The Griffin sits down with Stoute

By The Griffin Staff

Every year, The Griffin sits down with Canisius President Steve K. Stoute to discuss student concerns and learn more about the university and its plans to continue to build the next leaders of today. This year, Stoute discussed multiple topics, including a question about the Cornell University scenario and the more local issue of Evict ICE. The Griffin does not have any opinions about the topics discussed in this article as this is a way to inform the student body of where the university is headed.

After introductions were made, the conversation began with a discussion about the construction on the third floor of Old Main and what catalyzed those renovations. Stoute stated that the renovations are partially about keeping up with other campuses, as well as high schools, and making sure that Canisius is physically a place for students to progress and excel. Stoute continued by saying that the ultimate goal is to eventually renovate and modernize all floors of Old Main. 

Following this, The Griffin asked about the overall reaction to the two hyflex classrooms on the first floor of Old Main. According to Stoute, overall, the reactions are positive. He referred to the renovations as “piloting,” gathering feedback from students and faculty to improve other places on campus in the future. 

Continuing with the recurring theme of campus renovations, The Griffin brought up the new Golisano Student Success Center that opened in the spring. Stoute began his answer by emphasizing the role of the Student Success Center and the unique advantage Canisius students have by having a success team. He then focused on how bringing together the resources of success that Canisius offers has helped to make the success team more accessible to students. Stoute also emphasized the importance of the 80% rate that Canisius students succeed while also acknowledging the 20% rate that freshmen do not return to Canisius as sophomores. “If we admit a student to Canisius, it's because we believe you have what it takes to succeed here. If our students don't succeed, it is not because you're not capable; it is because somewhere along the line there was an institutional failure,” said Stoute.

The next topic discussed in the conversation was artificial intelligence (AI) and the new AI assessment scale at Canisius. This opened the floor for other staff members to comment on their opinions about AI overall as Stoute asked for student input. The overall thought from the discussion came to be co–intelligence could be a solution where neither humans nor AI is relying completely on the other, but working together to co–exist. Stoute suggested reading Dr. Ethan Mollick’s “Co–Intelligence: Living and Working with AI” as it details why co–intelligence is a good thing. Dr. Mollick, an associate professor at the University of Pennsylvania, studied the topic extensively, and Stoute stated that students interested in the topic of AI should give it a read.

Next, the conversation came to discussing Cornell University and how the issue of sexual assault at Cornell has impacted the way Canisius is making sure students feel safe and comfortable. The focus for Canisius is “education and orientation,” according to Stoute. He emphasized the importance of teaching students right when they walk through the doors of the university. By teaching about awareness at orientation, then first year experience (FYE) and continuing it through Canisius Conversations, Stoute believes that if students are taught sexual assault awareness from the beginning, then everyone will keep each other accountable.

Finally, The Griffin asked about Evict ICE and how the university has navigated issues on or near campus with groups pushing to have their voice heard. Stoute’s response to the question explained that the university has a process in place to bring groups on campus that want to have their voice heard. Organizations and groups, such as Evict ICE, are able to be represented by clubs or organizations at Canisius, but if the process is not followed, then Stoute “questions the way [in this case] this group went about their process.”

With the new academic year seven weeks in, Canisius University, led by Stoute, is working to be successful for every student and that every student will be successful if they reach out to the resources that the university provides.