Updates on the Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19)

After carefully monitoring the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) and the recent developments that are impacting the entire country, Grand Canyon University has been working diligently to ensure we are protecting the health and well-being of our campus community. Effective March 23, we have made the decision to transition all but a few classes on our Phoenix campus to an online-only environment for the final four weeks of the spring semester.

GCU is a recognized leader in online education and we are confident we can keep our students, faculty and staff safe while simultaneously allowing our students to complete their academic semester in a high-quality learning environment. Please read GCU President Mueller’s full statement here and check out the FAQs below for further details. This web page will be updated regularly with further information, health recommendations and changes to GCU’s programs and policies.

Frequently Asked Questions

General

Is the University closed?

While GCU has transitioned to an online learning environment, effective March 23, for its ground students, the main Phoenix campus remains open on a limited basis to service those students who are unable to leave. Public Safety, residential housing, designated food services, counseling services, the mailroom and the Health and Wellness Clinic remain open. Students other than those from international countries who can’t return home and those who have special circumstances should return home for the final four weeks of the semester.

Are campus visits and admission tours still occurring for future students?

Individual and small-group tours will continue during the day. Overnight Discover trips have been canceled indefinitely. The University does offer virtual GCU Live tours in a more expanded version for students who want a broader exposure to campus life. Visit https://www.gcu.edu/admissions/visit-gcu-campus for more information.

As a prospective student, how is GCU prepared to support me in the enrollment process and what can I expect during my educational experience?

GCU is a recognized leader in online education, offering more than 175 degree programs online. Despite the challenges COVID-19 presents, we are confident we can keep our students, faculty and staff safe while simultaneously supporting you in your educational goals. Our enrollment and student services counselors are safely working remotely and are available to answer your questions about continuing your education with GCU.

When will orientation take place for new students in the 2020-21 academic year?

Orientations scheduled during the summer have been postponed. All orientations will instead take place during Welcome Week in August.

Why are different universities announcing decision to the COVID-19 outbreak in different ways?

CDC recommends that institutions of higher education should not make any decisions about school dismissal or cancellation of school events in isolation. Those decisions should be made in coordination with local health officials and should be considered on a case-by-case basis using information from health officials about the local conditions. Those conditions vary from state to state and can include factors such as the number of confirmed positive COVID-19 cases in their particular region, community populous and transportation modes, and learning modality options available.

Students and Coursework

If I am a traditional student, can I attend classes in person?

No. Classes for traditional students will be held online for the reminder of the spring semester.

If I am an evening cohort student attending classes on GCU’s campus, will my classes transition online?

Yes, all classes immediately transition to your LoudCloud online learning environment only.

If I am a Doctoral student, will my residency continue as scheduled?

Please contact your Doctoral counselor for the most up-to-date information regarding your residency. All other online Doctoral activities remain the same.

How do I access online classes?

All GCU ground campus classes are already established in the LoudCloud learning environment and students should simply log on to their existing LoudCloud classroom for further instructions.

How will clinicals, labs and in-person requirements be handled?

Individual colleges are putting together their academic continuity plans. Students in the few select classes that will need some face-to-face experience will be contacted by their Student Services Counselor directly.

Will I be refunded any room and board fees?

GCU is offering a housing credit for those students who have indicated they are moving off campus by the end of the day on Wednesday, March 25. Please click this link to view the credit being provided for each of the residence halls. We anticipate that the credit will be posted by April 1, 2020 and we anticipate that refunds will be processed for any surplus on the account before April 10, 2020. For those students with a future scheduled payment, the credit will reduce the amount of the scheduled payment.

For students who are leaving campus but returning in the Fall, any Dining Dollars will simply roll over to next year. For students who are graduating and have left campus, they will be refunded the balance of their remaining Dining Dollars at the end of the semester. Students who are remaining on campus will continue to have access to dining facilities and can use their Dining Dollars as usual.

Will this impact my financial aid?

For the vast majority of students, there will be no impact. For students who are required to be at an off-site facility as part of their education, and that site closes, those will be handled on a case-by-case basis from both an academic and financial aid perspective.

What happens to mission trips GCU students are taking?

