FAST Provides Head Start for Freshmen, Transfer Students

The University’s annual Freshman Advisement Summer Transition (FAST) program, which offers new students and their families an opportunity for an early transition to life at Duquesne, returns to campus in a few weeks with both in-person and online formats.

The optional program for freshman and transfer students is slated on campus from Tuesday, July 13, through Friday, July 14, with the virtual program being held Friday, July 23.

“I am excited to welcome our newest freshmen and transfer class to campus,” said Adam Wasilko, assistant vice president for student involvement. “They are eager to start classes in the fall, and FAST helps them prepare for all of the work that is required beforehand.”

Freshman Advisement Summer Transition Program 2021-2022During FAST, students can:

  • Meet their academic advisor
  • Learn about health services, financial aid, tuition deferment, safety, security and student activities
  • Get their student ID
  • Set up a student bank account
  • Order or purchase books and a laptop or computer
  • Take language placement exams
  • Connect with future classmates.

“While we can do many of those things online, I am pleased that we can show them, in person, the places they will eat, go to class, live and experience all that Duquesne has to offer them,” Wasilko added. “We look forward to helping new students prepare to begin their horizon-expanding education and their journey to discover their full potential.”

Representatives from Duquesne’s undergraduate schools are available on specific dates during FAST. This year, the Schools of Education, Nursing and Pharmacy and the McAnulty College will be available July 13 and Thursday, July 15. The School of Music, the Palumbo-Donahue School of Business, the Rangos School of Health Sciences, and the Bayer School of Natural and Environmental Sciences will be available Tuesday, July 14, and on July 16.

Registration for FAST is available online. Contact the Office of Freshman Development at 412.396.6657 or email Freshman Development with questions or for more information.

Employees can still sign up to volunteer at the FAST Lab, which is scheduled from 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. July 13 to July 16 and July 23. Interested individuals can sign up for a volunteer training session online via MyLEAD that is scheduled for Monday, July 12, from 2 to 3:30 p.m.

For questions about FAST Lab volunteering, contact:

  • Mark Beck, 412.396.6237
  • Mark Moore, 412.396.5852
  • Cheryl Quinn, 412.396.1263.