We Believe student awareness and self tracking of progress is essential to successful academic development and degree completion. This information helps to guide students and parents through that process and provides information regarding: general academic benchmarks and steps for success, graduation requirements, commonly asked questions, strategies for getting back on track, and campus support services.
Some students may find it necessary to follow an alternative plan. Please be sure to consult with an academic advisor regularly.
Rule of thumb:Fifteen (15) degree applicable credits each semester.* In some cases it will be appropriate for students to complete the requirements/tasks below on a slightly different schedule. Visit your academic advisor to discuss your individual needs.
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Freshman Year | |
| -Attend orientation and frehsman advisor luncheon -Meet with your academic advisor four times (twice per semester) |
-Complete FYS 101 and ENG 101 -Learn how to utilize GriffAudit as a graduation planner |
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Sophomore Year 30 credit hours completed after two semesters | |
| - Choose a major, if undeclared - Connect with department to confirm academic advisor |
-Complete remaining foundation courses |
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Junior Year 60 credit hours completed after four semesters | |
| -Explore career and graduate school options -Complete most field and attribute courses -Visit the Career Center for resume assistance |
-Plan for graduation including completion of core and major requirements -Plan for graduate school entrance exams (GRE, LSAT, MCAT, etc.) |
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Senior Year 90 credit hours completed after six semesters | |
| -Complete remaining fields and attribute course prior to final semester -Complete Core Capstone course prior to or during final semester |
-Apply for graduation |
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Graduation 120 credit hours completed at eight semesters |
*some departments require students to achieve specific grades in major course. Consult with your advisor and the catalog for information
Steps for Success.......
- Complete 15-18 degree applicable credits per semester (30-36 credits per year). Achieve the cumulative grade point average (GPA) required for your major (2.0 minimum)
- Utilize academic support services such as tutoring, supplemental instruction, the Career Center, and the Student Advisement Center
- Understand the Core Curriculum and requirements for your major
- Keep your academic record clean (no academic integrity infractions)
- Check your GriffAudit and meet with your academic advisor each semester
- Get involved. Research shows that student success is correlated with campus involvement
- Understand your financial aid package and work with your financial aid counselor to create the best plan for you and your family.
- Utilize support services such as Financial Aid, Student Accounts, Residence Life, Student Health Center, Counseling Center and Student Records
Graduation Requirements.........
Students must complete all major and Core requirements AND a minimum of 120 credits. Please note that select degrees require more than 120 credits due to an increased number of major requirements. Consult with your advisor and the on-line College Catalog for information regarding your chosen degree.
If I take 15 credits each semester will I graduate in four years?
Students must complete all major and Core requirements AND a minimum of 120 credits. Please note that select degrees require more than 120 credits due to an increased number of major requirements. Consult with your advisor and the on-line College Catalog for information regarding your chosen degree.
What are core courses?
The Canisius College Core Curriculum is a standard set of courses that all students are required to complete as part of their degree plans. In some cases, major courses may fulfill some fields of knowledge required for the core. Please consult with your academic advisor, the on-line college catalog or the core curriculum website for more information.
What does “degree applicable” mean?
Degree applicable credits are credits that can be used toward graduation requirements. In some cases, students may have non-degree applicable credits because they have taken or received credit for courses that do not fulfill any requirements. This sometimes happens when students change their major, transfer from another institution or choose to take a course that is not required.
How do I know if all my credits are degree applicable?
Run a current GriffAudit. If you have completed credits (passing grades) listed at the very bottom of your audit under the heading “the following courses do not fulfill any degree requirements,” these credits do not count toward requirements for graduation because they are excess or because the required passing grade was not achieved. Subtract that number from your earned credits (listed at the top of your audit) to find out how many degree applicable credits you have completed.
How do I know if I am off track?
Consult your GriffAudit regularly and engage in conversations with your academic advisor. Generally, students who have achieved less than 15 degree applicable credits each semester (30 per year) are off track for a four year graduation plan. Please note that select degrees require more than 120 credits and therefore may require more than 15 credits each semester to stay on track. Consult with your advisor and the catalog for information regarding your chosen degree.
Is it okay to be off track?
Yes, it is okay to be off track; however, creating a graduation plan is important. Not all students work at the same pace. Many students choose to take lighter academic loads (for example 12 credits instead of 15) so they can achieve their best work. Know yourself and create an educational plan that suits your needs.
Utilize Support Services
| Academic Support | |
| Tutoring Center:peer and professional tutoringfor nearly all academic areas Supplemental Instruction (SI ): peer guided review (available for specific courses only) Mentoring: academic support and guidance specific to student’s individualized needs Study Center: quiet study space close to available tutors Disability Support Services: academic and personal support and disability accommodations Career Center: career and major exploration counseling, resume review and more |
COPE:support for MLK Scholars and students affiliated with the Higher Education Opportunity Program (HEOP) Library resources: research and reference assistance Student Advisement Center: guidance and support for academic plans of study Student Success and Retention: support and guidance in most areas for students, parents and faculty Student Records: assistance with transcript information and GriffAudit |
| Personal Support | |
| Counseling Center: confidential personal and group counseling Health Center: wellness and medical support for all students Residence Life:community building, support and conflict resolution for resident students |
Financial Aid: scholarship, FAFSA, loan and aid guidance and assistance Student Accounts: billing assistance and payment plans |
Get Connected
| Campus Ministry: spiritual community building, personal support and community service Campus Programming & Leadership Development: campus events and leadership training Residence Hall Association: peer community building and residential advocacy Commuter Association: commuter student advocacy and campus connection opportunities |
Multicultural Affairs: support and guidance for ALANA students Clubs and organizations: goals specific to organizations objectives Departmental events and opportunities: events and opportunities relevant to area of study |
| High Impact Activities | |
| Study Abroad: extraordinary opportunity rich with diversity and global experiences Internships: opportunity to connect learning to real-world situations Academic Research: high level academic research with faculty outside course requirements |
Service Learning: community based experiences and service connected to classroom learning Living Learning Communities: living and connecting with peers with similar interests |