Housing and Residence Life

Housing on campus is provided in a variety of living environments to meet varying needs of students.

Canavan Hall, housing approximately 260 students, is primarily used as first-year and new student housing.  Canavan is a five-story suite-style residence hall. Two bedrooms share a bathroom; lounges and laundry facilities are on each floor. Rooms are either doubled or tripled, and all floors are co-ed living by suite.

The Campus Apartments,  housing 384 students, is a complex of seven two-story apartment-style buildings, providing housing typically for upperclass students. Each apartment houses between four and six students and consists of four bedrooms, two bathrooms, a living room, and a full kitchen. Laundry facilities are available within each building.

Daemen University collaborates with Collegiate Village, an independently operated housing complex, which typically houses upperclass students. Housing is apartment-style and includes laundry facilities within each apartment.  Transportation is provided between Collegiate Village and Daemen’s campus.

At times, housing demand exceeds the available beds on campus. When that happens, Daemen works with local hotel partners and students are housed there until a space on campus or in Collegiate Village is available.

A trained Residence Life staff member is available to assist residential students with their social, academic, and personal needs. Living on campus provides a student’s place of residence as an integral part of the total educational experience.

Breakfast, lunch and dinner are served on weekdays in the Wick Student Center; brunch and dinner are served on Saturdays and Sundays. Adequate parking is available for non-Canavan resident students who need to park their cars on campus. Students residing in Canavan Hall are able to have cars, but must park them at Collegiate Village.  Canavan Hall residents pay a reduced parking fee for their pass.  All vehicles (including those belonging to Canavan residents) must be registered with the University; parking permits are required.

Residence Halls are open only while classes are in session. If housing is needed during breaks and holidays, students must complete a break housing form in accordance with the timeline set forth by the Housing & Residence Life Office. Students requesting to stay must be granted approval and must have a Daemen-related reason to stay on campus (e.g., athletics, class).

Daemen University Housing Residency Requirement

All first-time, full-time students who reside outside of a 30-mile radius from campus are required to live in on-campus housing during their first two (2) years at Daemen University (four consecutive semesters total). If a student is commuting from home and residing with parent(s) or legal guardian(s) they are exempt from the on-campus residency requirement.

Incoming transfer students who have had prior on-campus housing at another institution will be able to count that time towards this requirement. Incoming transfer students who are over age 23 prior to the start of the semester for which they are enrolling will be able to request exemption from this policy. 

In order for the Office of Residence Life to assist students as best possible, students need to follow strict timelines in order to be placed where they have requested. For dates and timelines, please refer to the Residence Life website.

Gender Inclusive Housing

The Office of Housing and Residence Life permits non-first year students of any gender to room with one another in a campus apartment. Students who are interested in this living arrangement must request this option as a group during the housing selection process. Students living in the same gender inclusive apartment must keep separate bedrooms.  The University does not assign students of different genders to the same apartment unless students agree to this arrangement.

Commuter Life

Over half of the student body commutes to campus. During the day and after classes, many commuters study in the Research & Information Commons (RIC) or socialize in the Wick Student Center. Commuter students are encouraged to become involved in student organizations and to participate in student activities. Information about campus life and student events is provided through the Daemen website and regular Daemen University email communications. Commuter students may bring a bag lunch or purchase a la carte meals at The Wildcat Den. More substantial, all-you-can-eat meals may be purchased in the dining hall for cash or with “CAT Cash.” Private lockers for commuter students are available in several campus academic buildings. Parking permits are required of all persons (residents, commuters, faculty, staff, and visitors).  Apply for a parking permit via your MyDaemen page.

Wick Student Center

The Wick Student Center serves as the “living room” of our campus, where students, faculty, staff, and community members alike can meet. The Wick Student Center houses a variety of multi-purpose rooms, community areas, the campus game-room, and is also home to our main dining options on campus. With doors open to students 24 hours a day, the Wick Student Center offers something for everyone, whether they are looking for a place to sit and study, or a place to socialize with friends outside of the classroom. The Wick Student Center is also home to various administrative offices, including Student Affairs, Student Activities, Residence Life, the CHIP Center, Career Services, and Campus Safety.

