THE DUQUESNE U NIVERSI T Y SEPTEMBER 2008 Smoking Policy Changes Meet the Freshmen Deep Thoughts Tune in Fridays Learn about the new smoking policy Gain insights into the incoming fresh- Science, philosophy and faith con- WQED-FM will be broadcasting at Duquesne in the Q&A. Page 2 man class. Page 5 verge at the first Pascal Day event. Duquesne music events on Friday Page 12 evenings. Page 13 Duquesne Moves into First Tier of Ranking U.S. News & World Report’s annual commend our faculty, staff and adminis- first-ever, Board-approved 2003-2008 The annual U.S. News & World Report ranking of America’s Best Colleges, trators for setting and meeting such high strategic plan, with the ultimate goal rankings evaluate universities on the which was released in August, has moved standards and for the extraordinary and of entering the first ranks of American basis of 15 different qualities, including Duquesne University into the top tier of pervasive focus on our mission.” Catholic higher education. peer assessment, graduation and reten- national universities. Under Dougherty’s leadership, the Other notable Catholic universities tion, class size, student/faculty ratio, “This ranking is another indepen- University has achieved record-breaking in the top national tier include Ford- selectivity, SAT/ACT scores, freshman dent confirmation of the commitment enrollment and has attracted the most ham, Marquette, St. Louis, Dayton, San retention, alumni giving, financial re- of the entire Duquesne community to academically talented students in its Diego, San Francisco, Chicago’s Loy- sources and other categories. academic excellence,” said Dr. Charles history. Dougherty also initiated and led ola, Catholic University, Notre Dame, J. Dougherty, Duquesne president. “I the successful completion of University’s Georgetown and Boston College. DU Convocation Reviews Accomplishments, Looks Forward into 130th AcademicYear By Karen Ferrick-Roman Duquesne University has moved into the top tier ranking of national universities, passed muster with five independent assessments, set new records for external grants and funding for research, and initiated conferences of national importance in the past year. President Charles J. Dougherty shared these and other successes of the past year at the University’s annual Convocation today, reviewing more steps forward with the opening of the multi-use Power Center on Forbes Avenue and enhancements to the physical, academic and spiritual aspects of campus. “These achievements are not, and could not be, the achievements of just a few,” Dougherty said. “They are the achievements of all of us working together for our students and for the common good. … And for all of us, as we celebrate our 130th year, I also express our profound gratitude for the generations who came before us at Duquesne and whose selfless work on our Bluff has made our contributions possible.” In the past year, Duquesne: • Moved into the top national tier of U.S.News & World Report college rankings. • Received accolades from the Middle States Commission on Higher Education President Charles J. Dougherty shared good news of last year’s acheivements at Convocation. for the Duquesne mission being central to student experience. • Received an A-rating with a positive outlook from Standard & Poor’s with the report citing “solid financial performance” and “a seasoned management team with success in achieving strategic initiatives.” President Named Pacesetter • Received an A2 rating from Moody’s, with reported strengths cited as “healthy growth in financial resources” and “healthy market franchise.” by Smart Business Pittsburgh • Received the best possible ratings from the National Collegiate Athletic Associa- Duquesne University President Charles J. Dougherty has been named a 2008 Paceset- tion. ter by Smart Business Pittsburgh. • Boosted the academic culture through hosting national conferences and meet- The Pacesetter Awards recognize outstanding business and community leaders who ings of professional societies, and garnering a record $13.2 million in external have made a significant impact on the region and its future. “The class of 2008 represents funding to promote research and scholarship. some of the most innovative leaders who not only are doing the same today, but also As Duquesne moves forward in this new academic year, Dougherty commented on have the vision to anticipate trends for tomorrow and build a path that gets there,” said the unique status of Duquesne and its six generations of caring for students, as well as Dustin Klein, executive editor of all Smart Business Network publications. extending hands to those living in the margins of Pittsburgh and locations around the Dougherty is one of only four Pacesetter Award recipients in the large-sized organiza- world. tion category and one of 12 total awardees. Featured as a Smart Leader in the January “There is no other Spiritan university in the world; we alone are academic heirs to 2008 issue of Smart Business Pittsburgh, Dougherty began serving as the 12th president the Spiritans’ selfless concern for others, ecumenism and inclusiveness, and commit- of Duquesne University in 2001. During his tenure, Dougherty has led the University ment to academic excellence,” Dougherty said. “Each year here has brought me to a through a period of unprecedented academic growth and campus development. deeper conviction that, at Duquesne, we are, together, doing the work of the Holy A nationally recognized scholar and expert in health care ethics, Dougherty has served Spirit.” on numerous health care advisory commissions, projects and local boards. 