Matt Hopkins

How do thousands of GCU students and their families make their way in cars, vans and U-Hauls from the perimeter of campus to their well-appointed residence hall rooms? Thousands of volunteers welcome them and move them in under the direction of Charity Norman, Director of Welcome Programs. GCU senior writer Theresa Smith embedded with Norman on Tuesday. One day earlier, she was shadowed by a video crew. Here’s a behind-the-scenes look at Move-In.

Bucking the trend at many colleges of upperclassmen moving off campus, there are unprecedented numbers of students moving onto the GCU campus in late August, including the rapidly growing east side. They are drawn by safety, accessibility, affordability and, perhaps most importantly: community. Within the residence halls and apartments, their Resident Directors and Resident Assistants are helping them make friends and their Life Leaders offer Bible study.