Student Activities

Student activities provide for the development of leadership skills and social interaction outside the classroom. The Student Activities Office helps guide students in forming recognized organizations and in planning a variety of events. All students in good academic standing are encouraged to join in extracurricular activities including the Student Government Association, Greek fraternities and sororities, honors societies, special interest groups, academic clubs, and student publications.

Student Government Association

The single most important element in the student self-governing process at Daemen University is the Student Government Association (SGA). All students are ipso facto members of the Student Government Association, and the Student Activities fee, collected by the University provides the budget with which the Student Government Association operates its comprehensive programs and cooperative efforts with administrators and faculty to enhance the social and academic life of the University.

Each spring Daemen University holds an election for the four Student Government Association Executive Board members and four of the five class representatives.  The first year class representative is elected at the beginning of the fall semester. These five representatives together with the four member Executive Board comprise the nine member Student Government Association Senate.

The purpose of the Student Government Association Senate is to act as students’ official representative, to articulate students’ views, and to advocate for students’ best interests with the administration, faculty, other campus groups, and the community in general.  The Student Association Senate also votes on recognized student organization funding requests and works closely with the Student Activities Office on all aspects of campus programming.

Publications

Students interested in writing, photography, art, and graphic design produce Daemen’s online newspaper, The Insight, and the University’s literary magazine, Iconoclast.   These publications provide an opportunity for students in any major to develop additional marketable skills and contribute to collegial discourse and student life.

Intercollegiate Athletics, Intramurals, and Club Sports

Area Social Activities and Recreation

Social gatherings and events, plays, movies, concerts, lectures, recitals, and art exhibits are scheduled on campus throughout the year. Eleven colleges and universities in the area provide constant opportunities for social and cultural enrichment. The Buffalo area is well known for its architectural and historical heritage; its cultural vitality in the form of art galleries, history and science museums, a zoo and a botanical garden, theaters, clubs, music groups, and a wonderful philharmonic orchestra; and its professional football, hockey, lacrosse, and baseball teams. Scores of good restaurants cater to almost every taste in dining, from gourmet to fast-food, with a wide diversity of cuisines and cultures represented. There are theme parks at Darien Lake and Niagara Falls. Lake Erie and Lake Ontario beaches provide swimming and boating. Cross-country ski and hiking trails are everywhere in suburban Buffalo, with downhill ski slopes an hour’s drive away. The Genesee River Gorge, the Finger Lakes, and the Southern Tier woods and waterways offer nearby outdoor recreation all year. The Artpark, Chautauqua, and Niagara-on-the-Lake festivals and special events enrich Western New York’s cultural and intellectual life. The city’s metropolitan area bus system serves the campus and the subway runs from downtown Buffalo to a point on Main Street a mile away from Daemen.

Student Success Center

The Student Success Center (SSC) includes the Office of Academic Advisement, Academic Support and Engagement, Arthur O. Eve Higher Education Program, and Accessibility Services. The SSC is located on the first floor of the Research and Information Commons (RIC), (716) 839-8228.

Academic Advisement

All students are assigned advisors – full-time faculty in the department of each student’s declared major – who are available during registration periods and throughout the academic year to assist students. Students who have not yet declared a major are advised by professional staff advisors in the Office of Academic Advisement. Academic advisors and faculty advisors are available to help students make appropriate decisions related to scheduling, course sequencing, degree requirements, changing majors, and other university regulations.

The Academic Advisement office works closely with students and offers guidance on academic, personal, and social matters. Academic Advisement staff monitor students’ academic progress,  assist students with their adjustment to the University, maintain close contact with the faculty, and provide special counseling to students on academic probation.