2 • Duquesne University TIMES • September 2008 Paul King, Director of Environmental Health and Safety … on the new smoking policy This summer, Pennsylvania passed a campus? disputes or complaints regarding the The Mylan law forbidding smoking in public places. A: While ash tray facilities have recently implementation of this policy should School of Phar- With the dual purpose of complying been installed in different campus loca- be referred to the immediate supervisor macy is available with the law and meeting Leadership tions, the University has not assigned for resolution. Non-employees (students to meet with in Energy and Environmental Design specific areas for smoking on campus. and visitors) may address complaints to students and (LEED) standards, Duquesne University Q: What should members of the Univer- deans or department heads whose offices employees to of- revised its regulations for smoking on sity community do if they see individuals are located in the building where the fer brief consul- campus and a new smoking policy took smoking in non-permitted areas? violation occurs or to the supervisor of tation sessions. Paul King effect on Sept. 11. A: This question can be answered by the smoker if known. The Office of Hu- Smoking cessation programs can be Q: What is the current University policy our Administrative Policy no. 25 of the man Resource Management is available arranged if there is enough interest from on smoking? employee handbook: “The success of to provide guidance and clarification of the University community. Employees A: As of Sept. 11, 2008 Smoking is not this policy depends upon the thought- this policy and assist in the resolution of and students who wish to be part of ces- permitted within 25 feet from all build- fulness and consideration of smokers disputes.” sation groups may contact the Office of ings and air intakes. Smoking continues and non-smokers. All employees and Q: What resources are available to Risk Management at [email protected]. to be strictly forbidden indoors. students share in the responsibility for Duquesne employees and students who Q: Are there designated smoking areas on adhering to this policy. However, any wish to quit smoking? Parents, Students Reunite at Freshman Parent Weekend Duquesne welcomes parents and “Freshman Parent Weekend has TechUpdate families of freshman students back to become a tradition at Duquesne,” said By Alison Conte campus for a weekend reunion dur- Fred Lorensen, director of the Office What’s New? ing Freshman Parent Weekend, Friday, of Freshman Development and Special A busy summer has brought changes and improvements throughout DORI Oct. 3, through Sunday, Oct. 5. This Student Services. “Parents look forward and the Duquesne Web site. DORI has a new login page, designed with rotating special event is organized annually by to the time they spend here with their photos, CTS advisories and notices of new additions to DORI. You will continue the Office of Freshman Development son or daughter and the students enjoy to login with your MultiPass user name and password. and Special Student Services, and is de- showing their families how well they Remember your MultiPass? If you’ve forgotten, go to www.duq.edu/multipass signed to be entertaining and informa- have adjusted to college life.” to reset it. tive. Activities include a trolley tour of Plenty of down time in the schedule This year, you can use DORI to access Blackboard. Log in to www.dori.duq.edu Pittsburgh; a Spotlight Musical Theater allows students and their families to and click on the Blackboard icon in the DORI tool bar, in the upper right-hand performance; lunch hosted by Execu- explore Pittsburgh on their own. The corner. No additional login is needed. Blackboard’s current URL, www.black- tive Vice President for Student Life the weekend also coincides with a number board.duq.edu, is also accessible. Rev. Sean Hogan, C.S.Sp.; a Duquesne of programs celebrating Pittsburgh A Blackboard channel has been added on the DORI Home tab to share news. football game, the popular Freshman 250. On Saturday evening, Oct. 4, the An Education Technology channel on the Working and Teaching tabs announces Talent Show; and a farewell breakfast largest fireworks display ever will soar workshops, media services and faculty resources. with University President Charles J. over Pittsburgh at the Point. For more You’ll find new channels for Residence Life, Career Services, Your Academic Dougherty.