It's Time For Bigger Goals

We're thrilled you have chosen Ïã½¶ÊÓÆµ to pursue your bigger goals. As a first-year college student, it is our responsibility and joy to help you and your family transition to college life.

Our Team:

Student Success Coaches assisting a Duquesne family at FAST 2023.
  • Coordinates orientation and other activities to ease your way during your first year.
  • Advises Phi Eta Sigma (Honor Society) a national honor society for first-year students who display superior academic ability (GPA 3.5 or higher) and performance.
  • Monitors first-year student grades and helps students find tutors when needed.

Explore this page for information about our New Student Orientation, First-Year Mentors Program, First-Year Advisement Summer Transition (FAST) and other first-year programs. 

Featured content

New Student Move in and Orientation 2023 at Duquesne.

New Student Orientation

Orientation is a great opportunity for incoming first-year and other new students to get to know Duquesne and their classmates. Our week-long orientation program is a great opportunity for new students to get to know our campus and their classmates. Orientation also offers a Parent and Family Orientation, Commuter Orientation, as well as a Transfer Student Orientation. Every deposited student is automatically registered for Orientation.

Orientation Dates

New Student Move-In at Duquesne 2023

Move-in

Tuesday, August 19, 2025

Orientation 2023 students at Duquesne

Orientation

Wednesday, August 20-24, 2025

Duquesne student and parent at FAST 2023

Parent and Family Orientation

Wednesday, August 20, 2025

What Makes Our Orientation Special?

  1. Student leader Samiya Henry at Orientation 2023.Our program is developed for students by students. Our student staff is uniquely positioned to welcome you to the Duquesne family. 
  2. Since we've been through the process ourselves, we know that starting college is a thrilling yet apprehensive time.
  3. With this understanding, we have developed a program that fits the needs of our new students and will enable them to make the most of this next exciting chapter of their lives!

Move-In Day

We are so excited for the arrival of all students and hope that we can make move-in as stress-free as possible! When arriving, all vehicles will be directed into campus through McAnulty Drive where the specific route to LLCs will be identified by our Duquesne Public Safety Officers and Orientation Staff.

Please keep the following in mind during Move-In Day: 

  • Two Duquesne students at Move-In Day 2023.Please adhere to your move-in time slot. To request any changes to your move-in time, please email Residence Life.
  • Have all items and boxes labeled with your full name, building, and room number. 
  • You must pick up your room key from the residence life tent/tables outside of your residence hall before entering the building.
  • After your move-in is complete, visit the Orientation tent for your goodies for the week!
  • Lunch will be provided to all students and families on Move-In Day in Hogan Dining Center, free of charge.
     

Make sure to have the Orientation Schedule downloaded on your device in preparation for move-in! This schedule includes more detailed information about our move-in process, a schedule of events, campus resources, a to-do list before classes start, and more.

New student move-in time is based on floor assignments.

Parent and Family Orientation

Be sure to attend Parent and Family Orientation.

Programs for First-Year Students

Our First Year Advisory Council is a group of freshmen who meet with the Director of Freshman Development biweekly throughout their first year. Students provide feedback to the Director concerning current freshmen needs.

Members of the executive board plan service projects for the First Year Students. Examples of these projects are:

  • Volunteer at Night of Lights
  • Family Weekend
  • Heritage Week
  • Founders Week

Member of the executive board plan social events for the First Year Students. Examples of these events are:

  • Class Ski Trips
  • Zoo Trips
  • End of the Year cookout
  • Pirate Games
  • Kennywood
  • Movie Nights
  • Painting Nights

Join your fellow first year students on these weekend trips to discover cultural, entertainment and recreational attractions in the Pittsburgh region. The fun includes:

  • Pittsburgh Pirates games
  • Kennywood Park
  • Pittsburgh Zoo
  • Tours of Pittsburgh
  • Fright Night at Kennywood
  • Discounted Movie Tickets

If anyone has any suggestions for next year programs, please contact Freshman Development.

Phi Eta Sigma is a national honor society whose goal is to encourage and reward academic excellence among freshmen in institutions of higher learning.

Phi Eta Sigma was founded at the University of Illinois on March 22, 1923 at the University of Illinois.  Today the national honor society has than 375 chapters throughout the United States and more than 1,100,000 members.

