Vision
Duquesne University Division of Student Life delivers a transformational education, grounded in the Catholic, Spiritan tradition. This holistic education that helps students clarify their values and unique gifts and understand how they will contribute positively to the world will serve as a premier model of student affairs practice.
Mission
The Duquesne University Division of Student Life is a cross-functional team of caring professionals who develop students beyond the classroom. Student Life animates the institutional mission of serving God by serving students, so they can, in turn, serve others. This is achieved by engaging students in holistic development—mind, body, and spirit; ensuring that students from all backgrounds and identities have a personal transformational experience to achieve their goals, fulfill their potential, and be prepared and inspired to serve others.
Organization
The Division of Student Life is led by a Senior Vice President who provides vision for a comprehensive array of offices and functions that support the student out-of-class experience. Student Life offices include: student housing and residence life, DU cares: alcohol and drug education, the center fostering student connection, the center for student wellbeing (including counseling services and recreation services), the center for student involvement (including first-year development, disability services, union operations, commuter affairs, greek life, dean of students, and parent and family relations), student conduct, public safety (including university police, emergency management and risk assessment and environmental health and safety), and the center for career development. Additional information may be obtained directly from each department and through the Student Handbook.
The mission of the Center for Career Development is to prepare students to pursue successful and meaningful careers by offering innovative career planning, job search, and employment resources. We facilitate lifelong career management by helping students develop the necessary professional skills to become contributing members of their workplaces, communities, and world.
Each year, more than 100,000 job opportunities are posted on Handshake, our online job-search system. Students should complete their Handshake profile and search for part-time, internship, and full-time professional positions.
In addition, we coordinate multiple on-campus and regional career fairs each year, providing students with the opportunity to meet company representatives from leading employers in a variety of industries.
Students are encouraged to start their career planning early by meeting with their career consultant to discuss career exploration and job-search preparation. For career assistance, visit the Center for Career Development in Union 614, call (412) 396-6644 or visit us online at Career Development.
The Center for Global Engagement (DuqGlobal) provides services to international students and scholars pursuing undergraduate and graduate degree programs at the University. These specialized services include providing pre-arrival information to accepted students; assisting with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) requirements; assisting in academic and cross-cultural adjustment through initial arrival and extended orientation programs; promoting and supporting events, programs, and activities which foster deeper communication, awareness and understanding among U.S. and international students at Duquesne; and providing ongoing direct service and appropriate referral services to international students and scholars on campus in a personalized and professional manner.
DuqGlobal also coordinates all Study Abroad programming for the University and offers support services for students interested in short-term, semester-long and specialized Study Abroad program at Duquesne. DuqGlobal supports the University's strong commitment to international education as a valued component of the overall mission of the institution.
Getting involved on campus is one of the best ways to make the most of your college experience. The Center for Student Involvement (CSI) helps students to do this by connecting them to intentionally designed co-curricular experiences, programs, and services. We invite you to Connect with us to explore ways to become an active part of campus life!
CSI is the home of Commuter Affairs, First Year Development, Orientation, Parent and Family Engagement, Student Union Operations, Student Organization Services, and Programs and Leadership.
We hope the opportunities offered by CSI will Inspire you to Engage with our campus and Pittsburgh communities during your time at Duquesne.
Office of Greek Life, Honor Societies & Professional Organizations
For over one hundred years, Duquesne has recognized the incredible impact membership in a Greek-Lettered collegiate organization can have for students, so the University is committed to helping its fraternity and sorority community thrive and succeed.
Over 20% of the campus population are involved in Greek Life, be that through a social organization, an honor society, or a professional organization. Members in Greek organizations gain the following:
- Opportunities for scholarship and academic achievement
- Community and Philanthropic Service
- Campus leadership and involvement
- Serve as advocates for the Greek community
- Spiritual development
- Make lifelong friends
For further information about the Office of Greek Life, Honor Societies, and Professional Organizations, please call our office at (412) 396-6651.
Programs & Leadership
The BUILD Program is designed to provide students with a foundation for leadership and prepare them to assume active roles in campus organizations as well as the professional workplace.
Topics Include:
- Community and Civic Engagement
- Ethical Leadership
- University Mission
- Group Dynamics
- Conflict Management
- Professional Development
Student Organizations
Want to make new friends, have great experiences, and develop leadership skills? Join one of our 250+ organizations and find your home, on the Bluff!
