Duchesne College is governed by a Council and was administered by the Religious of the Sacred Heart until 2005 when the first lay principal was appointed. Academic Tutors, Resident Assistants and the Student Executive assist the Principal, Vice Principal and Dean of Students in providing general academic and personal support to the students.

In an ever changing and evolving society, the philosophical ideas which inspire and inform this educational service are contained in a statement of the Goals and Criteria for University Colleges of the Society of the Sacred Heart, as derived from international discussions on Education, conducted by the Society over several years. In turn students are given the opportunity to reside and remain in College, in accordance with their capacity to achieve the required academic standards, share in the artistic activities of the College while developing a sense of responsibility for their own life and the life of the College and University community.