Final entry testing details

Fellow Dukes,

It’s almost time! We’ll soon be welcoming you back to campus so here are a few reminders:

All students living on campus must make an appointment to go to the Convocation Center before returning to their residence hall. This includes students who are choosing to test at home prior to returning.

The testing process is expected to take around one hour. You will wait at the Convocation Center for your results and then move into your residence hall as soon as you receive your test result (if it’s negative).

Need to reschedule or running late?
If you need to change or reschedule your appointment due to a change in travel plans or inclement weather, you can call (540) 568-3853 or email athletic-ticket@jmu.edu. If inclement weather pushes your arrival date after Jan. 31, please email vpstudentaffairs@jmu.edu.

If you are running late, still come to the Convocation Center as soon as you get here. If it is after 6 p.m., please reschedule for the next day.

If you miss your appointment, you will need to schedule a new appointment for a remaining time and day. Please go to Student.JMUTickets.com and login using your Student ID. Your JACard will be deactivated until you complete the testing.

Preparing for testing

• Be sure you have your JACard or other photo ID.
• Bring your phone with the Navica app and your profile set up. This is very important and will cause a longer wait if you don’t have this done. If you don’t have a phone that can use the app, please let us know when you check in.
• Arrive at the Convocation Center within your time slot (ex. If you signed up for 2 – 3 p.m. you can show up any time between 2 and 3 p.m.)
• To maintain physical distancing, only students being tested are allowed in the testing site. Family members and others traveling with you must remain in the car while parked in the lot. Restrooms will be available for them at entrance A; masks must be worn when entering the building.

At your testing appointment

• Enter through the entrance designated on your ticket.
• Your ticket will be scanned as you enter. You must have the Navica app and log-in created to enter.
• Go to a check-in table to pick up your labels.
• If you tested at home, you will enter the verification line. Please have your written verification of a negative COVID-19 rapid antigen test performed within 24 hours of arrival on campus OR a negative PCR test obtained within 48 hours of arriving on campus to be excused from this testing.
• If you are testing on-site, you will proceed to the testing stations to self-administer your test. A volunteer will be available if you have questions. To be best prepared for the test, take a few minutes to view these instructional videos. Modules 1 - 4 and Module 6 are recommended.
• Have a seat to wait for results (approx. 15 – 20 minutes).
• Results will be sent to your phone through the Navica app. If you do not have a phone you will return to the testing station about 20-30 minutes after your test to receive results and a signed form if negative.
• Show the negative result at the exit to leave (either the phone app or signed note).

If you test positive
You will be escorted by a volunteer to meet with a staff member from the University Health Center for follow-up testing. The UHC will then determine if you must isolate.

• Since the Stop the Spread Agreement asks everyone to quarantine for eight days prior to returning to campus and to follow all the CDC recommendations for preventing COVID-19, you will be asked to return home for the 10-day isolation period if it is determined that you are positive.
• If you have extenuating circumstances that will prevent you from returning home, please note that in the question on the sign-up form.

Testing positive before arrival
If you have symptoms, test positive before arrival to campus, or are quarantining due to possible exposure do not return to campus at this time. Please follow these instructions:

• Take care of yourself and rest so you can feel better soon!
• Review these tips from the University Health Center:
• Cancel your appointment for entry testing via an email to athletic-ticket@jmu.edu.
• Email vpstudentaffairs@jmu.edu 48 hours prior to when you plan to return and whether you are choosing to test with us or at-home. We can arrange for your JACard to be reactivated and get you set up with testing or someone to verify your results.
• Self-report to the health center (click on forms after logging in to MyJMUChart).

More information
For more information on COVID-19 entry testing, please visit the Stop the Spread FAQ. For questions email vpstudentaffairs@jmu.edu.

If you have questions about move-in, email res-life@jmu.edu or call (540) 568-4663.

And one final reminder — your test result is for that moment when you were tested. Testing negative for the virus does not mean you no longer need to follow the prevention strategies of wearing a mask, staying in your social bubble and avoiding large gatherings. Please continue to do your part to keep us all safe.

We’re looking forward to seeing you soon!