The mission of Gardner-Webb University is to prepare graduates for leadership and service in their professional careers and in their personal lives. Rigorous and innovative degree programs, combined with distinctive experiential learning opportunities, shape students into thinkers, doers, and world-changers. Forged within a supportive and diverse Christian community, our students emerge ready to impact their chosen professions, equipped with the skills to advance the frontiers of knowledge, and inspired to make a positive and lasting difference in the lives of others.
Gardner-Webb is an alcohol, tobacco and drug-free campus. This information is provided to all students, faculty and staff to provide:
This policy is designed to protect the health and safety of the campus community while providing students and employees with clear direction as to which types of animals are allowed on or in University grounds and facilities and which conditions apply in any given situation or location. This policy divides animals on campus into five categories: (A) Service Animals; (B) Feral and Wild Animals; (C) Pets; (D) Research Animals; and (E) Emotional Support/Comfort Animals.
Students are expected to conduct themselves in a manner that does not distract from or disrupt the educational pursuits of others. Should an instructor determine that a student’s conduct is distracting or disruptive to the educational environment in the classroom, the instructor may request the disruptive student to leave the class immediately. Such students may not return to the classroom until they have met with the instructor and offered assurances that they can conduct themselves in an appropriate manner. The instructor reserves the right to inform the Dean of Students. If the student is dismissed from the class permanently because of disruptive behavior or other violations of the Code of Student Conduct, the student’s final grade will follow the grading period for a “W” or a “WP/WF,” depending on the date of the dismissal.
In the event a student refuses to remove him/herself upon request, the instructor should contact University Police immediately. A University Police Officer will then escort the disruptive student to the Office of the Vice President of Student Development or Dean of Students for possible disciplinary action. In the event a student refuses to remove him/herself upon request, the instructor should contact University Police immediately. A University Police Officer will then escort the disruptive student to the Office of the Vice President of Student Development or Dean of Students for possible disciplinary action.
The Gardner-Webb University Posting Policy has been designed to keep the campus buildings clean and in good condition. For the purposes of this policy, a poster is defined as any form of print publicity, with no regard to size, shape, or content that is in a public area. There are certain regulations to which students must adhere when posting posters on campus.
Unmanned Aerial/Aircraft Systems (UAS), or “drones,” have emerged as a new technology of interest for hobbyists, commercial purposes, and educational purposes. This policy will offer guidance regarding the type of drone operations acceptable and processes for requesting permission to operate drones on Gardner-Webb University property.
All operations and use of drones on the Gardner-Webb University property must be in compliance with Federal Aviation Administration and North Carolina Department of Transportation regulations.
There are two options to fly your drone legally. Each option has different requirements depending on how you want to fly.
Recreational drone operators are not required to obtain a license or permit from the Division of Aviation. However, recreational users are subject to NC USA rules and regulations. A permit is required for commercial & government drone operations in North Carolina. Passing the UAS Knowledge Test is a requirement for obtaining a permit. To begin the Division of Aviation permit process please visit ncdot.gov/divisions/aviation.
Electric scooter us is permitted on campus subject to this policy and all applicable laws, ordinances and other University policies. This policy applies to all buildings and property owned or leased by Gardner-Webb University. Gas powered scooters are not allowed on campus. Use of electric scooters is permitted on campus subject to following limitations:
Gardner Webb University celebrates and facilitates a campus environment for students and student organizations that is conducive to the free and orderly exchange of ideas and the freedom of inquiry. These principles, exercised in a responsible manner, are indispensable to the student experience. We value and honor diverse perspectives and believe it essential that students have the opportunity to engage in peaceful and orderly gatherings to express their views on the issues of the day. This policy is structured to facilitate those educational pursuits; to preserve order within the university campus; to protect and preserve university property; and to provide an environment for students to express their views while at the same time providing other students with the opportunity to express differing views.
To ensure that students and student organizations who are enjoying the benefits of this policy conduct themselves in an orderly manner that is consistent with the mission and ideals of Gardner-Webb University and its emphasis on respect for others, the following additional provisions apply:
Students and student organizations must seek and receive approval from the Dean of Students for speeches, marches, demonstrations, and similar gatherings (“events”) at least 3 business days prior to the event.
Advance notification must include the day, time, and location where the event is expected to take place, as well as the full name and detailed contact information for the primary organizer and/or student organization responsible for the event.
