Griffnet powers down (temporarily)

By Sydney Umstead, News Editor

In his Dec. 4 email, Jason Francey – the director of student engagement and leadership development (SELD) – announced that Griffnet will no longer be available at Canisius. 

Griffnet is the Canisius-affiliated website that tracks Petey Points, displays upcoming events, provides club information and allows students to join the clubs via the site. 

Francey stated that this decision follows the end of a contract between Canisius and the vendor who has “house[d]” Griffnet, which will expire in March of 2025. 

At the Sept. 20 United Student Association (USA) senate meeting, senators were invited to share their thoughts on the current Griffnet. Gabby Kaderli, the vice president of business and finance, stated that the system was “very disorganized,” citing how “when she tells her FYE kids what they have to do, it is super complicated.” Those sentiments were echoed by her fellow USA members.

Griffnet will now be run by Campus Groups by Ready Education, as Francey cited the technical difficulties that occurred with the previous system, Involve by Modern Campus. 

The new software will tentatively launch in January of 2025. Francey wrote this decision was made to ensure that the SELD office was not “scrambling to have everyone get used to a new system mid-semester.” 

All of the club group information has been backed up, and Francey stated that “When it comes time to create your new pages,” the SELD office will send out folders that include the individual club’s constitution, roster and the previous description of the club that was on Griffnet. 

The new Griffnet system will allow for clubs to “simply put out a QR code and students will be able to check themselves in, no more needing to swipe” when it comes to checking people in at events, Francey said. 

He discussed how the “goal” is for GriffNet to be accessible after the New Year, and that he will be “hosting live Zoom training for those who would prefer a more hands-on approach” when it comes to learning how to operate the new Griffnet.