and respond to the educational needs of people at varying stages of their lives . The University believes that education in contemporary society should be based upon clearly defined goals .
Since Siena Heights has developed within the framework of Catholicism as lived out in the Adrian Dominican tradition , it believes that individual educational goals should grow out of an encounter with the values which are a part of this tradition . Specifically , these are the values of the reflective life , the free exploration of ultimate questions , the imperative to witness one ' s values to the world , the concern for justice in human relationships , and participation in communal celebration . Inherent in these values is the acceptance of the authenticity of other traditions and their experiences of God . The University is also committed to the idea that goals must develop in light of career possibilities and the realities of society .
Undergraduate and Graduate Catalog 2016-2018 5