Participation at all levels of the college's operation is an important part of the student experience at Canisius.  Student involvement is a valuable part of each individual's learning process and to the college as a whole as well, enabling the institution to draw upon the creativity, innovation and leadership of its students in its efforts to serve them better.

Students discover that education takes place both inside and outside of the classroom. In keeping with the Jesuit ideal of educating the whole person, students learn and develop a complete sense of self through participation in such experiences as life in the residence halls, co-curricular activities, organizational membership and leadership, social involvement in the community and membership on the various college committees. Through such involvement in the entire life of the college community, a student’s years at Canisius will be a time of intellectual growth, advancement in self knowledge and an improved knowledge of others.

Division of Student Affairs
The vice president for student affairs and the dean of students, with the aid of staff and various committees, determine all student affairs policies and procedures for the college, subject to the approval of the president.
Assistance to students is provided by the following offices:

  • Athletics -Intercollegiate
  • Athletics - Intramural Athletics
  • Campus Programming and Leadership Development
  • Counseling Center
  • Disability Support Services
  • International Student Programs
  • Multicultural Programs
  • Public Safety
  • Residence Life
  • Student Affairs/Community Relations
  • Student Center
  • Student Health Center

Athletics
Canisius College conducts an extensive athletics program for both men and women, including varsity sports (NCAA Division I), clubs and intramural opportunities.

Varsity Sports: Men–baseball, basketball, cross country, golf, ice hockey, lacrosse, soccer, swimming and diving; women–basketball, cross country, lacrosse, soccer, softball, swimming and diving, synchronized swimming and volleyball.

Athletic Clubs: Men–rugby, volleyball; co-ed: bowling, cheerleading, skiing, scuba and women’s crew.

Intramural Opportunities: Men – 5 on 5 and 3 on 3 basketball, flag football; women – 5 on 5 and 3 on 3 basketball, indoor soccer; co-ed: aerobics, racquetball, volleyball, floor hockey, 5 on 5 basketball, 3 on 3 basketball, outdoor soccer, indoor soccer, broom ball, 3 on 3 soccer, water polo, home run derby and softball.

Student Health Center
The Student Health Center strives to provide quality health care to all Canisius students. As an urgent care center, the Health Center treats minor episodic conditions common to college students.  The staff views each student encounter as an opportunity to care for and educate the whole student.  Students are motivated to take responsibility for their health, identifying how lifestyle choices today can impact current and future health and to be knowledgeable consumers of health care.

By creating an atmosphere that is marked by openness, warmth, respect and integrity, students feel welcome, comfortable, and safe when seeking health care on campus.  Nurses staff the Health Center walk-in clinic, Monday through Friday, and physicians are available on campus by appointment.  All visits to the Health Center are confidential.

The Health Center refers students to local medical specialists and to local hospitals for services not rendered in the Health Center.  Medical emergencies on campus are handled by Public Safety. The Public Safety staff is trained in first aid and CPR Students needing health care on the evenings and weekends are referred to Public Safety for transportation to a local hospital or urgent care center.

Full time undergraduates are required to have a complete physical examination by their health care provider before starting classes.

All students, undergraduate and graduate, registered for six or more credits are required by New York State Public Health Laws to submit proof of immunizations to the Health Center before classes begin.

For more information about the Student Health Center, physical examination and immunization requirements please visit our web site at www.canisius.edu/student_health.

Health and Accident Insurance
Canisius College strongly recommend that all students have health insurance coverage.  An unexpected illness or sudden injury can result in financial burden if a student must pay for medical services out of pocket.  This burden can impact a student's ability to complete their studies at Canisius.

Students should carry their health insurance card with them on campus and also submit a copy of the card to the Health Center.  Students should know how their plan works and what must be done when health care is needed at school.  Students should contact their health plan member services for this information prior to arrival on campus.

Canisius College does offer all students, registered for six or more credits, a sickness and accident plan that is designed specifically for college students.  Enrollment periods for the plan occur in September and January.  For information about the plan including cost, eligibility, benefits and exact enrollment dates, visit the Health Center web site at www.canisius.edu/student_health.

All full time undergraduates are covered under an accident plan for accidental injury or illness that occurs either on or off campus.  For information about this plan, contact the Health Center.  A description of the accident coverage is also available at the web address listed above.

