Class Attendance
Students are expected to attend all regularly scheduled classes, labs and other course-related activities. However, on some occasions students may need to be absent. Instructors are privileged to establish reasonable absence regulations, which should be clearly stated at the first class meeting. The suggested norm for a semester is twice the number of classes per week. This means that a student would be permitted four absences in a class that meets every Tuesday and Thursday, and six absences in a class that meets every Monday, Wednesday and Friday. When unavoidable absences occur, the student should explain the circumstances as soon as possible to the instructor, who will judge the validity of the excuse.
The instructor is expected to determine when the number of absences has reached the level where any additional absences would prevent the student from attaining the objectives of the course. This judgment should be communicated to the student with the warning that any further absences will result in an automatic dismissal from the course and a grade of “FX.”
Making Changes
Change in registration: Once registration has been completed, the student must follow the program of studies shown on the official registration form. No change or deletion of courses will be approved after the first seven full days of classes.
Change in curriculum: A student desiring to change from one field of concentration to another must present a petition to be approved by the appropriate dean. Juniors and seniors must also receive the approval of the chair of the department in which they wish to enroll. The correct form is available in the Student Records office. The student must then meet in full the academic requirements of the new curriculum and must make up all deficiencies in the core curriculum.
A student who interrupts matriculation for more than one complete calendar year is bound by the regulations in force at the time of readmission.
Each student is responsible for the preparation of a program of studies in conformity with the requirements and course prerequisites in force in the student’s division of instruction at the time of matriculation.
Change in name, address and phone:
It is the responsibility of each individual student to notify the college of any change of name, address and/or phone number. Change-of-address forms are available in the Student Records office.
Withdrawal
Withdrawal from a course: A student wishing to withdraw from a course must submit a course withdrawal form to the Student Records office after it has been signed by the instructor and the departmental or freshman advisor, as well as by a financial aid counselor if the student receives financial aid and by a counselor from COPE if the student is involved in programs through that office. The instructor indicates either approval or disapproval of the student’s request to withdraw. An instructor might disapprove withdrawal if there is evidence of academic dishonesty. In cases where the instructor disapproves of the withdrawal, permission to withdraw is determined by the associate dean of the student’s school in consultation with the instructor of the course. Requests for withdrawal are not granted automatically, nor are they denied automatically.
The deadline for withdrawal without academic penalty is the end of the twelfth week of each fall and spring semester. See the Official Calendar. Summer sessions have their own deadlines for withdrawal. Consult the summer session course schedule for details. Withdrawal from a course results automatically in a notation of “W” (withdrawal) for the course. Failure to submit the withdrawal form results automatically in a grade of “FX” (failure due to excessive absence) being entered on the student’s record. A grade of ”D” (failure) will be entered for graduate courses.
Ordinarily, no student will be allowed to withdraw from any course after the deadline. However, in extreme circumstances, a student may request a late withdrawal with the associate dean of his/her school. Before such a request can be granted, the student must submit to the appropriate associate dean written documentation explaining the reasons for requesting a late withdrawal. The associate dean will confer with the instructor of the course. In all requests for late withdrawal, the final discretion to grant it resides with the relevant associate dean. Withdrawals will not be granted during Finals Week.
Withdrawal from the college: A student desiring to withdraw from the college must consult the Director of Student Retention, who will forward the petition to the appropriate associate dean. In the case of freshmen, a parent or guardian must indicate approval of withdrawal by signing the withdrawal form. The official date of the student’s withdrawal is the date on which the petition is received and approved by the appropriate dean. A student withdrawing from the college at any time during a semester without proper authorization fails all his/her courses for that semester.
Medical/Psychological Leave of Absence
Students may request a leave of absence from Canisius College when a medical or psychological condition significantly interferes with their ability to function at the college. This policy is intended to assist students with an absence of one to two semesters. It is not intended to allow a long period of absence during a single semester. A student taking a leave of absence for medical reasons will not be eligible to complete courses within the semester for which the medical leave is approved.
Students must submit a written request for a medical leave of absence with the Dean of Student’s Office (Old Main 102) or the Student Retention Office (HO-003). For a leave of absence to be considered, a student must provide written verification from a licensed health professional or a licensed mental health professional of the presence and/or severity of a medical/psychological condition. If a student is incapable of completing this request in person, the student may call the Dean of Student’s Office at (716)888-2130, to initiate the review process. The Dean of Students will consult the appropriate Associate Academic Dean prior to granting a leave of absence.
A student granted a leave of absence will be expected to return to Canisius College after the leave has ended. Failure to return from a leave of absence after two semesters results in a formal academic withdrawal from Canisius College. A registration hold will be placed on the student’s account during a leave of absence.
To return from a leave of absence, the student must provide the Dean of Students with an appropriate written statement from a licensed health professional or a licensed mental health professional that confirms the student sought and received treatment and is capable of meeting the challenges of academic life without further risk to his/her or others’ welfare. When appropriate, this statement should also include recommendations for continued treatment once the student returns to the college and any needed academic restrictions or accommodations. Normally, a request to return should be made at least 30 days in advance of the commencement of the new semester. The Dean of Students will review the statement with appropriate personnel (e.g. Student Health, Counseling Center, Associate Academic Dean). The Dean of Students will determine the conditions a student will need to meet in order to return to and continue at Canisius College.
Involuntary Leave of Absence
When a student’s behavior is disruptive to the college community or when a student’s behavior presents a danger to himself/herself or to others, the Dean of Students may refer the student to the Student Health Center or Counseling Center for the coordination of a medical and/or mental health evaluation. A student may be subject to an involuntary leave of absence if medical or psychological conditions render the student incapable of meeting the challenges of academic life without further risk to his/her or others’ welfare. Students who choose not to cooperate with a request for evaluation are subject to an interim suspension until requirements outlined by the Dean of Students are satisfied.
Examinations
One purpose of examinations is to benefit students. Examinations make more memorable the structure and materials of the course, satisfy the need for definite goals and provide an opportunity to exercise knowledge and skill in the subject. They are experiences in which students can learn about the subject and themselves.
In their syllabi, instructors specify examinations of a kind and number that are, in their judgment, appropriate to the needs of the students and to the objectives and conditions of the course. Normally a final exam is given in each course during the final exam period To omit the final exam requires prior approval by the department chair. No final exams are administered during the final week of classes.
Code of Academic Integrity
I. Mission and Pledge
The Canisius College community is dedicated to academic excellence and is, therefore, committed to establishing and maintaining an atmosphere of trust. All members of the community agree and pledge to exercise complete integrity in their academic work. Academic integrity is the foundation of true intellectual growth; it demonstrates respect for oneself and for others.
The students, faculty and administration of Canisius College understand their responsibility for maintaining academic integrity to be both individual and collective. Fulfilling this responsibility requires us to uphold high standards in our own conduct and to exercise fairness towards each other. All instances of academic dishonesty are a breach of community standards. Students, administrators and staff, course instructors and their representatives are expected to report violations of the Code of Academic Integrity.
All members of the Canisius College community are committed to administering the Code of Academic Integrity in a manner consistent with our mission: to teach responsibility, to foster learning and to care for the intellectual and ethical development of the whole person.
Violations of the Code of Academic Integrity shall be dealt with in a manner which is just to all parties and contributes to the learning process. Sanctions shall be shaped by the belief that infractions are not simply occasions for punishment, but opportunities for learning and for improving the ethical standards of the individual and the community.
All Canisius College students are automatically bound by the Code of Academic Integrity. As a reminder and reinforcement of the ideals this code embodies, course instructors are asked to place a pledge on scheduled tests and assignments, as well as in the course syllabus. Students, in turn, are asked to carefully consider and sign the pledge, which reads:
“As a member of the Canisius College Community I understand and will uphold the standards for academic behavior as stated in the Code of Academic Integrity.”
II. Standards for Academic Behavior
A. Prescriptions
Academic integrity requires a commitment to five fundamental values: honesty, trust, fairness, respect and responsibility.
1. Honesty.
As an academic community of integrity, Canisius College requires intellectual and personal honesty in learning, teaching, research and service. Honesty is the prerequisite for full realization of trust, fairness, respect and responsibility. The policies of Canisius College discourage dishonesty in the forms of cheating, lying, fraud, theft and other behaviors that jeopardize the rights and welfare of the college community and diminish the worth of its academic degrees. All members of the community subscribe to the principle of observing basic honesty in their work, words, ideas and actions.
2. Trust.
As an academic community of integrity, Canisius College seeks to foster a climate of mutual trust, encourage the free exchange of ideas and enable all members of the community to reach their highest potential. Trust creates an environment in which collaboration is valued and information and ideas can be shared without fear of one’s work being stolen. It also allows us to believe in the social value of our scholarship and the degrees that are achieved here.
3. Fairness.
As an academic community of integrity, Canisius College seeks to set clear standards, practices and procedures, and expects fairness in the interactions of all members of the community.