Academic Support and Engagement

Academic coaching (tutoring) services are free for all Daemen students.  Academic coaches – experienced peers who have been recommended by faculty and completed a training program – are available for course content, writing, and study techniques.  A Writing Specialist is available to work with undergraduate and graduate students to improve their writing skills.

Natsci Educational Resource Direction (NERD) is an academic support for selected natural science courses. NERD assistance methods vary by course and may include opportunities to post questions in discussion boards, video resources on current lecture topics, study strategy guides, and face to face Words with NERDS (walk-in sessions where students can speak with upper division NERD Guides about course content application).

Students are encouraged to meet with the Director of Academic Support and Engagement to discuss study skills information, including strategies for overcoming academic difficulties. At Academic Support and Engagement, you will find help with time management/procrastination, techniques for memory improvement, strategies for test taking, and information about your personal learning style. (daemen.edu/coach)

Arthur O. Eve Higher Education Program

This State and University sponsored program is designed for New York State residents who do not meet the traditional credentials for university admission but who have the potential for academic success. To be eligible for the Arthur O. Eve Higher Education Opportunity Program, applicants must have a high school or equivalency diploma and historical financial need. Special documentation of income is required in order to establish economic eligibility in accordance with state guidelines. HEOP students participate in the TRI Scholars Academy,  an intensive five week residential summer program that provides an orientation to academic life at Daemen and opportunities for personal growth. Students will receive a rigorous educational experience designed to prepare them for the expectations of university life including improving proficiency in math, reading, writing, and study skills. Throughout the academic year students will receive individual and group counseling addressing financial, academic, and personal matters.

Services for Students with Disabilities

Students with permanent or temporary disabilities may self-disclose to the Director of Accessibility Services at 716-839-8228 to begin the interactive process to determine reasonable and appropriate accommodations within the academic setting or the campus environment (student housing, dining, etc.). Reasonable accommodations are determined on a case-by-case basis and may not fundamentally alter the nature of a program, course, program or activity. 

Please see Accommodation of Students with Disabilities and Disability Documentation Guidelines for more information

Campus Store

The Daemen University Campus Store (Barnes & Noble #8388), located on the ground floor of Duns Scotus Hall, carries all required and optional textbooks (new and used), as well as study and exam guides. Daemen University’s All Access Pass program gives you access to all of your course materials before the first day of class.  For more details on the All Access Pass visit us at Daemen.edu/allaccesspass.

The campus store also carries school supplies, trade books, art supplies, Daemen University clothing, and gifts. Research and supplementary texts can be special ordered. The campus store accepts cash, Mastercard, Visa, Discover, and American Express. We also make arrangements with the office of student accounts to set up “book credit” accounts for students who wish to use their financial aid for the purchase of textbooks and supplies. Visit the college store at daemen.bncollege.com or from the Daemen home page under “student services.”

Career Services

The Career Services commitment to our students begins the first day on campus and lasts throughout the student’s lifetime.  The offices provides a multitude of free services and support to prepare and empower students to achieve their career goals.

The benefit of a small university is Daemen’s personalized approach.   This student-centered approach includes advising, offering individualized assessments, the iCAP (individual Career Action Plan), leadership programs and networking events as well as career lectures specific to our majors.  Students have the opportunity to attend many programs on campus, including Recruiters on Campus, professional panel discussions, resume preparation workshops, and networking events.

Career Services works closely with Global Programs to support international internships as a stand-alone opportunity or added as part of the international educational experience.  Students should meet with a Career Services Adviser to explore these opportunities.  Information about these programs is also provided by GPO throughout the academic year.

Career Services staff have real-world experience and in business and community connections to ensure the creation of a successful career strategy.  More information can be found on the department website: daemen.edu/career. To schedule an appointment, please call (716) 839-8334.

Career Field Experience

The Career Field Experience program provides students with the opportunity to gain work experience related to their academic major. Students may earn up to 12 hours of academic credit for internships during their university career. Organizations include locally and nationally recognized businesses, industry, government, health-related facilities, and educational and cultural institutions.

