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Read the DEI Certificate Program Fall 2023 magazine story

Duquesne University launched a program on Sept. 8, 2022 for faculty and staff to earn
certification in diversity, equity and inclusion. This opportunity is 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 is designed to reinforce the
University’s mission of serving God by serving students so that they, in turn, may
serve others. 

“Part of our mission is to maintain an ecumenical atmosphere open to diversity—to
do everything we can so that those who wish to study or work here are included and
have every opportunity for growth,” President Ken Gormley said. “I am very pleased
that this exciting new initiative will provide ways for everyone to gain skills so
critical to our collective success.”  

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 about 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 should
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. 

To meet the requirements for the DEI Certificate program, participants must complete
a capstone project session facilitated by Crystal McCormick Ware, inaugural chief diversity officer and senior advisor to the president for diversity,
equity and inclusion, and Dana Whatley Smith, assistant director of learning and development
for the Office of Human Resources. 

Email Ms. McCormick Ware or Ms. Whatley Smith for more information.

Feedback on the DEI Certificate Program:

“Congratulations and thank you to Ms. Crystal McCormick Ware, Duquesne University’s
Chief Diversity Officer and Ms. Dana Whatley Smith, Assistant Director, Learning &
Development, for successful implementation of an excellent Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
Certificate Program. The program is well-conceived, capably managed, and expertly
delivered by knowledgeable staff.

With an appropriate breadth of perspective and opportunity for productive discussion
of important current topics with peers from across campus, the program tackled many
of the critical DEI issues that are encountered in today’s academic environment. 
From religious diversity to supporting our veterans and active-duty military personnel,
the program provides valuable perspective for all academic leaders, faculty and staff.”

– James Drennen, III, Ph.D., Dean, Duquesne University School of Pharmacy and Graduate School of Pharmaceutical
Sciences


“It was an honor and privilege to be included as an instructor for the DEI Certificate
Program. This program’s commitment to inclusivity aligns with the Office of Title
IX and Sexual Misconduct Prevention and Response’s dedicated efforts to provide an
educational, employment, and business environment free of sex discrimination.

Seeing the initial success of this program makes me excited for the future, as I know
that with each future cohort, we will move further towards our goal of gender equity
and a campus community free from sexual harassment and discrimination.”

– Alicia M. Simpson, Title IX Coordinator and Director of Sexual Misconduct Prevention & Response

Certificate Program Resources