Community Update: Current Data, Football, Commencement, and Fall Semester

The number of COVID cases among our campus community is up this week. It’s not good news.

Yes, the weather is beautiful and yes, we’ve won two exciting home football games but if this trend continues, there will be changes and restrictions could return. We are all tired of hearing this but you have to wear your mask, wash your hands and keep a safe distance from your friends. It’s not a suggestion it’s essential. Mask up, Bulldogs!

Current Data

As of today, March 12, Gardner-Webb has 16 positive cases of COVID-19 among residential undergraduate students in isolation on campus. We have 24 residential undergraduate students who have tested positive and are in isolation at home. We have 27 residential undergraduate students in quarantine on campus and 42 residential undergraduate students in quarantine at home.  

There are seven commuter/graduate students with COVID-19 in isolation at home and there are two in quarantine at home.

Students with questions regarding classroom attendance or other student support while in isolation or quarantine should contact Dean of Students, Lesley Villarose, at [email protected]. This includes students who might need access to a desktop computer or laptop.

Among our faculty there are 0 positive cases of COVID-19.  We have 3 staff members positive with COVID-19. We have five faculty/staff members in quarantine at home.

It is very important to remember that if you have symptoms you must report them immediately.  Do NOT come to campus or go to class or work with symptoms.

Remember that all employees are allowed a maximum of 10 days of paid leave if they are confirmed to have COVID-19 or are required to quarantine or isolate due to contact tracing or while awaiting test results.

Football status

The home game against Monmouth next Saturday March 20 has been postponed. It is being rescheduled. Tickets sold for the game will be good for the rescheduled date. Current information at gwusports.com

Commencement Details

As plans for May Commencement move forward, details are available here. They include an FAQ for students, families and friends. It covers tickets, parking, timelines and more.

Faculty and Staff

Thank you to all faculty and staff who participated in the COVID vaccine clinic at CCC on March 5.  Please remember that the Moderna vaccine you received requires a second dose 28 days later.  

The second dose will be administered on Friday, April 2 in the same place, at Cleveland Community College in the Jack Hunt Building, during the same time slot you had on March 5.

There is no need to register again, just show up on April 2 and receive your second shot.

There is also a need for volunteers to help deliver meals to students in quarantine and isolation. Faculty and staff have been helping the past months so please reach out to Shea Mattingly [email protected]  to sign up.

Faculty and staff that need to be tested for COVID 19 can now contact the Atrium Health Clinic directly at (980) 487-2390. These are Rapid Tests and are given at no charge.

About This Coming Fall

The University is currently planning to resume normal  operations during  the Fall 2021 semester. Given the current trends and vaccination projections, we expect to further increase in-person classes and expand our campus and community activities. Although safety must be our highest priority, our goal is to have all campus buildings and facilities operating as usual during the fall semester. Additional details will be provided as we near the start of the semester.

Let’s finish the spring strong! Stay healthy and mask up, Bulldogs!