Successful completion of the online CFE 97-Career Preparation, Exploration, and Professionalism Seminar (CPEP) is required prior to approval of the Career Field Experience. There is no charge for this seminar.

Opportunities with the Washington Internship Institute (wiidc.org) are also available fall and spring semester through the University’s partnership in Washington, D.C.  Opportunities with the New York State Assembly Internship program (assembly.state.ny.us/internship/) are available spring semester through the University’s partnership in Albany, NY. The New York State Assembly Internship Committee awards a stipend to each Session Intern. More information on both opportunities can be found at daemen.edu/career.

Classroom & Events Technology

Classroom & Events Technology provides the University community with classroom technology support and instructional equipment such as computers and video projectors, document cameras, digital video cameras, sound reinforcement, and many other types of digital and analog equipment. Students and organizations may request the use of equipment through email at: cet@daemen.edu or by phone: (716) 839-8430.

Computing Services

Computing is an integral part of a Daemen education. All faculty and students have been issued an email account and access to our high-speed network, available from their offices and residence hall rooms. Many courses mix web content, online discussion groups, and other electronic resources with traditional lectures and in-class discussions, for a rich and varied learning environment.

While there is no requirement for students to buy computing equipment, over 95% of our students have their own computers, most being laptops. Use of technology in one of the public computing labs allows you access to a wide variety of resources free of charge. These areas, located in the Research & Information Commons and the Business Building, contain Windows or Mac computers with productivity software installed and high-speed internet access. Software is updated regularly, and hardware is updated every three to five years. During the fall and spring semesters, these labs are open 118 hours each week. Departmental labs for animation, graphic design, natural sciences, mathematics, and psychology have additional computer equipment available for students taking classes in those disciplines.

The Office of Information Technology provides support for the instructional, research and communication needs of the university community. A 1Gbps Ethernet and wireless network are provided across all offices, classrooms, labs, and residence halls. Students, faculty, and staff have access to a variety of local technology services such as Blackboard, Self-Service, and MyDaemen websites. Students living on campus can access this high-speed network free of charge. Faculty and students living off-campus can access many of our technology systems remotely.

The Office of Information Technology supports a standard suite of software for email, web browsing, word processing, virus protection, and other standard needs. Daemen University is a Google campus, and utilizes their suite of applications for email, web browsing, word processing, and other standard needs. Daemen also have licensing agreements with Adobe, Microsoft, IBM SPSS, and others to provide our students, faculty, and staff with access to the most widely used productivity software.

Faculty may use dedicated computer classrooms for hands-on computer instruction or use cart-based wireless laptops to turn any conventional classroom into a computer lab. Projection equipment also facilitates computer aided instruction and demonstrations. Faculty may also make computer resources available outside of the classroom on the web via the Blackboard learning management system.

The Research and Information Commons offers online bibliographic searching. University administrative functions are computerized and integrated by means of an Ellucian student information system. More information can be found at: daemen.edu/computing.

CHIP Center – Counseling, Health, Insurance & Prevention

The CHIP Center, Daemen’s student wellness center, is conveniently located on the first floor of the Wick Student Center. The CHIP Center offers student services including but not limited to individual counseling sessions, a wellness kiosk (free, over-the-counter wellness products), referrals to community based services and wellness programming year round. 

Students describe the CHIP Center as a calm, peaceful, welcoming and stress relieving space on campus. In addition to offices and waiting areas, the CHIP Center offers a prayer and meditation room and gender neutral restroom, available 24/7. The CHIP Center team looks forward to helping each student promote lifelong physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being.

Counseling Services

The counselors at Daemen University serve the psychological well-being of the campus community so that students may be successful academically, ethically, spiritually, and personally. All registered Daemen students are eligible to attend up to 15 sessions per academic year free of charge. Services provided include: individual counseling, mediation, consultation, and resource connection. Common reasons students utilize counseling services include mental health needs, interpersonal challenges, and/or coping with academic difficulties. 

