Mission

The mission of the Division of Student Life is to establish and maintain a total living, learning and developmental environment that will enhance students growth for the individual self-actualization and positive involvement in the world community.

Philosophy

Consistent with the educational philosophy of the University and the above stated mission, the Student Life Division provides students with opportunities to participate in a variety of experiences with fellow students, faculty members and administrators. The Student Life staff encourages students to initiate new programs, implement change, and participate in the essential processes of University governance on many levels.

Organization

The Vice President for Student Life coordinates the departments of the Center for Career Development, Center for Student Involvement, Center for Student Wellbeing, Commuter Affairs, Counseling, Freshmen Development and Disability Services, Greek Life, Health Services, Office of Diversity and Inclusion, Public Safety, Recreation, Residence Life and Student Conduct. Several of these departments are briefly described below. Additional information may be obtained directly from each department and through the Student Handbook and Code of Student Rights, Responsibilities, and Conduct.

Students and graduates of Duquesne University have available to them the full services and programs of the Center for Career Development. Persons with uncertain or changing vocational goals may seek career planning through personal career consulting and use of career resources.

Individuals with well-defined career goals may seek employment assistance and advice, including resume preparation, interview and job search techniques. Graduating students may also be interested in campus interviews with visiting employers.

Undergraduate/graduate students may earn academic credit for approved pre-professional work under the University’s Internship Program, which is administered by the Center for Career Development.

Part-time and summer employment are important to students in financing their education and to those seeking practical experience to augment college training. Part-time and summer jobs in the community are posted on Handshake, our online job board.

The staff at the Center for Career Development facilitates on-campus job fairs, career workshops, walk-in advising hours, resume review, on-campus interviewing, manages job postings from employers, and more for both students and alumni.

The Center for Career Development is open Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. and select evenings in Union 614. For further information call 412.396.6644 or email careerdevelopment@duq.edu. Visit the website at www.duq.edu/career-development.

The Center for Global Engagement (DuqGlobal) provides services to international students and scholars pursuing undergraduate and graduate degree programs at the University. These specialized services include providing pre-arrival information to accepted students; assisting with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) requirements; assisting in academic and cross-cultural adjustment through initial arrival and extended orientation programs; promoting and supporting events, programs, and activities which foster deeper communication, awareness and understanding among U.S. and international students at Duquesne; and providing ongoing direct service and appropriate referral services to international students and scholars on campus in a personalized and professional manner.

DuqGlobal also coordinates all Study Abroad programming for the University and offers support services for students interested in short-term, semester-long and specialized Study Abroad program at Duquesne. DuqGlobal supports the University's strong commitment to international education as a valued component of the overall mission of the institution.

Getting involved on campus is one of the best ways to make the most of your college experience. The Center for Student Involvement (CSI) helps students to do this by connecting them to intentionally designed co-curricular experiences, programs, and services. We invite you to CONNECT with us to explore ways to become an active part of campus life!

CSI is the home of Commuter Affairs, Co-Curricular Community Engagement, Greek Life, Student Organization Services, Programs and Leadership.

We hope the opportunities offered by CSI will INSPIRE you to ENGAGE with our campus and Pittsburgh communities during your time at Duquesne.

Co-Curricular Community Engagement

The Duquesne University Volunteers (DUV) provides Duquesne students the chance to develop relationships with the Pittsburgh community through ongoing conversation, collaboration, and opportunities for service and advocacy.

For further information about Co-Curricular Community Engagement, please call our office at 412.396.5853.

Commuter Affairs

Duquesne Union, 1st floor. All students not living in University-owned housing (living with parents or living in off-campus apartments; undergraduate/graduate, day/evening, full time/part time) are considered commuter students. Commuter students who have a question, suggestion, concern or need additional information can utilize the Office of Commuter Affairs.  You are also encouraged to make use of the following information and services we provide:

  • Commuter Center, located on the 1st floor of the Duquesne Union, includes a computer lab, and lounge with refrigerator, microwaves, television and comfortable furniture.
  • Parking and Transportation Information
  • Off-Campus Housing Assistance
  • Programs for Commuters
  • Commuter Assistant Program: This program is a support network of upperclassmen commuter students who serve as advisors and provide resources for new undergraduate commuters. CAs plan activities, provide information and supply encouragement.
  • Commuter Council: A student run governing body designed to identify commuter concerns and to provide educational, social and service-oriented programs for the University’s large commuter population.