Counseling Center
As an integral service within the Division of Student Affairs, the Counseling Center is committed to developing the personal and academic potential of Canisius College students by providing professional counseling services and outreach education designed to support the emotional health of our students. Counseling services are available to all registered students from a staff of professional counselors who work with students in addressing issues that interfere with their academic success and personal growth.  Students are assured confidentiality, unless it is apparent that the student may do harm to him/herself, or others. Information disclosed does not become part of any official record and is protected by the ethical and legal standards of the American Counseling Association (ACA).

In addition to individual counseling, support groups are formed as needed. The Counseling Center staff is also available to conduct educational programs and workshops. Consultation services and referrals to community resources are also available through the Counseling Center.

Located in Frisch Hall 001, the Counseling Center is open Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., and Wednesday 8:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.; and is located in Frisch Hall 001. For emergency assistance after business hours, a crisis counselor is available by contacting Public Safety at 888-2330.

Please visit our website at www.canisius.edu/counseling.

Public Safety
The Department of Public Safety, located in the basement of the Bosch Residence Hall, is open 24 hours a day, providing around the clock protection and services to the campus community. The department was established to protect the educational environment of Canisius College, keeping the environment free from the threat of physical harm, property damage and disruptive activity.

Departmental objectives include: aiding in the  enforcement of federal, state and local laws; preventing crime; regulating non-criminal conduct and preserving the peace.

Uniformed Public Safety Officers are on duty 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year. Their primary responsibilities include: patrolling the campus area on foot, on bicycles and in vehicles; security services; emergency response; and requests for assistance involving members
of the campus community.

Public Safety also provides a variety of support services that are tailored to meet the needs of the campus community. These services include; conducting crime prevention and personal safety programs, operating the campus shuttle system, providing Canisius ID cards, and providing assistance to campus motorists experiencing minor mechanical problems.

For a comprehensive summary of the activities and services provided by Public Safety, visit the Department of Public Safety Web site at www.canisius.edu/public_safety.

Crime Statistics
Canisius College complies with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act by making available information on campus security and personal safety.  This information includes crime prevention, public safety, law-enforcement authority, crime reporting polices, disciplinary procedures, and other important matters about security on campus. Also available are statistics for the three previous calendar years on reported crimes that occurred on campus, in certain off-campus buildings or property owned or controlled by Canisius College, and on public property within or immediately adjacent to and accessible from the campus. The Canisius College Advisory Committee on Campus Safety will provide upon request all campus crime statistics as reported to the United States Department of Education. This information is available on-line at www.ope.ed.gov/security. A PDF of the full report is available on the Canisius College Web site at /public_safety/stats.asp. A printed copy may be obtained by calling Dr. Cary Anderson, dean of students at 716-888-2130.

Residence Life (On-Campus Living)
The Office of Residence Life promotes the personal growth of resident students as they adjust to college life; interact with others in the residence halls, and the college community. Canisius College believes that the experience of living on campus contributes to the development of a well-rounded individual. The Office of Residence Life creates an environment where students can live, learn, and develop leadership skills, and become men and women for others.

Canisius College has been building and renovating residence halls since 1992. Canisius offers some of the best state-of-the-art residence halls currently in the country.

In the fall of 2005, Canisius College will open a new residence hall which will feature suites; half with private bathrooms and half with private living rooms. This building will also feature a kitchen, laundry and a meeting area on every floor. It will also be home to an exciting new theme floor dedicated to International Relation and Mondern Language majors.

There are several housing options available to resident students. Bosch and Frisch Halls, both renovated in 1996-1997, are the traditional residence halls for freshman students. They include double rooms, suites, triples, triple-suites and social lounges with kitchens on each floor. The college also offers theme-housing like the Science floor in Frisch Hall, the International Learning Living Community in Eastwood Hall.

Campion Hall which was renovated in 2002-2003, is the Intercultural Living Center and the George M. Martin Hall, renovated in 1999, offers students in the College Honors Program a unique opportunity to live in an educational learning environment.

Campion Hall features singles, doubles, and triple rooms. A large kitchen and computer labs are also available to students. Campion Hall strives to build a community that celebrates, explores and recognizes cultural traditions and heritages from intellectual, interpersonal and individual perspectives.

The George M. Martin Hall features single and double rooms with community bathrooms, kitchen and two social lounges. This hall’s environment stresses academic excellence, social interaction, and fosters community values and trust among its residents.