Mission trips organized by GCU have been canceled. For groups of GCU students who are participating in mission trips organized by outside parties, please contact that organization to determine if the trip is still scheduled or to inquire about refund policies. Students on those trips will have to make individual decisions whether to attend.

I have a student employment position on campus, how is that affected?

Depending on the office or department you work in, many on-campus student worker jobs will continue. Some workers whose positions are no longer in demand can be reassigned to a different department. Contact your supervisor for information.

What happens if I receive a package via the mail at GCU?

For students who remain on campus, they will be notified of the arrival of their package and can pick it up at the Mail Center as usual. Students who have left campus should change their address. If you have questions, contact the Mail Center at 602-639-7905.

Will summer classes resume on campus?

At this time, summer classes have been moved online as well to allow time for our Student Service Counselors to work with students on revised schedules, if necessary. The University is offering reduced tuition rates for summer online classes so that students can stay on track or possibly shorten the amount of time necessary to complete their degree. Call your Student Services Counselor for more information.

Facilities

Can I stay on campus if I am unable to go home?

Students from international countries who can’t return home and students who have special circumstances and received a waiver are permitted to remain on campus. All others have returned home for the remainder of the semester.

What venues and facilities on campus remain open?

Most facilities on campus are open, including residential housing, designated dining options, the mailroom, Health and Wellness Clinic, counseling services and other campus resources. Those closing temporarily will be all fitness centers, the Canyon Activities Center, library, E-sports facility, commuter lounge and veterans center.

Is the library open?

The campus library floors are closed until further notice. Librarians will continue to be available during normal Ask-A-Librarian hours via phone, email and chat -- 7 am to 10 pm weekdays and 10 am to 10 pm weekends -- and the library’s resources are available 24/7 at library.gcu.edu.

What’s the status of the GCU Hotel and GCU Golf Course?

GCU Golf Course, per recommendations from the State of Arizona, is open and has instituted social distancing guidelines within the clubhouse and on the course. The Lope House Restaurant is open for takeout only.

GCU Hotel and the Canyon 49 Grill are temporarily closed to ensure the safety of our visitors as well as our staff and students.

What happens to GCU’s Learning Lounge for K-12 students?

The Learning Lounge will close temporarily. Students who work as Learning Advocates (LEADs) will be able to help tutor in online classes.

Events

Will summer camps planned on GCU’s campus be canceled?

Yes. All summer camps have been canceled. All fees will be refunded.

What events on campus have been canceled?

All third-party events scheduled through May, including conferences, concerts, high school graduation ceremonies and large-group community outreach events, have been canceled.

What happens to Habitat for Humanity Operation Revival projects?

Out of caution to keep our GCU volunteers, Habitat volunteers and the homeowners safe, all Operation Revival volunteer projects have been suspended until June 1. If you have signed up for a project, you will be contacted directly with more information. GCU looks forward to joining together with Habitat for Humanity Central Arizona to assess the appropriate steps to take in the coming weeks.

What is the plan for commencement?

As we walk through unprecedented times with COVID-19 and this national emergency, we must do our part to slow the spread of this virus. GCU's priorities are to protect the health and well-being of students, their families, our faculty and staff. Because of this, we have postponed our Spring Commencement Ceremonies, which were to be held on April 24, April 30 and May 1, until a later date. Please continue to monitor this site for updates as to any set date to celebrate the achievements of our amazing students.

Health

Where can I find information on the number of positive COVID-19 cases at GCU?

The following chart will be updated with confirmed cases as they are reported. The most recent COVID-19 positive case was reported on 4/18/2020.

These figures represent GCU students, faculty or staff who have confirmed cases of COVID-19 and may have presented a potential risk of exposure to other members of the GCU community. The cases listed in the following chart have been reported to Grand Canyon University Health Services and have been verified by a public health agency.

Campus	Location
GCU's Phoenix Campus	Papago Residence Hall (1) Camelback Residence Hall (1)
Total Cases	2

What should I do if I feel ill and I am on campus?

