Here at Duquesne, Equity & Opportunity Begin at Home
Coming to college with a disability can be challenging—Audriana Michrina, A'23, knows.
While getting around campus in a wheelchair can be cumbersome, she was compassionately
relieved by helpful classmates and friends, accommodating teachers and support from
the University's Disability Services team.
At Duquesne, we have a diverse student body, with over a thousand students registered
with our Office of Disability Services. Our team will help you receive the support
you need while you are attaining your educational goals. If you need accommodations
due to a documented condition, we are happy to assist you with navigating the registration
process.
Register for accommodations (DU login required)
Commitment to Equality, Inclusion and Compassion
Motivated by its Catholic identity, Duquesne University values equality of opportunity, human dignity, and racial, cultural and ethnic diversity, both as an educational institution and as an employer. Accordingly, the University prohibits and does not engage in discrimination or harassment on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, disability or status as a veteran. Further, Duquesne University will continue to take affirmative steps to support and advance these values consistent with the University's mission statement.
This policy applies to all educational programs and activities of the University, including, but not limited to, employment practices, admission, educational policies, scholarship and loan programs, and athletic or other University-sponsored programs. This is a commitment by the University in accordance with its religious values and applicable federal, state and local laws and regulations including Title IX of the Education Amendment Acts of 1972. Nothing herein, however, should be interpreted as a waiver by the University of its own Constitutional and legal rights based upon its religious affiliation.
We're Here for You
Students with disabilities who qualify under the Americans with Disabilities Act and Section 504 may request reasonable accommodations for conditions such as learning, psychiatric, and physical disabilities, as well as chronic health disorders.
Our Office of Disability Services also provides temporary accommodations to students
when medical situations arise that affect their academic performance such as a concussion.
Register for Accommodations (DU login required)
Emotional support and service animals provide a unique and helpful service for students. Emotional support animals provide comfort to students, while service animals are trained to do work or perform tasks for a person with a disability.
Learn about our policies and accommodations regarding emotional support animals and service animals.
Reach out to our Office of Disabilities team to assist you in navigating the best options for your academic success. Medical documentation is needed; view our documentation guidelines.
Should you experience medical hardship like extreme illness, serious injury or extended hospitalization, we'll help you remain enrolled while navigating the best options for your academic success. In the case that a medical withdrawal is what you need, here's what you need to know.
Academic Accommodations
Whether your disability is physical, psychological or a learning disability, we'll provide appropriate and reasonable accommodations to help you through your academic courses and reach your greatest potential.
Our office is committed to reasonably accommodating students under the Americans with
Disabilities Act. As a part of this process, we work with each student individually
to discuss their specific needs and reasonable accommodations based their unique situation.
We encourage students to stay engaged with our office throughout their educational
journey so we can provide support along the way.
The Office of Disability Services can assist each student in procuring reasonable accommodations in the Living Learning Centers and classroom facilities. Each of the Living Learning Centers is configured differently and offers a variety of accommodations. We work in partnership with the Office of Student Housing and Residence Life to determine appropriate, reasonable accommodations on a case-by-case basis. Accessible classroom relocations and accommodations can be made through the Office of Disability Services on an as-needed basis.
Accessible Parking
Students who have a disability parking placard can purchase a standard parking permit. Spaces for persons with disabilities are designated throughout standard parking areas. For additional information on parking, call the University’s Parking Office at 412.396.5267.
It is always a student's right, and personal choice, to determine if they chose to disclose their disability to the Office of Disability Services. Disclosing your disability can be done at any point in the semester.
Accommodations cannot be given retroactively if a student makes the choice not to disclose their disability. If a student does disclose their disability but does not request that letters of accommodations be sent to their professor, accommodations will not be granted, even in the case that the students feels work submitted or exam scores received do not accurately reflect their abilities.
Achieving a More Inclusive Classroom
Dr. Tiffany Hatcher
Providing Proactive, Considerate Accommodations
Dr. Tiffany Hatcher, clinical assistant professor in the School of Pharmacy, strives to ensure that students with disabilities feel comfortable speaking up and seeking accommodations, and are alleviated of any additional inconveniences or stresses. "It's a conscious decision to take personal responsibility to make sure your content is accessible to everyone."
Dr. Stephanie Gray
New Strategies to Help Students Thrive
Dr. Stephanie Gray, assistant professor of public history in the McAnulty College and Graduate School of Liberal Arts, jumps on the opportunity to learn about students’ challenges and ways she can help them succeed. "I want Duquesne classrooms to be a safe environment. As an instructor, you have to be interested in and invested in your students; an empathetic teacher who wants students to learn and achieve academic success, and who also cares about the physical and mental wellbeing of each individual student.”
A wide variety of disabilities are covered including, but not limited to the following: We have several resources on campus to support students including:Disability Services FAQs
Contact Us
Visit us in Room 309 in the Duquesne Student Union. We're here and ready to help you.
Tiana Brophy
Maggie Allen
Mari Jean Kocinski
