Community Update: Easter Break, class schedules, vaccines and facility updates

As we prepare to celebrate Easter and share some time with family, friends and community, we encourage you to engage in all the healthy habits we have developed over the last year. The successful conclusion of the semester is in all of our hands. Wearing face coverings, washing hands frequently, avoiding large gatherings and maintaining physical distancing will continue to help us to help others.  Let’s keep our guards (and face coverings) up; let’s stay focused, and let’s press forward with a healthy mindset as we look forward to the semester’s end.   

In this community update, we’ll cover current COVID-19 campus data, Easter Break, the academic calendar, dining and recreational changes, updates from the North Carolina Governor, and some athletics and commencement reminders.  

Easter Break and Return to Class Schedule  

Easter break will begin after classes conclude on March 31, and all students are expected to return to campus for classes when they resume on Tuesday, April 6. There are no changes at this time to the academic calendar, residential living accommodations, or the methods of course distribution. Classes will continue as scheduled, and in-person commencement weekend is planned for May 7-8.   

Capacity Restriction Updates from the State of North Carolina 

North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper announced new guidelines this week; some of those cover expanded capacity allowances for athletic/event venues, dining locations and recreational facilities. Gardner-Webb is continuing to evaluate the capacity guidelines and will plan to implement what is deemed best for the campus community. Updates will be provided as decisions are made for facilities and associated events that may be impacted by the guidelines.  All mandates for face coverings and physical distancing will remain in place.   

Vaccination Updates        

Governor Cooper also announced this week, that beginning on April 7, all adults in the State will be eligible to get the COVID-19 vaccine. Cooper noted in his March 25 announcement, “The vaccine is our path to recovery. It’s the road to normalcy. I’m grateful for North Carolinians who are taking this seriously and getting the shot when it’s their time, and I’m encouraged that North Carolina will be able to open eligibility to all adults well ahead of the President’s May 1 goal.”  

Gardner-Webb is currently working with the Cleveland County Health Department to host a vaccine clinic for Gardner-Webb students on campus in early April. More details will be coming soon.    

Dining and Recreation Facilities 

On-campus dining options will close at 4 p.m. on Wednesday, March 31 for Easter Break and reopen for dinner hours on Monday, April 5. 

Retail dining options in Tucker Student Center (TSC) will remain takeout-only for the time being. We will reevaluate the schedule as we return from Easter Break. The food courts (and designated dining areas) inside TSC are all temporarily closed as well. Designated study areas remain unaffected. TSC will continue to close at 10 p.m. until further notice.   

The Caf and Chick-Fil-A in Dover Campus Center are operating with dine-in and take-out services on the same schedules and limitations that have been in place during the spring semester. 

While there are some recreational limitations with the temporary closure of the basketball courts in Bost Gym, the Suttle Wellness Center is currently open without changes to the spring semester schedule or operations.  

All amenities for dining and recreation will continue to be evaluated and updated as we monitor guidelines and campus COVID-19 trends.   

Current COVID-19 Data 

As of today, March 26, Gardner-Webb is reporting 37 total positive cases of COVID-19 with our students, faculty, and staff (all are in isolation).  

We have 32 residential undergraduate students who have tested positive (five of those are in isolation at home). 25 residential students are in quarantine on campus while 18 are at home awaiting COVID-19 testing or test results.  

There are two commuter or graduate students positive with COVID-19 isolating at home. There are five in quarantine at home awaiting COVID-19 testing or test results.  

Among our faculty and staff, there are three positive cases of COVID-19. One faculty/staff member is currently in quarantine awaiting COVID-19 testing or test results.  

It is 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. 

Athletics Update 

Gardner-Webb’s home football game on March 27 vs. nationally-ranked Kennesaw State has been postponed. The Big South Conference is working with both institutions to potentially reschedule the game for a later date. The team’s next game is scheduled for noon, Saturday, April 3, at home vs. Monmouth (ESPN+). For updates on all GWU Athletics visit gwusports.com.  

Commencement Updates (FAQs) 

Gardner-Webb is scheduled to host two-days of celebration for graduates, their families and friends on May 7- 8, 2021, in Spangler Stadium. To follow the updates and frequently asked questions for Commencement 2021, check out this page. 

Mask Up Dawgs; be safe and enjoy your Easter Break!