4. Respect.
As an academic community of integrity, Canisius College recognizes the participatory nature of the learning process and honors and respects a wide range of opinions and ideas. If they are to be rewarding, teaching and learning demand both active engagement and mutual respect among all members of the community. Respect is shown by attending class, being on time, paying attention, listening to other points of view, valuing the aspirations and goals of others and recognizing them as individuals, being prepared and contributing to discussions, meeting academic deadlines and performing to the best of your ability.
5. Responsibility.
As an academic community of integrity, Canisius College upholds personal accountability and depends upon action in the face of wrongdoing. Every member of the academic community is responsible for upholding the integrity of the scholarship and research carried out here. Such shared responsibility leads to personal investments in upholding our academic integrity standards. Being responsible means taking action against wrongdoing, discouraging and seeking to prevent misconduct by others. One primary responsibility is to discourage violations of the Code of Academic Integrity by others.
B. Proscriptions
All students of the college are expected to understand the meaning of the Code of Academic Integrity. Ignorance of the code is not a valid reason for committing an act of academic dishonesty. Students should realize that their actions may affect other students. In general, students may not obstruct or interfere with other students’ academic work or otherwise undertake an activity with the purpose of creating or obtaining an unfair academic advantage over other students. Each of the following behaviors violates all of the principles of honesty, trust, fairness, respect and responsibility explained above and is thus prohibited.
1. Plagiarism.
The MLA Handbook for Writers of Research Papers defines plagiarism as using “another person’s ideas or expressions in your writing without acknowledging the source....” Of course, common sense as well as ethics should determine what you document. For example, you rarely need to give sources for familiar proverbs (‘You can’t judge a book by its cover’), well-known quotations (‘We shall overcome’), or common knowledge (‘George Washington was the first president of the United States’). But you must indicate the source of any appropriated material that readers might otherwise mistake for your own” (5th Edition, pp. 30, 33). Plagiarism may range from isolated formulas, sentences, or paragraphs to entire articles copied from books, periodicals, web sites, speeches, or the writings of other students.Honesty requires that any work or materials taken from another source for either written or oral use must beacknowledged. Any student who fails to give credit for ideas or materials obtained from another source is guilty of plagiarism. Plagiarism, in any of its forms, and whether intentional or unintentional, violates standards of academic integrity. Examples of plagiarism include, but are not limited to:
• Direct quotation of any source material whether published or unpublished without giving proper credit through the use of quotation marks, footnotes and other customary means of identifying sources. This includes complete sentences or paragraphs, or an entire piece of written work.2. Cheating.
• Paraphrasing another person’s ideas, opinions, or theories from books, articles, web sites, etc., without identifying and crediting sources.
• Borrowing facts, statistics, graphs, diagrams, photographs, or other illustrative or visual materials that are not clearly common knowledge without identifying and crediting sources.
• Copying another student’s essay test answers.
• Submitting papers written by another person or persons. This includes copying, or allowing another student to copy, a computer file that contains another student’s assignment and submitting it, in part or in its entirety, as one’s own.
• Working together on an assignment, sharing the computer files and programs involved, and then submitting individual copies of the assignment as one’s own individual work without course instructor approval.
• Buying or selling, or exchanging term papers, examinations, or other written assignments, or any part of them.
• Offering false, fabricated, or fictitious sources for papers, reports, or other assignments.
Cheating includes, but is not limited to: using unauthorized notes, study aids, or information on an examination, test, etc.; altering a graded work after it has been returned, then submitting the work for regrading; or allowing another person to do one’s work and submitting that work under one’s own name. Cheating also includes the possession, without authorization, of copies of tests, answer sheets, or other materials, however obtained, that could interfere with fair, accurate testing, as well as retaining, possessing, using or circulating previously given examination materials without authorization.
3. Duplicate Submission of the Same Work.
Submitting the same work for more than one course is a violation unless the professor(s) assigning the work gives consent in advance.This includes work first produced in connection with classes at either Canisius College or other institutions attended by the student.
4. Collusion.
Collusion includes cooperation that results in the work or ideas of others being presented as one’s own (e.g., rather than as a group effort). However, ordinary consultation of faculty, library staff, tutors or others is legitimate unless the instructor has imposed stricter limits for a particular assignment.
5. False Information and Lying.
This includes consciously furnishing false information to other students, faculty members and their representatives, advisors, administrators or representatives of the college offices with the intent to mislead. Instances would include but are not limited to misrepresenting activity outside of the classroom (reports on field work, internships, etc.) or improperly seeking special consideration or privilege (e.g., for postponement of an examination or assignment deadline, etc.).
6. Falsifying Academic Documentation and Forgery.
This includes any attempt to forge or alter academic documentation (including transcripts, letters of recommendation, certificates of enrollment or good standing, registration forms, drop/add forms, withdrawal forms, and medical certification of absence) or to falsify other writing in academic matters (e.g., any documentation provided to instructors) concerning oneself or others.
7. Theft, Abuse and Destruction of Academic Property.
This comprises unauthorized removal, retention, mutilation or destruction of common property of the college that deprives others of equal access to these materials. Such property includes but is not limited to library materials, laboratory materials, computers and computer software, etc. This includes also sequestering library materials for the use of an individual or group; a willful or repeated failure to respond to recall notices from the library; and the removal or attempt to remove library materials from the library without authorization. The theft, mutilation or destruction of another student’s academic work, including books, notes, computer programs, papers, reports, laboratory experiments, etc. also falls under this type of violation.
8. Unauthorized Use of Information Technologies.
In the context of the completion of a course and/or assignments (contained within a course), the unauthorized use of computers or the college’s computer network (e.g., the unauthorized use of software, access codes, computing accounts, electronic mail and files) or other electronic devices (calculators, personal digital assistants, pagers, etc.) is prohibited.
9. Aiding and Abetting Academic Dishonesty.
This includes intentionally: (a) providing material, information, or other assistance to another person with knowledge that such aid could be used to commit any of the proscribed acts noted above; or (b) providing false information in connection with any inquiry regarding academic integrity.
III. Procedures for Adjudicating Violations of the Code of Academic Integrity
A course instructor who suspects academic dishonesty may ask the associate dean about the student’s prior record in this area.
Anyone other than the course instructor suspecting a violation is expected to inform the course instructor or proctor at the earliest possible opportunity, even while the suspected violation is being committed. In the absence of the course instructor, the associate dean will receive reports of violations and will replace the course instructor in the following procedures. “Associate dean” refers throughout to the associate dean of the school to which the course belongs.
A. Initial Procedure
The course instructor meets with the student to discuss the incident. The student will be informed of the course instructor’s suspicions. The student may respond to the allegations and may bring witnesses, if deemed pertinent by the instructor.
The instructor decides whether the student has violated the Code of Academic Integrity and, if necessary, assigns a sanction. This determination of responsibility shall be based upon the facts of the incident and whether it is more likely than not that the student is responsible for the alleged violation(s).
The student shall be provided written notification of the instructor’s decision and sanction, normally within five business days. Possible sanctions include:
• Warning: a notice in writing to the student that the student has been found responsible for violating the Code of Academic Integrity;If a sanction is imposed the course instructor is expected to file a “Notification of Academic Dishonesty” form with the appropriate associate dean. Forms are available in all associate dean offices and in other campus offices. The form, the sanction and supporting documentation become part of the academic misconduct file shared by the associate deans of Arts and Sciences, the School of Education and Human Services and the Wehle School of Business.
• Grade Reduction or Course Failure;
• Discretionary Sanctions: work assignments, community service, participation or completion of college service or program, service to the college and/or other related discretionary assignments;
• Educational Program or Project: participation in or completion of a program or project specifically designed to help the student understand why the Academic Integrity violation was inappropriate.
B. Appeal
The student may request, in writing, a review by the appropriate associate dean, of the course instructor’s decision. The written request from the student must be submitted to the associate dean not more than five business days after the student is notified of the course instructor’s decision. The associate dean shall review the decision and meet with the student to discuss the matter. If the student chooses, the college ombudsman shall be present during the appeal. The appropriate associate dean coordinates arrangements for the college ombudsman’s presence.
If an appeal is granted, the associate dean may replace the sanction with another that may be more severe, less severe, or otherwise different. The associate dean may impose any sanctions found in Article IV, Section C of the Community Standards except grade change or course failure.
Normally, however, the associate dean may request that the course instructor reconsider the original decision and/or sanction. In very serious cases or when a pattern of academic dishonesty is documented, the associate dean may direct the case to a Hearing Panel. If the associate dean is the course instructor or has acted in the course instructor’s place, the appeal shall be submitted to the dean of the school in which the course is offered.
C. Hearing Panel
When a case of academic dishonesty is very severe or a documented pattern of violations of the Code of Academic Integrity exists, the associate dean may refer the case to the dean of students so that a Hearing Panel from the Community Standards Board may be convened. Normally, the associate dean requests the formation of a Hearing Panel when the violation might merit one of the following sanctions: a notation on the official transcript, probation, suspension, expulsion, or degree revocation. However, the associate dean may choose to hear any case without convening a Hearing Panel and may then impose any sanctions found in Article IV, Section C of the Community Standards except grade reduction or course failure.