The Office of Commuter Affairs is open Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. For further information call 412.396.6660 or email commuteraffairs@duq.edu. Visit the office website at www.duq.edu/commuter-affairs.

Office of Greek Life, Honor Societies & Professional Organizations

For over one hundred years, Duquesne has recognized the incredible impact membership in a Greek-Lettered collegiate organization can have for students, so the University is committed to helping its fraternity and sorority community thrive and succeed.

Over 20% of the campus population are involved in Greek Life, be that through a social organization, honor society, or professional organization. Members in Greek organizations gain the following:

  • Opportunities for scholarship and academic achievement
  • Community and Philanthropic service
  • Campus leadership and involvement
  • Serve advocates for Greek community
  • Spiritual development
  • Make lifelong friends

For further information about the Office of Greek Life, Honor Societies and Professional Organizations, please call our office at 412.396.6651.

Programs & Leadership

The SPIRIT Leaders Program is designed to provide students with a foundation for leadership, and prepare them to assume active roles in campus organizations as well as the professional workplace.

TOPICS INCLUDE:

  • Diversity and Inclusion
  • Community and Civic Engagement
  • Ethical Leadership
  • University Mission
  • Group Dynamics
  • Conflict Management
  • Professional Development
  • Social Justice

BUILD CONFERENCE

Student organization members may also participate in the BUILD Leadership Conference each semester.  CONNECT with campus leaders, gain the resources you need to INSPIRE your organization, and discover new opportunities to ENGAGE with the Duquesne community!

For further information about Programs & Leadership, please call our office at 412.396.5853.

Student Organizations

Want to make new friends, have great experiences, and develop leadership skills?  Join one of our 250+ organizations and find your home, on the Bluff!

  • Academic/Professional
  • Advocacy
  • Club Sports
  • Community Service
  • Event Planning
  • Greek Organizations
  • Honor Societies
  • Multicultural
  • Music and Performance
  • Theater
  • Political Interest
  • Publications and Media
  • Recreation
  • Spiritual

For further information about Student Organizations please call our office at 412.396.5853.

For the Mind, Heart, and Spirit

Our philosophy of wellbeing acknowledges seven dimensions of wellness: spiritual; emotional; intellectual; occupational; physical; social; and environmental, which correspond to the dimensions of the human person. Wellbeing as a praxis involves developing each of these dimensions in an integrated fashion. The following services comprise the Center for Student Wellbeing:

Counseling Services

The University Counseling and Wellbeing Center establishes itself on a philosophy of life that is congruent with the University Mission.  We view the student in terms of his/her striving for contentment, happiness, and flourishing.  Our goal is to provide services and resources that will enable the student to live a meaningful life based on a mind/body/spirit approach to wellbeing, an approach that honors the fundamental dignity of the human person by valuing him/her in his/her totality.

Located in Room 636 of Fisher Hall, the University Counseling and Wellbeing Center offers free confidential personal psychotherapy to all currently enrolled Duquesne students.

Confidential short-term personal psychotherapy is provided for a variety of reasons, such as difficulty adjusting to college life, personal and/or emotional distress, homesickness, test anxiety, sleep disturbances, etc. Students in need of more frequent, long-term psychotherapy will work with our case manager to find resources that will meet his/her needs.  Psychiatric consultation and services are available as needed. Crisis Support is available from the University Counseling and Wellbeing Center 24/7 by calling the University police emergency number, 412.396.2677 (COPS).

A variety of support groups and workshops are available on request for topics of current interest, such as time management, stress management, test anxiety, eating disorders, cultural diversity, or specific topics can be requested. Biofeedback sessions are also available.

An ecumenical meditation room is available for all students, faculty, and staff regardless of faith tradition or lack thereof.

Please contact the University Counseling and Wellbeing Center at 412.396.6204 or visit www.duq.edu/counseling for additional information and online self-help resources.

Health Services

Open Monday through Friday. Hours vary due to COVID-related precautions. Contact Health Services by calling 412-396-1650 for detailed information.

