Student Engagement
The Office of Student Engagement is home to several important groups and departments on campus, including Clubs and Organizations, Commuter Life, the Associated Students of Grand Canyon University (ASGCU), ROTC, Thunderground, Riverbed, Multicultural Life and the Canyon Activities Board (CAB). Our goal is to help you make the most of your time on campus and immerse yourself in the full college experience.
Student Engagement’s teams work diligently to develop programs and events that create opportunities for student involvement. By producing these experiences, we aim to create a nurturing and inclusive environment for students in all walks of life. We are here to help you get involved, make new friends and become part of the GCU community.
Our Mission
The mission of the Department of Student Engagement is to help GCU students engage in their community, build authentic relationships and develop as student leaders who invest in the lives of others.
Contact Student Engagement
602-639-7250
[email protected]
Please note that our teams have individualized contact information below. If you wish to learn more about one of our teams, scroll down to find out more!
Our Vision
- We will foster leadership identity in students.
- We will promote self-efficacy among students.
- We will support professional, academic and social organizations.
- We will advance relationships through activities and clubs.
- We will further advocacy for the residential and commuter student populations.
- We will encourage open and free communication in a mutually respectful manner.
- We will promote an inclusive environment for all students.
Clubs and Organizations
During the 2024-25 academic year, GCU offered over 125 student clubs and organizations that can provide you with the opportunity to connect with like-minded Lopes who share common academic goals and special interests. Balance your schoolwork with lively club activities, from Lopes Outdoors to Latino Student Union to American Kids Country Swing Dance. Whatever your interests, we strive to make every moment of your college experience memorable.
View GCU Clubs and Organizations to learn more. Have questions? Email [email protected] or follow us on Instagram for updates and exciting events with the clubs.
ASGCU
The Associated Students of Grand Canyon University (ASGCU) exists to serve and advocate for the students of GCU. ASGCU’s goal is to build a voice for students and create a welcoming community where fellowship and faith coincide. Our team continues to evolve to provide you with the best possible experience on campus, allowing every student an outlet for representation. ASGCU continues to grow and currently hosts various groups, including:
- Student Senate
- Sustainability
- First-Generation
- Freshman Class Council
Within ASGCU, multiple teams support and lead the GCU student community. Leadership is divided into three branches: legislative, operations, and student initiatives. Each branch collectively represents the traditional student voice on campus. ASGCU has developed a variety of programs, events, services, and outreach opportunities that give you the ability to connect with the growing community on campus.
If you are a freshman here at GCU, we encourage you to get involved by applying for the Freshman Class Council. FCC would provide you with the opportunity to represent your fellow students and let your voice be heard. Attend ASGCU events to learn about the First-Generation Campaign and Sustainability Program, along with additional Initiatives our Student Senate is working on.
To learn more about our team, check out the ASGCU website. You can also contact us at [email protected], follow us on Instagram or look through our events on the GCU Engage app.
Canyon Activities Board (CAB)
The Canyon Activities Board (CAB) is a student-led organization that provides quality and inclusive social programming for our diverse student body. From lip-sync battles to dive-in movies at the pool, CAB plans and implements events that build community, foster connection and create memories.
Follow us on Instagram to see all the events we have to offer! For additional questions, please reach out to our Canyon Activities Board team at [email protected].
As a commuter, you can still enjoy many of our campus's features and benefits, including campus events and athletic games, exercising in one of our fitness centers and attending weekly chapel services. Our Commuter Lounge offers a variety of amenities, including refrigerators and microwaves, sitting areas, workspaces and a dedicated quiet study space. Our dedicated Commuter Life team hosts events in the Commuter Lounge that foster community and help connect commuters to other campus resources.
You can also email us at [email protected] or follow us on Instagram.
Hours of Operation: Monday – Friday, 7 am – 10 pm
Multicultural Life
GCU is dedicated to inclusivity, connection and treating every individual with respect and compassion. Our goal as a university is to promote a safe campus community that allows everyone to feel respected and heard.
The Multicultural Life at GCU encompasses these values with a dedication to the pursuit of understanding through education, collaboration and discussion of differing viewpoints and ideas from a variety of backgrounds. To learn more about the department and its mission, visit the Multicultural Life page.
ROTC
The Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) is a leadership development program that prepares college students to become commissioned officers in the United States Armed Forces. At GCU, students have the opportunity to participate in either the Army or Air Force ROTC programs, each designed to develop critical skills in leadership, discipline, strategic thinking and professional ethics.
Through hands-on training, academic coursework and leadership labs, ROTC cadets at GCU gain practical experience that can help them in both future military and civilian careers. The program is designed to offer a solid foundation in military science, decision-making and organizational leadership. Participants learn how to lead with confidence, manage complex challenges and inspire others — all while pursuing their college degree.
Students can enroll in ROTC as early as their freshman or sophomore year without any initial military commitment. This allows them to explore military service and leadership development before making a long-term decision. Upon graduation, cadets who complete the program may receive a commission as a second lieutenant in the U.S. Army or U.S. Air Force, depending on their chosen branch.
ROTC also offers competitive scholarship opportunities that may cover full tuition, fees and provide monthly living stipends. These scholarships are available for students enrolled in four-year degree programs and can significantly reduce the financial burden of college. If you are interested in becoming a leader in the military while earning your college degree, ROTC could be the path for you. Visit the official websites for the Air Force or Army to learn about the requirements, your commitment and how to apply.
Get in on the fun! Both Thunderground and the Riverbed are the perfect places to hang out between classes or unwind on campus on weekends.
Thunderground is located on the main campus under Taco Bell, while the Riverbed is on the East side of the campus in Salt (Building 77). We offer plenty of entertainment, including pool and ping-pong tables, as well as lounge areas where you can catch up with classmates. Follow both locations on Instagram for updates on hours of operation, events and free prizes.
Follow Thunderground and the Riverbed on Instagram.
Daily: Noon - midnight, 7 days a week