CETR to Strengthen Student and Faculty Commitment, Research and Neighborhoods

As a tribute to its unique Spiritan legacy and as a means to strengthen the transformation of students and communities, Duquesne is raising its community engagement to the next level.

Building on a tradition that gives preference to the community’s agendas, forms relationships and works with those who are in greatest need, Duquesne has established its new Center for Community-Engaged Teaching and Research (CETR). Through the center, the University will focus on relationships that will give its students lifelong foundations for improving the world they share with others. CETR extends and more clearly articulates Duquesne’s Spiritan roots and its mission of service as the University moves into its 137^th year as a force in the Pittsburgh community and beyond.

“Community-engaged pedagogy has evolved—and continues to evolve—in response to a number of factors,” said Dr. Timothy R. Austin, provost.

The center, directed by Dr. Lina Dostilio, will develop institutional capacity in community-engaged teaching and research. Dan Getkin is CETR assistant director for partnerships and operations. There are also part-time program managers to support a portfolio of faculty development and the Community Engagement Scholars initiative.

Emphasis will be placed on rigorous scholarly work that addresses social and environmental challenges in areas where Duquesne, its faculty and staff, and its students are citizens. CETR will cultivate cutting-edge initiatives that will have impact, working alongside new and longtime partners.

“This is important because the development of more just communities is the very heart of our University’s mission, and we do this by putting our disciplinary expertise and academic capital at the service of people on the margins of society by collaborating with communities on public problem solving,” Dostilio said. “At the same time, the process expedites and elevates academic work.”

The center has launched its menu of events for the upcoming year. Dr. Eva Simms, this year’s Gaultier Faculty Fellow, will host and serve as a catalyst in five conversations about the intersection between institutional support and community-engaged research. The first, How Do We Cultivate Funding for Community-Engaged Research?, will be presented on Monday, Oct. 27, from 3 to 4:30 p.m. in Room 202 Rockwell Hall. A series of informal Community Uncorked open houses have been planned for faculty and community partners throughout the year as well.

“Duquesne University is developing a national leadership role as a community-engaged university,” Dostilio said. “We understand that faculty want support when developing and implementing community-engaged teaching and research, and CETR can offer guidance. With a fundamental commitment to excellent teaching and research, accompanied by the Spiritan charism that informs its mission, Duquesne is positioned to engage communities across the breadth of its intellectual activity, ensuring academic rigor and high quality experiences for students and community partners.”

To RSVP for events, contact cetr@duq.edu, call 412.396.5893 or visit the website.