Student Life

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 www.duq.edu/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, honor society, or 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).

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
• Neighborhood Roastery
• The Incline Food Court - 1st Floor Student Union
• Moonlit Burger - 1st Floor Power Center
• Vibrant Sunshine Cafe'- 1st Floor Power Center
• The Rotary-2^nd 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

Duquesne Union, 1st floor. All students not living in university-owned housing (living with parents or living in off-campus apartments; undergraduate/graduate, day/evening, full-time/part-time) are considered commuter students. Commuter students who have a question, suggestion, concern, or need additional information can utilize the Office of Commuter Affairs.  You are also encouraged to make use of the following information and services we provide:

• 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

First Year Development serves to implement and direct programs which integrate and enhance the academic, personal, and social dimensions of freshmen at Duquesne University.  To accomplish this, the office directs the Freshman Advisement Summer Transition (FAST) Program, the office directs the New Student Orientation Program; implements the Freshman Mentor Program; assists freshmen with finding tutors when needed; monitors freshman grades; prepares and edits the Freshman Newsletter; develops freshman leadership through the Freshman Class Council; advises the freshman honor society Phi Eta Sigma; and interacts with the Offices of Commuter Affairs, Intramurals and Residence Life in developing programs for freshmen.

Please contact the First Year Development at (412) 396-6657 for additional information.

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 include:

• The insurance company must pay claims directly to healthcare providers.
• The insurance company must pay claims in US Dollars.
• Insurance policy documents must be available in English.
• Coverage must be effective no later than the waiver deadline and remain active through July 31 (no short-term policies).
• If the plan has a deductible (not the same as a copay), it must be no more than $5,000 per individual, per policy year.
• The plan must include coverage for pre-existing conditions with no waiting periods or limitations.
• The plan must include coverage in the Pittsburgh area for all services the University requires to be covered. (Emergency or Urgent care-only coverage does not meet this requirement.)
• The plan must include coverage for all the following services:
  • Hospital inpatient and outpatient, emergency room, and urgent care services
  • Physician services (routine and specialist)
  • Diagnostic services, such as laboratory, pathology, x-ray, MRI, CT scan, etc.
  • Physical therapy
  • Emergency transport (ambulance)
  • Prescription medicines
  • Mental Heath
  • Illness or injury occurring under the influence of drugs and alcohol
  • Testing and treatment of illnesses from pandemics, such as COVID-19

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

No automatic enrollment in the Student Health Insurance Plan for most students.

• Athletes and International Students are required to verify that they have appropriate health insurance coverage and will be automatically enrolled in the Student Health Insurance Plan if they do not submit a waiver.

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

WAIVE the annual SHIP, if your health insurance meets the criteria and offers comprehensive coverage in Pittsburgh, to remove the charge from your fall student account.
Failure to respond by the onset of each academic year 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 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; billing will occur at the time of enrollment in the Student Health Insurance Plan. Once you are enrolled in the SHIP, the carrier will not allow cancellations, except in the case of a Qualifying Life Event. A Duquesne student pays $2,465.30/year for SHIP coverage for the 2023-2024 plan year (08/01/2023 - 07/31/2024). Ph.D. students receive a 50% reduction on SHIP premium.

Waiver/Enrollment Instructions

1. Go to https://go.gallagherstudent.com/Universities/5244/Home
2. Log in using your multipass.
3. Select Enroll or Waive and follow the prompts through the process. You will receive an email telling you whether or not your enrollment or waiver process was successful.

For More Information

Visit https://go.gallagherstudent.com/Universities/5244/Home 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 Gallagher Student Health. For assistance, please call Gallagher Student Health & Special Risk at +1 (877) 307-6171.

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.

The Office of Student Housing and Residence Life is dedicated to fostering a supportive and enriching environment in each of the five residence halls, where students are encouraged to grow and develop holistically. Guided by the University’s mission, the department embraces the belief that the Living Learning Center experience is a vital component of a comprehensive Duquesne education.

