Past Communications
Parent Emails:
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Grand Canyon University’s Department of Welcome Programs is thrilled to welcome you to the Lope family!
As we prepare for the start of the 2025 academic year and your student’s college journey, we hope the information in this email and future summer emails will help you feel encouraged and prepared for this exciting new chapter.Important Information
Stay Updated: Your student should regularly check their GCU email for essential information regarding move-in and orientation.
University Admissions Counselor: Encourage your student to contact their university admissions counselor with any GCU-related questions. They should also refer to their new student checklist in their Student Portal for instructions on their next steps.
Online Orientation Module: Parents are encouraged to help their students complete the required online orientation module, which will be available in the Student Portal starting on June 2.
Welcome Week: During Welcome Week, you’ll be invited to campus for the New Student Commissioning and Parent and Family Orientation. Commuter students and their families Wednesday, Aug. 27.
FERPA Guidelines: As a parent of a college student, communication, privacy and information sharing are guided by the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA). Learn more about FERPA on their website.
Supporting Your Student Through Their Transition
The “W Curve” is a model describing the emotional journey many students experience when adjusting to college. It includes stages of initial excitement, culture shock, gradual adjustment, re-entry and eventual reintegration, forming a “W” shape when charted over time. To help them through the curve, encourage your student to handle challenges independently, using campus resources such as instructors, RAs or student services, while maintaining your support. (Note: Please avoid doing their work for them, as it breaches privacy laws — our goal is for them to learn and grow on their own.)Lope Family Resources
Parent and Family Orientation: After attending the New Student Commissioning, and while your student is in their Orientation Group, stay for Parent and Family Orientation. This session is for parents and family members to learn more about how to partner with the university while their student is a Lope and to hear from key campus partners.
Students who complete their orientation are more likely to stay at GCU. Out of the traditional students who started at GCU in Fall 2023, those who did any form of orientation had a 20% to nearly 30% higher retention rate compared to those who did not.
Lope Family Hub: You can receive monthly emails, register for Lope Family events and stay updated on campus life on our Lope Family Hub.
Lope Family Groups: Are you interested in connecting with other GCU parents in your area? View the current group list and sign up!
For more details on Welcome Week, Orientation and move-in information, please visit GCUWelcome.org.
If you have any questions over the summer, don’t hesitate to reach out to the Department of Welcome Programs by calling or texting 602-639-6002 or by emailing welcome@gcu.edu.
We’re excited to welcome you and your student to the Lope Family! -
As your student prepares for their journey at Grand Canyon University, let’s talk about living in a community. One of the most exciting parts of college is the relationships your student will form with roommates, friends and peers. These relationships can influence the decisions they make, the habits they develop and the activities they engage in during their time at GCU.
We encourage you to engage with your student before their arrival on campus and discuss the following topics to help them prepare for their college experience:The college transition
Finding their place
Time management
Spiritual community
Roommate conflict
Aside from those talking points, your family can feel more confident about GCU’s community and the transition to campus with these resources:
Residence Life: Your Student’s Resource for Community Building
As your student navigates living in the residence halls, we want to introduce you to Residence Life, the department that plays a key role in fostering a sense of community in the living areas and assisting with roommate conflicts. During Welcome Week, resident students will be invited to their building’s community gathering, hosted by Residence Life. Encourage your student to attend and connect with their building staff and student leaders.
Lope Family:
After attending Welcome Week and Parent and Family Orientation, our office will continue to be a partner in supporting you while your student is at GCU. To learn more about the resources available to you as a parent, visit our Lope Family webpage.
For more information about Welcome Week, Orientation and additional resources for you and your student, please visit GCUWelcome.org.
If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to reach out to the Department of Welcome Programs by calling or texting 602-639-6002 or by emailing welcome@gcu.edu.We’re excited for your student’s journey at GCU and are here to help support you every step of the way!
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Summer is quickly coming to a close, and we’re eagerly preparing for your family’s arrival on campus! Below are some important reminders and helpful tips to note before you arrive for Welcome Week!
Appointment Move-In:
When your student arrives on campus, they will be assigned a 20-foot parking space in front of their building. You will have 45 minutes to unload your car at the building’s curb, so please make sure you arrive on time. Your student can schedule or review their curbside appointment and print their voucher through the Housing Portal. For a current move-in map, click here.Before move-in, complete orientation in two steps:
Step One: Complete the Online Orientation Module
Your student must complete the online orientation before Welcome Week, and we encourage you to go through it together. Be sure to remind your student to check their GCU student email for the link to access it.Step Two: Attend New Student and Family Orientation
Your student and family will attend orientation events designed to welcome you all into the GCU community. Commuter students are encouraged to attend New Student and Family Orientation on Wednesday, Aug. 27, and their O-Group will take place the same day. Click here for a link that your student can access to register you and your family in advance for the New Student and Family Orientation.
