Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

Duquesne University launched a program on Sept. 8, 2022 through which faculty and staff may earn certification in diversity, equity and inclusion. This opportunity was made possible through a partnership between the Inaugural Chief Diversity Officer and the Office of Human Resources, Learning and Development.

The Diversity, Equity and Inclusion certificate program is designed to reinforce the University's mission of serving God by serving students so that they, in turn, may serve others. 

"Part of our mission is to maintain an ecumenical atmosphere open to diversity—to do everything we can so that those who wish to study or work here are included and have every opportunity for growth," President Ken Gormley said. "I am very pleased that this exciting new initiative will provide ways for everyone to gain skills so critical to our collective success."  

Faculty and staff participants will earn their certificate through a series of 10 fundamental level workshops offered over the course of the academic year. Each in-person course is about three hours long. The workshops will address Duquesne policies as well as individual behaviors that help create an environment of opportunities for all at the University.

Of the 10 workshops, seven core workshops are required. Participants then choose at least three elective workshops. Various content experts will deliver the different courses. Participants will gain an increased awareness of the importance of diversity, equity and inclusion, and develop tools and strategies to enhance success and belonging in academic and workplace settings.  

Individuals who choose to earn the diversity, equity and inclusion certification should discuss it with their supervisor to align goals, outline general and specific relevance to their work at the University, and ensure adequate planning for the time commitment required. 

In addition, plans are underway for a summer-intensive program that will offer the core courses for those with scheduling conflicts. 

To meet the requirements for the program, participants will complete a capstone project session facilitated by Crystal McCormick Ware, inaugural chief diversity officer and senior advisor to the president for diversity, equity and inclusion, and Dana Whatley Smith, assistant director of learning and development for the Office of Human Resources. 

Email McCormick%20Ware or Whatley%20Smith for more information.

The Duquesne University Inclusion Network serves Duquesne University's DEI practices and is comprised of staff and faculty who are identified as persons who are committed to advance Duquesne University's goals of becoming a more inclusive and welcoming campus community both in the classroom and outside of the classroom.

The Duquesne University Inclusion Network is open to all Duquesne University employees engaged in DEI practice and include designated DEI representatives from each School, unit and department, DEI professionals, and practitioners.

Members serve as liaisons to their respective units and are expected to share information with their colleagues after each meeting and to partner with other units as opportunities are presented. 

Activities and Engagement:

• Strive to improve communication amongst University schools, units, and departments
• Hold Inclusion Network meetings as a way to chat regularly, drop files and promote events in the Teams Page, as well as share DEI efforts with the Network
• The Inclusion Network will keep members updated on their specific unit’s DEI program and initiatives by highlighting a specific school, unit, or department each month.
• Inclusion Network members will have the opportunity to partner or collaborate with other schools, units, and/or departments by sharing DEI efforts
• Create a safe space amongst Duquesne University DEI colleagues by being transparent as to where departments or units may hit obstacles and can ask for assistance or guidance openly
• Share best practices and successful approaches in DEI efforts

The Diversity Advocate program integrates best practices into full-time faculty search processes. Diversity Advocates are trained faculty volunteers who serve on faculty search committees as non-voting members. Diversity Advocates work with search committees to promote diverse applicant pools and implement candidate evaluation processes that treat all applicants with fairness and consistency.

The Diversity Advocate program is a collaborative effort on the part of Academic Affairs, the Chief Diversity Officer, and Human Resources. The program depends on regular feedback and assessment to improve and increase its impact.

We welcome you to learn more about our hiring practice of faculty, staff, and students and our dedication to attracting, retaining, and engaging a talented and diverse workforce. We strive to be a trusted partner in supporting the diverse talents you may bring to Duquesne University. You will discover at Duquesne University, you have the potential to be part of a diverse community committed to promoting bigger goals through educational excellence and moral and spiritual values. 

You will discover that our Social Impact commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion is seen in action every day on campus and led by our Inaugural Chief Diversity Officer. 

Our DE&I Practices

The mission of the Duquesne University ERGs are to promote diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging to encourage the many interests and cultures within our workforce on campus. Our ERGs also serve as safe spaces for employees to collaborate and partner with other ERGs for programming, dialogue and awareness.

Learn more and sign up for an ERG

Duquesne University, led by the Holy Spirit and guided by its Catholic values, is committed to fostering and maintaining authentic relationships with every person.

