Gardner–Webb University

Academics and accreditation

Gardner-Webb is a liberal arts college that focuses on teaching its students how to think logically about a wide range of subjects and how to communicate their ideas confidently and without confusion. Gardner-Webb has 16 departments and schools including the Godbold School of Business, Communication Studies Department, The School of Education, English Department, Music and Fine Arts Department, Mathematics Department, Natural Sciences Department, The School of Nursing, The School of Psychology, Physical Education-Wellness and Sports Studies Department, Religious Studies Department, Social Sciences Department, World Languages Department and the School of Divinity. Within these departments and schools the university offers 60 majors and 45 minors.

Gardner–Webb University is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools to award Associate, Baccalaureate, Master’s degrees and Doctorates.^[3]

In addition several departmental programs are accredited by the appropriate state or national agencies. The Education program is accredited by the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction and the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE). The Music and Nursing programs are accredited respectively by the National Association of Schools of Music and the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission. The School of Divinity is accredited by the Association of Theological Schools of the United States and Canada. The Athletic Training Program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP). The School of Business is accredited by the Association of Collegiate Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP). The University is authorized by the immigration authorities of the United States for the training of foreign students.

[edit]Guest-speaker series

Dimensions is the University's weekly guest-speaker series; Dimensions counts as a 1/2 credit course per semester. Full-time students are required to attend a minimum of ten sessions of Dimensions for six semesters. Part-time students are required to earn the 1/2 credit for Dimensions for every fifteen hours in which they are enrolled at the University until a minimum of three semesters worth of Dimensions credits have been earned. Failure to attend all ten sessions with result with no credit. During Dimensions time there are no classes that take session.

[edit]Special academic programs

Gardner-Webb offers several special academic programs; some of these include the NOEL program, the Program for the blind and visually impaired, deaf and hard of hearing, learning assistance, GOAL program, high school seniors, Honors program, ROTC, YMCA, and the study abroad programs.

The NOEL Program aids students with physical or mental disabilities. Students in the NOEL program are assigned to a disability specialist who works with the students while they attend Gardner-Webb. These students are assisted through note takers, interpreters, lab assistants and tutors. They are allowed extended testing time, and technology adapted to their disability. Their disability specialist helps them to achieve good study skills and helpful test-taking strategies.

The Program for the visually impaired gives orientation and mobility training to students to make the transition to Gardner-Webb. The audiovisual department, located in the campus library, provides technology and special equipment for all students.

The Program for the deaf and hard of hearing provided qualified interpreters for classes, campus activities and theatrical productions. Dorm buildings are equipped with specialized fire alarms and doorbell mechanism. Video phones are available for deaf students or students with deaf relatives.

The Learning assistance programs are available to students who need help to make the transition to college-level work. They may receive help through tutoring or other materials that help fit the student’s needs. The program offers interdictory level classes in reading, writing, and mathematics.

The GOAL (greater opportunity for adult learners) program offers majors for adult students who wish to continue their baccalaureate degree.

The High school seniors program is for upcoming high school students interested in completing their senior year while attending college classes and earning college credits. This program requires parental consent.

The Honors program is for academically gifted students. The program provides challenging opportunities for students.

The Army ROTC program offers courses in military science and leadership opportunities. There is no charge for participating in this program.

The YMCA professional studies program is a culmination of the Cleveland County YMCA and the Gardner-Webb Student YMCA. The program helps undergraduate students get ready for non-profit careers.

The Study abroad program highly advocates for undergraduates to explore new educational experiences in other countries. Gardner-Webb participates with schools in Costa Rica, England, Switzerland, Sweden, South Korea, France, Spain, Hong Kong, Malta and Germany.

[edit]Student life

Gardner–Webb University is home to many school-wide events. At the beginning of the school year, returning students come back a week early and act as big brothers and big sisters for the upcoming freshmen. During orientation week, students gather in their orientation groups and complete activities together. Later, these orientation groups become the freshmen student's University 111 class, a class intended to introduce students to the University and how it works.

Homecoming is a time of celebration at GWU. Central to Homecoming Weekend is the parade down Main Street in Boiling Springs. The weekend is full of special meals for alumni and students. One of the most popular traditions at Gardner-Webb is centered around the Friday night before the big Homecoming game. Students virtually "destroy" campus with rolls of toilet paper. The activity that is now condoned by administration is a major part of Gardner-Webb tradition. Although some students believe that it is a waste of time and toilet paper, most enjoy and partake in this tried-and-true Homecoming event. Others question the logic of toilet papering one's own campus.