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We received official word from Rev. John J. Cecero, SJ, provincial for the USA Northeast Province, that Rev. Arturo Sosa, SJ, Superior General of the Society of Jesus, reviewed Canisius College’s Mission Priority Examen Self-Study and visiting team report and confirmed Canisius’ Catholic and Jesuit identity.  

The announcement was received earlier this month, approximately 10 months after the visiting team arrived at Canisius to conduct their review.  At the end of 2018, they formally issued their support to affirm Canisius as a Catholic, Jesuit institution of higher education and the self-study along with their report was submitted to the Jesuit Conference Coordinating Committee, the UNE Provincial, the President of the Jesuit Conference of Provincials and the President of the AJCU. After the local provincial completed his review, the reports and recommendations were sent to Father General this past spring.

The Mission Priority Examen process was a robust, year-long review to assist university leadership and the Society of Jesus assure the Catholic and Jesuit mission and identity of the Jesuit colleges and universities in the United States. 

For us, the Examen revealed the impressive and extensive range of mission-related work being done at Canisius – through the curriculum, service in the community, student services, ministry, and in many other ways within our operation.  It also enabled us to develop a roadmap to continually improve on the ways in which we live the mission, and these priorities will be woven into our strategic plans.  Specifically, we will:

  • Work to be more intentional about incorporating the Catholic, Jesuit mission and educational philosophy into academics
  • Develop greater integration of service and learning for students
  • Better understand and embrace issues of diversity and inclusion
  • Address the implications of being a Jesuit university with a diminishing Jesuit presence.

These are challenging and important goals for us but overall, the results of the Examen are a great point of pride for Canisius.  Thank you for all that you do to bring the mission to life and instill in our students the values and knowledge that will lead them to live lives of meaning, for and with others.

Log into the MyCanisius Portal to read the Mission Examen Self Study Report.

Submitted by: John J. Hurley, President, Canisius College