In support of this commitment, the University has implemented a process that enables students, faculty, staff, and alumni who identify by a name other than their given (legal) first name to use a chosen first name for University systems where a legal name is not required ("Chosen First Name").

Learn More

Our Center for African Studies promotes Duquesne University's constructive engagement with Africa and the African diaspora through teaching, scholarship, and service. We strive to create and encourage opportunities to experience the many rich African traditions and cultures from interdisciplinary and multicultural perspectives.

Explore the Center

Duquesne's Spiritan founders believed in welcoming all and excluding none. Today, diversity remains at the forefront of our core values.

The Center for Excellence in Diversity and Student Inclusion helps by providing support services and opportunities for learning. The Center coordinates community-wide events and programs to celebrate, acknowledge campus leaders and raise awareness about critical issues.

Our diverse student body includes people of all abilities and disabilities. We have accommodations in place to help you through your academic courses and time at Duquesne University.

Learn more about Disability Services.

Our cultural and ethnic student organizations are critical and valued entities. Your backgrounds, voices and actions serve as the core for our University's ability to remain open to diversity in all its forms.

• Asian Student Association (ASA)
• Black Student Union (BSU)
• Caribbean Student Association (CSA)
• Collegiate 100 (C100)
• Duquesne South Asian Student Association (SASA)
• Duquesne Student Chapter: NAACP
• Ebony Women: Women for Social Change
• Gender Sexuality Alliance (Lambda)
• International Students Organization (ISO)
• Jewish Student Organization
• Latin American Student Association (LASA)
• Multicultural STEM Group (MSG)
• Muslim Student Association (MSA)
• Saudi Student Organization
• Union of African Students (UAS)

Explore student organizations on CampusLink

Duquesne University's Equity Education Certificate program is designed to develop teaching practices in ethics, equity literacy, culturally relevant/sustaining pedagogy, and critical studies in education. This certificate program is housed in the School of Education, but open to the entire Duquesne University community.

 

Learn more

With a population that includes students from more than 90 countries, Duquesne offers many opportunities for students from all cultural, socioeconomic and religious backgrounds to learn from one another and gain a global perspective in their studies. Outside of the classroom, students participate in a wide variety of cultural programming and activities each year.  In fact, our International Student Organizations is one of the largest and most active student-led organizations on campus.

Our International Admissions Office helps guide students through the admissions process. It also offers personalized service for incoming students. For instance, our Cultural Ambassador program matches each incoming international student with a fellow current student who can answer questions and serve as a dedicated resource.

For international students who seek to improve their English language skills, Duquesne offers an English as a Second Language Certificate Program.

Juneteenth is a national holiday commemorating the end of slavery in the United States. It is also called Emancipation Day or Juneteenth Independence Day. The name "Juneteenth" references the date of the holiday, combining the words "June" and "nineteenth."

• Juneteenth: Commemorating Freedom: Library Guide
  
  
• Pittsburgh Celebrates Juneteenth Freedom Day
  
  
• Western PA 2022 Juneteenth Freedom Days
  
  
• National Museum of African American History & Culture

Duquesne University, led by the spirit and guided by its Catholic Spiritan values, is committed to fostering and maintaining authentic relationships with every person. As stated in the University's Mission Statement, Duquesne University is committed to creating an ecumenical atmosphere open to diversity through walking with all who engage in education for the mind, heart, and spirit.

Explore our LGBTQIA+ resources page.

At Duquesne, our Spiritan Campus Ministry seeks to welcome all community members, regardless of your denomination or faith tradition. We invite you to engage with our many liturgical and worship ministries, faith sharing programs, and social outreach opportunities.

Learn more

Inclusive and equitable teaching is essential to the University's mission to welcome all and exclude none. Resources for inclusive and equitable teaching are available through our Center for Teaching Excellence. Visit Center for Teaching Excellence's DE&I page

Duquesne has a long history of serving active military personnel, veterans, and their families. Our Veteran and Military Services Office offers a wide array of personalized services and resources. The Veteran Service Center in Libermann Hall is a learning and recreation center created specifically for veteran and military students and their families.

We are a proud participant in the Yellow Ribbon program. Tuition benefits through the Post-9/11 GI Bill^® are available as well as dedicated resources to help students navigate the financing process.

Learn more about benefits for veterans, active-duty personnel and their families.