- Academic/Professional
- Advocacy
- Club Sports
- Community Service
- Event Planning
- Greek Organizations
- Honor Societies
- Multicultural
- Music and Performance
- Theater
- Political Interest
- Publications and Media
- Recreation
- Spiritual
For further information about Student Organizations, please call our office at (412) 396-5853.
Counseling Services establishes itself on a philosophy of life that is congruent with the University Mission. We view the student in terms of his/her striving for healing through becoming whole. Our goal is to provide services and resources that will enable the student to live a meaningful life based on a mind/body/spirit approach to wellbeing, an approach that honors the fundamental dignity of the human person by valuing them in their totality.
Confidential short-term personal psychotherapy is provided for a variety of reasons, such as difficulty adjusting to college life, emotional distress, sadness, worry, trauma, homesickness, test anxiety, sleep disturbances, etc. Students in need of more frequent, long-term psychotherapy will work with one of our case managers to find resources that will meet their needs. Psychiatric consultation and services are available as needed. Crisis Support is available from Counseling Services 24/7 by calling the Resolve Crisis Services at 1-888-796-8226 or Duquesne University Public Safety at (412) 396-2677 (COPS).
A Meditation Room, located on the Second Floor of the Duquesne Student Union, is available for all students, faculty, and staff.
Please contact Counseling Services at (412) 396-6204 or visit Counseling for additional information and online self-help resources.
Duquesne Dining Services offers 13 convenient dining locations across campus, providing meals to students, faculty, staff, and visitors each day. Students living in traditional (non-apartment style), university-owned residences are required to enroll in a meal plan, which includes meals for the all-you-care-to-eat dining facility and Flex Dollars to use at any of the retail locations. Duquesne also offers on-campus residents, commuters, faculty, and staff the convenience of PLUS Dollars, money that can be loaded onto the Duquesne ID card and spent at any Duquesne Dining location with a bonus 5% off.
- Rev. Sean Hogan Dining Center - 2nd Floor Towers
- Chick-fil-A - 5th Floor Student Union
- Cinco Cantina - 5th Floor Student Union
- The Incline Food Court - 1st Floor Student Union
- Neighborhood Roastery
- Moonlit Burger - 1st Floor Power Center
- Vibrant Sunshine Cafe'- 1st Floor Power Center
- The Rotary-2nd Floor Student Union
- Campus Market - 1st Floor Towers
- Campus Market Express - 6th Floor of Fisher Hall
- Connections Market on the 2nd floor of the Student Union
- Starbucks - 2nd Floor Student Union
- The Business Leader Bistro - 6th Floor of Rockwell Hall
- Commuter Center, located on the 1st floor of the Duquesne Union, includes a computer lab, and a lounge with refrigerator, microwaves, television, and comfortable furniture.
- Parking and Transportation Information
- Off-Campus Housing Assistance
Programs for Commuters - Commuter Assistant Program: This program is a support network of upperclassmen commuter students who serve as advisors and provide resources for new undergraduate commuters. CAs plan activities, provide information and supply encouragement.
- Commuter Council: A student-run governing body designed to identify commuter concerns and to provide educational, social and service-oriented programs for the University’s large commuter population.
The Office of Commuter Affairs is open Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. For further information, call (412) 396-6660 or email commuteraffairs@duq.edu.
Students with disabilities who qualify under the Americans with Disabilities Act and Section 504 may request reasonable accommodations. Please refer to the Office of Disability Services website for additional information.
The Center is rooted in the Spiritan tradition at Duquesne University by welcoming all students and excluding none. We cultivate authentic student connections across campus for each and every student. We create spaces where every student, inclusive of background, identity, and lived experience, feels seen, supported, and inspired. Through community programming, support for multicultural student organizations, and educational initiatives, we foster genuine relationships that reflect compassion for the human experience. Our goal is to build a campus community where everyone belongs and every student can thrive academically, socially, and personally on their path to achieving their greatest potential.
For more information on getting involved and or learning more about the programs and services offered by The Center, please contact (412) 396-1117
All graduate and professional students are automatically members of the GPSC. Our goal is to have two representatives from every department on campus to serve on the Graduate and Professional Student Council. The GPSC has monthly meetings to discuss any issues or concerns of the graduate students. GPSC representatives serve as the graduate student representatives on university administrative committees including the Graduate Council, Library Council, SGA, etc. GPSC will therefore also discuss any concerns or questions from the university administration to provide them with an overall response from the graduate and professional students.
