Canisius College

Declaring a Major
A student declares a major upon entrance to the college by filling out the “Academic Interest” section on the admission application.  If students wish to change their majors, they must complete a Change of Major form in the Student Records Office. It is the students’ responsibly to make sure the record reflects their correct major, concentration or minor data.

 

Minors are an option available to students. The requirements for each minor are outlined in the appropriate departmental sections.

 

Dual Majors
Students who wish to expand their educational opportunities may decide to declare a dual major. The decision may be based on career goals or planned graduate studies. Before a student declares a dual major it is important to meet with the appropriate academic departments for advisement. Some dual major combinations can be completed within the minimum 120 credit hour degree requirement. But in some cases additional course work may be required.

 

In order to declare a dual major, the student must complete the appropriate dual major request form and get the signature of each department chairperson and the appropriate associate dean.

 

Substitutions
All degree requirements must be satisfied as stated in the catalog. In some circumstances it may be necessary to make adjustments to the student’s curriculum. Substitutions must be approved in writing by the appropriate person: the associate dean for the Core Curriculum and the department chairperson for the major and/or concentration requirements.

 

Writing
Writing is a way of learning as well as a way of communicating. The development of skill and fluency in the written use of language is inseparable from the development of skill and fluency in thought. As part of their learning experiences, students should expect to write in a variety of modes, from class notes, diaries and poems to examination essays and research papers. Opportunities for writing are a feature of every course in the college. To help develop skill and fluency in writing of various kinds, students may seek assistance from the staff of the Tutoring Center.

 

Academic Support Services
Students whose prior academic record or performance on placement examinations indicates that they will need additional help to succeed in their college work will be placed into special sections or courses that are designed to assist them in their future course of studies. Students may also be advised to take special courses or sections if their performance in the first year indicates such special attention may be helpful. When necessary, the college, working through the Student Advisement Center and the various departments, may require that such courses be taken.

 

Summer Session
The Canisius College Summer Session affords qualified graduate and undergraduate students educational opportunities of the same quality as the courses offered during the regular fall and spring semesters. Course offerings are planned especially for the following groups: 

Academic Advisement
Students come to the college with diverse needs and varied backgrounds. The college believes that this diversity calls for individualized assistance as students develop into self-directed, independent learners. The college’s Student Advisement Center is designed to provide professional assistance for students on an individual basis. Advisors help students understand the college’s expectations and foster in them a sense of independence as learners and responsibility for achieving their educational goals. The advisor helps students recognize their academic strengths and weaknesses, establish realistic educational goals, and identify the courses and resources necessary to achieve these goals. The advisor provides academic guidance by interpreting institutional requirements, recommending courses of action and referring students to other people or departments for assistance. The Student Advisement Center is located in Bagen Hall, Room 103.

 

Freshmen: Each entering freshman is assigned an academic advisor in the area of their academic interest who assists the student throughout the freshman year by explaining the college’s curriculum and discussing the particular program of study that interests the student. During the freshman year the student will meet with an advisor at least twice each semester to discuss academic performance, student needs, available resources and course scheduling for subsequent semesters.

 

Undecided Students: Students who have not selecteda major after their freshman year will receive academic advisement from the Student Advisement Center.

Part-time Students: Part-time students are required to meet with an advisor, and are encouraged to use the services of the Student Advisement Center in selecting proper courses and understanding the resources that are available to assist them at the college.

 

Upper Class Students: After their freshmen year students who have selected a major are assigned an advisor in their major field.  Each academic department will assign their majors to an advisor.  The student must meet with his/her advisor within the department of their major for advisement each semester. 

 

Adult: Adult students are advised through the office for Adult Academic Services.

 

Non-Matriculated Students: Non-matriculated students are advised through the office for Adult Academic Services.

 

Second Degree
Individuals may enroll in a second baccalaureate degree if they can demonstrate that a second bachelor’s degree is necessary for their career. Individuals must fulfill the admissions requirements for the degree sought and must receive approval from the appropriate dean prior to matriculation in the program. These individuals, however, should be advised that in most cases it is unnecessary to receive a second baccalaureate degree; rather they merely need to complete a prescribed series of courses that apply to their career or life needs.

 

If they still wish to receive the second degree, the following policy will be the guideline for them: The credits received from the first bachelor’s degree will be applied as transfer credit to the second degree. The first degree need not have been completed at Canisius. The minimum requirements for the second degree include the completion of a minimum of at least thirty credit hours at Canisius, with at least 18 credit hours of the courses being taken from the selected major. The student must complete all the departmental requirements for the degree, as well as the general graduation requirements, including a 2.00 grade point average for all courses taken at Canisius.

 

Individuals should meet with the appropriate dean or advisor to outline the program of courses necessary for the completion of the second degree.