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.
Register for Spring New Griff Orientation
New Student and Transfer Orientation is scheduled for Tuesday, January 13, 2026
Residential Students Must Register for Early Arrival
New Students are elible to move into their residence hall rooms on Monday, January 12 - as you are moving in for Orientation you are exempt from an early arrival charge - however, if you need to arrive before this date there is a $15.00 per night early arrival charge that will be added to your student account.
All residential students should register for their early arrival at:
Schedule for Students
Tuesday, January 13:
Session Name: | Facilitator(s): | Time: |
Check-In and Breakfast | N/A | 9:00 AM – 9:20 AM |
Dean of Students | Mike Yates | 10:00AM-10:45AM |
School Spirit | Mikle Kochynski | 10:45AM-11:15AM |
Where is Science Hall? | OLs | 11:15 AM – 12:00 PM |
Lunch | President Stoute and Vice President of Student Affairs Dr. Fields | 12:00PM-1:00PM |
Stay Golden, Griffins: An Introduction to Student Success at Canisius! | Shana Richardson, Center for Student Success | 1:00 PM –1:30 PM |
Campus Ministry | Spencer Liechty. Assistant Vice President for Mission Integration | 1:30PM-2:00PM |
Supporting Your Transition to Canisius - “We Are Here For You!” | Eileen Niland, Counseling Center | 2:00 PM – 2:30 PM |
Student Health Center | Tracie Barletta, Director of Student Health Services | 2:30PM-3:00PM |
Title IX | Petrina Hill-Cheatom, Associate Dean of Students/Title IX Coordinator | 3:00PM-3:30PM |
Respect for Self and Others | Mark Piatkowski, Director of University Housing Operations & Community Standards | 3:30PM – 4:00 PM |
Campus Safety | Randy Szukala, Director of Campus Security | 4:00 PM – 4:30 PM |
Student Engagement | Jason Francey, Director of Student Engagement and Leadership Development | 4:30PM-5:00PM |
Dinner |
| 5:00PM-6:00PM |
Evening Event |
| TBD |
Orientation Check-In Information:
Check-In
Students may begin checking in for orientation at 9:00am in the Winter Student Center.
Parking:
Below is a map of the campus. Orientation will be held in the Winter Student Center located where the blue circle is. Students can still purchase a virtual parking pass online at www.parking.canisius.edu, commuters will need to parking in the lots noted by the red rectangles.
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.
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/
***A Note for all incoming International and Exchange Students***
International students, you must plan your arrival for the mandatory International Student Orientation program. Following International Student Orientation (Monday, January 12th), you will transition to the New Griff Orientation program on Tuesday, January 13th. For more information about International Student Orientation, don't hesitate to contact the Center for International Education at 716-888-2400 or visit the center's website.