The Dean of Students may require additional information prior to providing authorization, including, but not limited to, the expected subject matter of the event, location, groups and persons involved in sponsoring the event, estimated crowd size, placement of signage, and expected participants. The Dean may require that liability insurance be in place for purposes of the event. Consistent with the principles set forth in the policy, the Dean may require modifications to the event or deny permission.
Events must be conducted in a manner that is free of violence or threats of violence, intimidation, defamation, incitement to violence, unlawful conduct, obscenity, harassment, bullying or trespass.
Events must not obstruct, frustrate or delay vehicular or pedestrian traffic or block ingress to or egress from campus facilities, whether outdoor or indoor. Events may not interfere with educational or administrative activities, ceremonies, or other events, whether inside or outside of campus buildings. Local, state, and federal laws and regulations — as well as Gardner-Webb University standards of student conduct — must be observed and followed.
It shall be a violation of this policy for any person or group of persons to attempt to interfere with, “shout down,” or impede any event that is being conducted in compliance with this policy. Events that are conducted in violation of this policy may be shut down, moved, or modified in order to achieve compliance. All written materials, including, but not limited to, flyers, posters, notices, and banners must be pre-approved by the Office of Student Activities prior to posting or distribution. Please refer to the policy on Campus Postings in this handbook. Recognized student organizations with a social media presence must abide by the University’s Social Media Guidelines.
The purpose of the Intellectual Property Policy (“policy”) of Gardner-Webb University (“the University”) is to foster an environment that encourages the generation of new knowledge by faculty, staff, and students; to help facilitate transfer of useful inventions and writings to society; and to motivate the development and dissemination of intellectual property.
Students are encouraged to exercise their ethical responsibility to assist others who are in need, especially in emergency situations.
Gardner-Webb University encourages students to seek immediate assistance for themselves or others whenever there is a concern about extreme intoxication, alcohol poisoning, or an individual has been a victim of a crime (including but not limited to physical or sexual assault, theft, vandalism). When seeking medical attention, the first response is to contact 911. When seeking assistance, give your name and remain with the student in need until help arrives.
Formal student conduct disciplinary action for a violation of the alcohol misuse policies will not be taken under the following circumstances:
A student who accepts Medical Amnesty may be required to sign an agreement that includes, but is not limited to: meeting with a person in Counseling Services for a confidential assessment; education; early interventions; or outsourced ongoing treatment. If the student does not comply with the terms of this agreement, the student will be subject to appropriate disciplinary action.
Students who do not comply with these requirements may be charged with a student conduct violation or receive appropriate organization specific disciplinary action. Records related to receiving Medical Amnesty will be maintained; however, they are not categorized as a conduct record and therefore are not disclosed as part of a student’s disciplinary history.
In compliance with the Missing Student Procedures 20 USC 1092 (j) Section 488 of the Higher Education Opportunity Act of 2008, it is the policy of Gardner-Webb University to investigate any report of a missing student who resides on campus at the University. Gardner-Webb University takes student safety very seriously. To this end, the following policy and procedure has been established to assist in locating Gardner-Webb students living in University owned on-campus housing who, based on the facts and circumstances known to Gardner Webb, the University has determined to be missing.
At the beginning of each academic year, Gardner-Webb will inform students residing in on-campus housing that the University will notify either a parent or an individual selected by the student not later than 24 hours after the time the student is determined to be missing. This information will include the following:
If Gardner-Webb University Police or law enforcement personnel has been notified and decides that a student who is the
subject of a missing person report has been missing for more than 24 hours and has not returned to campus, Gardner-Webb will initiate the emergency contact procedures in accordance with the student’s designation.
The University will follow the following notification procedure for a missing student who resides in on-campus housing:
Once the University receives a missing student report via the Dean’s Office, University Police, Housing Office or other source, the following offices will be notified:
If University Security, after investigating the official report, determines the student has been missing for more than 24 hours, Gardner- Webb will contact the individual identified by the student, the custodial parent or legal guardian if the student is under 18 and not emancipated, or local law enforcement if these do not apply.
Gardner-Webb University (GWU) recognizes that some students may face pressures coping with university life that could result in disruptive and/or threatening behaviors. To this end, GWU strives to create a climate where students are welcome to talk to counselors about personal problems and where referrals to mental health professionals are not stigmatized. This policy establishes the University protocols for responding to threatening student behaviors.
Sexual misconduct involves unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors and other verbal or physical conduct; it is usually found in the context of a relationship of unequal power, rank or status.
The Gardner-Webb University Sexual Misconduct and Sexual Harassment Policy covers sexual harassment of students, faculty and staff and can be found below.
