Our week-long Orientation is a great opportunity for incoming first-year and other
new students to get to know Duquesne and their classmates. We also offer Parent and
Family Orientation, as well as both Commuter Student and Transfer Student Orientation.
Every deposited student is automatically registered for Orientation.
What Makes Our Orientation Special?
Our program is developed for students by students. Our student staff is uniquely positioned
to welcome you to the Duquesne family.
Since we've been through the process ourselves, we know that starting college is a
thrilling yet apprehensive time.
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!
Even prior to Orientation, we are here to assist you in transitioning to life at Duquesne
through the FAST Program.
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. Designed by the Office of First Year Development, this initiative ensures
your entry into the vibrant Duquesne community is seamless.
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. We hope you'll 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!
Please feel free to contact us with any questions or concerns you may have via%20email or (412) 396-6657.
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 LLCs will be identified by our
Duquesne Public Safety Officers and Orientation Staff.
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 in Hogan Dining
Center, free of charge.
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.
Move-In Day FAQs
Yes! During New Student Orientation we have 150+ student volunteers assigned to moving
carts that assist all students in moving their items from their vehicles, up to their
residence hall room. These volunteers are called “Team Leaders” and are members of
the NSO staff.
On move-in day, be sure to include all the essentials for residence hall living: bedding,
towels, toiletries, a shower caddy, cleaning supplies, and necessary documentation
(like health records and identification). Check the Packing List provided by Student Housing and Residence Life to ensure you're prepared and aware
of what items are permitted or prohibited in the living learning centers.
Resident Students will check in for NSO at the Orientation tent on move-in day (August
20) between 8AM-5PM. Commuter Students will check in for NSO during the Commuter Pre-Orientation
on Wednesday, August 21.
Move-in day is busy for our campus! You'll follow our check-in procedures, set up
your residence hall room, meet your new roommate and their family, and complete any
remaining administrative tasks, such as picking up your student ID if you haven't
already received it. Enjoy a complimentary lunch in Hogan Dining Hall and take the
opportunity to connect with various staff members throughout the day.
New Student Orientation FAQs
All new students are expected to attend Orientation from August 21-25. There are certain
events are marked as required in the schedule, and attendance at these sessions are
enforced by various offices on campus. Additionally, Welcome Week is packed with fun
and exciting events that you won’t want to miss!
Our New Student Orientation schedule is available on the Guidebook App. Be sure to download the app to access a wealth of information, including the events
schedule, campus resources, move-in details and more.
Parents do not attend New Student Orientation, but they are invited to participate
in our special Parent and Family Orientation. Highlights of this program include a welcome address from the Senior Vice President
for Student Life, breakout sessions with university staff, the Class of 2028 Matriculation
ceremony, a special dinner with University President Ken Gormley and more.
Yes! Trust us, we have all been there and felt the same apprehension and feelings
of anxiety that you may be feeling now. Remember, you're not alone—many of your peers
are likely feeling the same way, and there are plenty of resources and support systems
available to help you through the transition, especially the Office of First Year Development.
All new students are divided into teams of 20-35 members , serving as your group for th week to cover essential aspects of transitioning to life at Duquesne. You will receive
a mailed letter from your Team Leader during the summer months, which includes your
team number. If you forget your team number, don't worry! You'll receive a name badge
at the Orientation tent during check-in that displays your team number and the locations
for your team meetings throughout the week.
All new commuter students can check-in for NSO during the Commuter Pre-Orientation
program on Wednesday, August 21. Details regarding this program will be sent to your
Duquesne email in July by the Office of Commuter Affairs. Additionally, new commuter students have the ability to participate in our New Commuter
Orientation track during NSO. New commuter students will receive an invitation in
their Duquesne email from our Commuter Chairperson to participate in this specialized
track of events.
As part of NSO, we offer a dedicated track of programs and events designed for transfer
students. Led by our Transfer Chairpersons, this track provides tailored programming
aimed to smooth the transition to life at Duquesne and the city of Pittsburgh. Transfer
students will receive an invitation in their Duquesne email to participate in this
specialized track of events.
General FAQs
Anyone interested in adding this type of meal plan currency can visit the Duquesne Dining website and purchase PLUS to be added to their ID card. PLUS does not expire and will roll over every year until you graduate or no longer associated
with the university. Get a 10% bonus with every purchase of PLUS! Please allow one business day for funds
to be available.
Sharing a room with another person is a common part of living on-campus. Be sure to
communicate openly with your roommate about expectations and preferences regarding
cleanliness, noise levels, visitors, and shared responsibilities. During Orientation
Week, your Resident Assistant (RA) will help you create a Roommate Agreement to ensure
a comfortable and cooperative living environment. Additionally, it's important to
decorate and organize the room in a way that reflects the styles of all roommates,
ensuring a welcoming space for everyone.
Starting your college journey and moving to a new city or state can be challenging.
It’s important to reach out to family, friends, or Counseling Services for support.
Engage in campus activities, join clubs and organizations, and establish a routine
that helps you feel connected to your new environment. The Office of First Year Development is here to assist you every step of the way!
All new students with a Multipass can access our online hub for student organizations and activities, Campus Link! Simply log in via the DU Portal or through the CORQ app to discover 280+ student organizations, learn how to join them, and stay updated
on weekly events. Keep an eye out for the 'Bluff Blast' email from the Center for Student Involvement every Sunday to preview what's happening in the week ahead.
We're Here For You
Call us (412) 396-6641 or email the appropriate person directly.