Hearing procedures for alleged violations of the Code of Academic Integrity shall operate according to the procedures outlined in Appendix C Hearing Procedures of the Community Standards. However, appeals shall be directed to the vice president of academic affairs.
D. Failure to Appear
The judicial process outlined above is intended to provide the student an opportunity to respond to allegations of violations of the Code of Academic Integrity, thereby enabling the course instructor or associate dean to make an informed decision about responsibility and appropriate sanctions. However, if a student fails to respond to three communications (in the form of written notification, telephone, e-mail, or oral requests) attempting to schedule a meeting, or fails to attend a scheduled meeting, a decision based upon available information may be rendered in absentia.
E. Records
“Notification of Academic Dishonesty” forms and proceedings records shall be maintained confidentially in a central location until five years after the responsible student graduates or permanently separates from Canisius College. In cases where notation on the official transcript, suspension, or expulsion is imposed, the file shall be retained as part of the student’s permanent academic record.
The complete text of the Community Standards judicial policies, procedures, and sanctions can be found in the Canisius College Student Handbook.
Portions of this policy were adapted with permission from the University of Scranton, Loyola College in Maryland, and Georgetown University.
Academic Forgiveness Policy
This policy is intended to assist former Canisius College students whose grade point average is below 2.0. It is to be used to assist students that have reapplied to the college and demonstrate personal growth and motivation to accomplish their educational goals. This policy will allow for up to thirty (30) credit hours of course work with grades of F or FX to be removed from the calculation of the grade point average.
A period of not less than five years must have passed prior to the student’s readmission to the college. The student must submit a petition for academic forgiveness with the application to the college. The appropriate associate dean will meet with the student, review the petition, and make a recommendation. No acceptance decision will be made without the recommendation of the associate dean, after the review of the petition.
The admissions office will then process the application and notify the student of the decision. Once the associate dean has made a recommendation, a memo will be sent to the Student Records office indicating that the student has been approved for academic forgiveness. The memo will list the courses that should be removed from the student’s academic record. Each course will have a grade of “X” listed. This will indicate the course is part of the academic forgiveness policy and not included in the calculation of the grade point average.
The student must maintain a minimum semester average of 2.50 and a minimum grade point average of 2.00. The student must meet with the department chair of the intended major. The department chair will review the academic record and make recommendations about what courses from five or more years ago will count toward completion of current major requirements. The student must take a minimum of ten (10) courses at Canisius College to be eligible for a degree. The student will be required to meet with the appropriate associate dean at least twice during the first semester. Progress reports will be required for students during their first semester after academic forgiveness is granted.
An agreement between the associate dean and the student will be completed in writing. The agreement will outline all the requirements for the student to be approved for academic forgiveness. This will also include but not be limited to the minimum semester and grade point average requirements, the required appointments for progress review, and course restrictions or limitations for the first semester. Failure of the student to meet the forgiveness agreement will result in automatic dismissal from the college.
Mathematics Placement and Developmental Mathematics Courses
The Department of Mathematics and Statistics, in conjunction with Academic Development, screens incoming freshmen for appropriate placement in mathematics. We use high school average, SAT, ACT and high school mathematics scores to determine the placement.
Placement in MAT 002 indicates serious weaknesses in the student’s background. Since the admission requirements for Canisius mandate a minimum of three years of high school mathematics, the student must take and pass MAT 002, a non-credit developmental math course, before signing up for ANY AS VII courses.
Grades
Grades inform students of the level of performance they have achieved in a course. Grades are means whereby students may come to know and appreciate their capacities and abilities. Instructors are responsible for specifying the performances required in their courses; students are responsible for meeting the requirements specified.
Grades earned by students at Canisius College reflect:
1. The extent to which the requirements specified in the course syllabus have been met.
2. The degree to which the requirements completed exhibit mastery of the subject or skills which are the object of the course.
3. Other criteria specified by the instructor at the beginning of the course, criteria such as, but not limited to, attendance at lectures or other course functions, projects voluntarily undertaken in excess of specified requirements, correct use of oral or written English and contribution to discussion or other course activities.
Grades earned by undergraduate students include the following:
A Superior performance.
A-
B+ Good performance.
B
B–
C+
C Adequate performance.
C–
D Poor, but passing, performance.
F Failing performance.
FX Failure due to excessive absences or unauthorized absence from the final examination.
P or U P Passing. U Failing, The description of the Pass/Fail program is given later in this chapter.
Grades authorized by the deans include the following:
W Authorized Withdrawal from a course. The description of withdrawal procedures is in a preceding section of this chapter.
I Incomplete. The description is in a later section of this chapter.
Final course grades cannot in normal circumstances be altered after they have been recorded by the registrar. The appropriate dean’s permission is required if a final grade is altered. Final grades are available on the college’s on-line services page at the conclusion of each semester by the registrar. If an official grade report is needed for any reason, contact the Student Records office to request a grade report.
Students who are dissatisfied with their grade in a course may repeat the course once (exceptions may be approved by the appropriate associate dean in consultation with the department chair). In such cases both grades will be entered in the student’s record, but, for the purpose of computing grade point average, only the second grade will be used for the calculation. Because retaking courses that have already been passed (any grade of D or above) affects a student’s financial aid, students should consult with the financial aid office before retaking any courses.
Incomplete Grade:
A student who, for serious and well-defined reasons, has failed to fulfill all requirements of a course or has failed to take the final exam may petition an instructor to request, from the appropriate associate dean, a grade of “I,” indicating “Incomplete Performance.”
Only the appropriate dean may grant an Incomplete grade. It will not be granted to a student whose only reason is excessive absence during the semester or failure to complete the work of the course before the close of the semester without an exceptionally good reason. Examples of such good reasons might be prolonged illness or hospitalization during the semester, serious illness at the time of the final examination, or other unusual circumstances.
An Incomplete grade, when granted, is merely temporary and will automatically be changed to an “FX” grade if a final grade is not submitted to the appropriate associate dean, who then forwards the grade change to the Student Records office within six weeks after the close of final examinations.
Grade Grievance Procedure
Occasions may arise when a student does not agree with the grade he/she has received in a course. When this happens, the question of whether the grade should be reconsidered is addressed in two stages.
A. The initial stage in the grievance procedure is as follows:
1. The student first contacts the course instructor to discuss the grade in question within four weeks of the start of the semester (regular academic session) immediately following that in which the grade was awarded. If the instructor agrees that the grade in question was inaccurate, a grade change is processed by the instructor.
2. If the student and the instructor cannot agree on the appropriateness of the grade in question, the student may petition the chair of the instructor’s department, in writing, within ten working days after the meeting with the instructor. If a mutually agreeable decision is made through mediation conducted by the chair, the instructor will submit the agreed-upon grade and the process is completed. If there is no outcome that is mutually acceptable to the student and the instructor, the process may continue. If the instructor is also the chair, then Step 2 is omitted and the process goes to Step 3.
3. The student may appeal the decision to the appropriate dean’s office within ten working days after the mediation process is complete. The dean shall collect written views/and other pertinent material from the involved instructor, student and chair, as well as consult with any other individuals deemed necessary. The dean shall render the decision whether the grade should be reconsidered.
4. The decision of the dean to reconsider or not to reconsider the grade in question is final. If the decision is to reconsider the grade, the procedure outlined in Part B below is followed. If the decision is not to reconsider the grade, the original grade cannot be changed. Cases which are referred to the procedure in Part B can be withdrawn only with the consent of the student, instructor, department chair, and dean – and after first informing all parties involved.
B. The final stage in the grievance procedure is as follows:
1. If the dean feels that the reconsideration of the grade in question is appropriate, a panel of tenured faculty who have not been involved in the process described above is formed from the department in question. The panel must be formed within ten days of the dean’s decision. If the department does not have a minimum of four members, it will be expanded to include all the tenured members of the departments within the division (Natural Science, Social Science, Humanities, or Business) of which the department in question is a member.
2. A three-member panel will be selected as follows. The dean, faculty member and student involved will each select one member of the panel from the designated pool.
3. The panel will review all appropriate material and make a determination about the grade change. This review must be completed within thirty days of the formation of the panel. The panel has the authority to assign a grade for the course in question. That grade may be the same grade as assigned by the instructor or a higher or a lower grade, according to the panel’s judgment. The student and the instructor will be informed of the panel’s decision and, when applicable, the authorized grade change will be submitted to the registrar.
4. The decision of the panel may be appealed by the original instructor or the student to the vice president for academic affairs only in the following extraordinary circumstances:
Students who are dissatisfied with their grade in a course may repeat the course once (exceptions may be approved by the appropriate associate dean in consultation with the department chair). In such cases both grades will be entered in the student’s record, but, for the purpose of computing grade point average, only the second grade will be used for the calculation. Because retaking courses that have already been passed (any grade of D or above) affects a student’s financial aid, students should consult with the financial aid office before retaking any courses.
Incomplete Grade:
A student who, for serious and well-defined reasons, has failed to fulfill all requirements of a course or has failed to take the final exam may petition an instructor to request, from the appropriate associate dean, a grade of “I,” indicating “Incomplete Performance.”
