Contributed

Sure signs that fall has arrived — the air is crisper, the leaves are beginning to turn and Point University’s main campus in downtown West Point is buzzing with activity. In fact, thousands of students are engaged with the university through its sites in Savannah, Peachtree City and Atlanta, through its online programs, in homes and businesses across the country and even around the world.

The university has more than 700 students who recently descended on its West Point campus, contributing to the feeling that downtown West Point is much more vibrant and alive. Students mill about area restaurants; frequent the campus dining hall, bookstore and academic center; congregate at athletic and band practice fields; and fill churches and parking lots across the Greater Valley. All leave no doubt that Point University contributes greatly to the social, academic, spiritual and economic fabric of the community.

“Our goal is to challenge students to excel academically, mature spiritually and engage both locally and globally,” said Point University Dean of Students Laura Schaaf. “While our students and alumni seek to be points of influence around the world, there is no place that means more to us than our hometown.”

Point University has greatly extended its reach around the world and in the community by expanding its academic offerings. This fall, Point will offer 438 classes online to students in 48 states who are taking advantage of convenient higher education anytime, anywhere. This includes some 30 new majors offered online.

The university also added fully online graduate programs last fall, providing a way for students to increase their education and earning potential.

Twenty-three percent of Point University students are from Troup and Chambers counties, with virtually all of them receiving some form of financial aid. These include many of the area’s best and brightest students who receive academic and athletic scholarships.

The university will celebrate its 80th anniversary throughout this year, kicking off in mid-October with variety of activities available to the general public at the annual homecoming football game. But there is no need to wait until then to learn more about what Point University offers for local residents.

Members of the community are invited to visit Point’s website to see in-seat undergraduate programs, online undergraduate or graduate programs, and continuing education classes that can help them achieve personal and professional goals.  To find out more about the academic and leisure opportunities available, visit Point.edu.