Orientation Groups (O-Groups) and Family Orientation Events:
O-Groups are small groups designed to help your new GCU student connect with other incoming Lopes during Welcome Week. While your student participates in O-Groups, you and your family can attend Parent and Family Orientation, where you can learn more about the resources available at GCU to both you and your student. We also offer specialized programs for elementary age through high school while you attend Parent and Family Orientation.
Social Media: Stay connected and get the latest updates on student life by following @GCUWelcome on Instagram.
Parking Permits: If your student plans to have a car on campus, they can register for a parking permit here.
Student IDs: Make sure your student submits their ID photo by logging into their GCU portal and navigating to the student checklist.
Find Out More: Visit our website here for more information on what to expect during Welcome Week.If you have any questions regarding Welcome Week or general orientation details, please contact the Department of Welcome Programs by calling or texting 602-639-6002 or emailing welcome@gcu.edu.
We look forward to seeing you and your student in Lope Country!
Student Emails:
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Welcome to Lope Country! We are so excited to have you join our vibrant and faith-filled community here at Grand Canyon University. This is the beginning of an incredible journey, and as you step onto campus or log into your online courses, you’re starting something special — an adventure that will challenge you, inspire you and help you grow in ways you never imagined.
At GCU, we believe education is more than academics. It’s about discovering your purpose, growing in faith, and becoming part of something larger than yourself. As you walk this new path, we encourage you to embrace every moment, both the triumphs and the challenges, and lean into God’s plan for your life. He has incredible things in store for you.
I encourage you to get involved in everything — from attending Chapel services and joining life groups to volunteering or participating in campus events. GCU is where your passions can grow and a community can support you every step of the way. You’ll have countless opportunities to grow, build lasting friendships and make a real impact on campus, in your community and even across the globe.
Here at GCU, we take great pride in our unity. We celebrate each student’s gifts and encourage you to pursue your calling while supporting your fellow Lopes. As you begin your time here, know that you are not just joining a university. You are becoming part of a family that believes in you.
We are so thrilled to have you join us in Lope Country, and I can’t wait to see all the amazing things you will accomplish this year. Together, we will continue building a community where faith, friendship and purpose are at the heart of everything we do.Tim Griffin, EdD
Vice President of Student Affairs
Dean of Students and University Pastor -
We’re so excited for your arrival and want to make sure you’re fully prepared for life on campus!
Commuter Students:
Take advantage of our commuter resources! The Commuter Lounge in Kaibab (Building 25) is open daily to commuters. The Lounge offers no-cost amenities to commuters such as a study room, kitchen, no-fee lockers and a community space. Follow @GCUCommuters for updates on commuter-specific events and giveaways!
Resident Students:
When preparing to move to campus, please review this list of what to bring to campus and what to leave at home. Please note, all beds on campus are size Twin XL.
Take time to connect with your roommates and discuss what you will each bring! This helps speed up the move-in process and prevents unnecessary multiples in your suite. Contact info for your roommate can be found on the “status” page of your housing application.
Additional Recommendations:
Consider getting rental insurance to protect your belongings. Click here to learn more about our preferred rental insurance provider, GradGuard.
Amazon Storefront:
Not sure what to bring? We’ve got you covered! View our Amazon storefront with some of the most frequently used (and Residence Life-approved) items that students love to have while on campus.Have any questions? Send an email to welcome@gcu.edu or call or text us at 602-639-6002.
We can’t wait to see you around campus! -
We’re so excited for you to join us at Grand Canyon University! As your move-in day gets closer, we’re here to help you feel more confident and prepared for life on campus.
Here’s a quick overview of some helpful resources, ways to get connected and what’s expected once you’re here.Campus Resources to Support You
Life at GCU comes with a lot of built-in support. Here are a few services you’ll have access to right away:Dining: There are plenty of meal options and flexible plans. Learn about your options here or contact your university admissions counselor through your Student Portal.
Student Support:Click on the links below to learn more about the resources available to all students while at GCU.
Get Plugged in Early
Meeting people and building community starts before classes even begin! Join us for New Student Orientation during Welcome Week! This program is designed to get you settled, answer your new student questions and connect you to campus through your Orientation Leader.
Watch this short video to hear how other students get connected at GCU!
Community Standards Expectations:
Being part of the GCU community means understanding expectations and upholding our shared values. Please read and familiarize yourself with our University Policy Handbook.We can’t wait to welcome you to campus! If you have questions or need anything along the way, we’re here to help.