Medical/Nursing Care

Health Services provides comprehensive primary care, evaluation and treatment of illness and injury, wellness care, and health promotion.

Telemedicine services are available by appointment for 'well' visits and apply to some primary care medical needs. Students who prefer to not come to the office for their medical care are encouraged to call the office: 412-396-1650 and select the option to speak to the Triage Nurse to discuss whether a telemed visit could be accommodated. All students are required to complete a health history and electronically submit through the Health Service Student Portal prior to utilizing Health Services.

Staff

The medical/nursing professional staff consists of Board Certified Family Medicine Physicians, a Certified Registered Nurse Practitioner, a Physician Assistant, a Registered Dietician, and Registered Nurses. Support staff include the Office Manager, Billing Specialist, and Medical Assistants.

Immunizations

Duquesne University has a Pre-Matriculation Immunization Policy. All incoming full-time graduate students are required to submit evidence of 2 MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella) vaccines OR provide serological (blood testing) evidence of immunity.  Graduate residential students (Transfers, Fellows, and International Students) are required to also provide evidence of Meningococcal Quadrivalent Vaccine. Immunization requirements follow guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and The American College Health Association. Students must print the Duquesne University Immunization Verification Form from the Health Services webpage, then have the form completed and signed by their physician, and upload this documentation electronically through DORI into the Health Service Student Portal.

Pre-entry physical exams are NOT required.

In-Hospital Care

In emergency situations, students may potentially be transported and/or referred to the Emergency Room at UPMC Mercy. When necessary, University physicians may be consulted regarding the student's treatment and disposition.

Location

Health Services is located on the second floor, Duquesne Union, 412.396.1650.

Eligibility

All full-time registered students are eligible for evaluation in Health Services. Health Services participates with many major in-network health insurance plans.

All full-time students must have health insurance while attending Duquesne University. Students who wish to waive the Duquesne University Student Health Plan (SHIP) must provide verifiable proof of comparable insurance. Students who neither waive with necessary proof of insurance nor enroll in in the SHIP by September 30, 2020, will be automatically enrolled and charged for the total cost of insurance and administrative fees. Waivers requested after 9/30/20 will be assessed a financial penalty. Please refer to the Benefits Office website for further instruction. All health records are confidential and will not be released without the student's permission.

Emergencies/After Hours Care
  • An On-Call Counselor from the Counseling and Wellbeing Center is available 24/7 to assist in any type of psychological emergency.
  • Call Public Safety 412.396.2677 (COPS). They will provide assistance and will contact Paramedics, Health Service and an On-Call Counselor as needed.
  • After hours, Public Safety should be contacted for medical emergencies. A health service nurse is available to be contacted by university personnel regarding student medical emergencies after hours. Additional information can be obtained by calling Health Service, after hours, for further instruction: 412.396.1650.

Recreation Services

The Power Center, a state-of-the-art facility, was built for the exclusive use of Duquesne students and employees. Informal recreation is offered in the following sports:  basketball, volleyball, badminton.

Intramurals

Having the opportunity to participate in both formal and informal recreational activities is a vital part of everyday life. The Intramural program at Duquesne University provides formal recreational sports opportunities to all students, faculty, staff and administrators by offering an opportunity for interesting and rewarding competition in men’s, women’s, Greek, co-ed and freshman activities. The program offers a variety of activities that the entire university community can participate in regardless of preference or athletic ability.  Dates of events and application/sign-up deadlines will be available in the Recreation Office located in the Power Center.

Fitness

As part of fitness programming, Duquesne offers a wide variety of fitness classes throughout the week.  All classes take place in the Power Center group fitness studios.  Workshops, seminars on wellness topics, and orientation sessions to help participants become familiar with the equipment and get started in a workout are also available. Sessions are open to all students, faculty, and staff of the Duquesne University community throughout the year.

Club Sports

The objectives of club sports are to fulfill the recreational and extramural competitive needs of students.  The program emphasizes Instruction and Competition. Club Sports are special interest groups whereby the students, with the Recreation Department, accept the responsibility for the majority of the organization responsibilities of the club.  Anyone interested in joining or starting a club may contact the Recreation Department in the Power Center.

