Siena College is getting closer to becoming a University

Siena College may soon become Siena University.

The move is in the works after a lot of feedback coming from the faculty, students and also community members. On Friday, the Siena board of trustees held a vote and have decided to move forward with the recommendation.

With the recent growth of Siena, adding graduate and professional programs along with expanding facilities, more research and partnerships, President Chuck Seifert said that they're already doing all the work of a university and it's time to own everything that Siena is doing.

“This is about standing taller in what we are, mission-driven, value-centered, future-focused. That will never change, “This proud step forward will open new doors for our students, strengthen our reputation, and put us in a stronger position to compete, lead, and thrive.”

The name change could be approved by the end of this year by the New York Board of Regents.

If you're wondering what the difference is between a college and a university, please allow us to fill you in. A college typically focuses on undergraduate studies, from a bachelor's degree to possibly even associates degrees. A university typically offers not only undergraduate degrees but also graduate and professional options, including master's and doctoral degrees. Those right there are the basic differences between the two. Are there more? Yes. Could there be some overlap between the two? Also yes. But on the simplest level, that is the difference between a college and a university. 

And as they say, knowing if half the battle.