The Compass Inclusive Post-Secondary Education program is a cross-disciplinary, fully inclusive program that provides students with intellectual or developmental disabilities, or IDD, the opportunity to pursue a four-year non-degree certificate.
Compass is a cutting-edge program designed to support students with disabilities as inclusive members of our campus community, thus contributing to closing profound educational and employment disparity gaps for this population in Western Pennsylvania and beyond.
Compass Program Objectives:
Compass students will have the opportunity to identify an individually-tailored course of study through a student-centered planning process and will work towards a non-degree certificate from Duquesne University.
The following learning objectives are the central tenets of the Compass Inclusive Education Program:
1) Inclusive Academic Coursework
Students supported by Compass will pursue a non-degree certificate alongside other Duquesne students without disabilities. The non-degree certificate track includes a minimum of 48 credit hours of academic coursework (infusing Bridges general education courses and coursework tailored to the student’s interests).
2) Social Participation and Civic Engagement
Students will be supported to participate in the same social, community and civic engagement opportunities on- and off-campus as other Duquesne students without disabilities.
3) Career-Focused Internships
Students will engage in at least four career-focused internships to provide them with a variety of work experience and support the development of their portfolio and resume.
Curricular Requirements:
In order to earn a Compass Certificate from Duquesne University, students are expected to complete a blended curriculum of general education inclusive coursework, independent study, internships and a culminating capstone project.
Compass students will take at least 48 credit hours of curriculum and internships offered by the university as audit, pass/non-pass or standard grade mode. Each student will average between six to twelve audit credits per term, with courses being chosen from the Duquesne University Undergraduate Course Catalog during their first two years in the program.
The recommended curricular pathway for Compass is as follows:
University Bridges Common Learning Experience and Discipline Focused Curriculum (27 credits minimum)
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- Students are encouraged to complete four courses from the Bridges Common Learning
Experience Competency areas. Examples of courses include:
- Foundations: BRDG 100/Information Literacy; BRDG 101 & BRDG 102/First Year Writing; Seminar EQ 104/Essential Questions; BRDG105; CLPR 015/Introduction to University Success; CLPR 008/ Structures for Academic Success
- Introduction to Ethical Reasoning: BRDG 105/Ethical Reasoning; EQ 104-119/Essential Questions Seminar
- Communication & Creative Expression: BRDG 100/Writing & Analysis; BRDG 102/Writing & Literature; Theater; COMM 102 Public Speaking; COMM 103/Exploring Interpersonal Communication; MUNM 170/Enjoyment of Music; THEA 100/Beginning Acting
- Quantitative & Scientific Reasoning: PHYS 201/Physics for the Life Sciences; BIOL 101/Introduction to Life Processes; ENVI 126/Foundations of the Environment; MATH 102/Problem Solving with Creative Math
- Critical Thinking & Problem Solving: COMM 102/Public Speaking; CLSX 299/Love & Friendship; COMM 202/Business and Professional Communication
- Ethical Reasoning & Moral Responsibility: BRDG 105/Ethical Reasoning; EQ 104-119/Essential Questions Seminar
- Social and Historical Reasoning: PSYC 101/Introduction to Psychology; SOCI 101/Survey of Sociology
- Cultural Fluence and Responsiveness: COMM 114/Exploring Interpersonal Communication; HIST 151/Shaping of the Modern World
- Career/Academic Course of Study—minimum of 7 courses required based upon person centered planning and academic area of focus.
- Students are encouraged to complete four courses from the Bridges Common Learning
Experience Competency areas. Examples of courses include:
Compass Independent Study and/or Capstone (9 credits, optional)
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Compass students may enroll in up to two independent study to explore a variety of career, professional or personal goals. Capstone coursework is designed for seniors who wish to expand career pathways and preparation or academic scholarship.
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Internships (12 credits)
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Students will enroll in a minimum of 4 paid or unpaid internships during their enrollment in the Compass program designed in alignment with the Rangos School of Health Science and Center for Career development Internship requirements.
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Compass Inclusive Post-Secondary Education Program Graduation Requirements
Compass Program Certificate
A student who has completed all academic and internship requirements in satisfactory academic progress will receive a Compass Program Certificate.