Only the appropriate dean may grant an Incomplete grade. It will not be granted to a student whose only reason is excessive absence during the semester or failure to complete the work of the course before the close of the semester without an exceptionally good reason. Examples of such good reasons might be prolonged illness or hospitalization during the semester, serious illness at the time of the final examination, or other unusual circumstances.
An Incomplete grade, when granted, is merely temporary and will automatically be changed to an “FX” grade if a final grade is not submitted to the appropriate associate dean, who then forwards the grade change to the Student Records office within six weeks after the close of final examinations.
Grade Grievance Procedure
Occasions may arise when a student does not agree with the grade he/she has received in a course. When this happens, the question of whether the grade should be reconsidered is addressed in two stages.
A. The initial stage in the grievance procedure is as follows:
1. The student first contacts the course instructor to discuss the grade in question within four weeks of the start of the semester (regular academic session) immediately following that in which the grade was awarded. If the instructor agrees that the grade in question was inaccurate, a grade change is processed by the instructor.
2. If the student and the instructor cannot agree on the appropriateness of the grade in question, the student may petition the chair of the instructor’s department, in writing, within ten working days after the meeting with the instructor. If a mutually agreeable decision is made through mediation conducted by the chair, the instructor will submit the agreed-upon grade and the process is completed. If there is no outcome that is mutually acceptable to the student and the instructor, the process may continue. If the instructor is also the chair, then Step 2 is omitted and the process goes to Step 3.
3. The student may appeal the decision to the appropriate dean’s office within ten working days after the mediation process is complete. The dean shall collect written views/and other pertinent material from the involved instructor, student and chair, as well as consult with any other individuals deemed necessary. The dean shall render the decision whether the grade should be reconsidered.
4. The decision of the dean to reconsider or not to reconsider the grade in question is final. If the decision is to reconsider the grade, the procedure outlined in Part B below is followed. If the decision is not to reconsider the grade, the original grade cannot be changed. Cases which are referred to the procedure in Part B can be withdrawn only with the consent of the student, instructor, department chair, and dean – and after first informing all parties involved.
B. The final stage in the grievance procedure is as follows:
1. If the dean feels that the reconsideration of the grade in question is appropriate, a panel of tenured faculty who have not been involved in the process described above is formed from the department in question. The panel must be formed within ten days of the dean’s decision. If the department does not have a minimum of four members, it will be expanded to include all the tenured members of the departments within the division (Natural Science, Social Science, Humanities, or Business) of which the department in question is a member.
2. A three-member panel will be selected as follows. The dean, faculty member and student involved will each select one member of the panel from the designated pool.
3. The panel will review all appropriate material and make a determination about the grade change. This review must be completed within thirty days of the formation of the panel. The panel has the authority to assign a grade for the course in question. That grade may be the same grade as assigned by the instructor or a higher or a lower grade, according to the panel’s judgment. The student and the instructor will be informed of the panel’s decision and, when applicable, the authorized grade change will be submitted to the registrar.
4. The decision of the panel may be appealed by the original instructor or the student to the vice president for academic affairs only in the following extraordinary circumstances:
a. The grade grievance procedure was not followed.
b. Prejudice was manifested against either the student or the instructor.
c. New, relevant information was introduced.
The appeal must be brought within thirty days of the panel’s decision. The burden of proof for the appeal rests with the individual bringing the appeal.
5. If the vice president for academic affairs believes that the decision of the panel should be reviewed, a three-member appeal panel will be appointed from the pool of tenured faculty as described in Step B-1. The vice president, the faculty member and the student involved will each select one member. No member of the original panel may serve on the appeal panel. The appeal panel will follow the procedure in Step B-3, including completion of its task within thirty days of the formation of the panel. The decision of the appeal panel is final.
Pass-Fail Program
Seniors and juniors are eligible to elect one course each semester for which they will receive a grade of either “Pass, P grade” or “Fail, U grade.” The purpose of this plan is to enable upperclassmen to take more difficult courses than they would normally take for fear of lowering their quality-point average.
The program is as follows:
1. Juniors and seniors who have completed at least 30 h ours at Canisius may elect one course each semester, not to exceed a total of four courses in their college careers, for which they will receive a recorded grade on their transcript of either “Pass” or “Fail.”
2. This course must be outside the student’s major field and may not serve to satisfy any of the requirements in the core curriculum.
3. Within one week after the semester begins, the student must file a request for “Pass-Fail” grading. Application forms may be found in the office of the appropriate dean. If the dean grants permission for a course to be taken pass-fail, grades will still be assigned for all work done during the course and on the final examination. A final grade will be sent to the Registrar. If this grade is “D” or above, the registrar will record a pass (P grade) for the course on the student’s transcript; otherwise, he will record a failure (U grade).
4. Having received permission to take a course on the “Pass-Fail” option, a student may request in the last week of classes to withdraw from the option and receive a conventional letter grade. A form for this request is available in the office of the appropriate dean. A student who withdraws from the “Pass-Fail” option receives the letter grade assigned by the instructor.
5. A student attaining a grade of Pass will receive full credit for this course.
6. If a student elects to receive pass or fail in a course, this course will not be counted in the quality-point average. The student must carry at least four courses to be eligible for this program. Part-time students, however, are eligible with fewer than four courses.
7. This plan is entirely optional. A student may or may not elect to take advantage of it.
Courses at Other Colleges
Students matriculating at Canisius should plan to complete all their coursework at the college. The rationale for this policy rests in the mission and philosophy of the college and in its concern for the essential unity and integrity of all aspects of the curriculum: the college core, major requirements and free electives. Permission to take courses at other colleges during the regular and summer sessions is granted by the appropriate associate dean, who will consider all aspects of the student’s request, including the quality and level of the proposed course and its role in the student’s program. Courses intended to fulfill major requirements must also be approved by department chairs. Permission to take courses at other colleges must be requested on the appropriate form and in advance of taking the course.
Generally, the following guidelines apply:
1. Students are ordinarily limited to one course at another institution for every ten courses taken at Canisius.
2. Junior- and senior-level core curriculum and major course requirements are not transferred from community colleges.
3. Courses taken at a four-year college/university will be accepted only if they are offered at a comparable level at Canisius (i.e., freshman-sophomore level/junior-senior level).
4. Students who live outside the greater Buffalo area may receive more lenient consideration in taking a summer course at another college. However, the dean may recommend a cassette course as a preferred option if he/she considers it more appropriate than the off-campus course.
5. No more than one of the two area study requirements within a specific area can be taken at another college.
Study Abroad
The college manages undergraduate study abroad programs with:
5. If the vice president for academic affairs believes that the decision of the panel should be reviewed, a three-member appeal panel will be appointed from the pool of tenured faculty as described in Step B-1. The vice president, the faculty member and the student involved will each select one member. No member of the original panel may serve on the appeal panel. The appeal panel will follow the procedure in Step B-3, including completion of its task within thirty days of the formation of the panel. The decision of the appeal panel is final.
Pass-Fail Program
Seniors and juniors are eligible to elect one course each semester for which they will receive a grade of either “Pass, P grade” or “Fail, U grade.” The purpose of this plan is to enable upperclassmen to take more difficult courses than they would normally take for fear of lowering their quality-point average.
The program is as follows:
1. Juniors and seniors who have completed at least 30 h ours at Canisius may elect one course each semester, not to exceed a total of four courses in their college careers, for which they will receive a recorded grade on their transcript of either “Pass” or “Fail.”
2. This course must be outside the student’s major field and may not serve to satisfy any of the requirements in the core curriculum.
3. Within one week after the semester begins, the student must file a request for “Pass-Fail” grading. Application forms may be found in the office of the appropriate dean. If the dean grants permission for a course to be taken pass-fail, grades will still be assigned for all work done during the course and on the final examination. A final grade will be sent to the Registrar. If this grade is “D” or above, the registrar will record a pass (P grade) for the course on the student’s transcript; otherwise, he will record a failure (U grade).
4. Having received permission to take a course on the “Pass-Fail” option, a student may request in the last week of classes to withdraw from the option and receive a conventional letter grade. A form for this request is available in the office of the appropriate dean. A student who withdraws from the “Pass-Fail” option receives the letter grade assigned by the instructor.
5. A student attaining a grade of Pass will receive full credit for this course.
6. If a student elects to receive pass or fail in a course, this course will not be counted in the quality-point average. The student must carry at least four courses to be eligible for this program. Part-time students, however, are eligible with fewer than four courses.
7. This plan is entirely optional. A student may or may not elect to take advantage of it.
Courses at Other Colleges
Students matriculating at Canisius should plan to complete all their coursework at the college. The rationale for this policy rests in the mission and philosophy of the college and in its concern for the essential unity and integrity of all aspects of the curriculum: the college core, major requirements and free electives. Permission to take courses at other colleges during the regular and summer sessions is granted by the appropriate associate dean, who will consider all aspects of the student’s request, including the quality and level of the proposed course and its role in the student’s program. Courses intended to fulfill major requirements must also be approved by department chairs. Permission to take courses at other colleges must be requested on the appropriate form and in advance of taking the course.
