The college high life: hot tub, valet and concierge

By PAUL WALSH, Star Tribune

Last update: July 3, 2008 - 10:35 AM

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For many colleges, much about how students function away from the classroom hasn't changed much: the same blond dorm-room furniture, a communal shower and a bike rack downstairs.

Then there's the high life at High Point University.

The Chronicle of Higher Education is reporting in its latest edition that the private liberal arts college in North Carolina offers its students valet parking, a concierge desk, free treats from a roaming ice cream truck and a hot tub in the middle of the campus.

The Chronicle, the nation's leading publication for college and university faculty members and administrators, says the engine behind all the amenities is High Point's president, Nido R. Qubein, a motivational speaker and businessman. Qubein is chairman of the board of the Great Harvest Bread Co., and he's written books such as "How to Get Anything You Want" and "Close Like a Pro: Selling Strategies for Success."

Qubein started WOW! a program that seeks to find ways to pamper students.

The Chronicle said live music is a fixture in the cafeteria, ranging from a guitar duo to a jazz quartet. Oh, and don't forget the numerous flat-screen TVs to gaze at while relaxing over a hot meal.

The concierge desk near the cafeteria desk, the Chronicle reports, handles maintenance requests, gives restaurant recommendations and sends out dry cleaning. Students can also arrange automated wake-up calls.

And just to make everyone feel important, the Chronicle says each undergraduate's birthday is celebrated with a card from the university, signed by the president, with a Starbucks gift card inside. And balloons. When the birthday boys and girls arrive at the cafeteria, their ID cards electronically alert the kitchen staff. The staff then fixes a slice of cake, and the featured musicians sing "Happy Birthday."

On the drawing board, the Chronicle reports: "The Multiplex," a movie theater, a sports bar, and a steakhouse.

"When the students know you care, they reward you by doing well in the classroom," Qubein told the Chronicle. "Then they reward you by telling their friends and by their parents' becoming your donors."

--Paul Walsh • 612-673-4482