Phi Eta Sigma obtained membership into the Association of College Honor Societies in 1973. Only two societies have had longer continuous memberships. As a national college and scholastic honor society for freshmen, Phi Eta Sigma encourages and rewards high scholastic achievement in institutions of higher learning.

The Ïã½¶ÊÓÆµ chapter was established on November 15, 1983. The students who are honored at this ceremony earned a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.5 at the end of their first semester at Ïã½¶ÊÓÆµ.

Michael P. Weber Learning Skills Center 

The tutoring request process is now easier than ever! Students can request tutoring via .

Our Learning Skills Center offers both in-person and online, tutoring. In-person tutoring will be held in our reserved classrooms, and online tutoring is conducted via Zoom. We also present an Exam Review Workshops via Zoom.

Students are able request for tutoring in three different ways:

  1. Students can come into the Center and request for tutoring in person. (Bottom Floor of Old Main/Administration Building)
  2. Students can request for tutoring through Starfish. Once they complete the Starfish request, they will be directed to the Learning Skills Center - Tutor Request Form link via email, which they would need to complete and submit.
  3. Students can bypass the Starfish request and complete the Learning Skills Center - Tutor Request Form if you share the link with them directly.



Upon submission of the Learning Skills Center - Tutor Request Form, a tutor will contact the student within 3-5 business days with details on how to schedule an appointment. At that time students can specify whether they want in-person or online.

Supplemental Science Instruction 

Additional tutoring or test preparation can be found in Mellon Hall for the following classes: Biology 111, Anatomy & Physiology, Biology: Intro To Life Processes, General Chemistry, Advanced General Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, and Physics.

Please consult the schedule for times and locations. Appointments or referrals are not need for these sessions.

Writing Center 

Our University Writing Center is here to help with your final projects and papers.

ESL Program Tutoring

If you are taking ESL courses (Basic A through UCOR 101E and UCOR 102E) we have tutors who can help you. Our ESL Program has trained tutors who can help you understand and improve your English skills. Many excellent students have worked with ESL tutors. These students developed their language skills, and they felt more confident in using English. ESL Program tutoring is free.

You can make a tutoring appointment once a week. If you are a student currently taking ESL Program courses, please make an appointment with an .

Other sources of tutoring:

Palumbo-Donahue School of Business 
704 Rockwell Hall
(412) 396-6276

Athletic Academic Coordinators
1st floor, Mendel Hall
(412) 396-6565

Mathematics and Computer Science
440 College Hall
(412) 396-6467

Modern Languages Department
202 Fisher Hall
(412) 396-6415

Music School Advisement Office
303 School of Music
(412) 396-5744

NAP Coaching
(For students in nursing courses)
544 Fisher Hall
(412) 396-6347

Spiritan Brother Gerald Keating served the Duquesne community from 1924 until 1980. In that time, he developed the Our Lady of Victories Shrine and garden and served a campus chef for many decades. During the Great Depression, Brother Keating quietly supported students who felt the crippling impact of the economic collapse, thus enabling them to successfully complete their academic studies.

The Keating Initiative seeks to assist food insecure students, faculty, and staff. The initiative includes comprehensive "wrap-around" services that include health and wellness, meal vouchers, and a campus food pantry.

Individuals wishing to utilize the Keating Initiative are asked to complete an intake document which will enable them full access to the pantry and other services.

Donations are accepted through the United Way (#16569303: Brother Keating Initiative Food Pantry)

For more information, please reach out to us:

Tamara Trembulak
Assistant Director for Center for Student Involvement
and Union Operations

Jeanie Kocinski
Administrative Assistant for First Year Development
and Disability Services

Our DULA program was crafted to highlight the University's current community-engagement efforts in target neighborhoods, introduce students to key community leaders and agencies, encourage the personal development of participants, and foster spiritual growth of participants looking to live out their faith by serving others.

Objective & Goals

To provide a six-day program for Catholic high school students to engage in challenging dialogue, motivating workshops and trainings, as well as community-engaged and social activities designed to enhance academic learning, personal development, faith development, leadership skills, and civic identity development.

