The Office of Christian Life and Service advances the Christian and Baptist identity of the University and nurtures students, faculty and staff in the development of a mature Christian faith. Varied opportunities are provided for expressing that faith through service to God and humanity. The Office of Christian Life and Service is located in the Tucker Student Center. Dr. Tracy Jessup serves as the Vice President for Christian Life and Service and Senior Minister to the University.
Through student ministry organizations, students are encouraged and challenged in personal discipleship, corporate worship, and life- changing ministry and mission experiences. Campus Ministries United (CMU) is the student ministry of Gardner- Webb University. The CMU Council consists of the student leaders of each CMU ministry. They work together with GWU’s ministerial staff in prayer, discipleship, and relationship-building to promote a passionate and enduring devotion to Christ among the student body. CMU Council members, FOCUS team leaders, and Small Group leaders comprise the Leadership Team. These student leaders are committed to faithfully following God’s leadership in their positions of service. Neal Payne serves as Associate Minister to the University for Student Ministries.
While Gardner-Webb University is committed to excellence in academics, it is equally committed to the spiritual care of students, faculty and staff. The staff of the Office of Christian Life and Service provides pastoral ministry to the Gardner-Webb family including the following:
Dimensions is a weekly series of programs designed to enhance the spiritual, intellectual and cultural life of the University and to promote a sense of community. Consequently, the three primary objectives are:
The Office of Christian Life and Service has a long-standing commitment to the global mission of God. In addition to local mission opportunities coordinated through Student Ministries, mission trips are offered during Fall, Spring and Summer breaks. A Dimensions program in September is devoted to missions. Upcoming mission trips are announced at this program and applications are made available to students. Recent North American mission trip destinations include Canada, Hawaii, Wisconsin, California, New Mexico, Alabama, and Louisiana. International mission trip destinations recently have included Guatemala, Honduras, Germany, Russia, Ireland, Nicaragua, Romania, and South Africa.
Instilling mercy and promoting action in the community by working together
The IMPACT Center promotes a commitment to awareness, advocacy, and action across various disciplines. Our goal is to inspire a sense of social responsibility that leads to proactive Christian responses to the needs of both local and global communities. We do this through a number of initiatives, including:
The Center works to equip students to serve effectively through campus organizations, clubs, and student-inspired initiatives. At Gardner-Webb, we strive to exhibit our values through specific community engagement opportunities. We make service an integral part of student life on campus by identifying legitimate needs and empowering students to take action. The ultimate goal is to teach our students to embody a life of service “for God and Humanity.” We provide students with numerous opportunities to serve alongside their peers, while meeting needs and building relationships well beyond the Gardner-Webb campus. It is our hope that students will move beyond a basic mindset of volunteerism and into a lifestyle of service. We want students to grow into persons that truly reflect the character of Christ, particularly in what they do for others.
Service-learning is an active learning practice that connects the work in the classroom directly to the needs of the community. It elevates serving to a new level by connecting social action to the classroom and curriculum. It is a credit-bearing experiential.
College is a time of change and adjustment. This may result in anxiety, conflict and uncertainty for many students. The University Counseling Center staff is available to assist students who may be experiencing these and other feelings. The University Counseling Center is staffed by a team of professionals trained in education and counseling who want to assist you in coping with difficulties and make the most of your opportunities for success. The University Counseling Center adheres to the code of ethics of the American Counseling Association and operates within a Christian perspective. All services provided are confidential and no information will be given to others without the consent of the individual.
The University Counseling Center provides services to students in a concerned, caring, and confidential setting. Services are provided to assist students in defining and accomplishing personal and academic goals. The services include:
Counseling is a unique, confidential and collaborative relationship between a trained helper and a person seeking help in which both the skills of the helper and the atmosphere created assist people with learning to relate to themselves and others in healthier ways. Although you may handle many things on your own, sometimes a little outside help or a different and more objective point of view can help you with putting your problems in perspective and handling them more effectively.
Individual, couple, and group counseling is available to help students with personal, academic, and career concerns. Students coming to the Counseling Center are usually seeking more effective and rewarding lives by confronting personal problems, career questions, skill development issues, or value questions. (Counseling is not only for people with problems.) Many people, including highly successful ones,
find significant benefits in counseling. These benefits include increasing self-awareness, maximizing potential, and making the overall college experience more productive and meaningful.
