Academic and Student Life Resources

Entering transfer students have their transcripts from other institutions evaluated and applied to the graduation requirements at Canisius University. Prior to the evaluation, students may conduct a preliminary transfer evaluation here. After the transcript evaluation, initial scheduling will be done by an Assistant/Associate Dean, in consultation with the department advisor and based on the transfer credits that have been applied. In subsequent semesters, transfer students who enter with a declared major are advised by a faculty member in the major. Undeclared transfer students will be advised in the Griff Center until a major declaration has been made. The Griff Center also has a transfer student liaison who is available to answer questions, to assist with various advising topics, and to support new transfer students in their transition to a new college environment.

The Canisius University Bookstore can supply students books via online ordering or in-person pick up. Students have the option, in many cases to rent (or own) new (or used) textbooks. The Bookstore also stocks school supplies, Canisius-branded gifts, and a variety of snack foods. The Bookstore is located in the lower level of the Student Center.

The Core Curriculum is a program of courses required of all Canisius undergraduate students. The Core reflects the Catholic and Jesuit mission and goals of Canisius University, and it is the signature program of the College. While many courses taken at other institutions may be transferred in, there are some courses unique to Canisius that transfer students will be required to take at Canisius. The Griff Audit (see below) will evaluate all transferred courses and will indicate those Core and major courses that still need to be taken.

The All-College Honors Program offers a parallel core curriculum for students who qualify for the program. Contact the Honors Director to determine what credits can be accepted in Honors. The Honors program will accept up to half of outside credits in the program.

All students have access to the “Griff Audit,” an online resource that inventories students’ major, minor, and Core requirements and indicates where requirements are complete, in progress, or not yet completed. Students are encouraged to conduct a Griff Audit before every registration period to monitor progress toward degree completion.

To view housing options on campus, click here. For transfer students, the options include independent living areas that provide privacy along with common areas for socialization. Students may choose from a number of floor layouts, including suites, singles, and apartment-style units.

All students are required to have a Canisius University Student ID Card. Students should submit/upload a photo for their ID cards by following these instructions:

• Log into the MyCanisius portal with the assigned username and password, ‘click’ on the ID Card Photo button located on the left hand column of the portal page, and follow the instructions. 
• When the photo has been approved, students will be notified by email, and the cards will be available for pick up at New Student Orientation.

Transfer students who do not come with the necessary Mathematics and/or English courses will be placed, based on a combination of SAT/ACT scores and high school averages, in those subjects.

The primary means of communication within the campus community is the Canisius portal, known as “MyCanisius.” Students can access their email, learning management system (Desire 2 Learn), registration, and other internal accounts through this single portal. Students are encouraged to log into their portal account daily to receive important messages, log into necessary services, and to become more engaged in campus life.

The Undergraduate Student Association (USA) now distributes monthly NFTA CRAM Pass on an as needed basis. You may contact the USA or Student Life at 716-888-8300 for additional information.

Students normally enroll in four or five 3- or 4-credit hour courses each semester. A student will be considered full-time while taking a minimum of 12 credits. Students who wish to enroll in more than 18 hours will incur an additional tuition charge.