Ïã½¶ÊÓÆµ Leadership Academy (DULA) seeks each day to foster the following:

  • Engaging with our Local Community
  • Growing in our Faith
  • Building Servant Leaders
  • Building Community with One Another

By participating in this program, students will:

  • Understand contemporary and historical issues that affect Duquesne's key communities;
  • Learn about how Ïã½¶ÊÓÆµ faculty, staff, and students reciprocally partner with communities and service agencies to address challenges and opportunities with the goal of building a more just and verdant world;
  • Begin to develop the skill set necessary to constructively engage with diverse stakeholders in order to collaboratively achieve realistic resolutions to community problems;
  • Assess their leadership style and craft a plan to recognize themselves as future change agents within their communities and the world;
  • Nurture the fullest expression of the Gospel call to justice in a way that goes beyond charity or single charitable actions using the see, judge, act model to promote a holistic and systematic approach to peace and justice in our world

First-Year Advisement Summer Transition (FAST)

Welcome to Ïã½¶ÊÓÆµ!

We know that starting college is both exciting and transformative. To help you transition smoothly, we're excited to introduce the FAST (First Year Advisement Summer Transition) program. Designed by the Office of First Year Development, this initiative ensures your entry into the vibrant Duquesne community is seamless.

Why Attend FAST?

FAST is a must-attend program that offers you and your family essential insights and resources to prepare for your academic journey at Duquesne. Each school offers two specific days for participation, and you only need to choose one that fits your schedule, making it a convenient and personalized experience. While this program is not a requirement, it is highly encouraged for all incoming students and family members to attend to ensure a smooth transition.

What to Expect at FAST:

  • Connect with Future Classmates and Student Leaders
  • Meet Your Dedicated Success Coach
  • Interactive Sessions with University Support Services
  • Obtain Your Official DU Student ID Card and Essential Supplies
  • Engage with Residence Life and Commuter Affairs Staff
  • Set Up Your Student Bank Account with PNC Bank
  • Complete Your Fall Semester Onboarding Tasks

This tailored support ensures you start your academic journey at Duquesne with confidence and ease. Join us at FAST to lay the foundation for a successful and fulfilling experience at Duquesne. We can't wait to welcome you to our community!

Three Duquesne students at Orientation 2023.

We look forward to seeing you on campus!

Your FAST Days & Schedule

Register for your customized experience at FAST!


Tuesday, July 8 at 8 a.m.


Wednesday, July 9 at 8 a.m.


Thursday, July 10 at 8 a.m.


Friday, July 11 at 8 a.m.



 

 

Session Description

Location

8 a.m. – 9 a.m.

Check-In and Information Fair

Kick off your day during the check-in process by exploring campus resources, connecting with faculty and staff, and gathering vital information from a wide selection of departments to prepare for the start of the fall semester.

UPMC Cooper Fieldhouse, Cordia Entrance

9:00 a.m. – 9:20 a.m.

Welcome & Introductory Remarks

Receive a warm welcome and remarks from key university administrators including: Dr. Leanna Fenneberg, Senior Vice President for Student Life, Dr. Adam Wasilko, Dean of Students, and Chrissy Bober, rising senior in the John G. Rangos School of Health Sciences, Director for New Student Orientation 2025.

UPMC Cooper Fieldhouse, Ground Level

9:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.

Individual Academic School Sessions

Hear from your Academic School administration, student success coaches, faculty and more about what you should prepare for and expect as you embark on your academic career at Ïã½¶ÊÓÆµ. Key topics include various academic requirements, personalized guidance, resources necessary for your achievement, and more.

See pg. 4 for session locations

9:30 a.m.- 4:30 p.m.

ID Card Printing, Technology Purchasing, and TechHUB Technology Showcase

Whether you've already submitted your photo online or prefer to take it in person, visit the 2nd floor Parking and ID Card Services office during FAST to get your ID card printed instantly. Or visit the CTS TechHUB to meet with tech experts and learn about your academic program’s technology recommendations !  You can even buy your computer while you are there!  All Dells come with a 4-year accidental warranty & MacOS has an option to purchase a 4-year accidental with no deductible!

Student Union, 2nd Floor

11 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Health Services Support: Immunizations, Insurance, and Medical Questions

Drop by to obtain assistance with immunization reviews and uploads through Health Services partnership with the Center for Pharmacy Care, discuss the Student Health Insurance Plan with UPMC and Gallagher Student Health, and address any medical questions or concerns you have as you begin at Duquesne.

Wellbeing Center, Gumberg Library, 3rd Floor

11 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Cybersecurity Awareness: Essential Tips from Computing and Technology Services (CTS)

Visit the CTS table for tips on protecting your identity and devices from cyber threats and get a phishy treat!

