Gonzaga Experience Live FAQ

Gonzaga Experience Live, affectionately referred to as "GEL ," is an annual event for high school seniors who have earned acceptance to the University. GEL gives prospective students and their families the opportunity to experience the best that Gonzaga and Spokane have to offer, including our academic programs, community, and University mission. Participants experience events and activities that showcase what it truly means to #BeAZag!

April 11, 2026

Students who have been admitted for fall enrollment at Gonzaga University for the 2026-2027 academic year. We also invite parents and guardians of admitted students to join us for the Parent Program. Over half of our student participants attend GEL with a parent or guardian.

GEL is designed to give prospective students an authentic glimpse of life at Gonzaga. You may check in as early as 9:00am on Saturday. The 9:00am to 1:00pm time period is not structured, but we will offer a variety of activities: tours of campus, club and activity fair, open houses, and information sessions. Structured activities begin at 1:30pm, providing participants plenty of time to arrive on campus. After the Welcome Ceremony at 1:30pm, students participate in sample classes, academic info sessions, and a variety of activities with current students until 9:00pm.

The GEL schedule is subject to change.

From 9:00am to 1:00pm on Saturday, family members have access to the same activities as the students (campus tours, open houses, and info sessions). The official start of the GEL Parent/Guardian Program begins at 1:30pm on Saturday. Events include a presentation, a faculty meet-and-greet, a student panel, and Q&A sessions with administrators and deans. About half of our student participants bring at least one parent/guardian or family member! GU does not provide lodging, but there are many hotels near campus.

The GEL schedule is subject to change.

You will need to log in using your application portal information. Registration will take roughly 10-15 minutes. A confirmation email will be sent after registration is completed. Please check your junk mail box if it does not appear in your inbox.

Once you submit your registration, you will need to submit your GEL Day Student Release Form and $35 GEL fee. Please see How to Pay your GEL Day Fee for directions. If you have questions about your registration or payment, please contact us.

Email: gel@gonzaga.edu
Fax: (509) 313-6572

*Space is limited and filled on a first-come, first-served basis. Registration will close once the event meets capacity, or two days before GEL, whichever comes first.

We recommend arriving in the morning on Saturday to maximize time and experiences on campus. Programs will be available beginning at 9:00 am. If this is your first time on campus, we recommend arriving around 9:00 am to have enough time for all morning activities, such as campus tours, open houses, and information sessions.

Student programming for GEL Day ends at 9:00pm on Saturday.

Parent/Family programming for GEL Day ends at 6:30pm on Saturday.

Registration is filled on a first-come, first-served basis and closes once capacity has been reached, or two days before GEL, whichever comes first. Please be sure registration is completed and confirmed before reserving flights.

GEL participants are welcome to park anywhere on campus during the weekend. The most convenient locations may be in the College Hall parking lot located on Sharp Ave. and Addison Ave. or the BARC Parking Garage on the corner of Boone Ave. and Hamilton Ave. Please see our Campus Map for more information.

Please visit our Lodging page to view lodging options. There are many other hotels near campus and around Spokane, but reservations should be made as soon as possible as most tend to fill up.

Participants should bring a water bottle and wear comfortable shoes to campus. Be mindful of the fact that the weather in April can be very unpredictable! You should plan on bringing clothes appropriate for cooler weather and you may want a jacket for outside activities.

If you would like more information about GEL Day, or if you require special accommodations (a wheelchair, food or other allergies, etc.), contact us at gel@gonzaga.edu or 509-313-6572.

It costs $35 per student to attend GEL Day. The $35 cost includes a t-shirt for the student, lunch for the student and up to two guests, as well as dinner for the student and heavy appetizers and beverages for up to two guests. If you have concerns or questions about the GEL Day fee, please contact us at gel@gonzaga.edu or 509-313-6572.