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Get Involved in the Canisius Community Family Program

As summer comes to a close, for some of us, so do the opportunities to travel across American borders or even the Buffalo city lines. Luckily, the Office of International Student Programs has found a way to bring the world to you. The Canisius Community Family Program provides international students with a support network within the Buffalo community while they are far away from home. Students are matched with families comprised of faculty, staff, alumni or friends of Canisius with common interests and an appreciation for cultural exchanges.

Together, families and students meet once or more a month to enjoy the sights and attractions of Buffalo, a home-cooked meal or any activity of the family’s choosing. Our past and current families have found this experience to be extremely rewarding and educational both for themselves and their family members.

We encourage families to include their student in family gatherings or outings at least once a month and to check-in with them by email, phone or text every other week. The ISP office will host two events each semester to foster communication between the participating families and students. All Canisius community families are invited to sign up and volunteer their time toward a valuable cause. Complete your application, and contact our office with any questions or concerns. Our first event will be held September 16, so mark your calendars and we look forward to hearing from you soon!

If you are interested in hearing more about the program, please contact Niki Pizzutelli by calling x2105 or emailing deckern@canisius.edu.

Submitted by:  Kathleen Brucato, assistant director, residence life

Pilot Exercise Program Offered by Independent Health

Independent Health and the YMCA Buffalo Niagara are pleased to offer Canisius College the opportunity to participate in an exciting exercise program called FitStart. Beginning the week of September 9, this free, 12-week exercise program is designed to provide the guidance, education and support needed to achieve your health and wellness goals.

The FitStart program is designed for those who haven’t exercised in a while and need to get back on track, or even for those who have never exercised before in a gym. FitStart will guide you through every step of the way – from an orientation to properly use fitness equipment, through the completion of an effective exercise plan to help you get the results you want!

FitStart utilizes the concept of small group personal training (about eight participants to two personal trainers) to teach you how to exercise the right way, maximize impact and avoid injuries. While you’ll follow a structured program each week, you’ll also have the opportunity to perform new and innovative exercise techniques with the help of the YMCA trainers, to keep things interesting and fun!

FitStart will offer participants the chance to learn how to live a healthier lifestyle by providing the following:

  • Initial group consultation with personal trainers (8 participants/2 trainers per group)
  • Consultation and guidance about setting goals, barriers, challenges, diet and nutrition
  • Weekly one hour group personal training sessions
  • Weekly homework assignments to track physical activity and exercise at least two additional days per week
  • Three-month membership to the YMCA
  • FitStart welcome kit, which includes a FitStart sport bag, water bottle, YMCA key tag and a fitness journal

The FitStart program will be offered at five YMCA locations throughout Western New York, with group training sessions offered at various days and times during the week, including weekends. Participating YMCA locations include Southtowns, Ken-Ton, Niagara Falls, Northeast and Delaware Ave.

If you are interested in participating in the FitStart program, please email Dawn Rotterman at rottermd@canisius.edu by August 31. There are only a select number of spots available, and a random drawing will be used to select participants for the program if there is a greater response than spots available.

Submitted by:  Dawn Rotterman, associate, human resources

New Student Orientation 2012

New Student Orientation 2012 for all incoming undergraduate freshmen, transfer, and international students will begin Wednesday, August 22 and will run through Sunday, August 26. To view the full orientation schedule, please visit the summer orientation website.

As the new students begin to arrive, please join our Orientation Leaders in welcoming the class of 2016 and transfer students to the Canisius community.

Submitted by:  Connie M. Pileri, director, campus programming & new student orientation

Tuition Exchange & FACHEX Programs for Fall 2013 Start

Faculty or staff members with a minimum of three years of full-time employment at Canisius College prior to August 2013 that have a dependent that is interested in applying for Tuition Exchange or FACHEX (Jesuit College Exchange) for a Fall 2013 start, please e-mail Sean Hudson in the Office of Financial Aid at hudson2@canisius.edu with the following information by October 31:

  • Dependent full name, address, phone number and E-mail address
  • The last four digits of the dependent’s social security number
  • Faculty/staff name, contact information and number of years employed at Canisius
  • Grade level of student at the beginning of the Fall 2013 semester (Freshman, Sophomore, etc)
  • Full names of the schools to have certifications sent to

View a list of schools participating in the Tuition Exchange program.

View a list of schools participating in the FACHEX program.

Note that some schools participate in both programs.

The Tuition Exchange and FACHEX programs are very competitive and spots are limited. The college cannot guarantee acceptance into either program, but early submission is important. Please check with Admissions Office at the selected schools to see if additional information is required. For questions or more information, contact Sean Hudson, Assistant Director of Financial Aid, at hudson2@canisius.edu or at Ext. 2300.

Submitted by:  Sean Hudson, assistant director, financial aid

Men’s Soccer Home Opener to Be Televised

The Canisius College Golden Griffin men’s soccer team hosts the University @ Buffalo, Friday, August 24 at 7 p.m. on the pitch at the Demske Sports Complex. The game will be carried locally by Time Warner Cable, and the first 50 freshmen students will receive a complimentary drawstring bag from Time Warner. Friday night’s game is also the season opener for the Griffs and second year coach Dermot McGrane. For additional information visit gogriffs.com.

Submitted by: John Maddock, associate athletic director – external affairs, athletics