Griff Center for Student Success
The Griff Center for Student Success represents a collaboration between the Office of Academic Affairs and the Office of Student Affairs that provides comprehensive programs, services, and resources to support student academic and career success and a transformative learning experience grounded in our Catholic, Jesuit mission.
The mission of The Griff Center for Student Success is to serve our transformative learning community in the spirit of cura personalis, care for the whole person, through opportunities and services which develop and empower students to achieve academic and career success.
This Griff Center is made up of a dedicated team of success and career coaches committed to student retention and persistence. There are three distinct groups of student development experts working within the Griff Center for Student Success: Academic Achievement Team, Career Development Team, and Support Services Team. Each team is housed together in three locations to effectively serve our students based upon their respective function.
Pathfinders Academic Exploration Program
The Griff Center for Student Success provides advisement for Pathfinder students as they explore potential fields of study that best match their interests and goals. By working collaboratively with the team of professionals within the Griff Center, Pathfinder students have exposure to career development tools and academic major exploration. The Griff Center provides comprehensive advisement that empowers students to take responsibility for their educational, career, and personal goals. Additionally, the Griff Center team is dedicated to creating a supportive and friendly atmosphere where students feel comfortable seeking assistance.
Academic Achievement (OM 013)
The Academic Achievement team is available to support all Canisius students in a variety of ways including, but limited to, advisement of first year students, still deciding students , and student athletes. Additionally, the team is responsible for working with students to set academic goals and assist with their academic success. The Academic Achievement team provides many supports to students, in addition to the following:
First Year Course Scheduling: Collaborate with academic departments to ensure new students have a positive academic transition from high school to college by creating a schedule based on their academic goals. Canisius has a faculty advising model where during a student’s first semester, they will be assigned a faculty adviser within their major department. For students who are still deciding (Pathfinders), a member of student success serves as their advisor.
Student Athletes: Specialized academic assistance for Division 1 NCAA student athletes
Care and Concern Management: Create a network of support for students who are academically at-risk or are experiencing any challenges during their pursuit of their educational goals.
Career Development (HO 014)
The Career Development team assists students with their career goals through strategic partnerships with employers and our Canisius faculty. This team supports our students through one-on-one career coaching, alumni connections, on campus recruitment, and career events. The Career Development team provides the following services to students:
Career Coaching: Available for all students seeking assistance in exploring and defining their career interests. Students can work with their dedicated career coach to review resumes, cover letters, and LinkedIn profiles; practice interviewing skills; learn how to effectively job and internship search, gain networking opportunities, and more!
Handshake: Canisius’ exclusive online career management system available to all students and alumni. To access full-time, part-time, on-campus jobs and internship postings, as well as information on career events and resources, go to your MyCanisius student portal and find Handshake under “My Applications.”
Alumni Career Services: As a benefit of being a graduate of Canisius, alumni can utilize the services of the Career Development team to assist in the job search process.
Support Services (OM - 3rd Floor)
The Support Services team offers individualized support to student success at Canisius through the following services:
Study Center (OM 311): An area where students can focus on their work in a quiet environment.
Tutoring Center (OM 315): Tutors are available in various academic disciplines to help address student needs.
Student Accessibility Services (OM 317): Committed to creating equal access for all Canisius students with disabilities, Student Accessibility Services helps meet individual needs and oversees the administration of reasonable accommodations and proctoring exams. Academic and non-academic accommodations are determined on a case-by-case/course-by-course basis after review of a student’s official documentation.
Testing Center (OM 317): The Testing Center assists in proctoring make-up exams for the campus community. Students must determine the feasibility of a make-up exam with their professor prior to making arrangements with the testing center.
Scuba Zone: Academic Mentoring Center (OM 318): Meet regularly with a mentor to reach your academic goals.
Veteran Resource Center (OM 304): The Veteran Resource Center is a comfortable space where our veterans can study and relax in-between classes. The Griff Center supports our veterans through various programs and services.