All counseling sessions are confidential. Student privacy and trust are of utmost importance and are protected by state laws and professional ethical standards. No information can be released without a student’s written authorization. Confidentiality is legally limited and will be discussed during a student’s first session with their counselor. Students are encouraged to ask questions or express any concerns they have about confidentiality. 

In person counseling appointments take place in the CHIP Center counseling offices (Wick 117-120). Virtual counseling appointments are also available.  To schedule an appointment, students can complete the support form online at daemen.edu/counselingsupport.  

For more information, visit daemen.edu/counseling. 

Health and Insurance Services

The health & insurance services office is home to the Wellness Kiosk, a free, self-service resource for students to access over-the-counter wellness items. The public health professionals in this office work with students to identify and overcome barriers to accessing and utilizing wellness services on campus and in the community. Additionally, the health & insurance services team ensures students are compliant with immunization requirements and maintains confidential immunization and medical records.

Health Records

In compliance with New York State Public Health Laws 2165 and 2157, students are required to submit immunization records as outlined below: 

• Students born on or after January 1, 1957 and taking 6 or more credits are required to submit proof of immunization for Measles, Mumps & Rubella (vaccinations or titers).
• Students taking 6 or more credits must submit proof of immunization (or submit a declination) for Meningococcal disease (completed vaccination or vaccination series within the past 5 years or a signed waiver declining the vaccination).

For more information on this requirement, health forms and more, visit daemen.edu/healthrequirements. 

Health Insurance

Daemen University requires all students that meet at least one of the criteria listed below to annually submit proof of health insurance (photo of the insurance card) that permits access and utilization of medical care in the Buffalo New York area OR enroll in Daemen’s student health insurance plan through United Healthcare. Students must be enrolled for the full academic year.

If a student fails to complete this process by the semester deadline the student will automatically be enrolled in Daemen’s student health insurance plan and the premium (annual cost) will be added to the student’s bill.

• Students living in residential housing (including but not limited to Campus Proper, Snyder Park and Collegiate Village)
• Students who have international student status
• Students participating in an intercollegiate sport
• Students participating in the clinical portion of their academic program

*International students are required to enroll in Daemen’s student health insurance plan or an approved plan through PGH Global. These plans are vetted and ensure that international students have essential* health insurance coverage while in the United States. Travelers insurance plans are not accepted by Daemen University.

Daemen University also offers a student health insurance plan through United Healthcare that is compliant with the Affordable Care Act and provides affordable, comprehensive insurance benefits with low prescription costs, telehealth & telecounseling services. Any student taking 6 credits or more is eligible to enroll and eligible students who do enroll may also insure their dependents. 

For more information, visit  daemen.edu/insurance. 

Medical Care 

The CHIP Center team connects students to local health and wellness organizations in the Buffalo, NY area. For acute medical needs, students can visit the Wellness Kiosk in Wick 116 to access free, on-the-go wellness products. For more emergent medical needs, students visit an urgent care center, conveniently located within 2 miles of the Amherst campus. 

For more information, visit  daemen.edu/medical. 

Wellness Initiatives 

The CHIP Center partners with community based organizations to offer on campus wellness opportunities including but not limited to: screenings for sexually transmitted infections (STIs), flu shot clinics, blood drives and other wellness events. As a collaborative partner with the Wildcat Wellness student team, students have access to fun, engaging and educational wellness opportunities year round. Wildcat Wellness and CHIP Center events focus on practicing self-care, mental health awareness and linking students to services on and off campus. 

Center for Diversity and Inclusion (CDI)

The Center for Diversity and Inclusion is responsible for facilitating an enriching diversity education experience for our community. Through collaboration with various campus partners, the Center for Diversity and Inclusion holds the primary responsibility of providing faculty, staff and students with resources, guidance, and support for issues as they relate to diversity, equity and inclusion.

