GPSC News
New Building Will Increase Academic Space at Duquesne
Duquesne University has signed an agreement with Robert Morris University to purchase 600 Fifth Avenue, adding more general classroom space and an additional 1,100 seats of capacity. The University has experienced record-breaking demand and enrollment over the last five years.
“This important acquisition will enhance the current academic setting and strongly positions the institution to respond to future academic needs,” said Dr. Charles J. Dougherty, Duquesne University president. “Our reputation for academic excellence—as well as recent expansions in residential and recreational facilities—has laid the groundwork for this historic addition.”
The purchase of the building represents the first significant addition of academic space since the construction of the Bayer Learning Center and acquisition of Fisher Hall in 1995. Duquesne Provost Ralph Pearson will work with the University’s deans to develop a specific plan for the new space.
Duquesne’s graduate programs in particular are in tremendous demand, and enhancing graduate education is a focus of the University’s strategic plan. Since 2005, graduate applications have increased 104 percent, while graduate enrollment has increased 13 percent, with the greatest growth in health sciences, pharmacy and nursing. Over the last five years, total enrollment has increased 8 percent. Additionally, this year’s freshman class is among the five largest in Duquesne’s history. Schools with the greatest increases in freshman enrollment are music, nursing and pharmacy.
“While our students select us for the academic quality, rigor and diversity of our programs, they report that our strategic location within the city also plays a critical role for classroom and experiential learning,” said Paul-James Cukanna, associate provost for enrollment management. “The location of this property provides a natural expansion of our footprint.”
The eight-story building, located in close proximity to campus, is more than 100,000 gross- square-feet in size and houses 40 classrooms, 60 offices and an entire floor of open space. Duquesne currently has approximately 87 general classrooms, excluding labs, multipurpose instructional rooms and music facilities.
ReEnergize the Vote
The Student Government Association, in cooperation with the Sierra Club and the Freshmen Civitas Learning Community, will be promoting a voter registration drive beginning Sept 20 through October 3 in honor of Student Civic Engagement Month hosted by the Pittsburgh Student Council. The campaign is called "ReEnergize the Vote" and we are trying to get as many students registered to vote and become aware of the issues surrounding the November 2nd Mid-term Elections. We ask that you please invite and forward this message along to the members of your group to volunteer with this amazing opportunity to let student voices be heard. There will be a voter registration volunteer workshop on Tuesday September 21, 2010 from 6:00pm to 7:00pm in Room 119 Union for all those interested in helping out the cause. Please email Yamilette Ayala at ayalay@duq.edu with a list of interested volunteers and t-shirt sizes. If you miss the workshop, don't worry, just stop by a voter registration table and we'll train you on the spot!
Evening Card Swipe Access to Gumberg Library Begins Monday, September 13
Beginning Monday, September 13, 2010, Gumberg Library will require Duquesne ID card swipe entry from 9 p.m. until closing. Only individuals affiliated with Duquesne will be permitted to enter the building. Everyone who enters will be required to swipe their card. Staff will ask for Duquesne ID if an individual enters with a group without swiping.
This change is necessary to enhance the safety of library users and staff. It follows the model already in place at the Power Center and other buildings. It also helps us prepare for a 24-hour study pilot in December.
If there are any questions, please contact: Dr. Laverna Saunders at x6138 or lsaunders@duq.edu.