NW Valley Times

Grand Canyon University (GCU) concluded its Welcome Week on Saturday with the American Swing Kids Dance Night and a women’s volleyball game against Oregon State. These events followed Friday night's spirited Lope-A-Palooza.

The move-in process was condensed into 2 ½ days, allowing students more time to participate in over 50 Welcome Week events. Notable activities included Project L, Silent Disco, and Welcome Back at the CAC on Tuesday. The popularity of Silent Disco resulted in a line stretching from Global Credit Union Arena to GCU Stadium.

Temperatures during the week peaked around 109 degrees.

Key statistics from Welcome Week include:

- GCU's founding year: 1949

- Projected fall enrollment: 125,000 students (25,000+ ground students and approximately 100,000 online students)

- Number of living facilities: 32

- One apartment building under construction: Gila River Apartments

- Apples ordered for orientation groups: 1,200

- Ribbons tied on the Prayer Fence by Tuesday morning: approximately 600

- Golf carts used by Welcome Programs staff: 23

- Walkie-talkie radios used by Welcome Programs: 140

- Chalk markers used by Welcome Programs: 300

- Foam glow sticks used by Welcome Programs: 200

- A-frame signs used by Welcome Programs: 80

- Three major events converging on one night for the first time (Project L, Silent Disco, Welcome Back at the CAC)

- One major concert featuring Christian artist Chris Renzema

The best-selling item at the Lope Shop was lavender Nike crewnecks. Sales increased by 21% compared to last year, with women's fleece being the top-selling category.

Other notable figures include:

- Monday’s high temperature during move-in: 109 degrees (down from a record high of 117 degrees in 2023)

- Student clubs on campus this year: 110

- Students checked into Acacia Apartments in the first hour of move-in on Monday: 15 (with an expected total of 168 by day's end)

GCU was ranked as the 24th best college campus in the United States according to Niche’s Best Colleges for 2024. It also ranked No.4 for best college dorms and No.21 for best college food.

Additionally, during Welcome Week:

- Fruit snacks consumed totaled to about 2,250

Related content can be found through various GCU News articles covering topics such as student clubs, freshman experiences during move-in, and highlights from GCU's milestone anniversary celebrations.