Gardner-Webb University (GWU) Academics and Unique Programs

Academics

Gardner-Webb University is based in Boiling Springs, North Carolina, just 40 miles west of Charlotte. The main campus sits on 200 beautiful acres, and there are an additional sixteen satellite campuses throughout the state. This institution is unique because it is a private religiously-centered school with ties to the Baptist Church. As such, Gardner-Webb places much emphasis on Christian principles and Christian values. Gardner-Webb is dedicated to higher education that mingles scholarship with a Christian life. The school offers several majors and minors to choose from including a plethora of disciplines grounded in the liberal arts.

Gardner University offers associates, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctorate‘s degrees. The University has over 15 different departments and schools, which include but are not limited to the Music and Fine Arts Department, Mathematics, Natural Sciences Department, School of Nursing, World languages and the School of Divinity.

Gardner is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of colleges to award Associates, Baccalaureate, Master’s degrees and Doctorates.

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Information Summary

Ranks 19th in North Carolina and 652nd overall. See the entire top 2,000 colleges and universities list
Overall Score (about)	84.8
Total Cost On-Campus Attendance	$46,420
Admission Success rate	N/A
ACT / SAT 75%ile scores	24 / 1180
Student Ratio Students-to-Faculty	11 : 1
Retention (full-time / part-time)	76% / N/A
Enrollment Total (all students)	3,598

Unique Programs

There are several special academic programs that Gardner-Webb offers, including:

The Noel program aids students with physical or mental disabilities. The student is assigned a disability specialist who works alongside them while they are attending Gardner Webb. The disability specialist works close to the student while assisting them with taking notes, tutoring and other academic functions. They are allowed to have extended test time and whatever technology is needed to enhance their performance according to their disability. The students’ disability specialists are important because they help the student learn good study skills and helpful test taking strategies.

The program for the visually impaired gives orientation and mobility training to students and the audio-visual department on campus provides technology to all students.

The program for the deaf and hard of hearing provides interpreters for classes, theater productions and campus activities. Video phones and special fire alarms and door bells are placed in the dormitories as well.

The Learning Assistance Program is geared towards those who may have a challenge with transitioning to college. They receive help through tutors and other material that is made available.

The GOAL program, which stands for Greater Opportunity for Adult Learners, is for the adult student who wishes to receive a baccalaureate degree.

The high school senior program is for high school seniors who wish to attend college while still in high school to receive credits towards a degree. Parental consent is required.

The honors program is for academically gifted students. This program offers challenging opportunities for the student. The ROTC program offers courses in military science and leadership for the student.

The YMCA Professional Studies program offers assistance on how to prepare students for a career with nonprofit companies.

The Study Abroad program encourages students to travel abroad while receiving an education. Gardner-Webb participates with many schools in other countries. Those schools are in England, Costa Rica, Sweden, Switzerland, South Korea, France, Spain, Hong Kong, Malta and Germany.

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Financial Aid

Gardner-Webb encourages students to apply for financial aid early. In order for Gardner to receive and process a financial aid request, the student must first be admitted into Gardner-Webb. To secure financial aid the student must complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal student Aid) If a student has problems or concerns with completing the form, admissions counselors are able to help. Once the request for financial aid has been received and processed by the government the student will receive a SAR or Student Aid Report, at that time, Gardner-Webb will be notified and will be able to process an award package.

Student Financial Aid Details

Ranks 3019th for the average student loan amount.
Secrets to getting the best scholarships and financial aid in North Carolina.

Students

The majority of students at Gardner-Webb live in the residence halls or on campus apartments. The cost of living on campus depends on what the student chooses, residence hall living, single room residence hall living, suite living or apartment living.

Gardner-Webb University offers many different activities for its students to participate in, from student government to campus recreation to community engagement. These activities among others are ongoing and provide an outlet for students. Students are not just limited to what the university offers; as many students start their own clubs and organizations through the office of student leadership and activities. Some of the most well known organizations on campus are the honor society clubs. These clubs allow memberships based on academic achievement, leadership and citizenship. There is something available to fit each student’s interest like the psychology club, the French club, the outdoors explorers club, religious based organizations, choirs and a host of other activities. The Student Government Association also known as the SGA promotes and encourages students to actively become involved in extracurricular activities which in turn will enhance interaction between faculty members and other students.

Gardner also believes in the welfare of its students as it offers counseling services for academic concerns, career concerns, and for personal and mental health as well. Career services are another service offered to the students of Gardner. This service provides a route to exploring different career opportunities for the student and discussing it with a career advisor. The career center offers resume writing assistance and promotes career fairs for the students development.

Student Enrollment Demographics

Student Graduation Demographics

Athletics

Athletics is an important part of student life at Gardner. The institution is very proud of their football team, the running bulldogs, many apply to the school for both its academia and school spirited athletic nature. There are different sports available for students to chose from, basketball, soccer, golf, tennis, track and field and much more. Gardner-Webb University fully respects its athletic department and supports its rules and regulations to ensure its continuous success.The school believes in both academic and athletic excellence, and abides by the National Collegiate Athletic Association.

Additional School Information

The school was named after North Carolinas’ former (1930) Governor and his wife, Max Gardner and Faye Webb Gardner. This university works to achieve leadership from examples set before them.

Bibliography

Gardner-Webb University. Information. Web. 21 May 2011.
Gardner-Webb University. Athletics. Web. 21 May 2011.
Gardner-Webb University. Admissions. Web. 21 May 2011.

Gardner-Webb University