Recent News

Compiled by the GCU News Bureau Would Day 2 of Move-In on Grand Canyon University’s main campus be as spirited as Day 1? The wild Sedona Hall scene Thursday morning provided a rather loud answer. You would have thought you were at a basketball game. In fact, the men’s and women’s basketball teams both were there — and things really got wild when Coach Dan Majerle and his players mugged for the television cameras. It was Move-In Madness, one of best recruiting tools GCU has, but with even more intensity. Volunteers jam-packed on the curb cheered wildly as each car drove in. Moms and dads took videos of the bedlam as they drove in and even jumped out to keep filming as the Luggage Luggers emptied vehicles in record time (more on that later). New students said they felt like celebrities as they were escorted to their rooms. Everyone, it seemed, was smiling — especially Brian Mueller, GCU’s president and CEO, gazing at the hundreds of volunteers. “They’ve done it really well before, but now they’ve really got it down,” he said. “It’s a community-building experience like no other.” Thankfully, the looming rain held off for most of the morning, and […]

By Michael Ferraresi GCU Today Magazine Here’s a glimpse at the types of careers Grand Canyon University’s new degree programs in computer science and informational technology could lead students into over the next several years: B.S. in Computer Science Emphasis in Big Data Analytics  — Students learn how to mine massive data sets, which helps companies track customer preferences, identify trends with patient treatments and tailor programs to specific groups. — Database managers and administrators serve an integral role understanding the story buried in millions of lines of data. Emphasis in Business Entrepreneurship — Technology project management helps computer experts understand the business end of taking their innovations to market. — Entrepreneurial development of new tech products or services can lead to start-up companies or opportunities with existing companies. Emphasis in Game and Simulation Development — Skills in graphic visualization, computer modeling, mobile application development and artificial intelligence equip students to create video games and virtual simulations. — Simulation programmers and other roles in gaming or virtual reality modeling are in demand in a variety of industries. B.S. in Information Technology Emphasis in Business Entrepreneurship — Understanding IT project management ensures that companies or startups have a controllable hardware or […]

Compiled by the GCU News Bureau You couldn’t have asked for a better morning to introduce the first of 6,203 students — who this week are moving into 11 residence halls on Grand Canyon University’s main campus — to their new homes. Wednesday’s weather — crystal clear skies but for a dotting of lavender and golden sun-kissed clouds in the east and cool temperatures the likes of which have not been seen on this date since 1995 — was a God thing. At 6:30 a.m., as the first of hundreds of vehicles carrying excited students and parents suppressing lumps in their throats was unloaded, the mercury edged 75 degrees. It felt like … 75 degrees. “God showed up in a big way,” said Pastor Dean of Students Tim Griffin, referring to the climate, atmospheric and campus-wide. The first of a three-day Move-In, GCU’s mega-purple, super-loud, off-the-charts welcome wagon for new students, was driven by nearly 1,300 volunteers – staff, spiritual life leaders, ASGCU leaders, residential assistant leaders and a student welcome crew of 425. The student army asked to be on the front lines, cheering, unloading and hauling boxes, bags, mirrors, televisions and other items from the vehicles, up multiple flights of […]

With all of the changes to campus this summer, GCU Today is your source for the top ten things all campus students and staff should know this fall.

GCU Arena is back in business, and it showed well Saturday when a free concert featuring Switchfoot provided a spirited finale to Move-In.

Smoking and any other kind of tobacco use, including chewing tobacco and e-cigs, will be banned on GCU property and in University-owned vehicles beginning Jan. 1.

The new fitness schedule for the Recreation Center, which features several new classes, begins Monday and goes through Sept. 26. The reason: The Rec Center is scheduled to become the Lopes Performance Center, and some classes will move to other fitness centers on campus.

College of Education alumnus Anthony Perez taught English to ESL students in China before starting a new job as a second grade teacher in Phoenix.

Peet’s Coffee & Tea, the premier specialty coffee and tea company in the U.S., is coming to Grand Canyon University with multiple locations on campus. Peet’s will move into the second floor of the Student Union, replacing Starbucks after the contract with that vendor was not renewed. Another Peet’s location is planned for GCU Arena in the concession area of the first floor. “We are excited about making Peet’s our coffee provider with multiple locations on campus and to offer students and employees lower prices — about 10 percent less, on average,” said Kristen Fraley, GCU’s food services manager. “Multiple locations mean shorter lines and the ability to grab coffee at convenient locations across our growing campus.” Both GCU locations are expected to open Monday, Aug. 25, for the first day of classes. The Student Union location initially will offer brewed coffee and tea while the space is being renovated, and is expected to be full-service by Monday, Sept. 8. The Arena location will carry the majority of Peet’s hand-crafted beverages, including hand-roasted coffee, espresso, tea and specialty blended drinks. Between now and Monday, employees and students can stop by any of the Simply to Go stores on campus or […]

GO (Global Outreach) Week will offer myriad experiences and opportunities for students to find out more about 2015 summer mission trips. Events are scheduled Sept. 15-19 on campus.