HPU students are compelled to learn, grow and develop strong character. When they begin their journey, HPU President Nido Qubein reminds them that they are part of the HPU family.
“We don’t weed students out of the system,” he says. “We weave them into the family. We extend kindness to one another, listen to one another and always consider another person’s point of view.”
That’s why HPU students hold the door for others, pick up trash from campus grounds and engage in civil discourse with one another, even when they may disagree
HPU offers a wide variety of programming that encourages students to connect, create and collaborate with individuals who may come from backgrounds different than their own. Here’s a glimpse at a few ways students participate in political dialogue with civility and respect at HPU:
Polling public opinion, theHPU Survey Research Centeris housed on campus and operated by students. Students call North Carolina residents to record their opinions on timely topics and share their findings with the media and general public.
Interfaith engagementis about creating bridges of understanding and empathy across lines of religious traditions. Students practice these values in interfaith dialogue with opportunities like the Interfaith Dinner Club, a year-long interfaith dining experience shared between people of different religious traditions. Students set guidelines at the beginning of each gathering to foster healthy dialogue, find common ground and even “improve disagreement” as they become more aware of differences.
Students have attendedPresidential inaugurations,national conventions, political conferences,会议在the offices of elected officialsin North Carolina and Washington, D.C., visitednational newsroomsand many other opportunities that expose students to policy and elected officials. Students have also interned with elected officials in High Point, in their home states and on Capitol Hill.
Student groups regularly host voter registration drives on campus to encourage students to vote in North Carolina elections or in their home states. HPU also provides transportation to polling sites during elections.
HPU’s College Democrats and College Republicans, both of which are advised by Dr. Brandon Lenoir, a political communication expert with years of experience, partner to host speakers anddebate viewing partieson campus during election seasons.
Directly serving others is an important part of civic engagement. HPU students are embedded in the local community, providing more than 110,000 hours of service annually. This community connection keeps students engaged with local organizations, policy and the importance of giving.