It is important that you become familiar with the Gardner-Webb Undergraduate Catalog, and it is especially important to your academic success that you read carefully the section entitled “Academic Policies.” Please study the catalog carefully, especially the sections dealing with your major. It is your primary responsibility to familiarize yourself with these policies and understand how they affect your progress toward graduation. Your advisor and others can assist you, but ultimately it is your responsibility if correct policies and procedures are not followed.
Academic Success Coaches in the department of Advising, Retention, and Academic Coaching (Tucker Student Center) are available to assist undergraduate students with Academic Appeals if requested. For guidelines regarding Academic Appeals, refer to the current Academic Catalog or email the Executive Director for the Division of Student Success, Dr. Ryan Erck at [email protected].
Gardner-Webb University is grounded in the idea of educating its students holistically within the traditions of Christianity and the liberal arts. At the center of both guiding principles of the University is the idea of community and interpersonal relationships. Spiritual, moral/ethical, and intellectual growth are all broadened, enriched, and made more meaningful within a community of individual growth. Therefore, in order to ensure that students interact with others engaged in this search for growth and knowledge, Gardner-Webb University requires that students regularly attend and participate in the class meetings and activities designed to encourage aspects of this growth in each of their courses. This provides the philosophical foundation for the University’s Attendance Policy which follows.
Regular class attendance is an important student obligation. Students are responsible for all coursework conducted in class meetings and are required by University policy to attend a minimum of 75% of the scheduled class meetings. Failure to meet this attendance requirement will result in a grade of “@F” in the course. In face-to-face classes, attendance is counted from the first scheduled meeting. In online classes, attendance is counted from the student’s completion of the Enrollment Verification Activity or first required course activity or assessment, whichever comes first. Furthermore, it is the prerogative of the instructor to set a more stringent class attendance policy. The instructor will clearly state in the syllabus the attendance policies governing the class. Students are responsible for knowing the number of absences that they accumulate.
In online classes, attendance satisfying the 75% requirement is measured by the documented weekly participation in the class on the part of the student, e.g., a minimum of one activity per week that demonstrates attendance, such as submitting an assignment, attending a webinar, or participating in a discussion board (logging into a course in Blackboard does not constitute participation or attendance in the class). As in face-to-face classes, the instructor in an online class may stipulate a more stringent attendance policy in the syllabus.
Absence from class does not excuse the student from responsibility for classwork. Planned class absences for foreseeable personal circumstances or official University business must be negotiated with the instructor prior to the absence. All absences, regardless of reason, apply toward the 25% threshold.
Final Examinations/Assessments
Comprehensive final examinations or assessments are required in every course during the scheduled examination time (see the Registrar Services website). If a comprehensive exam is given, a student who does not take the examination at the scheduled time will receive a failing grade in that course unless given prior approval by the Associate Provost and the instructor.
Voluntary termination of enrollment during the course of a semester or summer term is defined as withdrawal. Dismissal from school for a specified period of time is defined as suspension. Dismissal from school for an expulsion is permanent. The University reserves the right to suspend or expel any student or students when it believes that such action is in the best interest of the institution and/or the student(s). This action will take place only after careful consideration and consultation with the student or students in question and all other parties with information pertinent to the matter at hand.
Any student wanting to withdraw from school before the end of a term (up until the last day of classes) is required to meet with their Success Coach and complete and submit the “Complete Withdrawal Form” in that meeting. For questions about withdrawal or to set up a withdrawal meeting with your success coach, please email [email protected].
Involuntary withdrawals will be processed by the University for any student that receives a disciplinary suspension or expulsion from the University. The involuntary withdrawal will be processed and dated based on the date of the suspension or expulsion.
Students leaving the University for disciplinary reasons will not be eligible for any reduction and will be liable for the entire semester charges.
Any registered student who experiences medical trauma or a chronic illness that may prevent completion of the semester may apply for a medical withdrawal from the University. A medical withdrawal is a complete withdrawal from the University (i.e., not from a particular course). A request for a medical withdrawal must be submitted prior to the beginning of final exams for the semester in which the medical withdrawal is desired. A medical withdrawal request is initiated in the same manner as a general withdrawal from the University, which requires a mandatory meeting with a Success Coach in the Division of Student Success. In addition to the meeting and completed “Complete Withdrawal Form,” the student must also provide to the Registrar’s Office a statement from a licensed medical or mental health professional trained in the diagnosis of the student’s medical condition. The statement should verify that the medical condition prevents the student from participating in classes or carrying out course requirements.
