February Updates and Changes

Happy Groundhog Day, Runnin’ Bulldogs!

Good news as campus cases of COVID continue to decline. Additionally, NCDHHS data show statewide declines as well. We’ve all worked hard to protect our “bubble” here on campus and it’s clearly paying off!

Now it’s time to focus on a great campus experience for the rest of the semester.

Here are the updates and changes you need to know right now.

Indoor Masking Requirement Lifted

Effective immediately, Gardner-Webb University will no longer require masks/face coverings indoors on campus. This requirement was put in place a month ago to help ease the return to campus after Winter Break. As our situation on campus has improved, and cases have continued to decrease, the requirement is now lifted. However, the University reserves the right to re-introduce the mask requirement, or other safety measures, as conditions warrant.

Face coverings remain a requirement in our Charlotte Center, per Mecklenburg County order. 

Vaccinations and Boosters 

Gardner-Webb University does not presently require a COVID vaccine (or subsequent booster) of its faculty, staff or students, but consistent with the recommendations from North Carolina’s Department of Health and Human Services we are encouraging them very strongly.

There are several non-GWU locations nearby including drugstores, pharmacies and clinics where you can get vaccinated. 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 vaccination or booster.

The Atrium Health Clinic on campus will continue to offer free testing for faculty, staff and students, subject to availability.

We will continue to follow the recommendations of health care professionals as well as national, state and local health officials. For details on our isolation policy and quarantine guidance you can review the CDC recommendations right here.

Booster Clinic

On Tuesday, February 15^th from 10:00 am – 1:00 pm, COVID booster vaccines will be given at the Atrium/Student Health Clinic on campus. The Moderna vaccine will be given, and the clinic will be open to faculty, staff and students by appointment. Family members of faculty and staff can also receive the vaccine at no charge. 

To schedule an appointment please contact Madison Parker, COVID-19 Case Manager, at [email protected] .

Current Data

As of February 2, Gardner-Webb is reporting 16 positive COVID cases among our students (15), and staff and faculty (01).  All of these individuals are all in isolation.

Please Take Your Symptoms Seriously

Any students (undergraduate, commuter, or graduate) with symptoms, or questions, remember to reach out immediately to Case Manager Madison Parker [email protected] or call (704.406.2504).

If you are a faculty or staff and you develop COVID symptoms, you should contact Barry Lane at [email protected] or (704.297.6988).

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.

Happy February, Runnin’ Bulldogs!