Generally, the following guidelines apply:
1. Students are ordinarily limited to one course at another institution for every ten courses taken at Canisius.
2. Junior- and senior-level core curriculum and major course requirements are not transferred from community colleges.
3. Courses taken at a four-year college/university will be accepted only if they are offered at a comparable level at Canisius (i.e., freshman-sophomore level/junior-senior level).
4. Students who live outside the greater Buffalo area may receive more lenient consideration in taking a summer course at another college. However, the dean may recommend a cassette course as a preferred option if he/she considers it more appropriate than the off-campus course.
5. No more than one of the two area study requirements within a specific area can be taken at another college.
Study Abroad
The college manages undergraduate study abroad programs with:
• Australia — University of the Sunshine Coast
• Belgium — University of Antwerp
• China — The Beijing Center, Beijing, China
• France — Catholic University of Lille
• France — IECS School of Management, Robert Schuman University, Strasbourg
• Germany — Berlin School of Economics
• Germany — University of Dortmund
• Ireland — National University of Ireland, Galway
• Italy — Lorenzo De´Medici, Florence
• Italy — John Cabot University, Rome
• Italy — Mediterranean Center for Arts & Sciences, Sicily
• Japan — Sophia University
• Mexico — ITESO, Universidad Jesuita de Guadalajara
• Mexico — Universidad Iberoamericana, Universidad Michoacana de San Nicholas de Hidalgo
• Puerto Rico — Universidad Del Sagrado Corazon
• Spain — University of Oviedo
• Sweden — University of Uppsala
• United Kingdom — London Metropolitan University
Students interested in study abroad should begin planning early in their college experience so that preliminary coursework and language study can be completed in advance. Students should confer with the Study Abroad office located in the International Student Programs office (Frisch Lower Level 005, extension 2784) and with their academic advisor to discuss the options.
In keeping with the college’s policy on “Courses at Other Colleges,” students who wish to study at the universities listed above must study through the Canisius programs.
Students who wish to study at other foreign universities or in other countries than those listed should confer with the International Student Programs office.
Credit by Examinations
Students who are applying for admission or who are presently in attendance may obtain credit for previously completed examinations sponsored by the College Level Examination Program (CLEP) of the College Entrance Examination Board (CEEB) or by the New York State College Proficiency ExaminationProgram (CPE). The minimum acceptable grades for these exams are “Pass” for exams graded Pass/Fail, “C” for exams with letter grades, and 50 on exams graded on a standard score scale of 20 to 80. Credit is not awarded for the CLEP general examinations. Credit in appropriate subject area exams is granted by the Student Records Office after the student has matriculated at the college. However, not all CPE and CLEP exams are acceptable as transfer credits. In addition, credits to be used in fulfilling depart-mental major requirements must first be approved in writing by the department chair. Students should plan to complete all their coursework at the college. Permission for matriculating students to take CPE or CLEP exams to fulfill degree requirements must be requested from the appropriate associate dean and will be granted only under extraordinary circumstances.
Regents College Examination
Students who are applying for admission to Canisius College or who are presently in attendance may be eligible, under unusual circumstances, to receive college credit for previous experience through the Regents College Examination program. The minimum acceptable score on the examinations is 50.
Students who have already taken such examinations should speak to the appropriate associate dean. Permission to take the examination must be obtained from the appropriate associate dean.
Quality Points
The quality-point average indicates the student’s general scholastic average and is a measure of the quality of his or her work, just as credit hours are the measure of its extent. Points are assigned as follows for each semester hour completed:
In keeping with the college’s policy on “Courses at Other Colleges,” students who wish to study at the universities listed above must study through the Canisius programs.
Students who wish to study at other foreign universities or in other countries than those listed should confer with the International Student Programs office.
Credit by Examinations
Students who are applying for admission or who are presently in attendance may obtain credit for previously completed examinations sponsored by the College Level Examination Program (CLEP) of the College Entrance Examination Board (CEEB) or by the New York State College Proficiency ExaminationProgram (CPE). The minimum acceptable grades for these exams are “Pass” for exams graded Pass/Fail, “C” for exams with letter grades, and 50 on exams graded on a standard score scale of 20 to 80. Credit is not awarded for the CLEP general examinations. Credit in appropriate subject area exams is granted by the Student Records Office after the student has matriculated at the college. However, not all CPE and CLEP exams are acceptable as transfer credits. In addition, credits to be used in fulfilling depart-mental major requirements must first be approved in writing by the department chair. Students should plan to complete all their coursework at the college. Permission for matriculating students to take CPE or CLEP exams to fulfill degree requirements must be requested from the appropriate associate dean and will be granted only under extraordinary circumstances.
Regents College Examination
Students who are applying for admission to Canisius College or who are presently in attendance may be eligible, under unusual circumstances, to receive college credit for previous experience through the Regents College Examination program. The minimum acceptable score on the examinations is 50.
Students who have already taken such examinations should speak to the appropriate associate dean. Permission to take the examination must be obtained from the appropriate associate dean.
Quality Points
The quality-point average indicates the student’s general scholastic average and is a measure of the quality of his or her work, just as credit hours are the measure of its extent. Points are assigned as follows for each semester hour completed:
Grade A 4.0 points
Grade A– 3.7 points
Grade B+ 3.3 points
Grade B 3.0 points
Grade B– 2.7 points
Grade C+ 2.3 points
Grade C 2.0 points
Grade C– 1.7 points
Grade D 1.0 point
Grade F (and its equivalent) 0 points
A student’s grade point average is obtained by dividing the total number of quality points by the total number of credit hours carried.
Academic Standing
Academic standing is determined by the cumulative grade point average. from the beginning of the student’s studies at Canisius.
The following terms are used to describe a student’s academic standing:
1. Academic probation: When a student’s grade point average falls beneath the level indicated on the chart on the next page, he/she is placed on academic probation – a serious warning that the student’s academic record at the college is unsatisfactory. It is generally not advisable for students on academic probation to take part in extracurricular activities. Varsity athletes, in addition, are governed by NCAA and regional conference regulations. Probation for two successive semesters will result in automatic academic disqualification from the college.
2. Academic dismissal: Academic disqualification results from any one of the following:
Academic Standing
Academic standing is determined by the cumulative grade point average. from the beginning of the student’s studies at Canisius.
The following terms are used to describe a student’s academic standing:
1. Academic probation: When a student’s grade point average falls beneath the level indicated on the chart on the next page, he/she is placed on academic probation – a serious warning that the student’s academic record at the college is unsatisfactory. It is generally not advisable for students on academic probation to take part in extracurricular activities. Varsity athletes, in addition, are governed by NCAA and regional conference regulations. Probation for two successive semesters will result in automatic academic disqualification from the college.
2. Academic dismissal: Academic disqualification results from any one of the following:
a. Falling below the grade point average indicated on the chart below.
b. Failing three courses in a single semester.
c. Being placed on academic probation for two successive semesters. Dismissed students may not enroll in any division of the college and must wait at least six months before applying for readmission.
3. Good academic standing: This is a term used to determine a student’s eligibility for financial aid. A student who is on academic probation is considered to be in good academic standing. Further details may be found in the chapter on Financial Aid.
The G.P.A. levels for academic probation and academic disqualification are given as follows:
Cumulative grade point average, based on 0-30 credits and 31 or more credit hours:
ACADEMIC PROBATION: 1.50-1.99
ACADEMIC DISMISSAL: Below 1.50
Cumulative grade point average, based on 31 or more credit hours:
ACADEMIC PROBATION: 1.75-1.99
ACADEMIC DISMISSAL: Below 1.75
To be eligible for graduation, a student must have earned an overall cumulative average of 2.00.
Separation from the College
Each student’s continued registration at the college, the awarding of academic credits and the granting of any certificate or degree are entirely subject to the disciplinary authority of the college. The college reserves the right, therefore, to enforce the regulations concerning satisfactory academic performance and, in consequence, to cancel a student’s registration, to refuse academic credits, or to deny a certificate or degree. Separation from the college may also be imposed as a penalty for any conduct which conflicts with the ideals of the college or damages its reputation and that of its students.
Policy on Student Records
The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974, as amended (FERPA), is the federal law governing individuals’ access to student records. The guiding principle of FERPA is that education records are private and that students have the right to limit their disclosure to third parties. FERPA grants students the right to inspect and review their education records, the right to request to amend their education records and the right to limit disclosure of some personally identifiable information known as directory information.
For purposes of FERPA, “education records” are all records which contain information directly related to a student and maintained by Canisius College. Records that are not “education records” include but are not limited to sole possession, law enforcement, employment, medical and counseling, and post-attendance records. A “student” is defined as one who has attended or is attending Canisius College and regarding whom Canisius College maintains education records.