The Counseling Center assists students in coping with difficulties and making the most of opportunities for academic and personal development. The Center’s staff operates within the Student Development Division’s purpose of providing opportunities for students to master increasingly complex developmental tasks, achieve self-direction, and become independent. Stephanie Allen is the Director of the University Counseling Center. She can be reached at (704) 406-2177 or by email [email protected].
In support of the mission of Gardner-Webb University and the Division of Student Development, the Center for Personal and Professional Development exists to prepare students for meaningful life and work beyond college by equipping them with personal and professional skills and developing within them a missional mindset to effectively pursue their passions and purpose.
Fulfillment of this mission requires a collaborative network of campus partnerships coordinated by the Center to deliver a comprehensive program for holistic student development including self-awareness, self-discipline, personal responsibility, critical thinking, social responsibility, health and wellness, leadership, career exploration and preparation, professional skills, and teamwork.
Make it a priority to utilize the Center throughout your college experience to acquire critical knowledge, skills, and preparation for the transition into the world of life and work after college. Take charge of your life now and be ready personally and professionally for your future!
Micah Martin is the Director of the Center for Personal and Professional Development. He can be reached at (704) 406-2135 or by email [email protected].
The cultural enhancement of campus life and learning experiences is important to Gardner-Webb University. The University assists in the promotion of being Christ-like in all relationships with all people. The Office of Diversity and Inclusion furthers the mission by facilitating the embracing and celebrating of diversity. All diverse populations represented at the University are free from discrimination. The Office of Diversity and Inclusion serves the needs of the various ethnic groups within the student body through programs designed to promote intercultural understanding, awareness, and collaboration. The multicultural programs develop the support systems and advocacy networks for the student population. Lawrence Brinson is the Director of Diversity and Inclusion. He can be reached in Tucker 302, (704) 406-2647, or by email [email protected].
Gardner-Webb University is a NCAA Division I institution and competes in the Big South Conference, the Coastal Collegiate Sports Association for swimming and the Southern Conference for wrestling. Gardner-Webb sponsors 22 intercollegiate athletic teams. These include: baseball, men’s and women’s basketball, men’s and women’s cross country, football, men’s and women’s golf, men’s and women’s soccer, softball, men’s and women’s swimming, men’s and women’s tennis, men’s and women’s outdoor and indoor track and field, volleyball, wrestling and women’s lacrosse. Athletic grants-in-aid are available in all sports. Additionally, opportunities for participation are offered in athletic training, cheerleading, and sports information. Current student athletes are encouraged to review eligibility and compliance policies as stated in the handbook provided by Gardner-Webb University Athletics.
Gardner-Webb University is a SEVP (Student and Exchange Visitor Program) certified school. International Student Services offers institutional support to F-1 Visa status students by maintaining student profiles and school certification records with the United States Department of Citizenship and Immigration Services. Advocacy for individual student needs ensures that an equitable education is provided for each of our international students. International Student Services assists international students with the transition to Gardner-Webb University student life. The International Club, a student-led organization, connects students and promotes involvement in campus activities. Events are designed to engage students in cross-cultural experiences with faculty, staff, and local culture, while providing a support system that celebrates global community.
Gardner-Webb University partners with Atrium Health to provide student health services for traditional undergraduate and on- campus residential students. The mission of the clinic is to provide comprehensive high-quality healthcare for traditional undergraduate and on-campus residential students.Gardner-Webb is committed to the overall wellness of students. Gardner-Webb is providing healthcare for traditional undergraduate and on-campus residential students through a student health fee. Additionally, no claims will be submitted to a student’s health insurance provider for the level of care provided through the Student Health Clinic.
SUMMER SESSION HOURS:Monday -Thursday, 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
FALL & SPRING SEMESTER HOURS:Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Closed from 1 :00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. for Medical Staffs lunch
Students can meet with providers via phone or video calls during office hours. After hours and weekend support is available via Nurse Triage Line as well as Atrium Health’s 24/7 virtual on-call provider that can provide care coordination.
The Student Health Clinic is located at 148 Memorial Dr. Shelby, NC 28152.
Phone Number (980) 487-2390
The Student Health Clinic complies with federal and state laws regarding the confidentiality and security of medical records, including HIP AA. No information concerning a patient’s health or health records will be disclosed without authorization.
Dial 911 or 9-911 from any campus phone.
Notice: As soon as convenient, students should inform their Resident Assistant (RA) when medical emergencies occur involving residential students. A student always retains the right to be transported by ambulance to the hospital. If a student is hurt or sick and requests an ambulance or the Residence Education staff deems necessary, dial 911 immediately for emergency assistance. RA ‘s or GRD’s are not allowed to transport sick or injured students.
