University Spirit and Traditions
University Spirit and Traditions
Start your GCU
journey today.
journey today.
For more than 75 years, our Phoenix campus has been an academic destination for countless scholars and industry leaders. See why GCU ranked #21 best college campus in America for 2025, according to Niche.com.(See disclaimer 1)
Browse through some commonly asked questions and answers about our university and learn more about what makes being a Lope so special.
When does GCU’s basketball season begin?
How many students are at GCU’s Phoenix campus?
What is Grand Canyon University’s mascot?
What division is GCU?
What is special about Grand Canyon University?
What experiences does GCU give you?
Why are traditions in college important?
"This is the college experience I dreamed about. I'm in the program helping me work toward my dream career, and I am surrounded by people who are caring and very open within a Christian campus."
"This is the college experience I dreamed about. I'm in the program helping me work toward my dream career, and I am surrounded by people who are caring and very open within a Christian campus."
Since 2008, Thunder has been GCU’s official mascot. This friendly antelope contributes to all the excitement that takes place at GCU. You’ll be sure to see him around at athletic competitions and other events on and off campus.
GCU had 20 NCAA Division I athletics teams during the 2023-24 academic year. Our mission is to develop good Christian role models who embody the highest standards of excellence in all aspects of their lives. In addition to our Division I teams, we offer other athletics programs, including intramural sports as well as dance and cheer.
We proudly offer over 40 club sports teams for men and women, including ice hockey, lacrosse, rugby, tennis, soccer, golf and more. Our club sports teams offer a competitive alternative to our Division I athletics teams while still competing at the national level.
The GCU Havocs are the epitome of school pride — attending all athletic events while creating an energetic, positive, spirited environment for sports fans, students and players. This extraordinary lively student section comes together to heighten the already exciting experience of attending GCU sporting events.
GCU offers sports facilities for students, athletes and visitors. Global Credit Union Arena is a 7,000-seat, nearly 135,000-square-foot sports and entertainment venue, used to host numerous events for students and the community. GCU’s stadium is a modern 41,852-square-foot natural turf soccer stadium with the capacity for 6,000 fans and also accommodates the GCU Student-Athlete Academic Center.
GCU is a missional, Christ-centered university with an innovative and adaptive spirit. The university addresses the world’s deep needs by cultivating compassionate Christian community, empowering free and virtuous action and serving others in ways that promote human flourishing.
Throughout the past 75 years, we have taken measurable strides to transform into the university we are today and continue to look to the future to keep growing. From the first steps of developing our university and pioneering our online programs to the establishment of our athletics, college facilities and life-changing community programs, we have created a campus culture that can provide a place of joy, faith and acceptance for all our students.
At GCU, you'll find everything you need to enjoy a full college experience and become immersed in the campus culture. Campus, online and evening students are equally valued members of our community and receive access to GCU events, academic support and learning resources.
As of December 2024, GCU offers 347 academic programs, including 137 traditional programs and 283 online programs.
All GCU students can participate in 100+ clubs and organizations, as of the 2023-24 academic year. Find your people and discover your passions.
Students can volunteer to support those in need by providing various resources and services and participating in projects and mission trips.
Niche.com. (2024). 2024 Best College Campuses in America. Retrieved October 2024.
Includes all traditional students who have a last date of attendance at least three weeks into the Fall 2024 semester or participated in a campus evening class in August or September of 2024. Includes degree-seeking and non-degree studies.
Every year, GCU offers exciting events for our students to show off their Lope pride and discover why these annual traditions are an important part of our campus culture. Prepare for the school year ahead, share your favorite parts of GCU with your family and friends, attend one of the most electric competitions of the year and demonstrate your college pride by attending our annual events.
Welcome Week
Homecoming
Family Weekend
Lip Sync Battle
Schedule your visit to discover all our campus has to offer.
Prospective students and families are invited to visit GCU and discover all that we have to offer. Come take a tour of our campus and experience what it's like to be part of the Herd.
Take a campus tour led by a personal tour guide or virtually visit campus through 360-degree views.