Normally, education records will not be released – nor access given – to third parties without written consent of the student unless the party meets one of the following:
The G.P.A. levels for academic probation and academic disqualification are given as follows:
Cumulative grade point average, based on 0-30 credits and 31 or more credit hours:
ACADEMIC PROBATION: 1.50-1.99
ACADEMIC DISMISSAL: Below 1.50
Cumulative grade point average, based on 31 or more credit hours:
ACADEMIC PROBATION: 1.75-1.99
ACADEMIC DISMISSAL: Below 1.75
To be eligible for graduation, a student must have earned an overall cumulative average of 2.00.
Separation from the College
Each student’s continued registration at the college, the awarding of academic credits and the granting of any certificate or degree are entirely subject to the disciplinary authority of the college. The college reserves the right, therefore, to enforce the regulations concerning satisfactory academic performance and, in consequence, to cancel a student’s registration, to refuse academic credits, or to deny a certificate or degree. Separation from the college may also be imposed as a penalty for any conduct which conflicts with the ideals of the college or damages its reputation and that of its students.
Policy on Student Records
The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974, as amended (FERPA), is the federal law governing individuals’ access to student records. The guiding principle of FERPA is that education records are private and that students have the right to limit their disclosure to third parties. FERPA grants students the right to inspect and review their education records, the right to request to amend their education records and the right to limit disclosure of some personally identifiable information known as directory information.
For purposes of FERPA, “education records” are all records which contain information directly related to a student and maintained by Canisius College. Records that are not “education records” include but are not limited to sole possession, law enforcement, employment, medical and counseling, and post-attendance records. A “student” is defined as one who has attended or is attending Canisius College and regarding whom Canisius College maintains education records.
Normally, education records will not be released – nor access given – to third parties without written consent of the student unless the party meets one of the following:
• To school officials who have a legitimate educational interest in the records.
• To federal, state, and local officials involving an audit or evaluation of compliance with educational programs.
• To anyone who is providing financial aid to the student (“financial aid” does not include any payments made by parents).
• To organizations conducting certain studies for or on behalf of the college.
• To accrediting organizations to carry out their functions.
• To comply with a judicial order or a lawfully issued subpoena.
• To parents of a dependent student.
• To appropriate parties in a health or safety emergency.
• To schools in which a student seeks or intends to enroll.
• To an alleged victim of a crime of violence of the results of a disciplinary hearing regarding the alleged perpetrator of that crime with respect to that crime.
• To parents/legal guardian when their children (under age 21) are found to have violated the Canisius College alcohol or drug policy.
• To military recruiters who request “Student Recruiting Information” for recruiting purpose only.
• To the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) for purposes of complying with the Taxpayer Relief Act of 1997.
• To the Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services (BCIS) for purposes of the Student and Exchange Visitor Program.
• To authorized representatives of the Department of Veterans Affairs for students receiving educational assistance from the agency.
It should be noted that FERPA permits the disclosure of education records to the parents of a dependent student. The college, however, considers its students to be adult decision-makers; as such, students have the right and responsibility to share information about their grades and degree pursuit with their parents and/or guardians. This means that the staff of the college normally will not give out information about grades or degree pursuit and will instead suggest that parents or guardians have conversations directly with students about these matters. The college’s policy provides a greater degree of privacy for dependent students than FERPA would require. If the student or the parent wish to have this information released to the parents, the student must sign an Authorization to Disclose Grades form with the Student Records office, Bagen 106.
There are exceptions to the foregoing Canisius policy.
When a student who is the dependent of a parent or guardian is failing a course at midterm and fails to make or keep a progress appointment with the designated academic advisor, when a student has conditions placed on number and kind of courses for which s/he can register because of probationary grade point average, and/or when a student has conditions placed on number and kind of course for which s/he can register because the student has been academically dismissed but reinstated through appeal, the college will notify the parent or guardian of such events.
A notification of releases made to third parties shall be kept in the student’s record (unless forbidden by a judicial order or subpoena). The third party shall be informed that no release of personally identifiable data is authorized without the written consent of the student.
The college has established the following procedures enabling students to have access to their records:
1. The student may inspect and review his or her record by filling out a request form at the office where the record of interest is maintained. Students may not inspect and review the following:
There are exceptions to the foregoing Canisius policy.
When a student who is the dependent of a parent or guardian is failing a course at midterm and fails to make or keep a progress appointment with the designated academic advisor, when a student has conditions placed on number and kind of courses for which s/he can register because of probationary grade point average, and/or when a student has conditions placed on number and kind of course for which s/he can register because the student has been academically dismissed but reinstated through appeal, the college will notify the parent or guardian of such events.
A notification of releases made to third parties shall be kept in the student’s record (unless forbidden by a judicial order or subpoena). The third party shall be informed that no release of personally identifiable data is authorized without the written consent of the student.
The college has established the following procedures enabling students to have access to their records:
1. The student may inspect and review his or her record by filling out a request form at the office where the record of interest is maintained. Students may not inspect and review the following:
• Financial information submitted by parents.
• Confidential letters and recommendations placed in their files prior to January 1, 1975.
• Confidential letters and statements of recommendation placed in records after January 1, 1975, to which the student has waived his or her right to inspect and review.
• Education records containing information about more than one student; however, in such cases, students will be given access to the part of the record which pertains only to the inquiring student.
2. Access is to be granted promptly and no later than 30 days from the date of the request.
3. The student may obtain copies of documents to which he or she is entitled. The college may charge for these copies.
3. The student may obtain copies of documents to which he or she is entitled. The college may charge for these copies.
4. The student may request and receive interpretation of his or her record from the person (or designee) responsible for maintaining the record.
Students have the right to challenge the content of their education records if they consider the information contained therein to be inaccurate, misleading or inappropriate. The process includes and opportunity for amendment of the records or insertion of written explanations by the student into such records. The procedures for challenging records can be found in the Office of Student Affairs, Old Main 102.
Unlike education records, directory information shall be released freely unless the student files the appropriate form requesting that certain information may not be released. This form is available at the Student Records Office, Bagen 106. Directory information includes but is not limited to name, address, Email address, phone number, photograph, date and place of birth, major field of study, dates of atendance, grade level, enrollment status, participation in officially recognized activities and sports, weight and height of members of athletic teams, degrees, honors and awards, received and most recent education agency or institution attended.
This policy does not preclude the destruction of any record the college does not consider germane. Persons in charge of records shall ensure that only pertinent items are retained in student files. The forms for “Request for Confidential Status of Directory Information” and “Authorization to Disclose Grades” shall be removed from a student’s educational records upon graduation unless the student makes a specific request that these forms remain.
Recognition of Academic Excellence
Two categories of recognition are awarded at the end of each semester. The first recognizes full-time students and the second recognizes both full-time and part-time students.
In addition, students in either category who achieve a 4.00 will receive the designation “with Special Distinction.”
The two categories are:
1. Dean’s List. Awarded to students who have attained a grade point average of at least 3.50 for the semester and have completed at least four courses of three credits or equivalent.
2. Merit List. Awarded to students who have attained a grade point average of at least 3.25 for the semester and have completed two courses of three credit hours or equivalent.
Students who receive an “Incomplete” grade will eligible for the Dean’s or Merit lists once the work is completed and a passing grade submitted. The “Incomplete” grade must be changed within six weeks from the end of final examinations deadline.
Graduation
Degrees are awarded three times a year. September 15th for students completing their degree requirements during the summer, February 1st for students completing their requirements during the fall semester and at the annual commencement program on the date designated in the college academic calendar.
To qualify for the degree of bachelor of arts or bachelor of science, a candidate must complete a minimum of 120 credit hours, the core curriculum requirements, and all requirements of the major. To qualify for the degree of associate of arts, a candidate must complete satisfactorily 20 three- or four-credit hour courses and a minimum of 60 credit hours.
Satisfactory completion of requirements means that the candidate has maintained the quality-point average indicated in the section on Academic Standing and has completed all general and departmental requirements as outlined in this catalog.
In extraordinary circumstances a student may petition the appropriate dean to be allowed to participate in graduation ceremonies even though the student will not have completed all degree requirements by the date of commencement. Before graduation, the degree candidate must settle all accounts with the Office of Student Accounts.
A student who completes the degree requirements in August or December and wishes to obtain his/her diploma before the next commencement should submit a diploma request form to the Student Records office. Students should contact that office regarding the deadline dates for such requests.Each student’s name should be submitted to the Student Records office exactly as the student wishes it to appear on all official documents of the college.
It is the student’s responsibility to keep this file accurate. A fee of $30.00 will be assessed to reprint a diploma if the name on the new diploma is to differ from that on the official record of the college.
Graduation Honors:
Only students who have completed the last 60 credit hours of academic work at Canisius College are eligible for graduating with honors. The Canisius College cumulative G.P.A. determines graduation with honors according to the following scale:
Students have the right to challenge the content of their education records if they consider the information contained therein to be inaccurate, misleading or inappropriate. The process includes and opportunity for amendment of the records or insertion of written explanations by the student into such records. The procedures for challenging records can be found in the Office of Student Affairs, Old Main 102.
Unlike education records, directory information shall be released freely unless the student files the appropriate form requesting that certain information may not be released. This form is available at the Student Records Office, Bagen 106. Directory information includes but is not limited to name, address, Email address, phone number, photograph, date and place of birth, major field of study, dates of atendance, grade level, enrollment status, participation in officially recognized activities and sports, weight and height of members of athletic teams, degrees, honors and awards, received and most recent education agency or institution attended.
