University Spirit and Traditions

Group of students cheering during HAVOCS
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Overview

75 Years of Purpose

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.

GCU students walking and laughing on campus together
Mission Statement | Grand Canyon University
University Life

GCU Campus

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.1

The Student Experience

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.

Academic student works on math problem
Academic Programs

As of December 2024, GCU offers 347 academic programs, including 137 traditional programs and 283 online programs.

Member of bowling club bowls
Student Clubs and Organizations

All GCU students can participate in 100+ clubs and organizations, as of the 2023-24 academic year. Find your people and discover your passions.

GCU student helps with local outreach
Local and Global Outreach

Students can volunteer to support those in need by providing various resources and services and participating in projects and mission trips.

I would recommend Grand Canyon University
"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."
Justin Atkins
BA in Christian Studies with an Emphasis in Pastoral Studies
Events

Top Annual Events

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.

Athletics

GCU Athletics and Club Sports

GCU is home to 21 NCAA Division I athletics teams and had over 440 student-athletes in basketball, soccer, baseball, softball, track and field, golf, volleyball and more 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.

GCU Havocs

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.

Our Sports Facilities

GCU prides itself on providing 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 6,000 seat, 41,852-square-foot soccer stadium of natural turf that also accommodates the GCU Student-Athlete Academic Center.

GCU student helps with local outreach

Meet Thunder – The GCU Mascot

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.

On Campus

Discover GCU

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.

Visit GCU

Take a campus tour led by a personal tour guide or virtually visit campus through 360-degree views.

Campus Map

Explore our highly ranked campus in Phoenix.

Our Locations

View GCU’s other locations throughout the U.S.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions About GCU

Browse through some commonly asked questions and answers about our university and learn more about what makes being a Lope so special.

Two students holding lopes up inside thunderground

Explore GCU's Spirit and Traditions

Schedule your visit to discover all our campus has to offer.

Learn More

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.

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