Duquesne Union, 1st floor. All students not living in University-owned housing (living with parents or living in off-campus apartments; undergraduate/graduate, day/evening, full time/part time) are considered commuter students. Commuter students who have a question, suggestion, concern or need additional information can utilize the Office of Commuter Affairs. You are also encouraged to make use of the following information and services we provide:

  • Commuter Center, located on the 1st floor of the Duquesne Union, includes quiet study room, computer lab, and lounge with refrigerator, microwave, television and comfortable furniture.
  • Parking and Transportation Information
  • Off-Campus Housing Assistance
  • Programs for Commuters
  • Commuter Assistant Program: This program is a support network of upperclassmen students who serve as advisors and provide resources for new undergraduate commuters. CAs plan activities, provide information and supply encouragement.
  • Commuter Council: A student run governing body designed to identify commuter concerns and to provide educational, social and service-oriented programs for the University’s large commuter population.

The Office of Commuter Affairs is open Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. For further information call 412.396.6660 or email commuteraffairs@duq.edu. Visit the office website at www.duq.edu/commuter-affairs.

Duquesne Dining Services offers 11 convenient dining locations across campus, providing meals to students, faculty, staff and visitors each day. Students living on campus are required to enroll in a meal plan, which include meals for the all-you-care-to-eat dining facility and Flex Dollars to use at any of the retail locations. Duquesne also offers on campus residents, commuters, Faculty, and Staff the convenience of PLUS Dollars, money that can be loaded onto the Duquesne ID card and spent in any Duquesne Dining location with a bonus 5% off.

11 Convenient Locations

The dining locations include three national brands (Starbucks, Freshens, and Chick-fil-A), one residential all-you-care-to-eat dining facility (Hogan Dining Center), one full-service restaurant (Red Ring Bar and Grille), and six retail locations. 

  • Rev. Sean Hogan Dining Center - 2nd Floor Towers
  • Chick-fil-A - 5th Floor Student Union
  • Cinco Cantina - 5th Floor Student Union
  • The Incline Food Court - 1st Floor Student Union
  • Starbucks - 2nd Floor Student Union
  • Coffee Tree Roasters at the Law School
  • The Business Leader Bistro (NEW!) - 6th Floor of Rockwell Hall
  • Campus Market - 1st Floor Towers
  • Campus Market Express - 6th Floor of Fisher Hall
  • The Red Ring Bar and Grille - 1st Floor Power Center
  • Freshens - 1st Floor Power Center

Duquesne University considers the needs of students on an individual basis. Students with learning or psychological disabilities who desire special services must present evaluations (psychoeducational or psychological) that are no more than three years old to the Office of Disability Services. Students with other disabilities must submit written documentation of their disability from their physician. Documentation guidelines for the disabilities have been established by the office and are available upon request. Services can be arranged through the office on an individual basis providing the student has documentation on his/her disability.

The Office of Disability Services provides services to all University students with documented disabilities. Services such as classroom relocation, specialized testing accommodations, removal of physical barriers, and other accommodations can be arranged through the office on an individual basis. The office assists students with communicating their needs to faculty members, physical plant, the University community, and in connecting with campus resources.

Please contact the Office of Disability Services in Room 309 Duquesne Union or call 412.396.6658 for any additional information. Please see a more detailed description of the office at www.duq.edu/disability-services.

The mission of the Office of Diversity and Inclusion (ODI) is to facilitate the holistic development of a diverse student population by providing a network of support services and co-curricular learning opportunities. Committed to meeting the needs of historically underserved and underrepresented students of color, the programs and services offered by the ODI are designed to contribute to an inclusive campus community that values the global perspectives and experiences of all its members.

For further information, contact:

105 Student Union
600 Forbes Ave
Pittsburgh, PA 15282
412.396.1117

All graduate and professional students are automatically members of the GPSC. Our goal is to have two representatives from every department on campus to serve on the Graduate and Professional Student Council. The GPSC has monthly meetings to discuss any issues or concerns of the graduate students. GPSC representatives serve as the graduate student representatives on university administrative committees including the Graduate Council, Library Council, SGA, etc. GPSC will therefore also discuss any concerns or questions from the university administration to provide them with an overall response from the graduate and professional students.

GPSC is also an opportunity to meet other graduate and professional students. Several events for professional development and socializing are planned each year.