This policy does not preclude the destruction of any record the college does not consider germane. Persons in charge of records shall ensure that only pertinent items are retained in student files. The forms for “Request for Confidential Status of Directory Information” and “Authorization to Disclose Grades” shall be removed from a student’s educational records upon graduation unless the student makes a specific request that these forms remain.
Recognition of Academic Excellence
Two categories of recognition are awarded at the end of each semester. The first recognizes full-time students and the second recognizes both full-time and part-time students.
In addition, students in either category who achieve a 4.00 will receive the designation “with Special Distinction.”
The two categories are:
1. Dean’s List. Awarded to students who have attained a grade point average of at least 3.50 for the semester and have completed at least four courses of three credits or equivalent.
2. Merit List. Awarded to students who have attained a grade point average of at least 3.25 for the semester and have completed two courses of three credit hours or equivalent.
Students who receive an “Incomplete” grade will eligible for the Dean’s or Merit lists once the work is completed and a passing grade submitted. The “Incomplete” grade must be changed within six weeks from the end of final examinations deadline.
Graduation
Degrees are awarded three times a year. September 15th for students completing their degree requirements during the summer, February 1st for students completing their requirements during the fall semester and at the annual commencement program on the date designated in the college academic calendar.
To qualify for the degree of bachelor of arts or bachelor of science, a candidate must complete a minimum of 120 credit hours, the core curriculum requirements, and all requirements of the major. To qualify for the degree of associate of arts, a candidate must complete satisfactorily 20 three- or four-credit hour courses and a minimum of 60 credit hours.
Satisfactory completion of requirements means that the candidate has maintained the quality-point average indicated in the section on Academic Standing and has completed all general and departmental requirements as outlined in this catalog.
In extraordinary circumstances a student may petition the appropriate dean to be allowed to participate in graduation ceremonies even though the student will not have completed all degree requirements by the date of commencement. Before graduation, the degree candidate must settle all accounts with the Office of Student Accounts.
A student who completes the degree requirements in August or December and wishes to obtain his/her diploma before the next commencement should submit a diploma request form to the Student Records office. Students should contact that office regarding the deadline dates for such requests.Each student’s name should be submitted to the Student Records office exactly as the student wishes it to appear on all official documents of the college.
It is the student’s responsibility to keep this file accurate. A fee of $30.00 will be assessed to reprint a diploma if the name on the new diploma is to differ from that on the official record of the college.
Graduation Honors:
Only students who have completed the last 60 credit hours of academic work at Canisius College are eligible for graduating with honors. The Canisius College cumulative G.P.A. determines graduation with honors according to the following scale:
- Degree is awarded summa cum laude to those whose average is 3.80 or higher.
- Degree is awarded magna cum laude to those whose average is 3.65 or higher.
- Degree is awarded cum laude to those whose average is 3.45 or higher.
All-College Awards and Prizes
The Father Francis A. O’Malley, S.J., Memorial Award is awarded to a member of the senior class for outstanding scholastic achievement throughout the four-year course of study at Canisius College.
The James M. Demske, S.J., Scholastic Achievement Award is bestowed upon a senior who has transferred to Canisius College and has completed at least 60 credit hours here. This student will have achieved an exceptionally high cumulative average while a student here.
The Alumni Association Distinguished Senior Award is awarded to a senior who has distinguished him/herself through leadership roles and service to the college.
The Campus Ministry Award is given to a graduating senior who has contributed to the Canisius College community through participation in the events, programs, and activities of Campus Ministry.
The Kristin M. Brady Award for Excellence in Senior Honors Thesis is awarded to the student who writes the most outstanding thesis in the All-College Honors Program.
All-College Honors Program Leadership Award recognizes the student who has exercised the strongest leadership in carrying out the co-curricular and extra-curricular activities for the All-College Honors Program and who has taken leadership roles in honors classes.
The Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Awards are given to faculty members, students, or administrators whose lives and work best represent the ideals of Dr. King.
The Albert R. Mugel Award is presented annually to a senior intending to pursue a career in law and whose achievements, individual character and dedication to the welfare of the community best exemplify the career and ideals of Albert R. Mugel. Mr. Mugel was a member of the college’s Board of Trustees and worked tirelessly to enhance the Pre-Law Center and enhance its position in Western New York.
The I. Joan Lorch Award for Women’s Studies is awarded to a student who has made a significant contribution to promote women’s issues on the Canisius College campus through such activities as writing a newspaper series, performing committee work, or representing women’s issues on a governing body.
The Hearst Earning Excellence Award is a highly competitive employment program either on- or off-campus which requires undergraduate students to submit joint proposals with faculty members or off-campus professionals.
College of Arts & Sciences Departmental/Program Awards
BIOINFORMATICS PROGRAM
The Student General Excellence Award in Bioinformatics honors the best overall bioinformatics major who, along with a high GPA, has also made contributions to the field through research and/or service activities.
The Bioinformatics Program Excellence in Research Award honors a bioinformatics student who has completed significant research at the undergraduate level leading to a national presentation or publication.
BIOLOGY DEPARTMENT
The Alpha Theta Chapter of Tri Beta Fialkiewicz Award for Academic Excellence in Biology is given to the graduating biology major with the highest academic average.
The Alpha Theta Chapter of Tri Beta Alexander Award for Outstanding Research in Biology is given to the graduating biology major who has completed the most significant independent research project leading to presentation or publication in scientific literature.
The Biology Department Excellence in Research Awards are given to graduating biology majors who have completed substantial research projects leading to presentation or publication in the scientific literature of their discipline.
The Nancy Wohlschlag Distinguished Research Award is given to the graduating biology major who has completed a significant research project leading to presentation or publication in the scientific literature.
CHEMISTRY DEPARTMENT
The Valerian A. Ruskiewicz Award for Distinction in Chemistry acknowledges superlative academic achievement demonstrated by the highest GPA in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry.
The Student General Excellence Awards of the WNY Section of the American Chemical Society, the department’s highest awards, are presented to one chemistry and one biochemistry major who demonstrate outstanding academic achievement along with a strong commitment to service within our academic community.
The Student General Excellence Award of the American Institute of Chemists is given in recognition of a demonstrated record of ability, leadership and professional promise within the field of chemistry.
The Merck Award recognizes significant research accomplishments in the field of chemistry or biochemistry.
CLASSICS DEPARTMENT
The David B. Dietz Classics Book Award is given for outstanding performance in Classics courses during the current academic year.
COMMUNICATION STUDIES DEPARTMENT
The Communication Studies Department Academic Excellence in Communication Studies Award is given to the graduating Communication Studies senior with the highest G.P.A. in the major.
The Communication Studies Department Academic Excellence in Digital Media Arts Award is given to the graduating Digital Media Arts senior with the highest G.P.A. in the major.
The Association of Women in Communications Scholarship Award is given to the graduating senior member of the association with the highest G.P.A. in the major.
The American Advertising Federation Academic Excellence Award is given to the graduating senior member with the highest G.P.A. in the Communication Studies major.
The Gene and Peter Jankowski Award of Excellence is given to a graduating senior in Communication Studies or Digital Media Arts who has demonstrated excellence in academic performance and television production.
The Public Relations Student Society of America Academic Excellence Award is given to the graduating senior member with the highest G.P.A. in the Communication Studies major.
COMPUTER SCIENCE DEPARTMENT
The Computer Science Department Excellence in Academics Award is presented to graduating computer science majors who have achieved an outstanding academic performance.
The Computer Science Department Excellence in Research Award is presented to graduating computer science majors who have achieved an outstanding result in computer science research.
ENGLISH DEPARTMENT
The Charles A. Brady Award for Excellence in English is awarded to the graduating English major whose achievement in English courses and literary extra-curricular involvement has been superior throughout his or her college career.
The Leslie C. Warren Award for Academic Excellence is awarded to the graduating English major who has the highest academic average for his or her college career.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE PROGRAM
The Environmental Science Award for Academic Excellence is awarded to the graduating Environmental Science major with the highest academic for his or her college career.
The Environmental Science Award for Excellence in Research is awarded to the graduating Environmental Science major who has completed a substantial research project in environmental science leading to presentation and/or publication.
EUROPEAN STUDIES PROGRAM
Jean Monnet Award for European Studies is named for one of the founders of European integration. It recognizes achievement in European Studies, in the classroom and through study-abroad and co-curricular activity.
FINE ARTS DEPARTMENT
The Edith DeLuca Memorial Award is given to a graduating senior who has contributed musically to the college and the community through excellence in musicianship, service and leadership. The student will exemplify the high standards and values of Edith DeLuca, the founder of the Buffalo Philharmonic Concert Series at Canisius College.
The Thalia Feldman Memorial Award in Art History is awarded to a graduating senior in Art History who has maintained outstanding academic achievement and has demonstrated leadership in furthering an understanding of the importance of the visual arts in our community.
