Community Update: Everything you need to know for Fall

Hello Runnin’ Bulldogs! We are well into the fall semester, and our first home football game is only a few days away. We’re excited to be able to gather in Spangler Stadium and cheer on our football team this Saturday against Lincoln! It’s a RED OUT, so come decked out in your best gameday reds!

As the academic year continues, it’s important that we are all on the same page regarding health and safety measures on campus. Here are the things you need to know!

Next Free Vaccination Clinic This Friday

Gardner-Webb University does not presently require a COVID vaccine of its faculty, staff or students, but consistent with recommendations from North Carolina’s Department of Health and Human Services we are encouraging them very strongly. There is another opportunity this Friday, September 17 to get your vaccination shot on campus. It’s free to all students, faculty, and staff.  We advise you to sign up here. Go get your shot.

GWU has already held multiple free vaccination clinics and there are also several non-GWU locations nearby where you can get vaccinated. A useful list of those locations is right here.  If you want to get a vaccination off campus and need transportation, contact the Dean of Students, Lesley Villarose at [email protected]. We’ll take you to get your shot.

Face coverings/masks are not presently mandated on campus in Boiling Springs, but we are again following NCDHSS in recommending their use indoors especially in small or crowded locations. So, get your mask on.

Remember that Charlotte and Mecklenburg County authorities do currently have an indoor mask mandate in place. Gardner-Webb’s Charlotte Center is in full compliance with that requirement, so all persons using our Charlotte facility must wear a mask while inside.  If you’re going to Charlotte, bring your mask.

Students traveling together as part of University-sponsored activities, including student-athletes in buses, vans or other vehicles, will be required to wear a mask regardless of vaccination status.  So, too, will students participating in Dimensions, which involves hundreds of persons gathered indoors.

Current Data

As of September 13, Gardner-Webb is reporting 17 positive COVID cases among our students (14) staff (2) and faculty (1).  All are in isolation either on campus or 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.

As a reminder to faculty and staff, individuals with actual or potential exposure to COVID-19 should notify their supervisor immediately, and their supervisor will then notify David Wacaster (704.406.3235), Barry Lane (704.406.2266) and Human Resources—Eric Plemmons (704.406.4259). Faculty may also use [email protected] for any questions or concerns you may have regarding quarantine dates for your students.

If you have any symptoms, remember to reach out immediately. If you are a residential student and develop any COVID symptoms, contact [email protected] or call  (704.406.2081). If you are a commuter, graduate or doctoral student, faculty or staff and you develop COVID symptoms you can contact Barry Lane at [email protected] or (704.297.6988).

If you believe you need to be tested, testing is free at the Atrium Student Health Clinic. You will need an appointment to be tested.

The Atrium Student Health Clinic Hours are: Monday through Friday 8:00AM to 5:00PM and their phone number is (704.487.2390).

Stay healthy and ‘Sko Dawgs!