GPSC is also an opportunity to meet other graduate and professional students. Several events for professional development and socializing are planned each year.
For further information, email gpsc@duq.edu.
Mandatory Student Health Insurance Policy
All full-time undergraduate and qualifying graduate students are required to have comprehensive medical coverage in the Pittsburgh area. To comply with this mandate, students must either enroll in the Duquesne University Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP) OR waive it with proof of health insurance that meets the following criteria.
The plan must:
NOT exclude pre-existing conditions
PAY providers directly (no reimbursement policies)
Include mental health coverage
NOT exclude payment for illness or injury occurring under the influence of drugs and
alcohol
SPAN the entire student registration (no short-term policies)
Annual Term 8/1/2020 - 7/31/2021
Fall Term 8/1 - 12/31/2020
Spring Term 1/1 - 7/31/2021
In addition to the above waiver criteria, international students' plans must:
PAY claims in U.S. dollars
HAVE a U.S.-based claims processing center
Produce a copy of the full policy document in English
Before you waive the Duquesne SHIP:
- Contact your insurance carrier to find out if you have comprehensive coverage in Pittsburgh, PA. Area providers and Duquesne University Health Services will bill for services, and you will be solely responsible for those medical expenses your insurance does not cover.
- Review and compare your current plan:
| Duquesne SHIP Current Health | Insurance PLAN | |
| Deductible | $500 | |
| Co-pay - Primary/Specialist | $25/35 | |
| Co-insurance | 80% | |
| Prescription Co-pay | $10/35/50 | |
| Network in Pittsburgh | Yes | |
| Premium | $1,718.52 | |
| Administrative Fees | $63 | |
| >Total Insurance Cost | $1,781.52 |
WAIVE the 2020-21 SHIP, if your health insurance meets the criteria and offers comprehensive
coverage in Pittsburgh, to remove the $922.26 charge from your fall student account.
Failure to respond by August 31, 2020, will result in automatic enrollment in the SHIP; and attempts to cancel enrollment
after the deadline will incur premium and administrative fees of no less than $63,
even if you do not use the SHIP.
Enroll in the 2020-21 SHIP if your insurance plan does not meet the criteria or offer
comprehensive coverage in Pittsburgh.
The Duquesne SHIP is a one-year term of insurance, effective 8/1/2020 through 7/31/2021;
and the total cost - $1,781.52 - will be charged to your student account in two installments:
$922.26 in the fall and $859.26 in the spring. Once you are enrolled in the SHIP,
the carrier will not allow cancellations, except in the case of a Qualifying Life
Event.
Waiver/Enrollment Instructions
- Go to QMServicesinc.com.
- 2. Start typing Duquesne University in the School selection box.
- 3. Log in:
Username = DORI Number (ex. D01234567)
Password = Date of Birth (MMDDYYYY) - After the initial login, you will be prompted to change your password to one you will remember for future logins.
- Select Enroll or Waive and follow the prompts through the process. You will receive an e-mail telling you whether or not your enrollment or waiver process was successful.
For More Information
Visit QMServicesInc.com to learn about:
- Duquesne University SHIP benefits and costs
- information regarding out-of-state Medicaid
- special message for international students
- dependent enrollment
- optional dental and vision insurance
Duquesne contracts with independent student health insurance administrators and advocates at QM Services, Inc. For assistance, please call QM Services at (800) 273-1715 - ext. 2.
The Psychology Clinic offers brief counseling and longer term psychotherapy to Duquesne's students, faculty and staff as well as the general public. Doctoral students in Clinical Psychology provide all services. Licensed clinical faculty members are involved in the supervision of all doctoral students. Free services are offered to members of the military who have served in the Iraq or Afghanistan conflicts and to their loved ones.
The Clinic is located in a pleasant, private setting, on the 2nd floor of Rockwell Hall. High confidentiality standards are practiced. The Clinic is open for appointments Monday through Thursday, 9:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m. and on Friday 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m; early evening hours are available. The Clinic is open for appointments Monday through Thursday, 9:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m. and on Friday 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
For information or an initial interview, call (412) 396-6562.
