by Makayla Cole | Dec 11, 2025 | Staff
In Dr. Ertorer’s Identity, Power, & Society course, sociology and honors students collaborated on a project designed to raise awareness about the issues and challenges faced by various social identities. Throughout the semester, students explored how structural inequalities, social expectations, and cultural narratives shape peoples lived experiences.
Working in small groups, students researched several key topics, including racial microaggressions, the experiences of immigrants, the mental health pressures faced by student-athletes, and women’s reproductive rights. Each group analyzed research, case studies, and personal narratives to better understand the realities behind these issues.
Students took action to raise awareness within our campus community by tabling, collecting petitions, interviewing students, and creating educational videos, pamphlets, and presentations across campus. The project offered students a meaningful way to connect classroom learning with real social issues, encouraging them to think critically and consider the role they can play in promoting awareness and understanding within their own communities.
by Makayla Cole | Dec 2, 2025 | Staff
Officers from the Ocean City Police Department in Maryland visited Intro to Criminal Justice classes on Thursday, Nov. 20, to share information about employment opportunities as Seasonal Public Safety Officers and full-time Police Officers within the department.
Students have the opportunity to gain internship credit for this opportunity, while getting paid experience in law enforcement. The Criminal Justice and Sociology Department continues to strengthen its commitment to career readiness. By bringing Ocean City Police to campus, the department ensures that students are directly exposed to real job and internship pathways that align with their academic interests.
Officers Jared and Justin spoke about how they were recruited into the program, explained what might disqualify applicants, showcased their training and specialty assignments (including mounted police!), and shared stories from their work in the field. They also shared with students that the opportunity allows for them to do actual “hands-on” experience with public service and the opportunity to become FBI trained in specialized skills, such as fingerprinting a crime scene. All of the skills gained from this opportunity are relevant and will help students to build marketable skills on their resume.
This opportunity is NOT limited to only CRJ/SOC students. Anyone is invited to apply at JOINOCPD.COM. If students are interested in internship information and hours, they can contact Dr. Erin Robinson (robinso5@canisius.edu) for more information.
by Makayla Cole | Nov 21, 2025 | Staff
Students in Dr. Ertorer’s SOC 341: Race & Ethnicity class took a field trip on November 18 to Buffalo’s Michigan Street African American Heritage Corridor. Students visited the Michigan Street Baptist Church to learn about its role as an Underground Railroad site and a historic center of community organizing. They also toured WUFO Black Radio, gaining insight into how the station amplified Black voices and supported cultural and political life in Buffalo.
This experience connects directly to the Sociology Department’s commitment to hands-on, community-based learning. Students were able to apply course concepts to real spaces that have shaped Buffalo’s social history. The field trip highlighted how heritage preservation and storytelling contribute to contemporary conversations about equity, representation and community revitalization. The visit reflects Canisius University’s ongoing commitment to engaging meaningfully with the Buffalo community and its history.
For more information on Michigan Street African American Heritage Corridor visit: https://www.michiganstreetbuffalo.org/
by Makayla Cole | Mar 11, 2025 | Staff
The Canisius Borders and Migration Initiative, Department of Sociology, and Andrew L. Bouwhuis, SJ Library present a book launch and panel discussion. Dr. Secil Ertorer, associate professor in the Department of Sociology at Canisius, will be launching her new book “Racism and Identity in a Xenophobic World: A Post-Pandemic Perspective.” Her brief presentation will be followed by a thought-provoking panel discussion on the politics of identity, exclusion, and division.
The panelists inbclude Dr. Richard Reitsma, director of the Borders and Migration Initiative, and Dr. Anita Butera, director of Criminal Justice Studies, and they will engage with some of the most pressing questions of policies of division. Join us for an insightful conversation on these urgent issues and their impact on our world today.
Date: March 25 at noon
Location: Library Learning Center at the Andrew L. Bouwhuis, SJ Library.
This event is free and open to the public
Submitted by: Makayla Cole, Administrative Associate, College of Arts & Sciences
by Makayla Cole | Feb 11, 2025 | Staff
Join us for an evening of discussion of local environmental issues and how to participate in the solution. Members from local organizations including Buffalo Niagara Waterkeeper and Niagara River Greenway will share a range of projects, such as shoreline restoration pollinator corridors, and provide opportunities to engage in working toward a greener Niagara region.
Learn more about Buffalo Niagara Waterkeeper
Learn more about the Niagara River Greenway
Sponsored by Environmental Studies Program, Department of Sociology, CRJ, and Environmental Studies.
Submitted by: Makayla Cole, Administrative Associate, College of Arts & Sciences