Our goal is to provide all members of the Daemen community with the education and experience necessary to become an active and engaged global citizen and to utilize those skills in their academic and career pursuits. We also seek to provide our students, staff, and faculty with the tools needed to engage in productive, informed, and impactful discussions around issues of social justice and inequity of all kinds, learning what those topics mean for us in the context of our current climate.

Global Programs

The Global Programs Office provides information and services for Daemen students desiring to study abroad, as well as international students who have chosen Daemen for their undergraduate and/or graduate education.

Experiencing the world from another cultural perspective is essential for preparing students for global citizenship. Details of specific programs are found in the Programs of Study section of this catalog. All students studying abroad while at Daemen must meet with Global Programs staff for program information, application assistance, and University approval of their international educational experience.

The Global Programs Office provides comprehensive assistance and support for the community of international students at Daemen University. Staff members help international students with their initial adjustment to the University and the Buffalo area. The office provides information and advice about immigration regulations, cultural differences, and personal concerns.

The Daemen University Library

The library is located in the Research & Information Commons (RIC). All library study spaces within the RIC have wireless connectivity, quiet study space, talking permitted study space, group study rooms, seminar and animation theater, a café, and two presentation rooms. Students will find comfortable furnishings and inspiring surroundings.

The library has comprehensive collections of  e-book and print book titles as well as thousands of digital and print periodical subscriptions and streaming video. Our collections support teaching and scholarship in all disciplines. Fast and easy interlibrary loan is available for specialized and unique information needs.

Research librarians are available to consult with students and faculty to find the information resources they need, as well as provide classroom and one-on-one research assistance.

The library homepage is accessed through the MyDaemen portal.

RIC hours during the academic semester:

Sunday 10 am – 1 am

Monday – Thursday 7 am – 1 am

Friday 7 am – 11 pm

Saturday 9 am – 11 pm

Summer and Intersession Schedule:

Monday – Friday  8 am – 7 pm

Changes to this schedule are posted in advance on the library homepage.

Nancy Haberman Gacioch Center for Veterans

The mission of the Gacioch Center for Veterans is to support veteran scholars and eligible family members’ success in postsecondary education by coordinating services to address their academic, financial, physical, and social needs.  As a designated Military Friendly School and a participant in the Yellow Ribbon Program, Daemen University is committed to providing the best possible service to the men and women who have served our country together with their eligible beneficiaries.  We recognize that the transition from military service to civilian life, including the rigors of pursuing a university degree, can be challenging – not only for students themselves but for their loved ones. Professional staff collaborate with various departments to provide assistance with the admissions process, financial information, academic support and advice, and liaison with other campus offices, including services for students with special needs. The Center can also help students navigate Veterans Administration and other community resources available to veterans and their families.  A dedicated veteran student lounge provides a comfortable and welcoming environment for study and conversation.

Registrar

The Registrar’s Office provides the following services for students:

• preparing course offerings for each term which are accessible on Self Service on the Daemen website;
• processing registrations for courses which require a permit to register;
• after the last day for drop/add, processing withdrawals from courses for students who submit a withdrawal form;
• processing mid-term and final grades, as well as Incomplete and other grade changes, for publication on Self Service;
• designing/revising/customizing evaluations for all degree, certificate programs, and minors (and approved curricular substitutions), thereby enabling students and advisors to monitor progress towards program completion and explore status on other programs;
• evaluating transfer studies for incoming transfer students and returning students who complete transfer studies with departmental approval;
• verifying candidates for graduation/degree conferral/Commencement honors; release of diplomas;
• verifying candidates for completion of certificate programs; preparation and release of certificates;
• processing and verifying changes in student status and general student directory information;
• collaborating with the Faculty Athletic Representative regarding certification of student athletes for participation in intercollegiate athletics;
• processing transcript requests and providing transcripts;
• processing professional licensure applications as appropriate.