As a Gussin Spiritan Division student, your first year of college will focus on far more than helping you study better. The division is designed to develop the whole person, creating opportunities to deepen your sense of civic duty and allowing you to engage with the community throughout the year. The GSD experience makes sure your heart grows along with your abilities as a student. Questions about applying? Check out our FAQs on our main Gussin Spiritan Division page.
Annual Michael P. Weber Memorial Scholarship Recipients
I really didn't consider Duquesne until I visited during Accepted Student Day, and immediately fell in love with the campus and told my mom ‘I need to go there!' I'm also pleased with the financial support offered by the University.”
The best feature of the [program] is their willingness to help students; they even loan you textbooks, and they find you tutors when you need them.”
First-Year GSD Experience
Follow the standard Duquesne University admissions process and the admissions staff will make a determination based on your application. If you are deemed a qualified GSD prospect, the admissions team will notify you.
You will receive a letter informing you of your acceptance into the program. Should you choose to enroll, a deposit is made and more information will be provided to you regarding the Summer Semester.
The Summer Semester is a college experience designed to provide an early introduction to collegiate life. You will attend traditional “in-person” classes Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m during three weeks spanning July and August. Evenings will include computer labs and study hall.
You will also be taking a series of diagnostic tests to determine appropriate academic support for the fall and spring semesters.
In addition to the University BRDG course, Research and Information Skills, the Summer Semester curriculum includes two, one-credit courses: Strategies for Academic Success, and Introduction to University Success.
These courses orient students to the collegiate experience at Duquesne and introduce them to using technology at the University, focusing on developing critical reading and thinking skills, and exploring their individual learning styles and academic motivation.
The Summer Semester requires all GSD students to live on campus for the duration of the program. Students are permitted to leave campus on weekends.
Every GSD student is required to complete our first-year curriculum as part of the Student Agreement. In addition, whenever possible, students are enrolled in one or more introductory courses in their major field of study. ALL Division courses MUST be completed before students can be considered for internal transfer to their school of intended major.
The following are courses are included in the GSD Fall and Spring curriculum:
Fall and Spring (31 credits)
BRDG English 101/102 – Writing Analysis & Writing Literature (6 cr.)
BRDG Competency – Introduction to Ethical Reasoning (3 cr.)
BRDG Competency – Public Speaking (3 cr.)
BRDG Competency – Democracy and Justice (3 cr.)
BRDG Competency – Encountering the Bible (3 cr.)
BRDG Competency – EQ-Essential Questions (3 cr.)
Division requirement Service Learning – Field Observation 207 (2 cr.)
Division requirement Service Learning – Field Observation 208 (2 cr.)
Two courses from major field of study (6 cr.)
Admitted Student Day (University-wide Open House)
You are able to receive information directly from the Division staff in a friendly, informal atmosphere at the office of the Division.
Student and Parent Orientation Luncheon
Luncheon held annually on the Sunday before classes begin.
Community Building Group Activities
Bowling, arcade games outing, and Pirate's games are just a few examples!
Spiritan Division Reception
An event held annually to recognize and award students for their excellent work.
Our goal is to support and prepare you for your matriculation into your desired school of major after your first academic year. By design, the Gussin Spiritan Division office is located within the Michael P. Weber Learning Skills Center, which offers a variety of services to all students of the University. From counseling, to tutoring, to financial help, the Learning Skills Center has you covered. Each of our staff members are Certified Academic Life Coaches.
Retention Data for Freshman Classes follows:
First to second year retention from 1997 (inception of the division) – 2024
81% = GSD compared to
86% = university at large freshman class
Note: The fall 2025 to spring 2026 retention for the GSD freshman class is 75%. The university at large freshman class is 89%.
Graduation Rate for GSD & University at large as of spring 2025
55% = GSD (4 - year undergraduate degree) to
68% = University (4 - year undergraduate degree also includes GSD undergraduates)
47% = National
College and Schools Graduation Percentages
Students who began their courses of study at Duquesne as GSD students have graduated from every school of the University.
The following is based on 695 graduates as of spring 2025.
45.8% = Arts
38.7% = Business
9.2% = Education
1.7% = Natural and Environmental Sciences
2.3% = Nursing,
0.4% = Music, 0.9% = Health Sciences, 0.4% = Pharmacy, 0.3% = Leadership, 0.1% = Sciences