For further information, email gpsc@duq.edu.  

Mandatory Student Health Insurance Policy

All full-time undergraduate and qualifying graduate students are required to have comprehensive medical coverage in the Pittsburgh area. To comply with this mandate, students must either enroll in the Duquesne University Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP) OR waive it with proof of health insurance that meets the following criteria.

The plan must:

NOT exclude pre-existing conditions
PAY providers directly (no reimbursement policies)
INCLUDE mental health coverage
NOT exclude payment for illness or injury occurring under the influence of drugs and alcohol
SPAN the entire student registration (no short-term policies)

Annual Term 8/1/2020 - 7/31/2021
Fall Term 8/1 - 12/31/2020
Spring Term 1/1 - 7/31/2021

In addition to the above waiver criteria, international students' plans must:

PAY claims in U.S. dollars
HAVE a U.S.-based claims processing center
PRODUCE a copy of the full policy document in English

Before you waive the Duquesne SHIP:

  • Contact your insurance carrier to find out if you have comprehensive coverage in Pittsburgh, PA. Area providers and Duquesne University Health Services will bill for services, and you will be solely responsible for those medical expenses your insurance does not cover.
  • Review and compare your current plan:
  DUQUESNE SHIP CURRENT HEALTH INSURANCE PLAN
Deductible $500  
Co-pay - Primary/Specialist $25/35  
Co-insurance 80%  
Prescription Co-pay $10/35/50  
Network in Pittsburgh Yes  
Premium $1,718.52  
Administrative Fees $63  
>Total Insurance Cost $1,781.52  

 

WAIVE the 2020-21 SHIP, if your health insurance meets the criteria and offers comprehensive coverage in Pittsburgh, to remove the $922.26 charge from your fall student account.
Failure to respond by August 31, 2020, will result in automatic enrollment in the SHIP; and attempts to cancel enrollment after the deadline will incur premium and administrative fees of no less than $63, even if you do not use the SHIP.

ENROLL in the 2020-21 SHIP if your insurance plan does not meet the criteria or offer comprehensive coverage in Pittsburgh.
The Duquesne SHIP is a one-year term of insurance, effective 8/1/2020 through 7/31/2021; and the total cost - $1,781.52 - will be charged to your student account in two installments: $922.26 in the fall and $859.26 in the spring. Once you are enrolled in the SHIP, the carrier will not allow cancellations, except in the case of a Qualifying Life Event.

Waiver/Enrollment Instructions

  1. Go to www.QMServicesinc.com.
  2. 2. Start typing Duquesne University in the School selection box.
  3. 3. Log in:
    Username = DORI Number (ex. D01234567)
    Password = Date of Birth (MMDDYYYY)
  4. After the initial login, you will be prompted to change your password to one you will remember for future logins.
  5. Select Enroll or Waive and follow the prompts through the process. You will receive an e-mail telling you whether or not your enrollment or waiver process was successful.

For More Information

Visit www.QMServicesInc.com to learn about:

  • Duquesne University SHIP benefits and costs
  • information regarding out-of-state Medicaid
  • special message for international students
  • dependent enrollment
  • optional dental and vision insurance

Duquesne contracts with independent student health insurance administrators and advocates at QM Services, Inc. For assistance, please call QM Services at 800.273.1715 - ext. 2.

On-campus housing is limited for the coming academic year. Students pursuing their graduate degrees that are interested in on-campus housing should contact the Office of Residence Life at 412.396.6655 or by emailing orl@duq.edu. Students interested in an apartment in Brottier Hall and can be should contact the Brottier Hall office at 412.396.1600 or by emailing brottier@cocm.com.

The Psychology Clinic offers brief counseling and longer term psychotherapy to Duquesne's students, faculty and staff as well as the general public. Doctoral students in Clinical Psychology provide all services. Licensed clinical faculty members are involved in the supervision of all doctoral students. Free services are offered to members of the military who have served in the Iraq or Afghanistan conflicts and to their loved ones.

The Clinic is located in a pleasant, private setting, on the 2nd floor of Rockwell Hall. High confidentiality standards are practiced. The Clinic is open for appointments Monday through Thursday, 9:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m. and on Friday 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m; early evening hours are available. The Clinic is open for appointments Monday through Thursday, 9:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m. and on Friday 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

For information or an initial interview, call 412.396.6562.