To support both personal and academic development, a variety of resources and programs are offered within the residential community. Professional staff and resident assistants work collaboratively to create a residential environment that promotes learning, engagement, and student well-being.

In partnership with Lumina, a division of Capstone On-Campus Management, the Office oversees the operations of Brottier Hall, St. Martin Hall, and McGinley Hall. Brottier and McGinley Halls offer apartment-style living primarily for upperclass and graduate students, while St. Martin Hall provides apartment-style accommodations primarily for sophomores.

All first-year and sophomore students—unless living with their parents—are required to reside in University housing. Additionally, all on-campus residents must participate in a University meal plan, with the exception of those living in Brottier Hall, St. Martin Hall, and McGinley Hall.

Housing Agreements are binding for the full academic year, and room and board rates are established annually. Brottier Hall offers 11.5-month agreements beginning in August, while McGinley Hall offers similar agreements beginning in either July or August.

Further details on residential programs, policies, and expectations can be found in the Student Housing and Residence Life Handbook.

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.

Student Government Association

The Student Government Association (SGA) is the official governing body that represents the voice of Duquesne University students and acts as the liaison between students and the University administration. The SGA is designed to provide a forum for the expression of student views and interests; to maintain academic freedom and student rights; and to provide effective representation in the policy making and operations of the University.

Commuter Council

Commuter Council is 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.

Residence Hall Association

The Residence Hall Association is the governing body representing resident students. All resident students are automatically members of Residence Hall Association and are encouraged to attend meetings and functions sponsored by the group. It is the aim of the Residence Hall Association to serve as a link between the resident students and the administration. Each Living Learning Center has its own elected hall council to serve as representatives on the Residence Hall Association.  Each hall council plans events for their respective buildings as well as serving to voice student concerns from their specific population.

Inter-Fraternity Council

The purpose of the Inter-Fraternity Council is to develop, maintain and support fraternity life and inter-fraternity relations at a high level of accomplishment. The Inter-Fraternity Council serves as the governing and regulatory body for its member fraternities (nine national and one local).

IFC works to promote superior scholarship, leadership development, community service, social and moral development, and life-long friendships.  It represents the men’s fraternities to the administration, faculty, alumni, community at large, and student body.  The IFC works with the University administration to assist in regulating the men’s Greek activities including recruitment, new associate member education, philanthropic and service events, alumni relations, Carnival, Greek Week, the council intramural sports league, and positive social events.  The council also serves as a forum for the airing of constructive proposals for the improvement of the fraternity community.

Panhellenic Council

The purpose of the Panhellenic Council is to develop, maintain and support sorority life and inter-sorority relations at a high level of accomplishment.  The Panhellenic Council serves as the governing and regulatory body for its nine member national and international general sororities.  The PHC serves as the largest women’s advocacy group at the university, and works to promote superior scholarship, leadership development, community service, social and moral development, and life-long friendships.  It represents the women’s fraternities to the administration, faculty, alumnae, community at large, and student body.  The Panhellenic Council works with the University administration to assist in regulating the women’s Greek activities including formal recruitment programs,  new associate member education, philanthropic and service events, alumnae relations, Carnival, Greek Week, and other positive and traditional social events. The council also serves as a forum for the airing of constructive proposals for the improvement of the sorority community.

Professional Fraternity Council

The purpose of the Professional Fraternity Council is to develop, maintain and support professional Greek lettered organizations. The Professional Fraternity Council serves as the governing and regulatory body for its thirteen member organizations.

The PFC advocates and encourages excellence in academics, in addition to advancing professional and interfraternity ethics.  The PFC works with the University administration in regulating new member education, philanthropic and service events, alumni relations, Carnival, recruitment and positive social events.

Currently, there are more than 300  recognized student organizations at Duquesne. These organizations represent the vast interests of out student body. These interests may include academic, social, recreational, service, or religious needs. 