The statement from the medical or mental health professional must be submitted on official letterhead, addressed to the Gardner-Webb University Registrar, and include the practitioner’s name and title. The statement should indicate that the student is unable to continue in school and include the date at which the student became unable to continue (or the closest possible approximation to the date). The student will be notified by the Registrar of the decision made by the Medical Withdrawal Committee. If the request is approved, the student will receive a final grade of “W” for each class (except in instances of Academic Dishonesty). Any adjustment in tuition will be made on a prorated basis.
Once granted a withdrawal, students must apply for readmission to the University in order to continue their studies. All program admission requirements, programmatic and degree requirements, departmental student handbook and accreditation requirements at the time of the student’s return will apply.
Any appeal for a retroactive medical withdrawal must be initiated by the end of the next Fall or Spring semester. Documentation for these appeals includes the same materials required for other medical withdrawal requests but must also include an explanation as to why the medical withdrawal request could not have been made by the normal deadline (i.e. by the beginning of final exams for the semester in which the medical withdrawal is desired).
The Undergraduate Policy on Academic Honesty reflects Gardner-Webb’s commitment to academic excellence and integrity. It sets forth academic principles and practices that students are expected to understand and abide by. The Policy provides a framework for faculty to investigate potential academic misconduct, including plagiarism and cheating on assignments and exams. Students found responsible for violations of the Policy may be subject to a range of sanctions, including grade reduction, course failure, suspension, and expulsion for repeat offenses. The Undergraduate Policy on Academic Honesty may be found in the Undergraduate Academic Catalog.
Undergraduate students must be enrolled on a full-time basis (12 credit hours) to qualify to live in University Housing. Undergraduate students residing in University Housing who reduce their academic load to less than 12 hours will not be permitted to remain in University Housing without completing a Full-Time Status Waiver application and it being approved by Housing and Residence Education. The Housing Contract term is in effect for the academic year (fall-spring). Students residing in Housing and Residence Education facilities during the Summer must be enrolled in Gardner-Webb University classes each Summer session or complete summer full-time waiver application.
Undergraduate student advising in the traditional program is coordinated through the department of Advising, Retention, and Academic Coaching within the Division of Student Success. This department – located on the third floor of the Tucker Student Center – is responsible for new student and transfer registration and advising, academic reporting, declarations of majors and minors, assignments and changes of faculty advisors, success coaching for all students, and faculty advisor training and evaluation.
The primary responsibility for academic progress rests on the student; therefore, it is vital that the student assumes responsibility for their academic progress. Student responsibilities include meeting with the assigned faculty advisor at least twice during the semester and other times as needed and taking advantage of resources offered by the university (e.g., tutoring/writing assistance, consultation with advisors for student-athletes, etc.).
Upon entering Gardner-Webb University, first-year students are assigned a staff advisor in the department of Advising, Retention, and Academic Coaching. Students are encouraged to view the advising relationship as a partnership for success. At the end of their first year, and after they have declared a major, students are assigned a faculty advisor in their chosen field of study. Their initial staff advisor transitions into a Success Coach role and will remain as a resource with the student until graduation.
A transfer student is one who has at least fifteen hours of credit taken after graduating from high school. Transfer students will be assigned an advisor in the department of Advising, Retention, and Academic Coaching until the declaration process is complete. Transfer students are encouraged to officially declare a major before or during their first semester of study at Gardner- Webb University. After the official declaration has been processed, the student will be assigned to a faculty advisor in the department of their chosen field of study. Their initial staff advisor transitions into a Success Coach role and will remain as a resource with the student until graduation.
If you need academic support related to areas such as study strategies, time management, or general navigation of your academics, we encourage you to reach out to [email protected]. Additionally, please send all questions about registration, schedule changes, progress toward major, major/minor declarations, or degree evaluation to [email protected].
Registrar Services is located on the ground floor of Dover Campus Center and maintains students’ academic records, manages registration for all classes, certifies all transfer work, issues official transcripts, and certifies applications for graduation. Students should consult the Registrar and/or staff for information or assistance concerning academic records, registration, grade reports, scheduling, transfer work, academic regulations and qualifications for graduation.
