|
 |
 |
| Grand Canyon University is a premier Christian university educating people to lead and serve. |
 |
Grand Canyon University prepares learners to become global citizens, critical thinkers, effective communicators and responsible leaders by providing an academically challenging, values-based curriculum from the context of our Christian heritage.
The curriculum at GCU is designed to prepare students with the skills and knowledge needed in the contemporary job market. Students are challenged to develop these tools and to push their intellectual limits in order to become successful in their careers.
In addition, the curriculum fosters personal discovery so that students realize within themselves the elements of compassion and accountability. A uniquely important element of the GCU mission statement is the defining attribute of its Christian heritage. The GCU community defines its culture by the way its members reflect a committed relationship with Christ and creates the GCU experience in a manner that reflects His teachings to support students and graduates through a successful life journey.
These normative Christian values are integral to the development, maturity, and education of ethical and morally respectable citizens who continue on the path of life-long learning. Each element or objective of the GCU mission statement is uniquely addressed in the GCU curriculum and by the GCU culture, which shapes a rich learning environment from which students graduate with professional and life skills.
When learners graduate from GCU, our expectation is that they will be global citizens, critical thinkers, effective communicators, and responsible leaders.
A University grounded in Christian theology begins with the idea that students are created in the image of God.
A values-based education emphasizing Community, Character, and Citizenship in the context of a Christian worldview would seek to teach, reinforce, support, and cause students to contemplate certain foundational values which Christian values contends lead to a good life.
It would be difficult to completely and accurately quantify what an individual student might take away from a values-based education. The reason for the difficulty stems from the fact that being made in the image of God also means that the learner is a free moral agent and has the right to choose his or her values. Our curriculum provides a frame within which the individual examines his or her worldview. The goal is not to mandate an exact set of values, rather it is to challenge each learner to consider his or her present values and assess his or her beliefs and behaviors.
Socrates said, “The unexamined life is not worth living.” A values based education incorporates structured opportunities to consider these concepts and their implications for the individual learner. These concepts form a framework that allows students to clarify their beliefs and decide who they are. In general, Christian heritage would contend that there is such a thing as truth to be sought after. Although we may not be able to apprehend it fully, it does exist. We were designed with certain gifts and talents and we are called upon to refine those gifts through education and practice. Then, we are responsible to use those gifts and talents in willing service to God and our fellow human beings. God has a purpose for our lives and He prepares and calls us to that purpose. This concept transcends and distinguishes work not as a mere occupation, but rather a calling or vocation.
Values-based education suggests that certain ideas and actions are more desirable than others. As a community, we strive to exemplify stewardship, excellence, and integrity through what Christianity calls the Fruit of the Spirit.
Please click here to view a pdf of our Vision and Mission Statements. |
 |
| At Grand Canyon University, faith is defined from the context of our Christian heritage. Our student, faculty, and staff demographics represent over 20 denominations, allowing us to embrace a broad spectrum of faith. We believe that all Christians are united spiritually in our Lord Jesus Christ. Through that belief, opportunity exists in an environment of mutual respect to allow individuals the freedom and occasion to discuss differing opinions, and to make faith a matter of meaningful consideration. We welcome dialogue from diverse faiths and beliefs, while identifying with the commitment to the Christian faith. |
 |
| Grand Canyon University embraces the beliefs of the Christian faith as its theological position. Being inter-denominational means that we welcome the gift each denomination brings to the community, and focus our doctrinal beliefs on Biblical truth. We affirm that which unites all believers is our Lord Jesus Christ. |
 |
Integrity and Ethics
- Consistently demonstrates integrity and ethical behavior congruent with Christian values in all transactions and relationships
- Adheres to the regulatory and legal environment of higher education
- Is openly accountable for actions and decisions
|
Student-oriented
- Interacts cooperatively and constructively with all students and constituencies
- Exhibits the highest standards of dedication and commitment to quality service to meet or exceed student requirements
- Consistently conveys a positive attitude toward students and constituencies
- Demonstrates continual focus on student-centered learning and learner needs
|
Communication
- Demonstrates effective verbal and written communication
- Communicates vertically and horizontally throughout the organization
- Listens to others to ensure understanding
- Contributes meaningful information during meetings
|
Action-oriented
- Relates expectations to overall mission and vision of GCU
- Displays and encourages a sense of commitment
- Devotes resources to “what is important now”
- Consistently meets deadlines
|
Self-Leadership
- Assumes responsibility for understanding the business and the individual and departmental roles in supporting the business; takes responsibility for actions of self and others, including direct report employees
- Gains respect of others while respecting others and treating every one fairly
- Demonstrates commitment to continuous improvement of quality, processes, self and others
- Effectively copes with change and is comfortable working with uncertainty
|
|
|
| |
|
