Duquesne University
PA-5: Diversity and Equity Coordination

In accordance with the mission statement of Duquesne University, we serve God by serving students through the maintenance of an ecumenical atmosphere embracing diversity and inclusion. Guided by the Congregation of the Holy Spirit and its members in over 60 countries, and consistent with our Catholic tradition, our commitment to inclusive excellence encompasses every aspect of personhood,
including age, citizenship, disability, ethnicity, gender, race, religion, veteran status, socioeconomic status, and sexual orientation.

This commitment is the responsibility of every member of the Duquesne University community. On our campus and in all our efforts, broad ecumenism is both a response to the contemporary world and a timeless striving for the liberation of humanity from everything that offends dignity and freedom. In this way we advance the Reign of God in response to the Holy Spirit who gives life.

1.Employee Resource Group
Launched in December 2022, the mission of the Duquesne University ERGs is to promote diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging by encouraging the many interests and cultures within our workforce on campus. Our ERGs also serve as safe spaces for employees to collaborate and partner with other ERGs for programming, dialogue, and awareness.

2. Duquesne University Inclusion Network
Launched in December 2022, the Inclusion Network supports Duquesne University’s DEI practices and comprises staff and faculty who have been identified and charged with helping to advance Duquesne’s goals of becoming a more inclusive and welcoming campus both in the classroom and outside of the classroom. It is open to all Duquesne University employees who wish to engage in DEI practices and includes DEI representatives from each school, unit and/or department. Members serve as liaisons to their respective schools/units and are expected to share information with their respective colleagues after each meeting.

3. Webpage for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Efforts
Launched in November 2022, the new Duquesne University DEI webpage was developed to serve as a nexus of information regarding diversity, equity, inclusion, as well as other resources on campus, regionally, and nationally. As of November 30, 2023, the duq.edu/diversity webpage had 10,254 page views and 1,085 new visitors.

4. Gumberg Library Developed LibGuide
Upon the request of the Chief Diversity Officer, the Gumberg Library developed a LibGuide in 2023 for the Duquesne University community and beyond to use as a resource to examine racism and steps to become an ally.

5. DEI Certification Program
Duquesne University launched a program on September 8, 2022, for faculty and staff to earn certification in diversity, equity and inclusion. This opportunity was made possible through a partnership between the Inaugural Chief Diversity Officer and the Office of Human Resources, Learning and Development. The Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Certificate program was designed to reinforce the University’s mission of serving God by serving students so that they, in turn, may serve others. Faculty and staff participants earn their certificate through a series of 10 fundamental level workshops offered over the course of the academic year. Each in-person course is approximately three hours long. The workshops address Duquesne policies as well as individual behaviors that help create an environment of opportunities for all at the University. Of the 10 workshops, seven core workshops are required. Participants then choose at least three elective workshops. Various content experts deliver the different courses. Participants gain an increased awareness of the importance of diversity, equity and inclusion, and develop tools and strategies to enhance success and belonging in academic and workplace settings. Individuals who choose to earn the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion certification are asked to discuss it with their supervisor to align goals, outline general and specific relevance to their work at the University, and ensure adequate planning for the time commitment required. In addition, a summer-intensive program is offered that provides the core courses for those with scheduling conflicts. In June 2023, 35 faculty and staff participants graduated from Cohort 1 while 40 completed the summer intensive program. In September 2023, 50 faculty and staff participants enrolled in Cohort 2. Graduates of the DEI Certification Program partake in various DEI activities and committees (such as Title IX) on campus.

6. Diversity Advocates Program Created for Faculty
The Diversity Advocate program integrates best practices into full-time faculty search processes. Diversity Advocates are trained faculty volunteers who serve on faculty search committees as non-voting members. These advocates work with search committees to promote diverse applicant pools and implement candidate evaluation processes that treat all applicants with fairness and consistency. This program is a collaborative effort on the part of Academic Affairs, the Chief Diversity Officer, and Human Resources. The program depends on regular feedback and assessment to improve and increase its impact.

7. MLK Unity Week
Along with many activities, Duquesne University sponsored its first MLK, Jr. Unity Week January 2023.The purpose of the established week is to promote Dr. Martin Luther King’s message of unity to America. The Office of the Chief Diversity Officer, the Center for Excellence in Diversity and Student Inclusion and Campus Ministry were the primary sponsors of this new and historic event. The Unity Walk was an opportunity for our beloved University to promote our commitment to unity and peace on our campus.

8. Juneteenth Events
“Juneteenth is a federal holiday in the United States commemorating the emancipation of enslaved African-Americans. It is also often observed for celebrating African-American culture. Originating in Galveston, Texas, it has been celebrated annually on June 19 in various parts of the United States since 1865.” Duquesne celebrated Juneteenth in 2022 with a virtual presentation by Samuel Black from the Heinz History Center, and in 2023, with a hybrid (on-campus and virtual) presentation by Dr. Johnathan White from Penn State Greater Allegheny. Black’s presentation was titled “Emancipation Days: Juneteenth in History” and White’s presentation was titled “The Thirst–Juneteenth and the Existential Quest for Freedom.”

9. Bias Education Response Team’s Policies and Procedures
Duquesne's Bias Education Response Team (BERT) is a multidisciplinary team that was founded to educate the campus community, to monitor and report on trends, and respond to bias incidents through restorative practices. The purpose of BERT is to provide educational and restorative responses to bias incidents that occur within the campus community. It exists to engage people who act in ways that may intentionally or unintentionally convey bias, as well as the people affected by such behavior, and to help restore feelings of belonging.

10. Kappa Scholarship Endowment Fund (KSEF)/Duquesne University Scholarship
This full tuition scholarship is for high school seniors in the Greater Pittsburgh region who are in the top 10% of their class, and who demonstrate leadership and/or community service. Ella Jones from Pittsburgh Science and Technology Academy was the inaugural recipient for 2023.