Share this Story
COVID-19 Testing Required for Students Returning to Campus
Those attending on-campus classes this fall will be required to submit a negative test result
University News | July 23, 2020
Virginia Wesleyan University President Scott D. Miller shared the following message with VWU students and parents on July 23 regarding required COVID-19 testing for all students returning to campus in August:
As you know, COVID-19 is a rapidly evolving situation and the Virginia Wesleyan University Emergency Response Team is adapting plans regularly to meet safety guidelines from local, state and national health organizations.
Based upon recommendations from state and local health officials and to best protect our campus community, the University is now requiring ALL students who will be attending on-campus classes full or part time this fall to submit a negative COVID-19 test result. To clarify, this means all day, evening and weekend students who will be present on campus at any time throughout the semester. Students should also quarantine at home for 14 days prior to returning to campus and remain vigilant in social distancing, use of face coverings, and frequent hand washing. Students who do not submit negative test results will not be allowed on campus.
All students must email a scanned copy of official test results to covidsafe@vwu.edu 14 days prior to a student's expected return to campus to allow for an adequate quarantine period. For example, students scheduled to return to campus on August 20th must submit test results no sooner than August 6th. Test results will remain confidential.
Students that test positive must:
- Self-isolate at home.
- Consult a medical professional immediately.
- Notify the University by email at covidsafe@vwu.edu.
- Students may return to in-person classes after they have retested and can submit a negative result or after quarantining for at least 10 days beyond the first positive test or the onset of symptoms (if symptoms have improved and the student remains fever free without medication). More information is available here.
- Academic accommodations will be made and remote and/or synchronous instruction will be available for those unable to attend live classes.
Please visit the CDC website for more information about COVID-19 testing and to locate a testing site near you. Testing is covered by most insurance plans and low- or no-cost testing may be available at select CVS Health, Kroger, Rite Aid, Walgreens, and Walmart locations.
Difficult decisions such as these are made with our community's safety in mind. We know these are challenging times with details and information often changing by the day, and we appreciate your patience and support through this important process.
More information is available on the University's COVID-19 resource page.