High Point University (HPU)

High Point University is The Premier Life Skills University® working to transform the lives of its students. Students receive extraordinary classroom education in tandem with experiences that can be applied to their future careers.

Innovative educational initiatives like the president's First-Year Seminar on Life Skills, a required course for all freshmen, ensure students grow not only in specific academic areas of expertise but also develop competencies in communication, networking, coachability, fiscal literacy and service. These are among the traits HPU refers to as "Life Skills," which employers rank as the most critical skills necessary to succeed in the modern workplace.

With 73 majors, 70 minors and 20+ graduate degree programs, HPU offers a broad spectrum of academic coursework, all complemented by experiential learning programs that include internships, undergraduate research, global education and service learning. Their approach to life preparation is perhaps best showcased by their employed or enrolled in graduate school within 180 days of graduating from HPU.

In addition to expert faculty who have been attracted from places like Duke University, Harvard University, Stanford University, Cornell University, Johns Hopkins University and many other impressive institutions, HPU has also attracted global leaders and industry giants to mentor students as part of a unique Access to Innovators program designed to foster Life Skills and leadership development.

Examples include:

• Steve Wozniak, Apple Co-founder and HPU's Innovator in Residence
• Marc Randolph, Netflix Co-founder and HPU's Entrepreneur in Residence
• Teena Piccione, Global Transformation & Operations Executive at Google and HPU's Data Expert in Residence
• Cynt Marshall, Dallas Mavericks CEO and HPU's Sports Executive in Residence
• Ellen Zane, Former CEO of Tufts Medical Center and HPU's Health Care
• Executive in Residence
• Russell Weiner, CEO of Domino's and HPU's Corporate Executive in Residence
• Joe Michaels, 20-year Veteran Director of NBC's TODAY Show and HPU's Broadcaster in Residence
• Byron Pitts, Journalist and Co-anchor of ABC's "Nightline" and HPU's Journalist in Residence
• Sue Downes, CEO of MyEyeDr. and HPU's Health Care Expert in Residence
• Bob Ryan, Famed Sports Columnist for The Boston Globe and HPU's Sports Reporter in Residence

High Point University's entire campus inspires students to perform at their highest levels academically and socially. There are numerous opportunities for students to be involved, learn, and grow, reinforcing HPU's call to action: Choose to Be Extraordinary! ®

HPU's Kester International Promenade is lined with flags representing countries from which students hail. The residential communities are as diverse as the student population and provide opportunities for honors housing, and living and learning communities. All housing is new or recently renovated, with many dorms providing apartment-style living.

The campus is completely wireless, and students are able to check out complimentary iPads or Kindles from the Campus Concierge. Students may also schedule academic tutoring, reserve a bicycle, and receive complimentary tickets to all athletic events, concerts, speakers and films.

HPU is committed to surrounding students with an environment that motivates and inspires learning. The university regularly hosts internationally acclaimed thought leaders who interact with the student body, helping students to discover their own path to personal growth and leadership. These leaders include people like Former U.S. Secretary of State, Condoleezza Rice; Astronaut Buzz Aldrin; Apple Co-founder and HPU's Innovator in Residence, Steve Wozniak; and Former First Lady Laura Bush.

Opportunities for student engagement are abundant at High Point University. With 80% of students coming from out-of-state and 95% living on-campus, the student body has a distinct sense of family. There's no denying the beauty of HPU — most families notice that first. But it isn't about beauty; it's about intentional living. When students have been immersed in professional settings for years, they grow confident and unintimidated. HPU instills in students a growth mindset. They live, learn and grow to understand that intelligence, like a muscle, can be exercised and strengthened. This way of thinking enables students to learn more efficiently and transforms them into lifelong learners — a skill that will stay with them long after they graduate. There are also quotations that provide ideas for reflection. Sculptures of significant historical figures inspire students to pursue their goals. The Mariana H. Qubein Arboretum and Botanical Gardens bring holistic learning to life throughout HPU's 500-acre classroom.

High Point University has nearly 100 clubs and organizations providing students diverse opportunities to get involved on campus! From volunteering in the local community, gaining a leadership position in the Student Government Association, joining a Greek life organization or playing intramural or club sports, every student can find a way to make High Point University their home!

To find a full list of current student clubs and organizations and contact information, visit www.highpoint.edu/studentactivities/.

Undergrads have seemingly built a "strong community" that's based upon "pride in being a High Point student." Of course, it also helps that most people here are "very welcoming and genuine." As this student demonstrates, "You always see people smiling, holding doors, or speaking when you walk by." Another common attribute of High Point undergrads? They're "hardworking and driven individuals" who are "very passionate about learning." Some students do point out that the university is a "predominantly white school" and one that some feel is "only for the rich kids." Nevertheless, "while there are definitely students who have got loads of money coming into the school, there are still plenty of down to earth individuals who just want the best education they can get." Moreover, students stress "most everyone is very inclusive" regardless of your background. "We are becoming more diverse every year. People from all majors are friends and there is no one that is alone if they do not want to be." As one satisfied student sums up, "My peers are collaborative, outgoing, and some of the most fun people I've met."

There's plenty of fun to be had when High Point students step away from their studies. The "Campus Activities Team puts on several events throughout the week and weekends" including "Food Truck Wednesdays, [which] is amazing." Undergrads can also participate in numerous organizations ranging from investment club and the studio art club to Genesis Gospel Choir and "Wishmakers Club, [a group] devoted to earning money to grant wishes for children with cancer." And prospective students with a hankering for outdoor adventure will be delighted to learn that High Point sponsors an "annual whitewater rafting and zipline trip in the fall [and an] annual ski trip in the spring." You can also rent bikes (free of charge!) from the rec center or indulge in the school's iceskating rink, another very popular activity. Additionally, the university maintains "very nice gym facilities" and has "lots of club and intramural sports" including volleyball and rowing. "A large majority are involved in Greek life," which we're told is an "extremely inclusive" scene.