Frequently Asked Questions

The Erie International Airport is located about 20 minutes from the Gannon campus. Several airlines fly in and out of the airport. More information about the airport can be found at www.erieairport.org. The Pittsburgh, Cleveland and Buffalo airports are within a two-hour drive of Erie.

Gannon is located in Northwestern Pennsylvania in Erie, the state's fourth largest city. Situated on the southern shores of Lake Erie, the city's downtown region is home to Gannon's urban campus. The city's location is unique, since it is in the midst of geographical triangle. Erie is just a short distance, two hours or less driving time, from larger metropolitan areas such as Cleveland, Buffalo, and Pittsburgh. The central location of the Gannon campus gives students ample opportunities for internships, volunteering, and future employment after graduation.

Gannon has consistently been rated as a safe campus according to studies and surveys conducted among Pennsylvania colleges. In addition to the Erie City police station being located across the street from Gannon offices, Gannon maintains its own Police and Safety Office. Gannon's eleven sworn police officers and three full-time security officers patrol the campus 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Freshman housing has a security officer during the evening monitoring activities. Three hundred and forty security cameras are in place within the boundaries of the campus. A lighting system has also been installed throughout the campus. The Police and Safety office at Gannon also offers students the "G.U.E.S.T." (Gannon University Escort Service Team) program. The G.U.E.S.T. program provides escorts for students going to and from the Gannon facilities at night. All residence halls and apartments owned by Gannon are kept locked at all times; a key or ID card is required to obtain entry.

• Fire Safety on Campus
• Clery Crime Statistics

Erie's climate offers something for every kind of outdoor enthusiast. In the summer, the beautiful beaches along Lake Erie, known as Presque Isle State Park, attract thousands of visitors each year. In the winter there are activities to fit every need, such as Peek-n-Peak Ski Resort, which is only thirty minutes away. Because of the close proximity of Gannon's campus to Lake Erie, winters are typically cold with "lake effect" snow and wind. The snow typically passes over Erie and falls in the snowbelt between Edinboro and Meadville. The campus and streets are well-maintained, so travel is rarely difficult. (Get a heavy coat, warm hat, boots, and gloves for the winter season.)

For getting around the Erie area, students can call a taxi or take the Erie Metro Bus. The bus leaves from Perry Square on State Street. There is also a water taxi that transports passengers from the pier to Presque Isle. Air and ground transportation are available to most destinations through Erie International Airport, Greyhound Bus, or Amtrak Rail System.

Yes. Army Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) offers additional training in leadership, organization, time management, decision making and problem solving. You'll receive adventure training including mountaineering, rappelling, orienteering, marksmanship, water survival and first aid. There is no service obligation if you elect to participate in ROTC during your first two years at Gannon. 

If you are especially motivated and demonstrate superior academic ability, we encourage you to consider the University Honors Program. We accept qualified applicants from all majors and programs. Apart from the academic benefits that the program offers - like smaller class sizes and closer contact with faculty - there are many opportunities for growth and learning, including cultural activities, field trips, regional conferences, and various discussion groups.

Yes, the unique location of Gannon's campus to Erie's main business district gives GU students a wide range of co-ops and internships from which to choose. There are numerous business, governmental, industrial, educational, and health-related offices within walking distance of the campus. There are also regional, national, and international co-ops and internships available, as well as field placements and study abroad programs.

Yes, many peer tutors are available (free of charge) to work with students during regularly scheduled hours. Some teaching assistants work with students taking a particular course. Students can request tutorial assistance through the Student Success Center.

The Core of Discovery includes courses in Composition, Theology, Social and Natural Sciences, and Fine Arts. These courses help students gain universally desired skills. The Core of Discovery is included in each major field of study at Gannon University.

Gannon University acknowledges the individual. There is a tradition of close interaction among all members of the university community. All faculty members maintain office hours and most are available before and after class to talk with students.

 Students are encouraged to seek assistance from the professor of the course in which they are having difficulty. Others who may be helpful are the student's academic advisor, the Academic Advising Center, the Office of New Student Services, the Counseling Office, the Career Development Office, and the Tutorial Services Office.

 Both new and used textbooks and other supplies for all classes are sold at the University Bookstore located in the north end of the A.J. Palumbo Academic Center at Eighth and Peach Streets.