The Interim Title IX Coordinator is Lesley Villarose, who has been designated by Gardner-Webb University to help ensure compliance with Title IX and the University’s Title IX program. The Title IX Coordinator is responsible for compliance with Title IX, including, but limited to, implementing corrective measures for harassment, discrimination, and/or retaliation on behalf of the University.
Mrs. Lesley VillaroseVice President of Student Development and Dean of Students, Interim Title IX Coordinator and ADA CoordinatorTucker Student Center (704) 406-2081 | [email protected]
No student shall make an audio, video, or photographic record of any individual without that person’s knowledge and consent, while the person is in a place where they have a reasonable expectation of privacy. Examples could include, but are not limited to, meetings with staff or faculty, residence hall rooms, bathrooms, locker rooms, study areas, and instructional space. This provision does not apply to student with accommodations approved by the Noel Center for Disability Services to audio or video record within and limited to the duration and scope of that approval. To the extent that the conduct is also covered by the Sexual Misconduct Policy then that policy shall apply. This provision may still apply to any conduct, or portion thereof, not covered by the Sexual Misconduct Policy.
Permission from the Vice President for Student Development and Dean of Students is needed by any student, group of students or student organization to solicit funds or sell products to anyone inside or outside the University. The Director of Housing and Residence Education must give permission to solicit funds or sell products in the residence halls prior to approval from the Dean of Students. Please note: Any student, group of students, organization or club found soliciting funds and/or selling products without prior approval will be subject to a fine.
Off-campus solicitors and/or vendors must have prior written approval by either the Vice President for Administration and Finance or his/her designee or the Vice President of Student Development or his/her designee. Violators of this policy are considered to be trespassing and are subject to removal and/or arrest.
The primary objectives of the Student Grievance Policy are to ensure that students have the opportunity to present grievances to the University regarding a certain action or inaction by a member of the University community and that the University has a consistent way of resolving those grievances in a fair and just manner. A student may pursue a grievance if he or she believes that a member of the University community has violated his or her rights.
The purpose of this policy is to describe the appropriate use and security of University Technological assets, associated responsibilities, and rights of all Users employing these resources. All Users of University Technology assets are expected to be familiar with each policy contained here within and the consequences of violation as listed below.
(applicable to Traditional Undergraduate program students ONLY)
NEW commuter students must complete a commuter application, pay a non-refundable $150 commuter deposit, and provide a current, correct mailing address and phone number to the Office of Housing and Residence Education prior to the beginning of the semester.
RETURNING commuter students must submit a commuter application every Spring semester to retain membership in the student body. There is no deposit associated with a Returning Student Commuter Application.
Commuter students are eligible to park in any white space on campus. In addition, two-hour parking is also available on South Main Street. Please remember, the inability to find a legal or convenient parking space is not a license to park anywhere! University Police strictly enforces these regulations.
All motorized vehicles operated on the campus of GWU must be registered with the University Police office. Decals may be purchased for a nominal fee and must be displayed on your vehicle whenever on campus. You may register your vehicle online via WebbConnect.
Commuter students of all ages are strongly encouraged to get involved! The Student Engagement Office offers a wide range of activities.
For ideas, questions, and suggestions unique to commuter students, please contact the Office of Student Engagement in Tucker Student Center Office Suite 157 or call (704) 406-4732.
The University Police Department patrols the campus 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days per year. It is responsible for protecting life and property by enforcing state law. Officers are available to offer assistance, to issue vehicle violation tickets, and to investigate accidents and acts of disturbance or vandalism. The department is housed in the Poston Center or you may call (704) 406-4444.
The University Police Department provides an escort service 24 hours a day. You may dial (704) 406-4444 to request an escort across campus.
Since the campus is primarily a residential campus, it is highly unusual for classes to be cancelled or for the University to close due to inclement weather. In the event of inclement weather, you are encouraged to stay tuned to your local TV and radio stations for announcements. Information will also be listed on the GWU homepage gardner-webb.edu, Weather Updates page, or you may call.
Residents and Commuter students are eligible to park in any white space on campus. In addition, two-hour parking is also available on South Main Street. Please remember, the inability to find a legal or convenient parking space is not a license to park anywhere! University Police strictly enforces these regulations.
The safety and well-being of Gardner-Webb University students, faculty, staff, and visitors are of paramount importance. This policy sets forth rules and expectations for the conduct of visitors while on the University Campus.