Spiritan Campus Ministry is committed to fostering the spiritual life of all Duquesne students, faculty, and staff.  Its mission is oriented to furthering spiritual development and growth at both the personal and community levels. Eucharistic liturgies and the Sacrament of Reconciliation are celebrated daily. We also offer students and staff the opportunity to participate in liturgical ministry and Chapel Choir.

We offer diverse faith-based experiences that meet on a weekly basis. Some of these communities include a weekly rosary prayed by the Rosary Group, Bible Study and Christians In Action where students on all faith levels can integrate in a night of food, faith, and fun. Additionally, we offer Consistent Ethic of Life and Mondays in the Spirit: Vespers, Mass with the Spiritans (learning more about the Spiritans during the Mass homily), ALIVE (a night of Adoration with praise and worship music), and Silent Adoration where people can have quiet time in front of the Blessed Sacrament.

For all members of the Duquesne community, whatever their faith, campus ministers are available to offer spiritual direction, counseling, or simply listening; all conversations are held in strict confidence. Spiritan Campus Ministry provides a list of nearby worship sites and referrals can be made to introduce students to various faith traditions in the area.

In addition, the University Chapel is open each day for private prayer, quiet meditation, and to groups for specific services of a religious nature.  There are also male and female Muslim prayer rooms in the Spiritan Campus Ministry Center in Towers. Spiritan Campus Ministry sees itself at the service of all and works in the spirit of justice.

Opportunities such as weekly homeless outreach with St. Vincent DePaul Society and domestic and international Spiritan Mission Experiences invite members of the Duquesne community to put their faith into action and connect with people of all backgrounds and faith traditions from around the world and at home. Campus Ministers are available to assist with student programming.

All are invited to stop in at any of the Spiritan Campus Ministry locations: 102 Administration Building, the Spiritan Campus Ministry Center in Duquesne Towers, Assumption Hall and College Hall.

The Office of Student Conduct coordinates and administers the student disciplinary process through enforcement of the Code of Student Rights, Responsibilities and Conduct.

The system emphasizes student learning through a developmental process that holds individuals accountable for their actions and provides opportunities for personal growth and respect for others and self. The goals of the Office of Student Conduct are to support the Mission and Expectations of the University; protect the community from disruption and harm; and encourage appropriate moral and spiritual development of students. For more information, please see our website at www.duq.edu/student-conduct or call 412.396.6642.

The Code of Student Rights, Responsibilities, and Conduct

The purpose of The Code of Student Rights, Responsibilities and Conduct is to enumerate the standards, policies and procedures essential to safeguard student rights and freedom to learn; to provide a clear and concise statement of University expectations concerning student conduct and achievement; and to provide a means of student self-government within the University wherever appropriate.Duquesne University provides a well-rounded education that will challenge you academically while nourishing your spiritual and ethical development. Duquesne University is the only Spiritan institution of higher education in the United States. This means we share in the Spiritans' values and are deeply committed to:

  • Educational excellence
  • Moral and spiritual values
  • An ecumenical atmosphere open to diversity
  • Service to the Church, the community, the nation and the world

In living these values, students are expected to respect themselves, others, the University, and the extended community. The Mission and Expectations of a Duquesne Student serves as the basis for the University's Code of Student Rights, Responsibilities and Conduct.

For more information, please see our website at www.duq.edu/student-conduct or call 412.396.6642.

The Center for Global Engagement (DuqGlobal) provides services to international students and scholars pursuing undergraduate and graduate degree programs at the University. These specialized services include providing pre-arrival information to accepted students; assisting with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) requirements; assisting in academic and cross-cultural adjustment through initial arrival and extended orientation programs; promoting and supporting events, programs, and activities which foster deeper communication, awareness and understanding among U.S. and international students at Duquesne; and providing ongoing direct service and appropriate referral services to international students and scholars on campus in a personalized and professional manner.

DuqGlobal also coordinates all Study Abroad programming for the University and offers support services for students interested in short-term, semester-long and specialized Study Abroad program at Duquesne. DuqGlobal supports the University's strong commitment to international education as a valued component of the overall mission of the institution.