Department of Orientation and Transition

The Department of Orientation and Transition is here to welcome and serve new Lopes.

GCU has over 90 students clubs and organizations, an average of 10 events per week and recreational facilities, such as the Canyon Activity Center and Thunder Alley. Student leaders, such as Resident Assistants and Life Leaders, reside in every living area and cultivate residential and spiritual community.

Commuters can connect with community through student-led Life Groups or enjoy the many events and resources coordinated through the Commuter Lounge (Kaibab, Building 25) on campus, which is the perfect place to relax, study and meet new friends! To learn more, read through the resource guide below.

With countless things to do and places to hangout on campus, there is something for everyone while here at GCU, and the Welcome Pros are here to help! The Welcome Pros are student leaders committed to getting you connected. If you are a new student looking to get involved on campus, there are a number of ways we can help you get plugged in.

Navigate through the page below for more information on Welcome Week, New Student Orientation and resources available for new students and families. Parents and families are encouraged to learn more about the resources available to them on the Parent and Family Resources page.

Contact Us

Department of Orientation and Transition
Juniper Hall
3300 W. Camelback Road
Phoenix, AZ 85017

Office: 602-639-6002
[email protected]

Resource Guide

Our Mission

The Department of Orientation and Transition is committed to supporting new students as they transition to GCU by creating an impactful orientation experience and facilitating meaningful connections to GCU resources and community.

Our Vision

  • We serve new students through orientation, transition and connectedness.
  • We serve GCU families through orientation.
  • We work collaboratively with campus partners.
  • We coach student leaders, developing them personally, professionally and spiritually.

    Fall Welcome Week

    During Welcome Week, you will move onto campus, have the option to attend Welcome Week events, participate in orientation group activities and meet new and returning students. You will also complete outstanding tasks before the start of classes and be officially commissioned into the Herd. See you on campus!

    Welcome Week 2023: Monday, Aug. 28, 2023 to Saturday, Sep. 2, 2023

    Spring Welcome Week

    During Spring Welcome Week, you will move onto campus, attend the Welcome Session, participate in orientation group activities and meet new and returning students.

    New Student Orientation

    New Student Orientation (NSO) is a required program designed to equip you and your family with the information and resources you need to thrive as you transition to GCU. Orientation begins with the online module and continues in person during Welcome Week.

    The online module is an interactive program designed to prepare you to become a successful Lope. The module introduces you to academic essentials, processes and policies, and life at GCU. You’re encouraged to invite your parents or family to go through this module with you.

    The module is available and should be completed from home the month before the start of the semester. Keep an eye on your GCU student email for the link to access it. You may also log into your student portal and navigate to “New Student Orientation and Resources” for access.

    The in-person portion of NSO will take place on the day you move in. If you are a commuter, please check your student email or our social media for the current information.

    • Welcome Session: A session for all new students and families where you will officially be commissioned into the Herd.
    • Orientation Groups (O-Groups): A small group of other new Lopes, led by a returning student. These groups meet directly following the Welcome Session.
    • Parent and Family Orientation: A session for your family to attend while you participate in your O-group.

    New Student Resources

    Our orientation leaders are an experienced team of GCU student leaders who are passionate about your first-year experience. They serve as connection ambassadors to help get you plugged into campus life. Depending on your communication preference, they will connect with you over text, a phone call or a cup of coffee to learn about your hobbies, passions and growth opportunities.

    Please use the following new student resources to connect with an orientation leader during the school year!

    Ask a Welcome Pro! Text us at 602-639-6002 and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible. Welcome Pros are available Monday – Friday, 9 am – 4 pm.

    Once the semester starts, you can fill out the New Student Connection Form on the Resources tab of GCU Engage and a Welcome Pro will reach out to help you get connected.

    Keep an eye on our Instagram page (@gcuwelcome) for details on our connection events, happening year-round! We’ll host events throughout the semester where you can meet other new students and make friends.

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    Meet the Staff

    • Director of Orientation and Transition

    • Orientation and Transition Manager

    • Orientation and Transition Coordinator

    • Office Coordinator

    • Marketing and Communications Coordinator

    • Events and Logistics Coordinator

    • Foster Care Student Administrator

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