Spiritan Campus Ministry is committed to fostering the spiritual life of all Duquesne students, faculty, and staff. Its mission is oriented to furthering spiritual development and growth at both the personal and community levels. Eucharistic liturgies and the Sacrament of Reconciliation are celebrated daily. We also offer students and staff the opportunity to participate in liturgical ministry and Chapel Choir.
We offer diverse faith-based experiences that meet on a weekly basis. Some of these communities include a weekly rosary prayed by the Rosary Group, Bible Study and Christians In Action where students on all faith levels can integrate in a night of food, faith, and fun. Additionally, we offer Consistent Ethic of Life and Mondays in the Spirit: Vespers, Mass with the Spiritans (learning more about the Spiritans during the Mass homily), ALIVE (a night of Adoration with praise and worship music), and Silent Adoration where people can have quiet time in front of the Blessed Sacrament.
For all members of the Duquesne community, whatever their faith, campus ministers are available to offer spiritual direction, counseling, or simply listening; all conversations are held in strict confidence. Spiritan Campus Ministry provides a list of nearby worship sites and referrals can be made to introduce students to various faith traditions in the area.
In addition, the University Chapel is open each day for private prayer, quiet meditation, and to groups for specific services of a religious nature. There are also male and female Muslim prayer rooms in the Spiritan Campus Ministry Center in Towers. Spiritan Campus Ministry sees itself at the service of all and works in the spirit of justice.
Opportunities such as weekly homeless outreach with St. Vincent DePaul Society and domestic and international Spiritan Mission Experiences invite members of the Duquesne community to put their faith into action and connect with people of all backgrounds and faith traditions from around the world and at home. Campus Ministers are available to assist with student programming.
All are invited to stop in at any of the Spiritan Campus Ministry locations: 102 Administration Building, the Spiritan Campus Ministry Center in Duquesne Towers, Assumption Hall and College Hall.
Office of Student Conduct coordinates and administers the student conduct process through the enforcement of the Code of Student Rights, Responsibilities, and Conduct. The Office fosters a culture of responsibility, accountability, and respect, grounded in the Spiritan tradition that defines Duquesne University.
Through a developmental and educational approach, the Office emphasizes student learning, personal growth, and ethical decision-making. It provides resources for conflict resolution and supports students in navigating challenges while promoting a safe, inclusive, and respectful campus environment.
The student conduct system is designed to:
- · Support the Mission and Expectations of Duquesne University
- · Protect the community from disruption and harm
- · Encourage moral and spiritual development
- · Promote accountability and respect for self and others
For more information, please consult the Student Handbook, or contact the Office at (412) 396-6642.
The Code of Student Rights, Responsibilities, and Conduct
The Code of Student Rights, Responsibilities, and Conduct outlines the standards, policies, and procedures that safeguard student rights and support the freedom to learn. It articulates the University’s expectations for student behavior and achievement, while also providing avenues for student self-governance.
Duquesne University, as the only Spiritan institution of higher education in the United States, is committed to:
- · Educational excellence
- · Moral and spiritual values
- · An ecumenical atmosphere open to diversity
- · Service to the Church, the community, the nation, and the world
Students are expected to embody these values by respecting themselves, others, the University, and the broader community.
The Duquesne University Department of Public Safety consists of a team of dedicated professionals from University Police, the Emergency Management and Threat Assessment Office, and the Environmental Health and Safety Department who are all committed to providing a safe environment for students, faculty, staff and visitors through crime prevention and safety awareness. They collaborate to direct emergency response and law enforcement efforts and to develop plans and programs for crime prevention and safety awareness. Accredited by the Pennsylvania Chiefs of Police Association, our Public Safety Department is one of only ten such university departments in the state to hold that distinction.
Mission Statement
The Duquesne University Department of Public Safety exists to serve and protect the University community and the environment that sustains and encourages moral and intellectual growth. We facilitate this goal by anticipating and preventing unsafe conditions and protecting individuals from the imprudent or illegal acts of others.
To do this, we seek out educated and motivated men and women and train them to function
as University Police Officers. Our commitment is to improve the quality of life on
campus. Conflict resolution is our primary goal, accomplished through mutual cooperation
and understanding, or when necessary, through imposition of administrative or legal
sanctions. Inherent in the application of these sanctions is that such actions shall
be ethical, constitutional, and humanistic.
If you ever need to contact the department for emergencies, call (412) 396-2677, and
for non-emergencies, call (412) 396-6002.