Graduate studies represent a substantially different perspective to being a student. Many of the activities, developmental concerns and extra-curricular interests which characterize the undergraduate student become less important when one pursues an advanced degree. Nonetheless, there still remains a need for support services and assistance with problems, and not infrequently an interest in certain non-curricular programs. The availability of these services and programs is largely managed at Canisius by the division of student affairs.

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

Athletics and recreation
Canisius College conducts an extensive program of intercollegiate athletics at the N.C.A.A. Division I level. While participation by graduate students is somewhat rare, the Griffin teams provide an excellent venue for the sports spectator. Information on schedules is available from the Athletics Department at the Koessler Athletic Center. Graduate students are encouraged to participate in both club and intramural sports. Club sports include rugby and volleyball for men; and co-educational bowling, skiing and scuba.  Intramural sports include basketball, football, indoor soccer and softball for men, basketball and softball for women; and co-educational racquetball, volleyball, floor hockey and tennis.

Student Health Center
Frisch Hall 001 Phone 888-2610
The Student Health Center, located on the tunnel level of  Frisch Hall, Room 101, is a nurse-directed health service which provides nursing care to graduate students, Monday through Friday, during the academic year of September through May. The exact hours of the clinic are circulated on campus at the beginning of each semester. A registered nurse and a nurse practitioner are available to treat some of the common health problems that affect students. Students needing more extensive health care are referred off campus. Appointments are not necessary and all nursing visits are free.

Health and accident insurance
All Canisius College students need to have health insurance
to prevent the financial burdens associated with health care. Students must have their own coverage or purchase a sickness plan offered by the college. Information about eligibility, cost and enrollment periods in the sickness plan is available in the Student Health Center. International students are required to purchase the college’s health insurance plan written specifically for those studying away from their home countries. Information about this plan is available in the Office of International Student Programs. Canisius College provides accident insurance for all full-time undergraduates.

All students must carry proof of their health insurance coverage while on campus.  Most health insurance companies issue a health insurance card for that purpose. To prevent confusion, it is also recommended that all students know how their health insurance program is administered in the event a need for health care arises while at school.  This is especially important for those students covered by a Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) or those needing their physican’s authorization prior to receiving health care by another provider.

New York State immunization requirement for measles, mumps and rubella
New York State law requires all graduate students taking six or more credits, and born on or after January 1, 1957, to provide proof of immunity against measles, mumps and rubella to the Student Health Center prior to class attendance. Graduate students must submit proof of two doses of measles (rubeola) vaccine, one dose of rubella (German measles) vaccine and one dose of mumps vaccine, given on or after their first birthday and after 1967. Non-compliance with this law results in exclusion from class and inability to register for future courses. Immunization forms can be picked up in the Student Health Center, or may be obtained by calling the center at (716) 888-2610.

Counseling Center
The Counseling Center, as an integral service within the Office of Student Affairs, actively supports the educational mission of the college. Counseling is intended to assist students toward personal growth. A counselor supports and encourages a student to reflect on his or her choices and actions in order to progress as a responsible adult. Participation in counseling may help a person improve self esteem, manage one’s time and life better and make reasoned decisions. Counseling may help an individual cope with difficult experiences, overcome self-defeating behavior and deal with feelings of anxiety, confusion, anger or loneliness. Through the counseling process students can also learn to reduce stress and relax. Counseling services are available to all registered students, free of charge, from a staff of professionally qualified college counselors who act as objective, responsive listeners and supportive educators.

Living accommodations
Housing for graduate students is available on a limited basis as space permits.  For more information about the types of housing Canisius offers, contact the Office of Residence Life at 716-888-2220 or visit our web page at reslife@canisius.edu

Services for students with disabilities
Canisius College is committed to providing assistance to graduate students with disabilities to insure that their performance is measured by their ability, not their disability.  Services to graduate students include:

  • Guide to the campus.  Maps are available describing accessibility via the campus tunnels, elevators and ramps.
  • Parking.  Specially marked parking spaces are available for students with both a college parking permit and a handicapped parking permit.
  • Transportation.  A college-operated van equipped with a wheelchair lift provides transportation between the main campus and the Delavan campus.
  • Physical recreation, therapy and athletics. The Koessler Athletic Center, within its resources, makes available adaptive physical education courses and physical therapy as  the need arises.
  • Personal assistants.  Students in need of assistants will be helped to identify appropriate personnel. The college cannot take responsibility for hiring, training or paying such personnel.
The Director for Disability Support Services serves as the college’s advocate for students with disabilities and is responsible for arranging necessary support. Any graduate student who needs special services should contact the director at (716) 888-3748 before the semester begins when possible since ample lead time is often required to plan for appropriate on-campus services. 

International students
Canisius College welcomes international students and appreciates the cultural diversity they bring to the campus. Currently our international students are from approximately 35 countries including areas as diverse as Canada, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Asia, South America and Australia. The Office of International Student Programs advises international students and assists them with their adjustment to Canisius College and American culture by organizing educational and social programs. To encourage cultural understanding within the Canisius community, arrangements are made for host families and each year the college sponsors an International Fest — a week-long celebration of cultural diversity on campus.

Other services for international students include orientation for new students, assistance with immigration regulations, and special tutorial help in English. The Global Horizons Association, a student organization for American and international students, plans additional activities to promote cultural awareness on campus

Student handbook
The Canisius College Student Handbook provides information on student life at Canisius.  Although written primarily for the undergraduate student, it contains considerable information of value to graduate students. Extensive information is provided on student organizations, student services and student housing. The handbook also contains the student code of conduct and other student life policies; these apply equally to both graduate and undergraduate students. Copies are widely distributed in the fall  semester, and are also available at any time in the Office of  Student Affairs, the Office of Residence Life and the Student Center office.