Who are those smart, funny, opinionated women living
in the Motherhouse on Siena Heights Drive? The Adrian
Dominican Sisters. Yes, they teach on campus and no, they
don’t wear the habit. In fact, their active, purposeful lives
defy many a stereotype.
ETHICS
The name Siena honors St. Catherine of Siena, a 14thcentury Italian Dominican who dedicated her life to a
quest for truth and social responsibility. Similarly, the
mission of our university – to help students become more
Siena students love spending time with the Sisters and competent, purposeful and ethical – grows out of the
often get involved in their work outside the university,
philosophy of Siena.
which ranges from human trafficking issues and
immigration reform to environmental protection.
Throughout its history, Siena has built a proud tradition
of innovative response to challenging social needs.
Originally a college for women who intended to become
teachers, Siena broadened its offerings over the years
to become the comprehensive, coeducational university
it is today.
The code of ethics our students live by is a direct reflection
of our Dominican heritage. Although Siena welcomes
students of all faith traditions and backgrounds, our
community shares a common desire to do what’s right.
The mission of Siena Heights University, a Catholic University
founded and sponsored by the Adrian Dominican Sisters, is
to assist people to become more competent, purposeful,
and ethical through a teaching and learning environment
which respects the dignity of all.