HISTORY DEPARTMENT
The Professor William M. Harrigan Award for Excellence in History was inaugurated in 1971 to commemorate the late Dr. William M. Harrigan, chair of the History Department from 1960 to 1968. To promote excellence in historical scholarship, the award is presented to the senior who best exemplifies the standards of scholarship, interest in history, and Christian values which Dr. Harrigan upheld.
The Professor Edwin L. Neville Graduate Scholarship is given to a senior History major or Secondary Education/Social Studies major who will pursue an advanced degree in History or social studies, preferably in Asian History.
The Rev. Nicholas J. Sullivan, S.J. Award is given for excellence in historical writing.
INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS PROGRAM
The International Relations Academic Excellence Award is given to the senior with the highest G.P.A. among International Relations majors.
The International Relations Award for Global Understanding and Involvement is presented annually to the senior International Relations major demonstrating academic excellence and furthering international understanding.
MATHEMATICS & STATISTICS DEPARTMENT
The Dr. Robert Tidd Award for Distinction in Mathematics is given to a senior upon recommendation by the Department of Mathematics and Statistics.
The Dr. William M. Huebsch Award in Mathematics is given to a senior who combines excellent performance in mathematics with great promise in the teaching of mathematics. The award is named in honor of Dr. Huebsch ’43, who was a former chair of the Mathematics department.
MILITARY SCIENCE PROGRAM
The General George C. Marshall Award is given annually by the George C. Marshall Foundation to the outstanding senior ROTC cadet in Buffalo.
The Outstanding Military Graduate Award is given to a distinguished Canisius College cadet who demonstrates exceptional leadership potential, academic achievement and participation in ROTC activities.
MODERN LANGUAGES DEPARTMENT
The Raymond L. Girard Award for Distinction in French is bestowed annually on the graduating senior who best exemplifies the qualities of academic excellence and service in the field of French language, literature and culture.
The American Association of Teachers of French (AATF) Outstanding Senior in French Award is awarded to a student who has demonstrated exceptional commitment to the study of French through academic and extracurricular activities related to the language.
The James J. McGoldrick Award for Excellence in German is bestowed annually on the graduating senior who best exemplifies the qualities of academic excellence and service in the field of German language, literature and culture.
The City of Oviedo Award for Distinction in Spanish is bestowed annually on the graduating senior who best exemplifies the qualities of academic excellence and service in the field of Spanish language, literature and culture.
PHILOSOPHY DEPARTMENT
The J. Clayton Murray Award in Philosophy is a designation awarded to the outstanding student in philosophy.
The St. Thomas Aquinas Award in Philosophy is given, at the discretion of the Department of Philosophy, to a student who has demonstrated exceptional achievement in satisfying the college’s curriculum requirements in philosophy.
PHYSICS DEPARTMENT
The Valerian A. Ruskiewicz Memorial Prizes for Distinction in Physics is awarded annually to the member of the senior class who has the highest class standing throughout his/her course in physics.
POLITICAL SCIENCE DEPARTMENT
The Woodrow Wilson Award is awarded to the Political Science major who combines academic excellence with a demonstrated commitment to public service.
The Pi Sigma Alpha Award is given to the Political Science major with the highest grade point average.
PSYCHOLOGY DEPARTMENT
The Donald L. Tollefson Annual Psychology Award is bestowed annually to the senior who best personifies Donald L. Tollefson’s ideals of intellectual inquiry and professional engagement in the field of psychology.
The Outstanding Psychology Student Award is presented annually to graduating seniors with outstanding academic and preprofessional accomplishments in the field of psychology.
RELIGIOUS STUDIES DEPARTMENT
The James P. McDermott Award in Religion & Life is given to the senior who manifests Dr. Jim McDermott’s love of learning and his application of religious values in his daily life.
The Cyril O. Schommer S.J. Memorial Prize in Religious Studies is awarded to the senior whose written work demonstrates theological insights and mastery of one of the religious studies disciplines.
SOCIOLOGY/ANTHROPOLOGY/CRIMINAL JUSTICE DEPARTMENT
The Canisius College Anthropology Award is given to a graduating senior with the highest overall cumulative G.P.A. in the major.
The Canisius College Sociology Award is given to a graduating senior with the highest overall cumulative G.P.A. in the major.
The Canisius College Criminal Justice Award is given to a graduating senior with the highest overall cumulative G.P.A. in the major.
School of Education and Human Services Departmental/Program Awards
EDUCATION DEPARTMENT
The William F. Kean Award of Excellence in Education is given to the graduating education major with the highest academic average.
The Bruce D. Perry, MD, PhD, Award in Early Childhood Education is given to the outstanding early childhood major who exemplifies the qualities proposed by the National Association of the Education of Young Children.
The Donald J. Murphy Award in Childhood Education is bestowed upon a student who demonstrates excellence in academic performance, service to the college, and the promise of a successful career in childhood teaching.
The Thomas W. Fitzsimons Award in Adolescence Education is bestowed upon a student who demonstrates excellence in three areas: academic performance, service to the college, and the promise of a successful career in adolescence teaching.
The Council for Exceptional Children Award in Special Education is given to the graduating senior who has maintained a high level of scholarship and demonstrates a commitment to teaching children with special needs.
The William D. Bennett Award is given to the graduating senior who demonstrates the hallmark of the late William Bennett’s life: commitment to academic excellence and teaching in multi-cultural settings.
The Thomas & Camille Caulfield Award is given to the graduate student counselor of the year.
DEPARTMENT OF PHYSICAL EDUCATION, HEALTH AND SPORT STUDIES
The Rev. Edward F. Maloney, S.J. Physical Education Award is given to the graduating senior each year who best displays academic achievement, contributions to college life, participation in the department, including sponsored activities, and demonstration of professional qualities.
SPORT ADMINISTRATION PROGRAM
The Paul E. Bieron Sport Management Award is given to an undergraduate student enrolled in sports management as a concentration. The student will have had overall high academic achievement, participated as a student intern in the sports industry and done significant scholarly work throughout the curriculum.
DEPARTMENT OF SPORTS MEDICINE, HEALTH, & HUMAN PERFORMANCE
John T. Gabbey, MD, Award for Excellence in Athletic Training is presented to the graduating senior who has demonstrated outstanding skills in all aspects of the Athletic Training program.
The Health and Human Performance Award is made on the basis of excellence in academic performance.
Wehle School of Business Departmental/Program Awards
The Alpha Kappa Psi Scholarship Key is awarded annually to the graduate in the Richard J. Wehle School of Business who has attained the highest scholastic average over a three-emic excellence in economics undergraduate students to submit joint ear period. The award is made by the Delta Tau Chapter of Alpha Kappa Psi, the oldest national professional fraternity in commerce.
The Wall Street Journal Award of a desk plaque and a year’s subscription is given each year to a graduating senior who has demonstrated outstanding academic achievement in the Richard J. Wehle School of Business.
The J. Fred Schoellkopf IV Scholarship Award is given to an outstanding student in business studies.
ACCOUNTING DEPARTMENT
The Bradley J. Shelp, Jr. Memorial Award represents the most prestigious honor the Department of Accounting can bestow upon an accounting student. This award is given on those occasions when the Department of Accounting identifies a senior accounting student who excels in demonstrated attributes of excellence in scholarship and service to the college.
The New York State Society of Certified Public Accountants Awards are given annually, one to a graduating senior in accounting and one to a graduating student in the M.B.A. program in professional accounting. In each case the award is given to the student who has attained the highest scholastic average in accounting subjects and who is considered to be a desirable candidate for admission to the profession of public accounting.
The Accounting Society Award for Excellence in Scholarship is awarded annually to the outstanding senior accounting major.
The Financial Executives Institute Award is given to a graduating accounting major who displays, as assessed by the department, superlative academic skills and a commitment to professional success.
ECONOMICS/FINANCE DEPARTMENT
Economics/Finance Department Most Outstanding Graduate Award is given upon the recommendation of the faculty to the outstanding senior in the department.
Economics/Finance Department Best Finance Student Award is given to a graduating senior for academic excellence in finance.
John S. Murphy Award for Academic Excellence in Economics is given to a graduating senior fo academic excellence in economics.
INFORMATION SYSTEMS DEPARTMENT
IS Outstanding Student Award is bestowed on an outstanding senior in the Information Systems major.
INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS PROGRAM
The International Business Outstanding Student Award recognizes a student who has demonstrated academic excellence in his/her major as well as achievemenmt in extracurricular activities including study abroad, international internships and participation in international conferences.
MANAGEMENT/MARKETING DEPARTMENT
Donald E. Calvert Scholarship is awarded to a senior marketing or management student who displays superior academic and professional skills.
Thomas J. Schillo Scholarship is awarded to a senior for high standards of academic excellence and personal integrity.
The Management Academic Excellence Award is presented annually to the top ten percent of senior management majors based on overall G.P.A.
The Marketing Academic Excellence Award is presented annually to the top ten percent of senior marketing majors based on overall G.P.A.
The Management/Marketing Academic Exellence Awards are presented to the outstanding dual majors in the department.