It's Time For Bigger Goals

We're thrilled you have chosen Duquesne University to pursue your bigger goals. As a first-year college student, it is our responsibility and joy to help you and your family transition to college life.

Our Team

Student Success Coaches assisting a Duquesne family at FAST 2023.
  • Coordinates orientation and other activities to ease your way during your first year.
  • Advises Phi Eta Sigma (Honor Society) a national honor society for first-year students who display superior academic ability (GPA 3.5 or higher) and performance.
  • Monitors first-year student grades and helps students find tutors when needed.

Explore this page for information about our New Student Orientation, First-Year Mentors Program, First-Year Advisement Summer Transition (FAST) and other first-year programs. 

New Student Move in and Orientation 2023 at Duquesne.

New Student Orientation

Orientation is a great opportunity for incoming first-year and other new students to get to know Duquesne and their classmates. Our week-long orientation program is a great opportunity for new students to get to know our campus and their classmates. Orientation also offers a Parent and Family Orientation, Commuter Orientation, as well as a Transfer Student Orientation. Every deposited student is automatically registered for Orientation.

Orientation Dates

three people standing and smiling together

Pre-Orientation

Sunday, August 16, 2026-Tuesday, August 18, 2026

three girls standing smiling

Honors College & Living Learning Communities Move-In

Monday, August 17, 2026

New Student Move-In at Duquesne 2023

Move-in

Tuesday, August 18, 2026

Orientation 2023 students at Duquesne

Orientation

Wednesday, August 19-23, 2026

Duquesne student and parent at FAST 2023

Parent and Family Orientation

Wednesday, August 19, 2026

What Makes Our Orientation Special?

  1. Student leader Samiya Henry at Orientation 2023.Our program is developed for students by students. Our student staff is uniquely positioned to welcome you to the Duquesne family. 
  2. Since we've been through the process ourselves, we know that starting college is a thrilling yet apprehensive time.
  3. With this understanding, we have developed a program that fits the needs of our new students and will enable them to make the most of this next exciting chapter of their lives!

Move-In Day

We are so excited for the arrival of all students and hope that we can make move-in as stress-free as possible! When arriving, all vehicles will be directed into campus through McAnulty Drive where the specific route to Living Learning Communities will be identified by our Duquesne Public Safety Officers and Orientation Staff.

Please keep the following in mind during Move-In Day: 

  • Two Duquesne students at Move-In Day 2023.Please adhere to your move-in time slot. Any requests for changes to your move-in time should be emailed to Student%20Housing%20and%20Residence%20Life%20or call 412.396.6655.
  • Please make sure a licensed driver stays with the vehicle at all times until the vehicle is parked in the garage.
  • Have all items and boxes labeled with your full name, building, and room number. 
  • You must pick up your room key from the residence life tent/tables outside of your residence hall before entering the building.
  • After your move-in is complete, visit the Orientation tent for your goodies for the week!
  • Lunch will be provided to all students and families on Move-In Day.
     

Make sure to have the Orientation Schedule downloaded on your device in preparation for move-in! This schedule includes more detailed information about our move-in process, a schedule of events, campus resources, a to-do list before classes start, and more.

New student move-in time is based on floor assignments.

Parent and Family Orientation

Parent and Family Orientation is a wonderful opportunity for families to begin their Duquesne journey alongside their student.  Throughout the day, attendees will gain insight into what the first year of college really looks like and how they can partner with the university to support their student during this exciting transition.

What to Expect:

  • A warm university and introduction to life on the Bluff.
  • Short breakout sessions on topics like student wellbeing, safety, academics, and first-year success.
  • Opportunities to connect with campus leaders, staff, and other Duquesne families.
  • Lunch on campus and participation in Matriculation.
  • Receptions hosted by the Deans to meet your student's academic schools.
  • An optional formal Parent & Family Dinner with our university President and leadership.

You will be able to choose sessions that align with your interests, so you can leave feeling informed, connected, and confident as your student begins their first year.

Register Now for Parent and Family Orientation on Wednesday, August 19, 2026!

Programs for First-Year Students

Join your fellow first year students on these weekend trips to discover cultural, entertainment and recreational attractions in the Pittsburgh region. The fun includes:

  • Pittsburgh Pirates games
  • Kennywood Park
  • Pittsburgh Zoo
  • Tours of Pittsburgh
  • Fright Night at Kennywood
  • Discounted Movie Tickets

If anyone has any suggestions for next year programs, please contact First-Year Development.

Phi Eta Sigma is a national honor society whose goal is to encourage and reward academic excellence among freshmen in institutions of higher learning.

Phi Eta Sigma was founded at the University of Illinois on March 22, 1923 at the University of Illinois.  Today the national honor society has than 375 chapters throughout the United States and more than 1,100,000 members.

Phi Eta Sigma obtained membership into the Association of College Honor Societies in 1973. Only two societies have had longer continuous memberships. As a national college and scholastic honor society for freshmen, Phi Eta Sigma encourages and rewards high scholastic achievement in institutions of higher learning.

The Duquesne University chapter was established on November 15, 1983. The students who are honored at this ceremony earned a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.5 at the end of their first semester at Duquesne University.

Michael P. Weber Learning Skills Center 

The tutoring request process is now easier than ever! Students can request tutoring via Starfish.

Our Learning Skills Center offers both in-person and online, tutoring. In-person tutoring will be held in our reserved classrooms, and online tutoring is conducted via Zoom. We also present an Exam Review Workshops via Zoom.

