24 Things to Look Forward to in Your First Year at HPU

That’s right, the president of HPU teaches a class for all freshmen! This weekly seminar will help you develop your fiscal literacy, time management skills, effective communication, leadership abilities and much more. You’ll benefit personally and professionally from Dr. Qubein’s success as an entrepreneur and consultant to CEOs. The seminar also includes sessions with global leaders who serve in residence at HPU, such as Russell Weiner, CEO of Domino’s and HPU’s Corporate Executive in Residence.

This video shows how HPU and President Qubein are dedicated to instilling Life Skills in students.

The Office of Student Engagement plans a calendar jam-packed with fun, exciting and complimentary opportunities. Every week, you can enjoy Campus Activities Team (CAT) events, such as the Meet Your Neighbor Event that kicks off the year with Residence Life and provides the opportunity to meet those who live in and around your residential community. Other CAT activities to get involved in throughout the year include Fall and Spring Carnivals, lip-sync battles, Paint-a-Palooza, karaoke and venture trips off campus to different places like Top Golf. You can also find upcoming events through the HPU Connect platform.

Career development begins when you arrive on campus as a freshman and continues throughout your time at HPU. It’s the reason 99% of HPU graduates are employed or in graduate school within 180 days of graduating. Through one-on-one advising sessions, a dedicated team of career advisors in the Office of Career and Professional Development will help you identify interests and strengths, and offer powerful tools and resources to assist in your journey toward a fulfilling career path. Schedule an appointment with an advisor to start your career development today.

The Access to Innovators Program offers a long list of in-residence faculty that make regular campus visits. Take advantage of and be inspired by these global leaders by attending a seminar or Q&A session when they’re on campus. You may even have the chance to work one-on-one with Apple Co-Founder Steve Wozniak, HPU’s Innovator in Residence, or go to lunch with former Dallas Mavericks CEO Cynt Marshall, HPU’s Sports Executive in Residence. With connections like these, you’ll be well on your way to securing your dream job or internship.

The High Point University Research Rookies Program works to incorporate students into the university’s culture of research and creative work early in their undergraduate careers. The program is designed to create a community of undergraduate scholars and help build research-related skills to prepare students for faculty collaborative projects that makes an original contribution to one’s field. Getting involved in research or creative works in college helps students build unique credentials to distinguish themselves from among the 2 million other students they will graduate among and compete with for jobs or entrance into graduate and professional schools!

While some colleges provide an etiquette class during a student’s senior year, HPU provides students with four years of career preparation inside 1924 PRIME, Alo and Kazoku, HPU’s fine-dining learning labs. Here, students practice their interview and etiquette skills over weekly dinner beginning their freshman year. In addition, they’re exposed to a wide variety of cultural cuisines and traditions. Each month, a different region or country’s cuisine is highlighted through HPU’s Cuisine & Culture Series. Along with distinct international fares, faculty and guest speakers host forums that offer students opportunities to learn about the cultural focus of the month.

Street tacos or mac and cheese bowls, anyone? Weekly food truck events are held at a different location each week. At these weekly block parties, students enjoy free live music, meet new friends, explore their beautiful campus and try a taste of local cuisine. From BBQ to funnel cakes and more, enjoy these special meals on wheels with your friends! You can’t go wrong with any of our 20+ other campus dining locations, but it’s still great to mix it up from time to time. Plus, what day isn’t better with music?

Show your Panther pride by cheering on HPU’s Division I Men’s and Women’s Basketball teams in the Nido and Mariana Qubein Arena and Conference Center. Throughout the year, you’re going to want to support all 17 of our Division 1 athletic teams. Just like you, they are winners — with 13 Conference Championships last year! Even beyond basketball, the arena is a hub of activity and events. Attend major concerts from artists like Flo Rida, Train, T-Pain, Jesse McCartney, J. Cole and more!

Students of many traditions foster their faith at HPU, and the Chapel and Religious Life Office is here to support and encourage them.

The Charles E. Hayworth Sr. Memorial Chapel, home to the university’s weekly worship services and community events throughout the year, is a symbol of HPU’s Methodist heritage and hospitality for people of all traditions. Weekly Chapel, a Christian worship service, takes place every Wednesday at 5:30 p.m. with a message focused on college students’ lives. There is also a worship night every Sunday night at 8:00 p.m. HPU’s Catholic Campus Ministry hosts Catholic Mass on Sundays at 6 p.m. The organization also offers weekly activities and semester retreats.

Through HPU’s Hillel Center, Jewish students find a campus faith community. The organization hosts celebrations for all major Jewish holidays, including a Hanukkah dinner at 1924 PRIME and a Passover Seder dinner, as well as activities such as challah making and the traditional decoration of the sukkah.

Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism and other faiths utilize the Multifaith Prayer and Meditation Space in Hayworth Hall, and Interfaith United brings students of all walks of life together to learn from each other and hosts events such as the annual Iftar.

Although just about anything you’ll ever need can be found on campus, HPU students also love to explore the Triad. More than 200 local businesses accept the HPU Passport card as payment, and you’ll find a wide range of options—from restaurants and retail stores to gas stations, coffee shops, and more. If you’re interested in learning about HPU’s community engagement opportunities, be sure to check out this informative video!

A nail salon, hair salon and fitness studios? HPU really does have it all! Panther Commons brings local business to campus with these services built for your convenience.

• Got a big interview coming up? A formal event? Or just want to treat yourself? Head over to Panther Commons! Panther Polish is your stop for chic claws that would make even Prowler jealous. The Barbershop is perfect for a fresh fade and making sure you look your best.
• In addition to the nine fitness facilities spread throughout campus, HPU recently opened two new workout spaces that students already love. The Wheelhouse—HPU’s very own spin studio—and The Powerhouse—a space for CrossFit, lifting and boxing—are conveniently located in the Panther Commons Fitness Center. Whether they want to explore a new type of workout or stick to a tried-and-true routine, want to hit the gym solo or go to a group class, HPU students don’t need gym memberships or personal workout equipment. A healthy lifestyle is available all over campus!

As part of HPU’s general education curriculum, you must take at least one Global Studies course. If you study abroad, the Global Studies requirement is waived automatically. High Point University also provides a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to eligible students through the tuition-free Go Global Grant for Maymester Programs. This exclusive program expands cultural horizons while accomplishing academic, personal, and professional goals. The Office of Global Education is here to make your international education a reality.