HPU is committed to providing students with a unique, challenging, and supportive academic environment. This commitment begins with our First-Year Programs, a collection of innovative courses and services designed to help students make thoughtful, productive transitions to college. In courses that promote critical thinking, rigorous inquiry and effective communication, students learn how to ask big questions, analyze information and mediate new knowledge. With the help of academic support services, students hone their study skills, build their confidence and learn to incorporate feedback.