If you are a student and you are experiencing fever, cough, or shortness of breath, call the GCU Health and Wellness Clinic at 844-391-1949 or healthcenter@gcu.edu. If you are faculty or staff and experiencing these same symptoms, seek medical attention by calling a medical professional and do not come to work. Further instructions are available on LopeNet for faculty and staff. If you are experiencing severe symptoms, call 9-1-1 or seek immediate care at the nearest emergency room. If you have traveled to a CDC level 2 or 3 country, do not return to campus. GCU requires that you stay off-campus to complete the 14-day self-quarantine prior to returning.

What preventative measures are GCU taking to help prevent the spread of infectious diseases like COVID-19?

GCU has taken a number of measures to prevent the spread of infectious diseases.

We have increased the frequency of cleaning and disinfecting common and frequently touched surfaces such as doorknobs, handles and elevator buttons in residential areas, classrooms, laboratories, restaurants and other high-traffic areas. Our cleaning supplies meet CDC and EPA recommended standards to aid in the prevention and spread of emerging viral pathogens and infectious diseases such as COVID-19.

Additionally, we increased the amount of hand sanitizing stations in high-traffic areas. We are continuing an education campaign through social and print media outlining the steps students, faculty and staff can take to help stop the spread of germs. The best way to prevent illness during flu season is to take every-day preventative actions to help prevent the spread of respiratory diseases, including:

Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing. If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Always wash hands with soap and water if your hands are visibly dirty.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
Stay home if you are sick.
Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces at home, work and school.
Avoid close contact with people who are sick.

What happens if I come into contact with any known COVID-19 case OR I am contacted by a local pubic health department and advised to self-quarantine?

If contacted by a public health agency, you must follow their quarantine procedures. If you have not yet returned to campus, GCU requires that you stay off-campus to complete the 14-day self-quarantine period prior to returning. Please contact the GCU Health and Wellness Clinic at 844-391-1949 or healthcenter@gcu.edu for further instructions.

If you have received notice of your exposure to a COVID-19 patient after you have returned to campus, immediately call the GCU Health and Wellness Clinic at 844-391-1949. Until you have spoken with healthcare professionals, maintain social distancing rules. GCU will review your circumstances and determine a quarantine location.

Where can I get coronavirus updates about GCU?

For the latest information from GCU please visit https://www.gcu.edu/coronavirus-disease-2019-information

Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund Reporting

On March 27, 2020, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (“CARES Act”) was passed which authorized funding under the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (“HEERF”) to Institutions of Higher Learning. These funds are required to be provided as Emergency Financial Aid Grants to students for expenses related to the disruption of campus operations due to coronavirus.

Grand Canyon University signed and returned to the Department of Education its Certification and Agreement on April 15, 2020, with our assurance that GCU has used or intends to use 100% of the Emergency Financial Aid Grants to Students funding for eligible students. As of May 15, 2020, we have received $11,175,699 in grant funding for this purpose.

As of May 15, 2020, there are an estimated 18,000 students eligible to participate in programs under Section 484 in Title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (the “HEA”) and potentially eligible to receive the Emergency Financial Aid Grants to students. To date 14,421 students have received an emergency grant. Total amount of grant funds disbursed to students at this time is $8,796,810.

In order to be considered for this grant, students must have been in an Active status within our Student Information System as of March 1, 2020, must have been enrolled as a regular student in an eligible program of study that was not offered in a 100% online modality, and must have met all Title IV eligibility requirements set forth in HEA Section 484. As we are still confirming some students’ eligibility for TIV funding, the estimated number of eligible recipients will continue to fluctuate. Recognizing that all otherwise eligible students experienced additional expenses due to the disruption of campus operations due to the COVID-19 pandemic, GCU determined that the most equitable way to disburse these grant funds to our students, was to divide our total allocation by the estimated number of eligible students.

Information on the use of these grant funds was communicated to students via a letter insert with the emergency grant check which informed students that this grant was to assist with any unforeseen expenses that may have been incurred as a result of the disruption of campus operations caused by the COVID-19 pandemic such as expenses for food, housing, course materials and technology, health and childcare. Students for whom GCU was unable to confirm eligibility to receive a grant based on HEA Section 484 requirements have also been contacted to provide them an opportunity to demonstrate eligibility under HEA Section 484.