The Center for Student Involvement provides administrative and programming support for all recognized student organizations. Any student group wishing to apply for official University recognition must initiate this process through the Center for Student Involvement and the Student Government Association. Recognized organizations must also annually update their registration.

Honor Societies

Honor societies are organizations whose focus recognizes academic excellence and leadership. Most require minimum cumulative grade point average and leadership requirement for membership. There are over 20 nationally affiliated honor societies currently at Duquesne University.

Professional And Departmental Organizations

Professional organizations exist to provide opportunities for career development and the exchange of ideas pertinent to students’ academic pursuits.  With this purpose in mind, these organizations sponsor numerous programs including debates, symposiums and lectures.  There are over 10 recognized nationally affiliated Greek-Lettered Professional Organizations at Duquesne University.

Duquesne Program Council

The Duquesne Program Council (DPC) is the programming organization of the University. It provides social, recreational, educational and cultural activities for the entire University. The DPC, directed by students and advised by the Center for Student Involvement, is comprised of several committees which present such events as comedy shows, trivia nights, battle of the bands, films series and an outdoor recreation programs. DPC also allocates funding to student organizations. Membership is open to all students.

Fraternities and Sororities

Fraternities and Sororities at Duquesne University are organizations composed of college men and women who have joined together to foster and promote life-long friendships; moral, ethical, and leadership development; character building; and service to others.  These organizations are local, national and international in scope.  They sponsor and promote academic, service, athletic and social events under the auspices of life-long brotherhood and sisterhood.  The recognized groups at the University work to advance the American Fraternity Movement, founded in the 18th century, and the mission of Duquesne University, founded to serve God by serving students.

 

Performance Groups

Theater

The Red Masquers provide an extracurricular outlet for students who wish to participate in theater and the producing company of the Theater Arts program.

The organization’s aim is to provide the University and its students with the educational and cultural benefits that accrue from a drama program.  Any Duquesne student is eligible for membership. The Masquers are the oldest continually producing theater company in Pennsylvania and are the resident company of the new Genesius Theater.

 

Media Organizations

DSTV

Duquesne Student Television programs are produced by the Department of Journalism and Multimedia Arts. JMA students in the Journalism and Media Arts Department and current students of other schools that are part of Duquesne University. Content is created and Produced by the students and submitted for approval by the Duquesne Student Television board and officers. This programming is independent of the programming produced in the classroom. Students have produced news, sports, game shows and informational programs. All students currently enrolled in Duquesne University are welcome to participate. Students do not need to be proficient in broadcasting procedures.

WDSR

WDSR is a student-run and operated radio station. The organization is open to all students interested in gaining broadcast experience and working knowledge of standard industry equipment. Great for those who love music, news, and sound design.

 

Publications

The Duquesne Duke

The award-winning student newspaper covers news, sports and arts on campus and in the city. Student editors oversee the following sections: News, Features, Opinion, Arts and Entertainment and Sports. In addition to covering breaking news, students write stories about campus events, trends and personalities and opinion columns. Students also shoot photos and execute the design and production of the newspaper each week. The Duke offers students an opportunity to build a multi-media portfolio, as the paper has both a print and a Web edition that features graphics, audio and video.

L'Esprit du Duc Yearbook

The Duquesne University yearbook, L'Esprit du Duc, is produced yearly by a team of student editors. The yearbook is always looking for volunteers to work with the editors as they photograph campus events, create page layouts using Jostens, and write/edit text. Volunteers may also have the opportunity to apprentice with an editor and then seek one of those compensated positions the following year.

:Lexicon

As Duquesne University's journal of arts and literature, :Lexicon is a student-run publication built to celebrate and encourage the arts and artists of Duquesne. Through publishing the poetry, prose, drama, music, and visual art of Duquesne faculty, students, and alumni, :Lexicon promotes the arts through quality publications that showcase the vibrant spirit and talent of the extended Duquesne 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.