New Student & Family Orientation

Step 1: Complete your Online Orientation Module

Our online module is an interactive program designed to prepare you to become a successful and connected student at GCU. The module introduces you to Welcome Week information, academic essentials, processes and policies, and life at GCU. You’re encouraged to invite your parents or family to go through this module with you.

Step 2: Attend New Student & Family Orientation

The in-person portion of Orientation will take place once you arrive for Welcome Week.

  • New Student Commissioning: A session for all new students and families where you will officially be commissioned into the Herd.

  • Orientation Groups (O-Groups): A small group of other new Lopes led by a returning student. These groups meet directly following New Student Commissioning.

  • Parent and Family Orientation: A session for your family to attend while you participate in your O-group.

New Student Orientation at GCU is an essential first step in helping students successfully transition into college life. It introduces them to campus resources, community expectations, academic support, and student life, all while building a strong sense of belonging. Through the in-person portion of orientation, students begin forming meaningful connections with their fellow students, student leaders, and the GCU community at large. Internal reviews show a strong correlation between students completing all the required steps of Orientation, and retaining at a higher level.

74.15% Of new traditional GCU students that completed the Fall 2023 Online New Student Orientation portion of their New Student Orientation requirements retained to Fall 2024.

80.04% Of new traditional GCU students that completed the Fall 2023 Welcome Week In-Person Orientation portion of their New Student Orientation requirements retained to Fall 2024.

81.13% Of new traditional GCU students that completed all the online and in person Fall 2023 New Student Orientation requirements retained to Fall 2024.

53.68% Of new traditional GCU students who did not complete any of their New Student Orientation requirements retained to Fall 2024.