The purpose of this communication is to provide information about the prearrival testing requirement and general information about the Wofford community’s return to campus in January.

As announced in November’s town hall meetings, the first week of spring semester classes (Jan. 4-8) will be held virtually, move-in will be delayed until Jan. 6 and spread over several days. All members of the campus community will be required to submit a negative COVID-19 test administered between Jan. 4 and Jan. 10.
  • Residential students must provide a negative test before returning to residence halls.
  • Commuting students must provide a negative test by noon on Saturday, Jan. 9.
  • Faculty and staff working on campus for the spring term must provide a negative test before in-person classes begin Jan. 11.
  • Students, faculty and staff working remotely with no plans of physically returning to campus will not be required to submit a test.

LOCATE A TESTING SITE

While away from campus, begin to research where you can be tested before returning to campus. You can visit the HHS coronavirus hub to locate testing sites near you or simply search “COVID tests in my area” online to locate the sites. If your local testing site requires an appointment, make it sooner rather than later to guarantee your spot. If you have difficulty finding testing locations near you, contact the Wellness Center no later than Dec. 21 for assistance.

As you locate a local testing site, be aware of the following:
  • You may submit either a rapid test or a PCR test to satisfy this requirement. You can learn more about the basics of testing and types of tests available by visiting the FDA’s test information center.
  • Tests must be administered on or after Jan. 4. Tests dated before Jan. 4 will not be accepted.

RETURN TO CAMPUS PROCEDURES

RESIDENTIAL STUDENTS. Students returning to live in on-campus housing should plan to adhere to the following procedure:
  1. Sign up for a specific move-in time with the Office of Residence Life. Residential students will receive an email from Residence Life with a sign-up link and more detailed move-in information. Move-in slots will be available between Wednesday, Jan. 6 and Sunday, Jan. 10.
  2. Submit a negative COVID-19 test at least 24 hours before your selected move-in slot. You may submit your test result to the Wellness Center Patient Portal using the Upload button.

If you have tested positive between Oct. 13 and Dec. 28, you may provide that test result with the date to the Wellness Center staff. The Wellness Center staff will follow up individually with specific guidance.

If your January COVID-19 test is positive, you MAY NOT return to campus to move-in to your residence hall or attend classes on campus until your isolation period has ended. Once you upload your test result, a Wellness Center staff member will reach out with specific guidance. Faculty will be notified of your isolation status, and you may be asked to provide the names of close contacts within the Wofford community for contact tracing purposes.

Students will not be allowed to move in until cleared by the Wellness Center. Students who return to campus without appropriate clearance may lose on-campus housing privileges.
  1. Wait for your confirmation. Students must receive a confirmation email from the Wellness Center before moving in.
  2. Move-in to your residence hall room or apartment.

COMMUTING STUDENTS. To attend on-campus classes Jan. 11, commuting students must submit a negative COVID test no later than noon on Saturday, Jan. 9. The test should be uploaded to the Wellness Center Patient Portal using the Upload button.

STUDENT-ATHLETES. NCAA guidelines will be followed for COVID-19 testing per guidelines from the Department of Sports Medicine. The Sports Medicine Staff will track your results and inform the Wellness Center of any positive results.

INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS. International students will receive a letter outlining testing requirements. If you are unable to test before returning, contact the Wellness Center before Dec. 21 for specific guidance.

FAQs

WHAT IF I ALREADY TESTED POSITIVE? If you have tested positive between Oct. 13 and Dec. 28, you may provide that test result with the date to the Wellness Center staff. The Wellness Center staff will follow up individually with specific guidance.

WHAT IF I TEST POSITIVE BEFORE I RETURN? If your COVID-19 test is positive, you MAY NOT return to campus to move into your residence hall or attend classes on campus until your isolation period has ended. Once you upload your test result, a staff member will reach out with specific guidance. Faculty will be notified of your isolation status, and you may be asked to provide the names of close contacts within the Wofford community for contact tracing purposes.

WHAT IF I DON’T FOLLOW THESE PROCEDURES? Individuals who do not abide by these procedures or return without appropriate clearance will be sanctioned appropriately. Students may lose the right to live and/or study on Wofford’s campus.

WHO CAN I CONTACT IF I HAVE QUESTIONS? Questions regarding testing, symptoms or return to campus plans can be sent to covid@wofford.edu. Questions regarding campus housing can be sent to reslife@wofford.edu.

#WOFFORDTOGETHER

Wofford’s plans to be in person can only be as strong as our individual and collective commitment to each other. We are grateful for your continued patience, understanding and cooperation in ensuring that our campus community remains safe and healthy as we begin the new semester. We are in this together and eagerly look forward to your return soon!