The Beard Center for Student Success: A Singular Focus on Serving Students

That journey of support begins with getting to know our students – something we start well before they attend their first class. Through direct outreach from Student Success Coaches, virtual Meet Your Coach sessions, and the University’s First-Year Advisement Summer Transition (FAST) program in July, our Success Coaches are busy forming relationships with their students throughout the summer.

We know how critical the home support system can be during the transition to college, which is why parents and families are also invited to these summer activities.

Relationship building continues when students arrive on campus at the beginning of the Fall semester for First-Year Orientation, where the connections formed during FAST come to life. Orientation is designed to help both students and their families feel confident and prepared as they embark on their Duquesne experience.

During Orientation’s Meet the Dean session, students are welcomed by the dean and introduced to the exciting path ahead at the School of Business. Here students are encouraged to embrace a growth mindset and to take advantage of the many opportunities they will encounter. Families also participate in a dedicated Parent and Family Orientation session, where they can ask questions and connect with School leadership in a supportive setting.

Students then take part in a hands-on Prep for the First Day session with their Success Coach, learning how to read a syllabus, navigate Duquesne systems, and access the resources that will facilitate a successful student journey.

Orientation ensures that all new students know exactly who to turn to for guidance and support, helping them feel connected from the start.

The relationship- and community-building continues throughout students’ time in the School of Business, with the CSS hosting seminars, socials, and weekly quick-engagement BizBreak activities in the high-traffic area of Rockwell Hall. BizBreaks are a favorite for our student services team, offering a fun and spontaneous way to connect with students outside of the classroom.

BizBreaks are a unique engagement strategy to connect with our students outside of our typical ‘advisor’ role. The students get to interact with Success Coaches in a more relaxed setting that helps to build a connection that carries into our one-on-one meetings.

A favorite part of a Success Coach’s job is assisting students in discovering and exploring the many possibilities available to them. With a revised Business Core creating more open electives, these types of opportunities are attainable.

The CSS focuses heavily on supporting students as they explore their options. The annual DuqBiz Expo features the School’s majors, student organizations, study abroad, and other educational opportunities. This year’s Expo drew 216 students, who mingled with faculty, staff, and peers. Forty percent of surveyed students said that the Expo helped with their decision in choosing a primary or secondary major, or encouraged them to add a minor.

I want to help students get the most out of their education. My favorite conversations center around adding a minor or second major, studying abroad, or pursuing a graduate degree at Duquesne.

We recognize the importance of peer support, guidance, and learning throughout this journey of exploration and growth.

Our Peer Mentor program, launched in 2023, enables students to meet with one of our Peer Mentors to discuss life as a business student.

Peer Mentors support students with:

• Organization
• Navigating DU systems
• Communicating with professors
• Developing study habits
• Getting involved in student organizations
• Exploring campus life
• Learning about majors

Students also have access to peer-to-peer academic support through the School’s Student Tutoring program. Throughout the year, student tutors offer assistance in core business courses – including Finance, Business Mathematics, Economics, Accounting, Information Systems, and Statistics. Tutoring sessions are held at scheduled times on the 6th and 7th floors of Rockwell Hall, providing students with convenient opportunities to receive additional guidance. 

Faculty mentors and student tutors also participate in the School’s popular Business Math tutoring pizza parties, creating a relaxed environment where students can strengthen their skills while connecting with peers and instructors.

At the School of Business, students are supported every step of the way — ensuring no one falls behind on their academic journey.

The CSS continues to find new ways to connect, support, and prepare our students. There is a particular excitement surrounding the Fall 2026 launch of a School of Business Living Learning Community in
collaboration with the Office of Student Housing.

Designed specifically for first-year business students, this community offers a dynamic residential environment that supports their academic achievement, professional development, and personal growth, while helping them form meaningful peer relationships.

Living and learning alongside fellow business students also encourages collaboration, shared problem-solving, and a strong sense of belonging from the very start of their Duquesne experience.

Student Success Coach Jasmine Jones-Reed has a background in residence life and is eager to bring that experience to her role at Duquesne. Her expertise helps bridge the gap between the residential and academic experiences, ensuring students feel supported both inside and outside the classroom.

I am looking forward to building new ways to create a sense of belonging with our incoming first-year students in the new School of Business Living Learning Community. Collaborating with Residence Life will help connect academics with student life, providing our students with a holistic sense of support.