Minimum SAT requirements vary by major. Gannon will use only the Math and Critical Reading elements of the exam (student's score out of 1600) as the primary admissions criteria. The new writing component of the exam will be utilized only when additional insight is needed into a student's writing ability.

Gannon's Nash Library offers books, periodicals, and other library materials which support the courses being taught across the University's curriculum. It houses over 300,000 volumes and seats nearly 1,000 people. There are three lecture rooms, lounges, a group study room, and a multimedia studio with internet access.

 If the students tires of studying in his/her room, many of the academic buildings are open during the evening so students can utilize empty classrooms. The Nash Library is open during the academic year for private study and research. A late night study lounge is also available in the Waldron Campus Center.

 The amount of study time a student needs will vary greatly depending upon the individual's ability and understanding in a particular subject. It is usually recommended that a student spend at least two hours studying outside of class for every credit hour of class time.

Undergraduate applications are processed on an on-going process throughout the year. Applicants will typically be notified of an admissions decision within 3-4 weeks, once their application and transcripts have been received. It is recommended that high school students apply early in their senior year.

The following undergraduate programs have an application deadline of January 15:

• Affiliated Pharmacy Programs
• LECOM 2+3 Pharmacy Program*
• LECOM 4+4 Medical Program

*Applications will be accepted beyond the deadline on a space available basis.

 It is easy to apply to Gannon! You can either apply online or apply via a printed application. The application fee is $25. Submit your application, along with official high school transcripts, test scores and personal statement to the Office of Admissions, 109 University Square, Erie, PA 16541-0001.

While Gannon does not offer an Early Decision Program, Gannon accepts applications year-round through a rolling admissions process. The application deadline for the affiliated pharmacy programs and the LECOM 4+4 Medical Program is January 15.

We encourage all students to visit and learn more about Gannon. Visits include a meeting with an admissions representative and a campus tour led by one of our student Gannon Guides. We also offer you the opportunity to meet with faculty in your area of interest and our financial aid representatives. We typically offer visits at 10:30am and 1:30pm daily. You can request by calling our Campus Visit Coordinator at 1-800-GANNON-U (1-800-426-6668) ext. 7407.

Yes, health insurance is available for students. You will be mailed information regarding the program during the summer prior to your entrance into your freshman fall semester.

Gannon University provides computers in 8 computer labs. Each computer has Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint), Web-based email and Microsoft Internet Explorer. Each lab also has a network laser printer. Gannon also provides 4 Desktop Publishing Workstations configured with a scanner, Photoshop, Acrobat, MS Publisher and MS FrontPage. If you plan on bringing your own computer, residence halls and campus apartments have connections to the Gannon Network. These connections give students direct access to the Internet, Email and Nash Library online resources.

While Gannon offers two daily masses, students are not required to attend, but strongly encouraged. Weekday Catholic masses and Sunday liturgies are celebrated in the Mary, Seat of Wisdom Chapel on campus. In the area surrounding the campus, there are numerous churches of other denominations that offer regular services.

Yes, there are many on-campus jobs available in various departments on campus. Some positions require students to be eligible for work study (a financial aid award); while other positions are available for any student to consider. The Career Development and Employment Services office on campus also posts part-time positions available in the Erie metropolitan area.

First-year students are discouraged from bringing cars to campus. Due to the location of the campus, parking is limited. Because of the campus layout and proximity of buildings, it is easy for students to navigate the campus as a pedestrian.

Many campus-wide activities are available to students throughout the school year such as movies, comedians, different volunteer projects, activities sponsored by clubs and organizations, intramural sports and many more. Preview GU, Homecoming, Family Weekend and Springtopia are just a few of the major events offered here. In addition, the close proximity of the Gannon campus to Erie's bayfront district allows students to take advantage of plays, concerts, museums, beaches, shopping, local sporting events and a wide variety of restaurants.

Approximately 1000-1200 students live in on-campus housing, which includes our residence halls and upperclass apartments. All students are required to live on campus for their first three semesters, but are encouraged to live on campus throughout their time at Gannon.

The Counseling Office and the Office of New Student Services offer help to the student experiencing personal or social difficulties. Counselors are available to provide individual assistance which is supportive and confidential.

