An environment for opportunity.
Duquesne was founded to advocate and advance opportunity for immigrants. For nearly 150 years, we’ve stood up for the health and economic well-being of people and communities on the margins. These aren’t research subjects. They’re our neighbors. We’ve worked hard to become a trusted partner—listening and learning, investing the time and energy that authentic collaboration demands.
Duquesne’s initiatives are designed with the education of our students as the foremost priority, and the betterment of communities as an ultimate goal. As our mission makes clear, Duquesne serves God by serving students, who, in turn, turn, go on to serve others. To achieve our mission and succeed in our initiatives, our policies are designed to support all members of our community.
Our work in service, research and outreach creates a vibrant intellectual community
that pursues and achieves practical gains to improve our world.
Securing our world for future generations requires a thoughtful and comprehensive
approach.
Raising a third of a billion dollars to support bigger goals, and the people who make
them possible.
We collaborate with our communities and walk alongside our neighbors in meaningful
ways.
Cross-discipline learning, instructional support, research, community services and
more.
Success requires careful attention.
Initiatives for Our Students and Our Region
Sustainability
The Ignite Campaign
Community engagement
Centers and Institutes
University Assessment
In 2017, Duquesne adopted a strategic plan that came to life as a result of significant involvement of the entire campus community: faculty, staff, students, and administrators. That plan stated that the University would "consider the best interests of our students as the polestar of all decision making."
Duquesne University's Strategic Plan
UPDATED JANUARY 2023
One hundred forty-four years ago a small band of visionary priests traveled from Europe
to Pittsburgh on a mission—to found a small Catholic college to educate the families
of recent immigrants working in the steel mills. Holding classes in rented space above
a bakery on Wylie Avenue, the six Holy Ghost priests believed that a rigorous values-based
education would provide otherwise unobtainable opportunities for their first group
of 40 students. Over time, the priests built a world-class institution of higher education
that grew in size and stature to become Duquesne University, educating the doctors,
judges, financiers, journalists and other professionals who contributed to the rich
tapestry of life in the Pittsburgh area and beyond.
We remain in awe of the Founders' commitment and perseverance. In recalling those
modest beginnings, we need to consider what those Spiritan Founders would think of
the institution to which they gave birth.
Ken Gormley, Duquesne's 13th president, poses this question: In what ways can Duquesne's
strategic priorities reflect the spirit (and the Spirit) that animated founder Fr.
Joseph Strub and his colleagues for a new era?
In this document, we set forth five strategic imperatives that align squarely with
our heritage yet embrace the challenges of our ever-evolving world. In pursuing these
strategic imperatives, Duquesne will advance for an exciting new era its historic
mission of providing an education for the mind, the heart and the spirit.
Policies and Guidelines
University-wide directives
A University Policy is an official directive, approved by the President based on the recommendation of the Executive Officers (Vice Presidents), that has broad and direct application across all schools, departments, and other administrative units of the University. A University Policy has historically been known as a TAP, and the group, collectively, as the TAPs.
Undergraduate and graduate official catalogs
It is the responsibility of each student to know the requirements for their program of study and to meet all requirements satisfactorily for graduation. The catalogs are maintained by the University Registrar and are updated annually.
Student and faculty research guides
All research conducted or sponsored by Duquesne University must comply with strict federal regulations governing the safety of subjects and researchers.
Faculty and student researchers must have completed training in various aspects of
research conduct governing their work.
The Office of Research and Innovation provides faculty researchers with technical support, assistance with grant applications and competitions,
means to foster interdisciplinary and community partnerships.
Both undergraduate and graduate students have numerous opportunities to learn together with faculty in a rich environment
conducive to research.
The Duquesne Dukes field 19 NCAA Division I teams
Various policies are in place for our student athletes, all of which are available for reading under "Inside Athletics" on the Athletics website.
Duquesne is committed to transparency in its processes
The University follows several federal and state policies related to financial aid. Each of the Schools and Colleges has different factors they consider in their review of applicants, and that information can be found in their respective admissions and aid pages.