Campus Life

Photos by Slaven Gujic and Travis Neely GCU News Bureau The Grand Canyon University campus was electric Monday as freshmen arrived in droves for the first day of Welcome Week. Hundreds of student volunteers assisted them at Move-In, and the freshmen then were kept busy with orientation and, in the evening, the Canyon Cooldown. And, just for good measure, a solar eclipse was thrown into the mix.      

Hundreds of people across campus clustered outside of GCU Arena on Monday to watch the partial eclipse of the sun. The viewing party, hosted by the newly formed Astronomy Club, was a big hit even though Phoenix got only 60 percent coverage. People watched in wonder through telescopes and protective glasses. Witnessing the total eclipse was “surreal and a little scary,” said Stephanie Paluch, a COE faculty member.

Whether parents are mournful at the thought of no longer living with their GCU freshman or cheered because they can finally convert the bedroom into a study, the milestone of a child going away to a college or university is significant for all involved. At a Parent Hospitality Corner on Monday, some family members discussed what they were feeling and how they were responding.

The videos are out there. Anyone planning to attend GCU can see what Move-In looks like. But then they experience it, and they’re even more mesmerized.

Even the people on campus who have seen Move-In before find it irresistible. It officially began Monday morning, and the buzz could be felt everywhere.

The cheers of volunteers welcoming early arrivals could be heard across campus Friday morning as students, faculty and staff moved students into residence halls. Those arriving Friday will, in turn, welcome the bulk of the students during Welcome Week, which kicks off Monday. GCU Today has the story.

Talk about a different way to kick off Welcome Week. Monday is the day of the solar eclipse, and the newly formed Astronomy Club — led by Dr. Tom McCarthy, an assistant physics professor — will be set up on the Quad to offer a way to view it safely. Remember, you never look directly at a solar eclipse.

The students are starting to return, and pretty soon all of the campus eateries will be open again, too. So what’s new on the food front? Lots, as it turns out – and lots of good news for fans of healthy eating.

By Jeannette Cruz and Rick Vacek GCU News Bureau The student leaders gathered at Grand Canyon University Arena on Friday morning probably weren’t surprised to hear that GCU has been named one of the 10 best college campuses in the United States. After all, their appreciation for life at GCU is one of the reasons they were willing to cut short their summer vacation and begin training for the new academic year. Student opinions were part of why Niche, which specializes in data on educational institutions, put GCU on a prestigious list that includes Stanford, UCLA, Virginia Tech and Yale University. But for many people at GCU, the news was both affirming and exciting. Among the many big moments and initiatives they’ve experienced in recent years, this is a big one. “GCU has grown so fast, a lot of people don’t know what’s happened here,” said Dr. Tim Griffin, Pastor and Dean of Students. “The fact that people are starting to notice is pretty flattering, and I think students will be excited to hear that. “But the students already know how great this campus is. For the staff to get this kind of recognition will give them a great sense […]

Welcome Week 2017 promises to be another busy and festive time for students as they return to campus. But it’s extremely important, too. “The week says to all, ‘You belong here,’” said Charity Norman, manager of GCU’s Student and Family Program.