By Lauren Zawatski | The Duquense Duke
When you first set foot on the Bluff, did you have any initial questions about your new home away from home? Whether you’ve found all the answers or you’re still searching, it’s always understandable to have questions about university life. Seniors and freshmen alike can easily find themselves baffled by different things at Duquesne. Here are some answers to several simple but common questions students have had that still need a bit of clarification.
Q: How do you get your meal swipe/FLEX total?
A: If you want to check your balance, simply go to the Duquesne Dining Services website (duquesnedining.catertrax.com), click “Check Meal Plan/FLEX/DU Dollar Balance” and login with your Multipass information. Or, you can download the Blackboard eAccounts app from the App Store or Google Play, login with your Multipass and access the same information.
Additionally, you can also check your FLEX total by using the kiosk on the second floor of the Union.
Q: How can you get a locker if you’re a commuter?
A: To rent one of the lockers on the first floor of the Union, take a trip down to the Barnes and Noble below the Power Center. Tell an associate you’d like to purchase a locker and they will set you up. One locker costs $10 per year, and $5 to renew it every year after.
Q: How can I get DuqNet to work? Why is it difficult to work?
A: For most devices, to connect to DuqNet you just need to enter your Multipass info and you’ll automatically connect. However, if you can’t connect, Duquesne’s Computing Technology Services (CTS) website has manuals to give you step-by-step directions that showing how to join the network.
CTS says that it’s important to be patient as well. They noted that the worst thing to do if you’re having connectivity issues is to complain without actually filing a complaint. Any problem you bring to their attention can better help with network issues, they said.
Q: How can I declare my major? What if I want to switch majors?
A: To declare a major in the College of Liberal Arts, for example, the first step is logging into DORI. Then, go to the “Index” tab in the top right corner. Once you’re there, you’ll see a list of schools. Choose “Liberal Arts” then click “Undergraduate Resources” and finally “Major Declaration.” You’ll be prompted to fill out an online form that allows you to officially declare your major.
However, if you already chose a major but now you’ve realized that it’s not right for you, you’re not alone! According to the National Center for Education Statistics, approximately 80 percent of college students in the U.S. change their major at least once throughout their college careers.
To switch your major within the College of Liberal Arts, simply fill out the original form again. If you want to transfer into another school within Duquesne, you’ll need to meet with your advisor to talk about that process. From there, your advisor will be able to connect you with the new program or school of your choice and help you with the necessary requirements to make the switch.
Q: What kinds of classes are offered at the Power Center?
A: There is an enormous range of free courses available at the Power Center for workout junkies and newbies alike. Some of what is offered includes kickboxing, Insanity, P90X, jazz and contemporary dancing, spin, Zumba, and yoga. Schedules for the classes are available right upon swiping in to the Power Center gym.
Q: How do you open your mailbox?
A: Opening your mailbox can be a challenging feat, even if you’ve done it many times before. First, the most important thing is to make sure you’re at your own mailbox. It’s surprisingly easy to spend time tirelessly attempting to open the wrong box! Also be sure to have your combination handy, that information can be found in the student tab of Dori.
Once you’re at the correct box, turn the lock LEFT, not right as normal locks would usually go, four or more times. Be sure to stop on the first number; if you pass it you won’t be able to get in. Then, turn the lock right, passing the first number only once and stopping at the next number. Finally, turn left and stop at the last number, then turn the lock to the right until it opens.
These are only a few of many questions you may have had about Duquesne, and a host of others may still be running through your mind. Thankfully, there’s one simple solution to find the remaining answers: just ask! You’ll find that countless people at Duquesne are always more than willing to help.
