Duquesne University
PA-6: Support for Underrepresented Groups

Duquesne University is motivated by its Catholic identity and values equality of opportunity, human, dignity, racial, cultural and ethnic diversity, both as an educational institution and as an employer. Accordingly, the University prohibits and does not engage in discrimination or harassment on the basis of a person's race, color, gender, sexual orientation, age, religion, national origin, marital status, genetic history, Veteran status, or disability. Duquesne University will continue to take affirmative steps to support and advance these values consistent with the University's mission statement. This policy applies to all program and activities of the University, including, but not limited to, admission and employment practices, educational policies, scholarship and loan programs and athletic or other University-sponsored programs. This is a commitment by the University in accordance with its religious values and applicable federal, state and local laws and regulations. Nothing herein, however, should be interpreted as a waiver by the University of its own Constitutional and legal rights based upon its religious affiliation. Please find more information here: https://www.duq.edu/about/departments-and-offices/university-compliance Find more information regarding non-discrimination here: https://www.duq.edu/work-at-du/human-resources-home/the-administrative-policies-(taps)/30-affirmative-action-equal-educational-and-employment-opportunity-and-human-relations-in-the-workplace-and-classroom Find more information regarding gender discrimination policies here: https://www.duq.edu/work-at-du/human-resources-home/the-administrative-policies-(taps)/31-sexual-misconduct-and-gender-discrimination

• The Complaint Resolution Process involves the following Steps: Step One, the parties to the dispute, the University Mediator, and the Compliance Director are involved. If the matter is not resolved, Step Two involves a Review Panel in which advisors and members of the panel, who have been trained in discrimination complaint investigation and resolution, are added to the conversation. The University will provide investigation and resolution, however the complainant is welcome to file complaints with external enforcement agencies. Please find more in depth proceedings via University Addendum here: https://www.duq.edu/assets/Documents/shared/shared_hr/_pdf/admin-policies/addendum.pdf

Bridge To College Program In collaboration with the Admissions Department, the Annual Bridge To College Program invites local area high school students in to provide a glimpse into life as a potential member of the Duquesne University Community. Interactive sessions with current students, faculty members and senior leadership members are included in the event schedule. The Office of Human Resources also has a Diversity Recruiting Plan that outlines their actions in the same space. For student recruitment, the Office of Diversity and Inclusion works with the Office of Admissions on a handful of events including the Bridge To College Program for specific recruitment of students from underrepresented groups.

The Minority Development Internship Program mentors, counsels those who are a part of that specific program. Members from underrepresented groups can approach the Counseling and Well-Being Center for their needs as well. A Four-Part series held in the Fall semester, the ODI Student Development Series seeks to stimulate the development of our student leaders through a variety of relevant topics and issues. Topics include: Success In The New Generation, Networking, Business & Personal Etiquette for Success and Defining Your Purpose. In October 2014, the Greater Pittsburgh Higher Education Diversity Consortium (GPHEDC) was formed to better assist and develop a robust investment on the critical issues impacting diversity and inclusion in higher education throughout the Pittsburgh region. Housed in the Office of Diversity Inclusion at Duquesne University, the consortium is focused on sharing best practices, resources, and promoting activities that cultivate professional development, leadership development and student success at a variety of higher education institutions. The Greater Pittsburgh Higher Education Diversity Consortium (GPHEDC) is dedicated to guiding and facilitating transformative change to promote diversity, equity and inclusion in support of academic excellence and educational opportunities at colleges and universities in the Southwestern Pennsylvania region. Duquesne University is proud to host a chapter of GPHEDC on campus. Bridge To College Program In collaboration with the Admissions Department, the Annual Bridge To College Program invites local area high school students in to provide a glimpse into life as a potential member of the Duquesne University Community. Interactive sessions with current students, faculty members and senior leadership members are included in the event schedule. The Minority Development Internship Program: Duquesne University's commitment to fostering diversity on its campus led to the call for more under-represented groups, women and minorities, in leadership roles in the institution's 2003-2008 strategic plan. This plan also aligns closely with the University's mission statement, which references concern for moral and spiritual values through the maintenance of an ecumenical atmosphere open to diversity. The Minority Development Internship Program was created to provide employment opportunities to unemployed or underemployed college-educated minorities through compensated, full-time temporary employment. The program launched in fall of 2007 with the selection of two interns. The Office of Human Resources also has a Diversity Recruiting Plan that outlines their actions in the same space. For student recruitment, the Office of Diversity and Inclusion works with the Office of Admissions on a handful of events including the Bridge To College Program for specific recruitment of students from underrepresented groups. April is Celebrate Diversity Month, started in 2004 to recognize and honor the diversity that surrounds us. By celebrating differences and similarities during this month, the Duquesne University community gained a deeper appreciation for one another. The Diversity and Inclusion Fair was an opportunity for community members to engage and be inspired by what is offered for our students, faculty and staff. We want all who work and study at Duquesne to know that their contributions matter, and that they will be supported in achieving their full potential. Building an environment of inclusion is stitched into the fabric of our mission, and integrated into our shared Spiritan values. We hope that you will learn and enjoy celebrating our wonderfully diverse community.