Yes. There are many social, academic and professional fraternities and sororities at Gannon. Approximately 12% of the undergraduates at Gannon are members of fraternities and sororities. Fraternities and sororities were founded on four basic principles: leadership, scholarship, service and friendship. The Office of Student Organizations and Leadership Development assists fraternities and sororities as they strive to fulfill these basic principles. Gannon University fraternities and sororities provide that "home away from home" for students who choose to affiliate with one of our 12 groups.

Gannon University offers 18 intercollegiate athletic teams at the Division II level. Over 400 student athletes participate in varsity sports on the Gannon campus. 

Yes, for those who choose to bike, there are racks located at the following locations:

• Behind Zurn Science Center, West 8th Street
• By Nash Library, to the right of the main entrance on Sassafras Street
• By the Student Services Building (side door)
• At the Peach Street entrance of the A.J. Palumbo Academic Center.

To find out about campus delays and closings, call the Gannon Emergency Hotline at 871-5555.

Gannon offers 275 discounted parking spaces for full time undergraduate commuter students. These spaces are located in the Erie Parking Authority Ramps. If you are interested in one of these spaces, you must enter the parking lottery prior to the fall semester. Upon making a commitment to attend Gannon, you will receive information pertaining to the lottery in an envelope marked "time sensitive material" during the third week of July. If you do not receive the parking- lottery, call the Commuter Life Office at 814-871-5882.

You may also contact the Erie Parking Authority. They charge $50 a month to park in their ramps plus a $5 deposit for the parking card. You may contact them directly for additional information at 814-456-7588.

Another option is the Erie Metropolitan Transit Authority's Park n'Ride program. You may park free at the Bayfront and Liberty Street parking lot. For fifty cents one way or $20 for a monthly pass, a shuttle bus travels close to Gannon approximately every 15 minutes. A final alternative would be meter parking or street parking which is available within walking distance of campus, if you don't mind the daily hunt for an open spot.

You may use your GU Gold Card to make copies on any copy machine that has a swipe attachment. Machines are located in all academic buildings and in the Nash Library. 

LIFECORE is a way to get involved on campus and get credit on your co-curricular transcript (a record of your campus activities). Get a "life" in the following dimensions by participating in LIFECORE: Social, Political, Life Planning, Intellectual, Physical, Emotional, Spiritual, Sexual, and Cultural.

To utilize the services of the Gannon Student Health Center you must have a Gannon Health Form on file. Health insurance is also available. To request a Health-- Form or insurance enrollment packet, call 814-871-7622.

Student lounges are available all over campus and provide just the space you need to do a little studying or relaxing. In addition, commuters have access to a study area specifically for commuters located in the A.J. Palumbo Academic Center. 

A limited number of student lockers are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Lockers are located in the A.J. Palumbo Academic Center. Interested students may contact the Commuter Corner at 814-871-5688 for more information.

Yes. About 90% of Gannon students qualify for financial assistance through scholarships, grants, loans and employment. Gannon is committed to working with each student to maximize financial aid. Students are encouraged to complete the Early Version Award application to enable the University to provide an advanced notice of a financial aid package.

The Early Version Award (EVA) is an opportunity to receive an advanced financial aid package prior to completing the Federal Application for Student Aid (FAFSA). The Financial Aid Office urges all students to file the Gannon Early Version Award Application (EVA) to determine eligibility for all aid programs offered through the University. Upon application for financial aid through the EVA process, you will automatically be considered for every available resource, including Gannon endowed scholarships. After submitting the EVA and being accepted to Gannon, we will automatically send you an estimate of your financial aid, which may include federal and state grants, loans, Gannon scholarships, and/or student employment.The EVA application is included with the Gannon Admissions Application packet and it can also be printed on-line. You are permitted to estimate your income figures on the Gannon EVA. However, awards determined by the EVA are estimated and subject to change when financial aid personal information is verified.

The deadline to turn in applications for the Fall term is June 1st. October 1st is the deadline for the Spring term.

Generally, after a file is complete the process takes 2-3 weeks.

Yes.  The minimum score required for undergraduate programs is 500 and the minimum required score for graduate programs is 550.

Classes transferred in are determined by the Dean of the school that you are applying to. To find out if classes you have taken are transferable, send an official transcript from every institution you attended.

International students are eligible for Athletic as well as Academic Scholarships which are based on transcripts and test scores.

One of the activities on campus that most International students are involved with is the International Student Association (ISA).