General Questions

What’s changing, and when?
Our name change to Point University became effective July 1, 2011, and we expanded our athletic programs to include the addition of softball, cross country, football, lacrosse and cheerleading. In June 2012, offices and services relating to traditional students will begin relocating to West Point, and our first semester of classes in West Point for traditional students will be fall 2012.

What part of the University is relocating?  Is anything staying in East Point?
The traditional student body and our main administrative offices will be in West Point. This means that things such as residence halls and athletic facilities will be located there, along with most administrative offices. Our historic campus in East Point will transition into an off-site location for the University's Access Program, joining current off-site locations in Peachtree City and Savannah. East Point will continue to offer degree completion through the Access program and house a variety of student services and administrative support offices. The dual-credit enrollment program for high school students is offered at our main campus as well as at our Peachtree City location.

Why relocate at all?
Several years ago, our trustees and administration worked with campus master planning experts and other consultants to evaluate the capacity of our campus. At the East Point location, we are surrounded by residential areas and are unable to expand. We determined that our historic campus cannot accommodate our planned growth and in fall 2007, our trustees unanimously agreed that it was time to begin searching for a new location for our traditional student programs. Since that time, enrollment has tripled! The success of our Access and traditional programs confirms for us that this is the right decision. Throughout the process, the trustees and administration have prayerfully sought God’s will. They unanimously believe that God is confirming our decision to relocate the traditional program to West Point.

Why relocate now?
While we celebrate our continued growth, we know that we cannot accommodate it on our current site. We believe that if we do not relocate now, we will be limiting the possibilities for the future of our institution.

Why did the University’s name change?
Our former name, Atlanta Christian College, was geographically specific. As we move beyond the metro-Atlanta area, this name no longer accurately describes who we are. Our move to West Point marks a new era in the life of the school, and our new name reflects both where we’ve come from—East Point—and where we are going—West Point. More importantly, it underscores our focus on the point of life and our institution—Jesus Christ—and the fact that our students and alumni are points of influence in culture and the marketplace. Throughout the Bible, God often gave a new name to those embarking on a new journey. So too, we sought to honor the challenge and opportunity God has entrusted to us by adopting a new name.

Why did you become a university?
As we are growing and expanding our academic programs, athletic offerings and locations, the name university makes more sense and is a more accurate descriptor of who we are.

Did changing your name to “university” mean you’ve become a public school instead of private?
No. We are still a private, Christian university.

Did changing your name to “university” mean you’re now offering graduate programs?
Not yet, but we hope to add graduate programs in the next few years.

Why isn’t the word “Christian” in the name?  Does this mean you’ve changed your mission?
Point University remains completely grounded in Atlanta Christian College’s Christian heritage and steadfast in its purpose to equip students to take their faith into the marketplace in new and culturally relevant ways. While the name does not include the word “Christian,” it is rich with Christian meaning and symbolism. What makes us Christian is what we believe, what we teach, who we hire and what our mission is. There are many Christian colleges and universities that don’t have “Christian” as a part of their name, yet it is clear that they are Christian because of what they teach and the types of students they produce.

Many of our students desire to go on to graduate school, some of them overseas – and in some cultures, the word “college” doesn’t mean “bachelor’s degree.” This can be problematic for those trying to pursue advanced studies in cultures where the word “university” means “bachelor’s degree.”

Although, as Christians, we might not like it, we live in a world that is becoming increasingly secular. We believe that all of our students and graduates are meant to be points of influence for Christ – but unfortunately, we know that this secular world devalues Christian education. It’s hard to be an influencer if you can’t get into the places and positions from which to do that, and as unpleasant as it is to acknowledge, our secular world does discriminate against those who have “Christian” on their diplomas.

We also have many students and graduates who feel called to missions and ministry in countries where having the word “Christian” associated with a person in any way can be dangerous. We have heard from alumni who minister in foreign countries that they are grateful for this change, as it allows them to safely tell people where they attended college.

Where will the Admission Office be housed?
The Traditional Admission Office is now located in West Point, which serves prospective students of both the Access and traditional programs in the Greater Valley Area. Access enrollment and student services personnel will continue to be available in East Point and Peachtree City, as well as any other satellite locations we may offer.

When is the relocation happening?
Most administrative offices will relocate to West Point in June 2012. Classes and programs for traditional students will begin in West Point with the fall 2012 semester.

How is the University paying for this move?
As always, we will rely on the generous support of our donors, including trustees, alumni, churches, parents and many other friends. Look for news about our upcoming capital campaign in 2012. Click here if you'd like to make a financial contribution to Point University.

What is West Point like?
Get an overview of West Point and the Greater Valley area by reading the West Point Fact Sheet.  A few members of the Point University student transition team also made a video that gives you a first-hand flavor for what West Point is like and how they reacted to seeing it for the first time.

What will happen to current faculty and staff?
Over the course of the transition, administration will work with faculty and staff to determine which jobs will stay in East Point, which jobs will relocate to West Point, any new jobs that might be created.

I’m interested in working for the University in West Point.  How do I submit my resume?
As always, any available positions will be posted on the employment page of our website.

How does this affect the additional site locations in Peachtree City and Savannah?
The Peachtree City and Savannah satellite locations will continue to operate as they do now, offering our Access program for adult learners and the dual credit enrollment for high school students.

Are you adding additional satellite locations?
Yes! In early 2012 we opened a site in Savannah and are exploring options for other sites around Georgia and the Southeast.

Will you offer the Access program in West Point?
Yes, we are currently offering the Access program in West Point. We believe there are many people in the Greater Valley area who would benefit from a Christian higher education in an accelerated format friendly to working adults.