The Delavan Townhouses, built in 2002, feature one-, two-, three-, four-, and five-person apartments with single-person bedrooms. These apartments also have living rooms, kitchens, and private bathrooms.

The Village Townhouses, Main-Humboldt, and Main-Delavan Apartments feature four-and five-person apartments. These apartments are equipped with double bedrooms, kitchens, and private bathrooms.

Griffin Hall, renovated in 1992, features two- and three-person apartments. These apartments include living rooms, private bathrooms, and full-size kitchens. The college also owns several houses adjacent to the campus.

Desmond Hall features singles and doubles, private bathrooms, large community kitchen and lounge area. This building is located 7/10 of a mile from the main campus and houses graduate students only.

Residence hall staff members live on floors and in apartment buildings to respond to the needs of students. Our staff, which is comprised of graduate and undergraduate students, is trained to handle the personal, disciplinary, academic, and social concerns of the students.

Living well in the Canisius College community gives student’s rights, privileges, and responsibilities. The Office of Residence Life is committed to helping students explore new experiences. For further information on cost, services, virtual tours, and much more visit the Residence Life web page at www.canisius.edu/reslife/.

Office of Campus Programming and Leadership Development
The Office of Campus Programming and Leadership Development (OCP&LD) encourages and promotes involvement and enhances student learning through co-curricular programming and leadership development opportunities.

To help achieve this mission, Campus Programming & Leadership Development allows students the opportunity to get involved on campus. Students may choose from a variety of clubs and organizations including the Undergraduate Student Association (USA) which is comprised of the entire student body and is represented by an elected group, the Student Senate.  The purpose of the Senate is to assist, finance and integrate all student organizations and to represent the views of the student body to the college administration. The Commuter Student Association (CSA) represents all of the commuter students and the Residence Hall Association (RHA) is the student governing body for the resident students at Canisius.  Additionally, there are over 90 student clubs and organizations at Canisius.  These organizations provide students with an opportunity to explore an academic subject informally yet deeply, gain familiarity with the arts or with differing cultures, provide service to the college or to the community, develop a wide range of leadership skills, or simply socialize with other students. For example, the Senate Programming Board sponsors the annual fall Semi-Formal, the end of the year Spring Fest and the Java Jams (bi-weekly Thursday night coffee house).  At the Java Jams free entertainment, food and hot coffee are provided in a coffee-house style atmosphere. This is a great way to relax and socialize with friends.

Various honor societies give recognition to student excellence in numerous areas, and the student-run media on campus, such as the college newspaper (The Griffin), the campus radio station (WCCG) and the college’s yearbook (AZUWUR), provide students with opportunities to explore communications media while keeping the college community informed and entertained.  Furthermore, Greek social organizations provide students with the opportunity to interact with each other in a unique context.  A variety of club sports enhance the recreational opportunities for students. Many special events such as concerts, plays and lectures are also scheduled.

The Office of Campus Programming and Leadership Development sponsors a number of programs throughout the year including: Canisius Cinema, Best of Buffalo and the Friday and Saturday Nights in the Palisano. The Canisius Cinema series enables the college to show current movies that are no longer playing at the movie theaters, but have not been released on VHS or DVD.  Through the Best of Buffalo program, students are provided with the opportunity to attend many of the cultural, sporting, historical and entertainment offerings that Buffalo and Western New York provide. Examples of these programs include a Buffalo Bills game, a Broadway musical at Shea's Center for the Performing Arts and a Ghost Walks Tour of the Theatre District. Our late night programming includes the Friday and Saturday Nights in the Palisano series. "Grocery BINGO, Sumo and Sushi and Texas Hold’em Tournament” are just a few examples of the fun, creative programs offered to students. Free food and beverages are provided, as well as prizes at some of the events.

Furthermore, the office sponsors an array of leadership development opportunities and programs that will enhance your college experience such as Leadership Workshops, Leadership on the Go Series, and the High School Leadership Workshop.  Additionally, a “leadership library” of books and other resources is available to students.  For more information, come visit our office or our website at www.canisius.edu/campus_leader to see what’s happening around Canisius!

Office of Disability Support Services
The Office of Disability Support Services is committed to creating equal access for all Canisius students with disabilities. It is our goal to help meet the needs of individuals registered and documented through the office, whether the disability is permanent or temporary. The mission of DSS is to see that no student is excluded from or discriminated against while participating in any Canisius program, function or activity, while at the same time maintaining the highest level of academic integrity. DSS advocates responsibility for an accessible and holistic learning environment through the removal of informational, physical and attitudinal barriers.

