We are thrilled that you’ve chosen to become part of the Canisius family. To support your transition and set you up for success, we’ve designed the New Griff Orientation program to provide a strong foundation for your undergraduate journey. This program offers engaging opportunities to connect with classmates, explore campus, prepare for your academic experience, and begin building your sense of belonging within the Canisius community.
Only One Session Remains: Friday, August 21st
This final session is a one day experience
Schedule for Students
Schedule of Events
| Time | Student Schedule |
| 8:00am-9:00am | Check-In/Breakfast |
| 9:00am-9:30am | Welcome/Talk Like a Griff |
| 9:30am-10:00am | Life of a Canisius Student |
| 10:00am-10:30am | Student Success |
| 10:30am-11:00am | School Spirit |
| 11:00am-11:30am | Campus Ministry |
| 11:30am-12:00pm | Joining the Canisius Community |
| 12:00pm-1:00pm | Lunch |
| 1:00pm-2:00pm | Canisius Computes/Small Groups |
| 2:00pm | First-Years: First FYE Class |
| 2:00pm | Transfers: Classroom Tours |
| 3:00pm | Convocation |
| 4:00pm | Playfair |
| 7:00pm | Challenge Accepted Game Show |
Orientation Check-In Information:
Check-In
Students may begin checking in for orientation at 8:00am inside Science Hall.
Parking:
Students should parking in the Science Hall parking lot.
Extended Orientation
Requirements and Deadlines for New Students
All new undergraduate students at Canisius University are required to complete four online courses focused on health, safety, belonging, and academic integrity. Graduate students are required to complete one course. These courses are provided through Vector Solutions, and each includes a Part One and Part Two.
Vector Solutions course links and instructions will be sent directly to your Canisius email address.
RAISE, an additional course, requires separate registration and will not be emailed automatically. You must sign up directly for the instructions that are on your checklist in GriffConnect.
Please ensure that you check your Canisius email regularly and complete all required components by the first day of classes of the semester. If you do not complete your requirements, you will have a hold placed on your account until you complete it.
| Undergraduate Students | Graduate Students |
| AlcoholEdu for College (Part 1: 1.5 - 2 hours, Part 2: 15 minutes) | Sexual Assault Prevention for Graduate Students (Part 1: 1 hour, Part 2: 15 minutes) |
| Diversity, Inclusion & Belonging for Students (Part 1: 1 hour, Part 2: 15 minutes) | |
| Sexual Assault Prevention for Undergraduates (Part 1: 1 hour, Part 2: 15 minutes) | |
| Raising Academic Integrity Standards in Education (Part 1: 55 minutes) |
Please use a computer with internet access and a current web browser (released within the past two years). Audio capabilities are recommended. The course is accessible for students with hearing or visual impairments—please contact the Office of Student Life at orient@canisius.edu if you need accommodations. All survey responses are strictly confidential. Canisius University will only receive aggregate data about the student body and will never see individual student responses.
All international students who are unable to attend the summer sessions will automatically be registered for the final orientation session on Friday, August 21. This session is in addition to International Student Orientation, which will take place on Wednesday, August 19, and Thursday, August 20.
For more information about International Student Orientation, please contact the Center for International Education at ispmail@canisius.edu.
Contact Us!
Have questions regarding New Griff Orientation? Contact us by email, phone, or by direct messaging us on Instagram:
P: (716) 888-2190
E: orient@canisius.edu
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/canisius_ngo/