Students are able request for tutoring in three different ways:

  1. Students can come into the Center and request for tutoring in person. (Bottom Floor of Old Main/Administration Building)
  2. Students can request for tutoring through Starfish. Once they complete the Starfish request, they will be directed to the Learning Skills Center - Tutor Request Form link via email, which they would need to complete and submit.
  3. Students can bypass the Starfish request and complete the Learning Skills Center - Tutor Request Form if you share the link with them directly.

Learning Skills Center - Tutoring Request Form

Upon submission of the Learning Skills Center - Tutor Request Form, a tutor will contact the student within 3-5 business days with details on how to schedule an appointment. At that time students can specify whether they want in-person or online.

Supplemental Science Instruction 

Additional tutoring or test preparation can be found in Mellon Hall for the following classes: Biology 111, Anatomy & Physiology, Biology: Intro To Life Processes, General Chemistry, Advanced General Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, and Physics.

Please consult the schedule for times and locations. Appointments or referrals are not need for these sessions.

Writing Center 

Our University Writing Center is here to help with your final projects and papers.

ESL Program Tutoring

If you are taking ESL courses (Basic A through UCOR 101E and UCOR 102E) we have tutors who can help you. Our ESL Program has trained tutors who can help you understand and improve your English skills. Many excellent students have worked with ESL tutors. These students developed their language skills, and they felt more confident in using English. ESL Program tutoring is free.

You can make a tutoring appointment once a week. If you are a student currently taking ESL Program courses, please make an appointment with an ESL Program tutor.

Other sources of tutoring:

Palumbo-Donahue School of Business 
704 Rockwell Hall
(412) 396-6276

Athletic Academic Coordinators
1st floor, Mendel Hall
(412) 396-6565

Mathematics and Computer Science
440 College Hall
(412) 396-6467

Modern Languages Department
202 Fisher Hall
(412) 396-6415

Music School Advisement Office
303 School of Music
(412) 396-5744

NAP Coaching
(For students in nursing courses)
544 Fisher Hall
(412) 396-6347

Our DULA program was crafted to highlight the University's current community-engagement efforts in target neighborhoods, introduce students to key community leaders and agencies, encourage the personal development of participants, and foster spiritual growth of participants looking to live out their faith by serving others.

Objective & Goals

To provide a six-day program for Catholic high school students to engage in challenging dialogue, motivating workshops and trainings, as well as community-engaged and social activities designed to enhance academic learning, personal development, faith development, leadership skills, and civic identity development.

Duquesne University Leadership Academy (DULA) seeks each day to foster the following:

  • Engaging with our Local Community
  • Growing in our Faith
  • Building Servant Leaders
  • Building Community with One Another

By participating in this program, students will:

  • Understand contemporary and historical issues that affect Duquesne's key communities;
  • Learn about how Duquesne University faculty, staff, and students reciprocally partner with communities and service agencies to address challenges and opportunities with the goal of building a more just and verdant world;
  • Begin to develop the skill set necessary to constructively engage with diverse stakeholders in order to collaboratively achieve realistic resolutions to community problems;
  • Assess their leadership style and craft a plan to recognize themselves as future change agents within their communities and the world;
  • Nurture the fullest expression of the Gospel call to justice in a way that goes beyond charity or single charitable actions using the see, judge, act model to promote a holistic and systematic approach to peace and justice in our world

First-Year Advisement Summer Transition (FAST)

Welcome to Duquesne University!

We know that starting college is both exciting and transformative. To help you transition smoothly, we're excited to introduce the FAST (First Year Advisement Summer Transition) program - for new college students as well as students transferring to Duquesne University.  Designed by the Office of First Year Development, this initiative ensures your entry into the vibrant Duquesne community is seamless, whether it's your first time in college or you're transferring to Duquesne University.

Why Attend FAST?

FAST is a must-attend program that offers you and your family essential insights and resources to prepare for your academic journey at Duquesne. Each school offers two specific days for participation, and you only need to choose one that fits your schedule, making it a convenient and personalized experience. While this program is not a requirement, it is highly encouraged for all incoming students and family members to attend to ensure a smooth transition.

What to Expect at FAST:

  • Connect with Future Classmates and Student Leaders
  • Meet Your Dedicated Success Coach
  • Interactive Sessions with University Support Services
  • Obtain Your Official DU Student ID Card and Essential Supplies
  • Engage with Residence Life and Commuter Affairs Staff
  • Set Up Your Student Bank Account with PNC Bank
  • Complete Your Fall Semester Onboarding Tasks

This tailored support ensures you start your academic journey at Duquesne with confidence and ease. Join us at FAST to lay the foundation for a successful and fulfilling experience at Duquesne. We can't wait to welcome you to our community!

FAST Dates:

  • Monday, July 6, 2026: Science and Engineering, Nursing, Liberal Arts, and the Gussin Spiritan Division
  • Tuesday, July 7, 2026: Business, Health Sciences, Pharmacy, Education, and Music
  • Wednesday, July 8, 2026: Science and Engineering, Nursing, Liberal Arts, and the Gussin Spiritan Division
  • Thursday, July 9, 2026: Business, Health Sciences, Pharmacy, Education, and Music

Register Now
Three Duquesne students at Orientation 2023

We look forward to seeing you on campus!

Contact Us

Please feel free to contact us with any questions or concerns you may have!

First-Year Development

Dr. Adam Wasilko

Associate Vice President for Student Life and Dean of Students

Ashley Kane

Director, Student Programming and First Year Experience

Mari Jean Kocinski

Administrative Assistant

Tamara Trembulak

Assistant Director of Student Involvement and Union Operations