Student Union, 2nd Floor

11 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Commuter Connections: Commuter Center Open House & Resources

Tour Duquesne’s Commuter Center and meet the staff of the Office of Commuter Affairs.  Learn all about commuting Ïã½¶ÊÓÆµ.  Whether it’s meeting other commuters in the Commuter Lounge, utilizing our computer lab, or getting involved with other students on campus, there are many opportunities for Commuter students to become involved in the Duquesne community.  Come see what makes our Commuter student resources special!

Commuter Center and Lounge, Student Union, 1st Floor

11:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.

FAST Lab: Personalized Support for Financial Aid, Administrative Privileges, and More

Partner with a university staff member one on one from Student Life or Enrollment Management to complete essential tasks from your administrative checklist, including signing your Federal master promissory note, completing loan entrance counseling, assigning tuition bill authorized payers, updating emergency contacts, learning about FERPA privileges and more.

5th Floor Gumberg Library

11:30 a.m - 3:30 p.m.

Loan Ready: Final Steps to Secure Your Federal Aid

Get set for the semester by completing two key steps in the financial aid process: signing your Federal Master Promissory Note (MPN) and finishing your Loan Entrance Counseling.  This session will guide you through each step, answer your questions, and make sure you're ready to receive your federal student loans

College Hall (room TBD)

11:15 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.

Buffet Lunch (Last Names: A-L)

 

Hogan Dining Center, Duquesne Towers LLC, 2nd Floor

 

Honor's College Student and Family Buffet Lunch

Students who have enrolled in the Honors College can take this opportunity to meet the Honors College staff and their new classmates.  An overview of Honors College opportunities and a Q&A session are also provided. 

Power Center Ballroom A, Power Center, 5th Floor

12:30 p.m. – 1:30 p.m.

Buffet Lunch (Last Names: M-Z)

 

Hogan Dining Center, Duquesne Towers LLC, 2nd Floor

1:45 p.m. - 2:15 p.m.

Welcome Week Essentials: Campus Arrival and New Student Orientation Preview (Students Only)

Join our New Student Orientation Directors and Chairpersons, all student leaders themselves, to learn what to expect during your first week on campus! This session will guide you on all aspects related to campus arrival, new student team information, the NSO schedule, special event opportunities for both Transfer and New Commuters, and so much more to prepare for your personal NSO experience.

Union Ballroom

 

The Ïã½¶ÊÓÆµ Mission: Insights from the Dean of Students (Parents/Families Only)

Hear from Dr. Adam Wasilko as he provides insights into the Ïã½¶ÊÓÆµ mission and values. Discover Ïã½¶ÊÓÆµ's longstanding commitment to academic excellence, ethical development, and holistic support since its founding, and how these principles influence the educational journey of students and the supportive role of their families today.

Power Center BC

2 - 4 p.m.

Life on the Bluff: Your Campus Experience

Kick off your college journey at Life on the Bluff: Your Campus Experience — an end-of-day celebration where you can meet fellow students, enjoy games and giveaways, and connect with the Student Life campus resources here to support you outside of the classroom. Residential students will be able to tour their residence halls to get a first look at their home on the Bluff!

Assumption Commons Lawn

 Academic School Sessions - July 8 and 10

 

 

Science and Engineering

Student Union Ballroom, 4th Floor Student Union

   

Liberal Arts

Pappert Lecture Hall, School of Pharmacy

   

Nursing

Power Center Ballroom BC, 5th Floor Power Center

   
     

Academic School Sessions - July 9 and 11

   
Business

Union Ballroom, 4th Floor Student Union

   
Health Sciences

Power Center Ballroom, Section BC Power Center

   

Pharmacy

Bayer 101 Lecture Hall, School of Pharmacy

   

Education

Africa Room, 3rd Floor Student Union

   

Music

PNC Recital Hall, Mary Pappert School of Music

   

Contact Us

Please feel free to contact us with any questions or concerns you may have!

First-Year Development

Dr. Adam Wasilko

Associate Vice President for Student Life and Dean of Students

Ashley Kane

Director, Student Programming and First Year Experience

Mari Jean Kocinski

Administrative Assistant

Tamara Trembulak

Assistant Director of Student Involvement and Union Operations