A student’s schedule may be adjusted by adding and dropping courses with the approval of the academic advisor during the schedule modification period. Check the Academic Calendar for dates. Courses that are officially dropped by a student do not appear on a student’s transcript. If a student does not officially drop a class but never attends the class, a grade of “@W” will appear on the student’s transcript.
After the schedule modification period, any official withdrawal from a class must be done by the student by submitting the Withdrawal Form located in WebbConnect. When a student officially withdraws from a course, a grade of “W’’ (withdrew) is recorded during the first 40% of the term. After this period, a “WP” (withdrew passing) or “WF” (withdrew failing) is assigned by the instructor based upon an assessment of the student’s work to date in the course. No hours attempted are recorded for “W’’ and “WP” grades. Check the Academic Calendar for dates.
The last day for withdrawing from an individual course is four weeks after mid-term or a date not to exceed 75% of the course. Check the Academic Calendar for dates. After this date only a complete withdrawal from school will be processed.
The directions for withdrawing are listed below.
Dimensions is a weekly series of programs designed to nurture persons spiritually, intellectually and culturally in the context of Christian faith and to promote a sense of community. Satisfactory attendance is a graduation requirement as described in the Undergraduate Catalog. Programs are usually held on Tuesday mornings at 9:25 am in the Paul Porter Arena or the Tucker Student Center.
The schedule of programs is published at the beginning of each semester. Outstanding Christian leaders, including nationally-known speakers, musicians, sports figures, University faculty and staff provide the program.
Important Things to Remember
For additional information on the Dimensions program guidelines, please refer to the Undergraduate Academic Catalog or the Christian Life and Service website, gardner-webb.edu/christian-life-and-service/dimensions.
If you have further questions, please contact: Teresa Davis, Administrative Assistant to the Office of Christian Life and Service, (704) 406-4277 or [email protected].
The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (commonly referred as FERPA or the Buckley Amendment) require post-secondary institutions to guarantee students’ basic rights regarding their educational records. The Act was designed to protect the confidentiality of student records, guarantee student access to certain records, regulate disclosure of information from the records, provide students with the opportunity to correct or amend records and add explanatory statements, and ensure annual notification to students of their pursuant rights. Students may grant permission to University personnel to release information pertaining to Academic Records, Financial Aid, and Billing to specified individuals by completing the FERPA Release Form located in WebbConnect. Using this form, students are able to specify up to three individuals to whom information may be released.
Student records are considered to be non-public and are maintained by full-time staff of the University who are employed for that purpose: Director of Financial Planning, Registrar, Director of Counseling, Director of Housing and Residence Education, and Vice President of Student Development.
In accordance with The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974, Gardner-Webb has designated the following categories of releasable information about students:
Personal InformationSpecific data or information, which may include admissions, enrollment, financial aid, disciplinary, residence, personal information, social security number, counseling records, and/or other personally identifiable information (exception for professional notes kept apart from student’s official records, files) will be released to agencies acting for or under contract with the University, and/or University officials, which may include, but are not limited to, the President, Vice Presidents, Provost, Associate/Assistant Provosts, Deans and appropriate Department Heads/Directors with a legitimate “need to know.”
Privacy WaiverStudents who wish to allow parents, employers or anyone else to have access to their student records must complete a FERPA Privacy Waiver. Faculty and University personnel are not permitted to discuss the contents of these records with anyone other than the student unless a waiver has been filed by the student. The FERPA privacy waiver can be completed and filed online through WebbConnect. For more information, contact Registrar Services.
Directory InformationDirectory information will be released without the student’s consent unless the student requests, in writing, that it be withheld. Directory information categories are: name, address, telephone listing, date and place of birth, major field of study, classification by year, parents’ names and addresses, number of hours in which enrolled, marital status, nationality, rank in class, participation in officially registered activities and sports, weight and height of members of athletic teams, dates of attendance (including matriculation and withdrawal dates).
