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University Closing or Delay Policy Due to Weather

by | Dec 2, 2024 | Staff

Please take a moment to review the university’s procedures and plans for communication of any impact of weather on normal university activities.

There are several possible options for altering the university’s regular operation due to weather:

  1. Cancellation of all in-person classes; staff expected to report.
  2. Closing the university; only essential operating personnel should report.
  3. Delay of opening; essential operating personnel should report at their regular time, and other personnel should report once the university is open.
  4. Early closing of the university .

Decisions about changes to the university’s operations are based on evaluating the effects of current and forecasted conditions on the safety of students, faculty, and staff. There are generally two decision points each day – one in the early morning and a second in the afternoon.

Early Morning Decisions

The decision to close or delay the opening of the university will be made by a group that represents Facilities, Public Safety, Academic Affairs, Student Affairs, University Communications, and Business and Finance. This group will assess the current conditions, the weather forecast, and the likely effects on university operation and safety. Any decision to alter the regular operations of the university will be communicated to the Canisius community by 6:00 a.m. through the following methods/outlets:

Afternoon Decisions

Daytime decisions for early dismissal or cancellation of remaining classes will be made no later than 2:30 p.m. If a decision is made to cancel evening classes (classes beginning after 4:00 p.m.), it will be communicated no later than 2:45 p.m. via the methods/outlets listed above.

Additional Considerations

Cancellation During Final Exam Period

This year, final exams will occur from Monday, Dec. 9, to Friday, Dec. 13. If classes are canceled for a day during the final exam period, the closing announcement will include information about the rescheduled exams, which will generally occur on Saturday, Dec. 14, for weekday exams. The university will not cancel exams unless there is a driving ban in Buffalo.

Individual Class Cancellations

Individual course instructors may cancel or choose to hold specific courses remotely when the university is operating normally. Full-time faculty should communicate such changes directly to students via the D2L email feature and/or the class listproc. Department chairs may request notification of any unplanned individual class changes. Adjunct faculty should communicate such changes directly to students via the D2L email feature and/or class listproc and inform their department chair. Faculty should specify their planned cancellation procedure in their syllabus. Students have a responsibility to regularly check their D2L email feature as well as any communication from their instructors.

Campus Events and Other Offices

For campus events during evening hours, weekends and holidays, please see the Severe Weather Cancellation Procedures from the Office of Events Services for directions. Except under special circumstances, the Women’s Business Center and the Center for Professional Development will follow the decision made by the main campus. Admissions (716 -888-2200) and Alumni Relations will control any scheduled weekend events. For Library operations and hours during inclement weather closings, please visit the Library’s website at https://library.canisius.edu/.

Event Cancellations Due to Severe Weather Policy

 Academic Preparedness

Faculty are encouraged to consult the Preparedness for Academic Continuity guide, which describes ways that professors can use online resources to replace classroom class sessions rather than lose time and force adjustments to course schedules.

Important Numbers

Main switchboard: 716-883-7000

Public Safety (watch commander): 716-888-2330

NYS Thruway (1610 AM): 1-800-847-8929

Canisius Alert System

If you have not signed up for the Canisius Alert System, please sign up at MyCanisius under the Campus Services quick links. You may receive notifications by text, phone call, and/or email.

Please visit the Academic Affairs University Closing or Delay Due to Weather wiki page for further details on university policies.

Submitted by: Amy Beiter, Curriculum and Student Support Project Associate, Academic Affairs

Embedding Equity: Practical Strategies and Tools

by | Nov 12, 2024 | Staff

 

The Office of Diversity and Inclusion will host a DEI workshop titled Embedding Equity: Practical Strategies and Tools on Tuesday, Nov. 19, from 2:30-4:00 p.m. in the Grupp Fireside Lounge of the Richard E. Winter ’42 Student Center. The workshop will be presented by Angell Howard, a two-time graduate of Illinois State University with a bachelor’s degree in psychology and a master’s degree in social work.

Join us as we delve into the essential concepts of equity, offering actionable strategies for staff and faculty members to embed equity principles into every aspect of their roles. Through interactive discussions and real-world case studies, attendees will acquire practical strategies to recognize and address challenges in supporting students and colleagues effectively.  By the end of the session, participants will be equipped with the tools needed to foster an equitable academic environment that nurtures student, staff, and faculty success and champions a culture of diversity and inclusion.

Register here.

Submitted by: Amy Beiter, curriculum and student support project associate, Academic Affairs

Fall 2024 DEI Workshop

by | Nov 5, 2024 | Staff

The Office of Diversity and Inclusion will host a DEI workshop titled Embedding Equity: Practical Strategies and Tools on Tuesday, Nov. 19, from 2:30-4 p.m. in Grupp Fireside Lounge, Richard E. Winter ’42 Student Center. The workshop will be presented by Angell Howard, a two-time graduate of Illinois State University with a bachelor’s degree in psychology and a master’s degree in social work

Join us as we delve into the essential concepts of equity, offering actionable strategies for staff and faculty members to embed equity principles into every aspect of their roles. Through interactive discussions and real-world case studies, attendees will acquire practical strategies to recognize and address challenges in supporting students and colleagues effectively.  By the end of the session, participants will be equipped with the tools needed to foster an equitable academic environment that nurtures student, staff, and faculty success and champions a culture of diversity and inclusion.

Register here.

Submitted by: Amy Beiter, curriculum and student support project associate, Academic Affairs

POSTPONED: Practical Application for Supporting Neurodiverse Students

by | Oct 22, 2024 | Staff

The Practical Application for Supporting Neurodiverse Students workshop scheduled for today, Wednesday, October 23 at 2:30 p.m. in the Student Center, Grupp Fireside Lounge has been postponed.

We apologize for any inconvenience.

Please watch for additional information regarding a new date to be scheduled this spring.

Submitted by: Amy Beiter, curriculum and student support project associate, Academic Affairs

New Student Convocation

by | Aug 7, 2024 | Staff

Join us in welcoming our incoming class at our 2nd Annual New Student Convocation on Friday, August 23 at 2:00 p.m. in the Koessler Athletic Center! As a part of the event, new students will process in through two lines of faculty and staff paralleling the procession at commencement.

All faculty and staff attending are encouraged to wear Canisius gear for the occasion! RSVP at https://forms.gle/otdDbKEeTRmCwwZ8A by August 16.  There will be a reception immediately following the event.

Submitted by: Amy Beiter, curriculum and student support project associate, Academic Affairs