A branch campus in Switzerland?
Right before Point Park’s first financial crisis, the then-college decided to expand its presence beyond the U.S. Unfortunately for students at the villa, this branch campus was extremely short-lived. Read the first story about it in this February 21, 1972 article.

Eighteen weeks in Europe, anyone?

A new program to be initiated by the school would provide for a full term spent in Europe, with accredited study. The program is to operated and administered entirely by Point Park.

The location recently chosen is in Lugano, Switzerland. Lugano is described by President Arthur Blum as one of the most beautiful cities in Europe. Located on Lake Lugano, it is often refered to as the “Riviera” of Switzerland. Noted for it’s mild climate and tropical greenery, Luhano has long been a European resort area.

Lugano is located in the Italian-speaking “Ticino” section, a few miles from Italy. Snowy-peaked Alps surround the area, offering a variety of activities.

The cross-bred culture of the area has provided Europe with some of its most noted artists and architects. The Royal Palace in Naples, much of St. John Lateran and the Vatican in Rome are products of the home-town boys.

Lake Luhano itself is the third in a series of lakes gouged out by glaciers from the Alps. Small steamers and fishing boats plough its waters in trade and commerce.

Directly across the palm surrounded lake lies an independent Italian principality, the Campioni di Italia. Campione has one of the largest and plushest gambling casinos in central Europe.

The school has leased the Villa Negroni for the physical plant facilities. The second floor, which will house 30 to 100 people will be used for the living area. The modernized villa boasts private or semi-private baths, central heating, electric lights and its own pool. The double and triple rooms have parquetry or tiled floors. Surrounding buildings and the villa will be used for classroom study. The artistically decorated building also houses a spacious library as well as dining facilities for the occupants. The American School, a private prep-school for Americans living in Europe will handle the non-educational chores. The Villa is located only minutes from the railroad station and a short walk from the electric tram. Transportation across the lake is provided by regular scheduled ferry.

Any second semester freshman, sophomore, junior or first semester senior is eligible to attend any of the five terms offered: fall, winter (the month of January), spring and summer sessions I and II.

Tuition for the fall and spring terms will be $1,500, the winter $550 and each summer session is $750. This includes tuition, room and board as well as transportation. The selection of students is to be based on a first-come, first-serve basis. The administration is attempting to maintain a balance between men and women attending for any one term.

Unfortunately each student will only be able to attend for one term. This however will allow for a larger student turnover.

The scheduling of classes is to be handled in a rather unique method. The fall and spring term will consist of 12 required credits consisting of three areas of study in the Arts and Sciences. An optional three credit sequence in Modern Language may be used to satisfy the language requirements. Classes are to be conducted mornings, Monday through Thursday. This will leave the afternoons and three-day weekends free for independent or group excursions.

The theory behind the program is that the broadened educational benefits experienced by traveling will be an education in themselves.

Faculty members are to be chosen by their ability to offer information pertaining to the area and courses to be taught. Each teacher must be submit a syllabus as to what he intends to present. From these, the best will be chosen.

The northern Italian city of Milan is locate within an hour of Lugano. LaScala, one of the world’s most acoustically perfect opera houses is located there. Imagine having dinner, then trucking down to Milan for a night at the opera, topped off with a few drinks in one of Lugano’s many night clubs on the way back.

Definitely a change from going to the snack bar with their Phase II prices!

The tentative date for the first overseas term is Fall 1972.