Does Point University have out-of-state tuition? (For example, if I’m from Alabama, will I pay out-of-state tuition?)
Our tuition is the same for all students, regardless of the state of residence.

Traditional Students

Can I see the new site?  What will it be like?
We would love to have you come visit! Contact the Admission Office to schedule a campus visit and check out the videos posted to our YouTube channel.

Is there going to be a carpool or shuttle option for commuters or students who don’t want to move there?
We’re still working out the details of what we’ll offer to accommodate our current students. Know that although this will be a time of change, we want to make this transition as seamless for you as we can! There will be ample opportunity for you to provide input on this subject through the student transition team and town hall forums.

I want to finish my degree here, but I’m a commuter and can’t afford room and board. What should I do? Can I finish my classes in East Point or Peachtree City?
We’re still working out the details of what we’ll offer to accommodate our current students. We encourage students who are concerned about affording room and board to visit the Student Financial Services office to explore your financial aid options.

I commute to class in order to save money.  What will the relocation mean for me?
Our goal is to work with all commuting students to help you find a solution that meets your academic and financial needs as a student of Point University. In many cases, you may find that the cost of living on campus is less than the cost of housing, food and transportation as a commuting student. Please make an appointment with your academic advisor to discuss your specific situation.

What types of business and churches are available in that area? Can I find a job or internship?
Point University will eventually be located in the thriving Greater Valley area, which includes the nearby Alabama cities of LaFayette, Lanett and Valley. The area is now home to the new $1 billion Kia Motors automobile manufacturing plant, which offers employment to 3,500 and, with its suppliers, has revitalized the area’s economy. Employment opportunities are also available in the areas of manufacturing, technology, agriculture, forestry, service and government.

Will this affect the HOPE Scholarship and other state aid?
No. You continue to be eligible for the HOPE Scholarship if you meet the academic requirements.

Will the cost of housing increase when we relocate to West Point?
At most colleges and universities, housing costs increase slightly each year.  We do not anticipate any dramatic increases related to the relocation.

Will there be student worker jobs for us in West Point?
We certainly will offer some opportunities for student workers.

What about our ministry and service in urban areas?
We plan to continue to work with ministries such as City of Refuge, with whom we have had a partnership for several years on our campus-wide ministry days, though the trip will take a little bit longer.  In fact, we hope that our relocation will provide new and exciting opportunities for both urban and rural ministry in the West Point and Greater Valley areas.

Prospective Traditional Students

Is tuition going to increase because of the relocation?
At most colleges and universities, tuition increases slightly each year.  We do not anticipate any dramatic increases related to the move to West Point.

Will the cost of housing increase when we relocate to West Point?
At most colleges and universities, housing costs increase slightly each year.  We do not anticipate any dramatic increases related to the relocation.

Does Point University have out-of-state tuition? (For example, if I’m from Alabama, will I pay out-of-state tuition?)
Our tuition is the same for all students, regardless of the state of residence.

Access Students

Will I be able to continue my classes in East Point?
Yes.  Nothing will change for Access students in East Point.  We plan to retain and renovate some of our current facilities to accommodate continued growth and expansion.  You may end up attending classes in a different building, but you’ll still be on our current site on Ben Hill Road.

Will I be able to continue my classes in Peachtree City or Savannah?
Yes. Our Peachtree City and Savannah satellite locations will continue to operate as they do now.

Will you offer the Access program in West Point?
Yes, we are currently offering the Access program in West Point. We believe there are many people in the Greater Valley area who would benefit from a Christian higher education in an accelerated format friendly to working adults.

Where will student financial services be housed?  Will it be harder to reach them?
We will still have representatives from student financial services on the East Point campus, so it will not be difficult for you to reach them or to take care of all your student financial services needs.

Will this affect the HOPE Scholarship and other state aid?
No.  You continue to be eligible for the HOPE Scholarship if you meet the academic requirements.

Alumni

Can I visit the new site?
Yes!  Please make sure we have your current contact information so we can let you know about future opportunities to tour the new facilities in West Point. We will be renovating facilities through the summer of 2012. We will keep you informed of opportunities to visit the new facilities when renovations are complete. To update your information, email the Alumni Relations Office.

Can I come and say farewell to the East Point campus?
There’s no need to say farewell!  Our East Point location will continue to be a part of the college community. Several buildings on that campus will be retained to house the Access program for adult students. We encourage you to come by and visit any time!

Can I have my transcripts reprinted with Point University?
Because of accreditation regulations, transcripts will reflect the name under which you graduated.

Can I have my ACC diploma reprinted with Point University?
Yes, we are able to reprint diplomas with the Point University name. Contact the Office of Academic Affairs to request a new diploma; the fee for a new diploma is $45, plus $5 to cover the costs of shipping. Diplomas will be ordered three times per year, in conjunction with our graduating classes:  May, August and December.

Faculty & Staff

Is my job relocating?  Will my job change?
The vast majority of departments and offices will begin to work from West Point in June 2012. Only a few administrative offices will remain at the East Point location, such as those relating to the Access program. Please consult your area vice president with any specific questions.

Can I work from home/East Point/Peachtree City?
See above.

How long can I commute to West Point from where I live now?
Each faculty or staff member will need to make this decision in consultation with his or her family. We hope that faculty and staff members whose jobs are relocated to West Point will become part of our new community.

Will there be a shuttle or carpool plan?
We hope to offer services to make the transition easier for faculty and staff, but to date, no details have been determined.

Will my department get new staff members?
Over the course of the transition, we will work with faculty and staff to determine any new jobs we might need to create. Please consult your area vice president with any specific questions.