We're Committed to Diversity & Inclusion

At Duquesne, we believe that equity and opportunity begin right here at home. We strive to be a trusted partner in supporting the diverse talents you may bring, and we're dedicated to attracting, retaining and engaging a talented and diverse workforce.

You have the potential to be part of a diverse community committed to promoting bigger goals through educational excellence, and moral and spiritual values.  

Our Social Impact commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion is visible in action every day on campus and is led by our Inaugural Chief Diversity Officer. 

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Inclusion Cultivates Excellence Award (CUPA-HR)

The Minority Professional Development Internship Program (now known as the Minority Professional Development Fellowship Program) recently received the Inclusion Cultivates Excellence Award from the College and University Professional Association for Human Resources (CUPA-HR). This honor recognizes institutional initiatives and programs that have significantly impacted inclusive and equitable workplace practices, particularly those that have brought about cultural change throughout the organization. CUPA-HR, with support from EyeMed, contributed a monetary gift to the University in addition to the award. Pictured here from the left are Mariana Gowdy, intern for the Division of University Advancement; Trent Collins, Senior Employment and Diversity Recruiter and Manager of the Minority Professional Development Fellowship Program; and Venetia Khouri, intern for the Center for Excellence in Diversity and Student Inclusion.

Human Resources Diversity, Equity, Programs and Initiatives

  • Partner with Chief Diversity Officer to renew and enhance DE&I training for hiring managers and to explore resources, tools, and support systems for employees of diverse backgrounds and allies to promote self-empowerment, peer support, and information;
  • Promote the University’s award-winning Minority Professional Development Fellowship Program (formerly known as the Minority Professional Development Internship Program) by sharing the participant stories.
  • Review compensation and pay structures for minority fellowship positions; advocate for and update salaries as needed.
  • Enhance community outreach efforts to increase pipeline of minority applicants;
  • Explore recruitment partnerships with Historically Black Colleges and Universities and Minority Serving Institutions.

The Minority Professional Development Fellowship Program is open to all qualified and interested parties.  The program offers full-time employment, University benefits, and professional development opportunities.  Fellowships are funded for one year with the option of extending an additional year. 

The goals of the program:

  • Offer basic managerial training consistent with University policies, procedures, and business practices.

  • Identify placement opportunities in academic departments and business units throughout the University for a period of three months to one year, with the potential to rotate to other departments or units depending on project length or business need.

  • Provide opportunities to build upon knowledge, skills, and abilities and increase chances to qualify for permanent employment opportunities at Duquesne or at other organizations.

We take pride in sharing with you our Diversity Advocate Program, a group of faculty members throughout the University appointed to full-time faculty searches here at Duquesne. In collaboration with the Chief Diversity Officer and the Office of the Provost, Human Resources provides the members of this program with the proper training, skills, and abilities to help with our faculty searches. The goal of the Diversity Advocate Program is to ensure that the faculty search process is held to the same standard and that we are consistent with the approach each time. 

Minority Professional Development Fellowship Program

The Minority Professional Development Fellowship Program has received regional and national recognition for best practices in Human Resources. Connect with us today!

 

Testimonials

Lamont Parker

My story is not just a story for minorities, but it’s a story of many young people, like me, who just want to pursue happiness. Not only will you have challenges, but also opportunities to discover your talents. I couldn’t have asked for a better experience.

Lamont Parker, M.S. Web Design Manager, Marketing and Communications
Charita Bigstaff

The Minority Internship Development program is amazing. Their emphasis on personal development helped me with my phobia of public speaking, becoming more organized, and being more confident about working within the field of Information Technology. It led to my current position with the University. My mentor was with me every step of the way! I wish more people had the opportunity to access similar programs throughout the country."

Charita Bigstaff, Assistant Manager CTS 
Chase Loper

"Without the minority professional development internship, I would not be where I am today. It provided an opportunity for me to gain a wide range of experience and deep knowledge base of higher education, which as helped me find my niche within the industry. I am forever grateful to this program and the access and opportunity it continues to create."

Chase Loper Ed. D, Assistant Vice President - Business Services