GCU prepares for the autumn launch of its Overclock digital dwelling
Grand Canyon University (GCU) has taken a significant step forward in its commitment to cyber education by introducing the Overclock living-learning community, situated within the Encanto Apartments near the Technology Building. This innovative initiative aims to provide students with an immersive, hands-on learning experience that goes beyond traditional classroom instruction.
**Key Enhancements of Overclock at Encanto Apartments**
1. **Hands-On Learning Environment:** Overclock offers students the opportunity to practice and reinforce classroom concepts in a controlled, yet authentic environment, with immersive cyber experiences designed to simulate real-world security scenarios right on campus.
2. **Real-World Experience Opportunities:** The Overclock Experience Security Technician position provides student workers with the chance to configure and manage IT infrastructure, deploy virtual environments, and set up security monitoring tools. This bridge between academic knowledge and professional application is invaluable.
3. **Collaboration and Mentorship:** Students work closely with technical staff, faculty mentors, and peers in a fast-paced, collaborative setting. This fosters a supportive learning community where knowledge and skills are actively shared and developed.
4. **Convenient Access to Resources:** By living in the same environment as their learning and work spaces, students can easily engage with the technology and support systems, maximising their time and focus on developing cybersecurity skills.
5. **Documentation and Training Support:** Student workers contribute to creating documentation and training materials, which benefits the entire community by making complex systems more accessible and easier to navigate for all residents.
The Overclock living-learning community offers a unique model where students do not just learn about cybersecurity; they actively engage with it in their daily environment, leading to a deeper understanding and real-world readiness.
**Recognition and Achievements**
GCU's dedication to cyber education has been recognised by the National Security Administration, which has designated its Bachelor of Science in IT with an Emphasis in Cybersecurity and the BS in Cybersecurity as Centers of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense.
Moreover, GCU's commitment to providing excellent residential facilities has earned it the No. 1 best college dorms in Arizona and No. 4 in the best college dorms in America, according to Niche in 2025. Overclock's cyber floors, along with the existing residential community, contribute significantly to this achievement.
**Looking Ahead**
College of Engineering and Technology Dean Paul Lambertson is excited about the resources available for cyber students, particularly Overclock and HackNet, which are set to debut in the fall. Lambertson believes that Overclock is unique, as he believes no other university is offering a similar cyber living-learning community.
For more information about Overclock, please contact Internal Communications Manager Lana Sweeten-Shults at [email protected] or at 602-639-7901.
[1] Grand Canyon University (2025). Overclock: A Living-Learning Community for Cyber Students. [Online]. Available: https://www.gcu.edu/overclock [2] Niche (2025). Best College Dorms in Arizona. [Online]. Available: https://www.niche.com/colleges/best-colleges/best-college-dorms/s/arizona/ [3] Niche (2025). Best College Dorms in America. [Online]. Available: https://www.niche.com/colleges/best-colleges/best-college-dorms/s/united-states/
- Grand Canyon University's Overclock living-learning community, situated within the Encanto Apartments, offers a unique environment for students, providing an immersive, hands-on learning experience in cybersecurity.
- This program provides students with the opportunity to configure IT infrastructure, deploy virtual environments, and set up security monitoring tools, offering real-world experience opportunities.
- Collaboration is key in the Overclock community, as students work closely with technical staff, faculty mentors, and peers, fostering a supportive learning community.
- By living and working in the same environment, students have convenient access to resources and technology, allowing them to maximize their time and focus on developing cybersecurity skills.
- Students also contribute to creating documentation and training materials, benefiting the entire community and enhancing the accessibility and navigation of complex systems.
- The Honors College at Grand Canyon University, along with the Overclock living-learning community and the Technology Building, contribute to the university's reputation for innovation in education and self-development.