Students using medical supplies, such as syringes, which may present a biological hazard, are required to register with the Residence Education staff and are to utilize approved safety disposal containers. Students are prohibited from placing hazardous items in restrooms or trash containers. The University reserves the right to remove any item from a student’s room that is deemed to present a hazard.
A residence hall is a community which requires sharing of facilities and rooms. There may be an occasion whereby a certain medical, physical, or emotional condition exists in which the student’s condition places himself/herself or others at risk or where close community living is not acceptable to the University. Should the University determine that such conditions exist, the student’s housing contract may be cancelled.
The University reserves the right to make room/roommate changes or cancel a room assignment in the interest of order, health, discipline, occupancy or other urgent reasons at any time such changes are deemed necessary.
Persons infected with a communicable disease will not be excluded from initial enrollment or employment or restricted in their access to University facilities or services unless a medically-based judgment by the primary care physician in consultation with the University’s Health Policies Consultant establishes that exclusion or restriction is necessary to the welfare of the infected individual or the welfare of other members of the University community. Additionally, persons who know, or have reasonable basis for believing, that they are infected by a communicable disease are encouraged to share that information, on a confidential basis, with the physician, so that the University may make reasonable accommodations that will respond to their health and educational needs.
Persons who know, or have reasonable basis for believing, they are infected with a communicable disease are encouraged to seek expert advice about their health circumstances and are obligated, ethically and legally, to conduct themselves responsibly in accordance with such knowledge for the protection of other members of the University community.
The Department of Housing and Residence Education provides safe, comfortable, and functional accommodations that are conducive to the spiritual, academic, and social development of the residential student population. At Gardner-Webb University, we set high academic standards as well as encourage students’ personal growth and independence while preserving the values of Christian higher education, which are at the heart of the University’s mission and goals. Housing and Residence is located on the 2nd floor of Tucker in the Student Development Suite. You can contact Shelbilyn Boelsche at(704) 406-4244 or by email at [email protected] for Housing information and/or concerns.
This office is responsible for providing educational and entertainment programming for the students at Gardner-Webb University. The University offers a variety of programs to help and encourage the student to grow socially, culturally and spiritually. All traditional and undergraduate students are encouraged to attend all campus activities.
The department is also committed to ensuring that all programs reflect Christian values and commitment by providing a staff of students and professionals who are dedicated to the development of the total student. The activities that are planned range from weekend movies, comedy acts, novelty events, and special event dances. Brian Arnold is the Assistant Dean of Students and Director of Student Engagement. The following is a list of areas that fall under the umbrella of Student Engagement:
Orientation provides students a glimpse into the upcoming college experience. They are given information to assist them during the transition from home to their “new home away from home.” The Orientation Leader program allows new students to meet with other GWU students who can answer questions and give them “the real deal” about life at GWU. They will participate in activities that will give them an opportunity to meet other new students which gives them a familiar face to wave to on the first day without family.
Campus Recreation provides recreational activities that are designed to enrich the quality of physical, mental, spiritual, and social life of University community members. Many different fitness classes are offered throughout the semester ranging from beginner to intermediate.
The Campus Recreation Office offers free CrossFit classes to Gardner-Webb University students, faculty and staff. CrossFit classes are offered multiple times per day in the Suttle Wellness Center. CrossFit is constantly varied functional movements performed at high intensity. All CrossFit workouts are based on functional movements, and these movements reflect the best aspects of gymnastics, weightlifting, running, rowing and more. These are the core movements of life. They move the largest loads the longest distances, so they are ideal for maximizing the amount of work done in the shortest time. Intensity is essential for results and is measurable as work divided by time—or power. The more work you do in less time, or the higher the power output, the more intense the effort. By employing a constantly varied approach to training, functional movements and intensity lead to dramatic gains in fitness. (Courtesy CrossFit Inc.)
The purpose of the intramural program is to provide a wide range of athletic and recreational opportunities that will enable students, faculty, and staff to improve and maintain physical well-being, socialize in a recreational atmosphere, develop skills in a variety of sports, learn and practice good sportsmanship, relieve stress, and simply to have fun!
Information concerning intramurals may be obtained through this office at (704) 406-3552. The intramural sports calendar can be found in the Suttle Wellness Center, outside of the Café, or online at imleagues.com. Teams and players must register to participate in the intramural program. To register for an account, please visit imleagues.com and register using your Gardner-Webb University email address. Gardner-Webb University assumes no responsibility for any injury incurred while participating in intramural sports.