General Campus and Event Photography/VideographyAs a general rule, it is not necessary to obtain a release for any individual or group photographed on the Gardner-Webb University campus(es) in a public venue or while attending a public event. This includes all public spaces across campus from exterior walkways, entryways, atriums, sports fields, complexes, outdoor spaces and classrooms. Individuals have a very limited scope of privacy rights when they are in public spaces. Persons can be photographed without their consent except when they have secluded themselves in places where they have a reasonable expectation of privacy (for example, in dressing rooms, restrooms, medical facilities, homes and residence hall rooms).
This guideline is intended to address the typical circumstances in which a question arises regarding the use of student images of photography and/or videography captured at Gardner-Webb or on behalf of the University. Gardner-Webb often uses photographic images of public campus life, events, ceremonies and other activities to advance the mission of the institution. By visiting, registering at, or being employed by Gardner-Webb University and being present in public settings, you authorize the use and reproduction by the University—or anyone authorized by the University—any photographs taken while at GWU, without compensation. All photo files are university property, solely and completely.
Use of University PhotographsAll photographs taken with the consent of University Communications and Marketing staff, by a member of the GWU Photo Team (student photographers), or as part of an academic or scholastic project are the property of Gardner-Webb University and may be available for non- commercial use by university students, faculty, and staff, and with prior approval, off-campus media outlets and publications. Images and videos should be credited “Gardner-Webb University” in all print and electronic publications.
With few exceptions, all male U.S. citizens and male aliens residing in the U.S. and its territories must register within the period starting 30 days before, and ending 30 days after, their 18th birthday. To register, pick up a registration form at the nearest U.S. Post Office, complete and sign it, and hand it to a postal clerk. You should receive a registration acknowledgment from Selective Service within 90 days. For additional information, you may call 1 (708) 688-6888.
The Dover Memorial Library is an active and integral part of the University’s academic program, supporting all areas of the academic curriculum. The Library’s collection includes 113,000 books, 873,000 eBooks, and 170 databases and is a selective depository for federal government documents. The University Archives holds the Fay Webb Gardner Collection, University History Collection, the Baptist Historical Collection, and Hymnology Collection. Digital Commons @ Gardner-Webb University, the online institutional repository, holds the University Archives digital Collection, student and faculty scholarship, and academic journals.
Faculty librarians are available for individual and group research consultations and information literacy sessions. Research assistance is available through phone, chat, video conference, and in-person appointments. Interlibrary Loan and printing services are available. Access to databases, the catalog, eBooks, reservation forms, and request forms for services can be accessed from the Library homepage, https://gardner-webb.edu/library/. Off-campus students will be prompted for their WebbConnect username and password when accessing the Library’s databases.
The Learning Resource Center is an academic support service within the Division of Student Success. Peer tutors and writing consultants are available for appointments in a number of courses and subject areas. Peer tutors can help students in refining study skills, developing valuable academic strategies, and clarifying course content. If a student has an issue with a class or assignment, we always recommend that they first speak with his/her professor first – professors can often provide insight into what area(s) need attention or what strategies may be helpful in specific courses.
The LRC provides undergraduate students with the opportunity to meet with peers who have previously excelled, or is currently excelling, in the requested course. During the session, students receive individual attention in a supportive environment to discuss course-specific concepts, review course-specific material, and/or prepare for a course-specific exam or presentation.
Another free service offered to GWU students is an online tutoring program called Read and Write Gold. This software has been shown to improve reading fluency and comprehension, and enhances learning by using a multisensory experience. To access the software, go into WebbConnect and open the link for Academic Support. Select Read and Write Gold to install the software.
Proctor services for make-up examinations can also be facilitated through the LRC staff as available.
Should you have questions in regards to tutoring support, writing services, or general academic assistance, please email [email protected]
The Noel Center offers accommodations and support services to students with disabilities who provide appropriate documentation. Accommodations are determined individually based on the information in the documentation and consultation with the student. Note taking, interpreting services, assistive technology, orientation and mobility, alternate text, and advising are available. The Center sponsors academic support groups for all disabilities as well as a social group for students on the Autism Spectrum. “Joyful Hands,” the Gardner-Webb sign language choir, is also sponsored by the Center. A mentor program is available for students who wish to be paired with an upperclassman who has a similar disability. The Center is housed in Frank Nanney Hall.
Cheryl Potter, Director of the Noel Center for Disability Resources, [email protected] or (704) 406-4271.
