Collegis signs higher education services agreement with Grand Canyon University

September 4, 2003

Collegis, a higher education services corporation based in suburban Orlando, Fla., will serve the GCU community by providing leadership, vision and guidance regarding technology services according to the university’s strategic plan for improving efficiencies in all campus departments.

The seven-year, $6.5 million agreement with Collegis, which began Sept. 2, marks a significant step toward upgrading the technology infrastructure at GCU, including the development of online financial and student information services and the university’s presence on the World Wide Web.

The selection of Collegis was made after a thorough assessment of the overall strengths and weaknesses of GCU with regard to technology. Strong consideration was given to the benefits technology may bring to students preparing to enter an increasingly technology-infused workforce, and for the development of faculty and staff members who will use technology to make GCU a better, more efficient, modern and intellectually challenging environment.

“Partnering with Collegis will bring the university within reach of one of its vital strategic goals of providing innovative technological resources for use in the classroom and to serve our students,” said GCU President Gil Stafford, Ph.D.

Collegis will assign a chief information officer (CIO) to lead the information technology (IT) department at Grand Canyon, which includes administrative computing, network administration, user services and Web development. The new CIO will direct the enhancement of the Datatel Colleague administrative management systems that will be continually maintained and upgraded as part of the contract. Collegis has proven success and expertise with several Datatel higher education clients throughout the country.

Collegis provides education, business and technology services to more than 100 college and university clients nationwide, including one other institution in Arizona: Mohave Community College in Kingman.

About Collegis Inc. (www.collegis.com)
Collegis provides education, business and technology services to higher education institutions, helping them better serve their constituents. Founded in 1986, Collegis helps improve the delivery of education, increase student recruitment and retention, and increase revenues while stabilizing and reducing costs. Collegis offers unparalleled knowledge, expertise and accountability exclusive to the unique needs of higher education.

About Grand Canyon University (www.grand-canyon.edu)
Grand Canyon University is Arizona’s only private, Christian liberal arts university. For more than 50 years, GCU has provided a holistic approach to education, wherein the mind, body and spirit are seen as essential components in the learning process. GCU offers bachelor’s and master’s degree programs. With nearly 4,000 students, GCU is committed to providing students with individual attention from faculty, staff and administrators. GCU is a student-focused institution that provides academically challenging education in a Christian community for students from diverse backgrounds who live in a constantly changing environment.