The Suttle Wellness Center, located in the University Physical Development Complex, is a health and wellness education and resource center on campus available to all Gardner-Webb University students, faculty, staff and family members of faculty and staff. The Suttle Wellness Center contains a Fitness/Wellness room and free weight room complete with state-of-the-art fitness equipment. The facility also hosts CrossFit Box, which is located just off the Bost Gymnasium floor. The complex also contains a heated swimming pool enclosed for year-round use.
The Broyhill Adventure Course is a unique outdoor adventure complex that offers a series of experiential challenges designed to enhance team building and personal growth for Gardner-Webb University students, faculty, staff and community groups. Using a combination of high and low ropes activities, participants experience climbing and problem solving as metaphors for life whereby communication skills are improved, self esteem is enhanced, problem solving techniques are applied and cooperation in group and team situations is further developed. The Broyhill Adventure course practices a “challenge by choice” philosophy which allows participants to choose a comfortable level of involvement. Programs are flexible and can be designed to meet a specific group’s needs.
Gardner-Webb University has an 18-hole disc golf course which begins at the back of Nanney Residence Hall. The course is open to students and the public free of charge. Discs may be checked out and maps obtained in the Tucker Student Center Student Engagement Office.
The Tucker Student Center houses a state-of-the-art, indoor climbing wall featuring 740 sq. ft. of climbing terrain. It provides another outlet for climbers and non-climbers alike to work out, challenge themselves, and experience a sense of adventure in a safe environment. Programming includes times for instructional classes/camps, competitions, birthday parties, reserved times, and recreational climbing for fun.
We want to have the best campus clubs and student organizations possible. We have over 50 student organizations on our campus providing students opportunities to serve and lead with others that share their passions and interests. From Disc Golf to Campus Civitans, students will find tons of opportunities to connect with other students who enjoy doing the same things they do. Joining a club is a great way to build relationships and participate in activities that enhance the college experience.
One of the many student organizations we offer is the Student Government Association (SGA). SGA is a great way to lead and serve by representing the student body on issues that pertain directly to the academic and campus experience. SGA is comprised of a student senate including executive officers and officers from each of the four student classes elected each year by the student body. Whether it’s planning Homecoming festivities or advocating for change on behalf f students, SGA strives to make the Gardner- Webb experience even better.
GWU-Today.com is the Gardner-Webb University newspaper, and, as such, is ultimately a University responsibility. University responsibilities toward the newspaper include allocating funds for equipment, supplies, and printing. However, immediate responsibility for oversight and coordination
is provided through the Department of Communication & New Media. Staff membership is open to all students. The editor is selected by the faculty advisor and is approved by the Department of Communication & New Media. Students may major in Journalism through the Department of Communication & New Media. Students in the Journalism major are encouraged to participate in the publication of this student newspaper.
In keeping with the University mission statement, producing GWU-Today.com provides a way for Gardner-Webb University to support its emphasis on “academic freedom with responsibility” and “free intellectual inquiry and discussion.” Therefore, an essential part of the University’s responsibility toward the student newspaper is fostering an atmosphere in which student journalists may report on matters of common interest and write critically about University issues, policies and programs without fear of reprisal. At the same time, the paper must establish and maintain high standards of integrity and journalistic responsibility.
Gardner-Webb THE MAGAZINE is published for alumni, parents and friends of Gardner-Webb University. It informs readers of the activities of students, faculty, staff and alumni. It is published two times a year by the Office of University Communications.
Broad River Reviewis the official Gardner-Webb University literary journal. Immediate responsibility for oversight and coordination is provided through the Department of English Language and Literature. Staff membership is open to all students, but the editor is selected by the advisor, a member of the English department, and submitted to the department for approval. The criteria for editor and staff positions are included in the most current English Handbook. Priority is given to the publication of student works, though faculty, alumni, and friends of the University may sometimes be invited to submit materials.
La cara nuestra is a journal sponsored by the Spanish section of the Foreign Language Department. It publishes original poetry and essays written in Spanish by Gardner-Webb students and faculty.
Paw Prints is a weekly electronic publication for students, faculty and staff, containing announcements and a calendar of upcoming events and sporting events occurring on campus. Announcements/events should be submitted by Thursday, 5 pm to the Office of Student Engagement, for publication on Monday.