The DSS staff is devoted to providing the college community with support and services necessary to achieve excellence in academic, social and personal growth. DSS promotes self-advocacy and self-determination for students with disabilities, while reinforcing personal responsibility. The aim of DSS is that, with proper accommodations, all qualified individuals with disabilities at Canisius will have the opportunity to achieve success.

Students who wish to utilize the services available through DSS must self-identify, register with the Office of Disability Support Services and complete the DSS intake form.  Students must also provide current documentation by a licensed or certified official that states the disability in order to obtain special accommodations. For more information, please feel free to contact the office at (716) 888-3748.

Career Center
Choosing a career is one of the most important decisions made by an individual. Obtaining a college education and planning one’s future occupation are activities closely bound to each other. For this reason, Canisius College provides a number of programs and services through the Career Center that are designed to help students define their career goals and make the preparation needed to ensure a successful transition from student life to the world of work. Available services include:

Career Counseling: Individual sessions with a career counselor are always available.  Students make appointments to discuss career interests, assess skills and interests, determine the best matches between academic major and post-graduate career, review resumes and develop career strategies.

Career Assessment: All students will have access to self-assessment tools, including the Strong Interest Inventory guidance program, to assist them in determining the areas of their occupational interests.

Career Library: An extensive collection of career research resources and self-help career-related materials are available to students and alumni.

Workshops: The Career Center collaborates with Residence Life, Student Activities and other divisions of the college to provide workshops on career-related topics such as interview skills, resume writing and job search strategies.
Graduate/Professional Schools Fair: This annual fall semester event provides access to representatives of graduate and professional programs locally, regionally and nationwide from a variety of academic disciplines.

Web-Based Job Posting Bulletin Board:  An on-line, web based job bulletin board that lists full- and part-time positions, internships and seasonal and volunteer opportunities.

On-Campus Recruiting, Job Fairs, Career Days: Regularly scheduled events provide access to employers from public, private and non-profit organizations.

Students discover that career services are best used early during one’s college years. Freshmen and sophomores will find the Career Center an excellent source of information on occupations and majors. Juniors refine their career objectives, identify specific career paths and seek internships, as well as volunteer and job opportunities that will aide in their job search. Seniors can take advantage of a variety of programs, such as on-campus recruiting and networking events, that are  intended to assist them in obtaining their first career position.

International Students
Canisius College welcomes international students and appreciates the cultural diversity they offer our student body. Currently our international students are from approximately 31 countries including areas as diverse as Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Asia, South America and Australia. The Office of International Student Programs advises international students and assists them with their adjustment to Canisius College and American culture by organizing educational and social programs.  To further encourage cultural understanding within the Canisius community, the International Student Programs Office also arranges host families for our international students and organizes an annual International Fest, a celebration of cultural diversity on campus.  Other services for international students include an extensive orientation for new students, assistance with immigration regulations and special tutorial help in English. The Global Horizons Association, a student organization for American and international students, plans additional activities to promote cultural awareness on campus.

All international students studying on a F1 or J1 Visa are required by the college to purchase a health insurance plan offered by Canisius College. This plan is designed and written specifically for the health care needs of international students studying in the United States. Information about the required health insurance plan is available in the International Student Programs Office.

Multicultural Programs
A genuine, pluralistically diverse campus fosters freedom of expression, tolerance equality, mutual respect and understanding of other people. Such a community recognizes the interdependence of diverse groups and the integrity of each individual, where all individuals feel a sense of being participants in the college’s mission and activities.

Multicultural Programs assists the college in enhancing services for African American, Asian American, Latino/a American and Native American (ALANA) students while educating the entire student population regarding cultural diversity. The office assists students regarding racial issues, self-concept interests and participatory involvement within the framework of the college. Although services provided are primarily co-curricular, the office also serves as a referral and support unit regarding other collegiate matters.

The Director of Multicultural Programs meets informally with all students and invites members of the student body to special events on campus and in the Buffalo community. This frequent interaction helps students to feel comfortable when articulating their concerns on such challenging topics as racism, cross-cultural communication and relationships, as well as discussing academic, financial and personal concerns from a multicultural perspective.