Stop The Spread: Entry Testing FAQ
Feb. 2 testing
Students needing to test can use this link to sign up for testing at The Union (Warren Hall) on Feb. 2.
Arriving after Feb. 2
If you need to test after Feb. 2, please follow these options:
Option 1: Test at home
- You must provide 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. Your written verification of completed test results should include: date and time of test, name, type of test and the result.
- Bring the test results to your Hall Director to be verified.
- If you have any questions, please email res-life@jmu.edu.
Option 2: Test through the University Health Center (UHC)
- You will need to schedule an appointment at UHC. Please call 540-568-6178 to schedule an appointment. We recommend you schedule 72 hours prior to your arrival. Appointment times are limited. If you were scheduled for Sunday entry testing, you should let them know as you make your appointment.
- This appointment is for testing only, NOT verification of at-home results.
If you have any questions about the process, please email vpstudentaffairs@jmu.edu.
General information
What is entry testing and why is JMU doing it?
Entry testing is universal screening, one-time testing (i.e. testing a campus population at one point in time, such as at the beginning of the semester).
Recent communication from the CDC indicates that a strategy of entry screening combined with regular serial testing might prevent or reduce transmission by increasing the timeliness of outbreak detection and response by rapidly identifying and isolating COVID-19 cases that would have otherwise gone undetected without testing. In a higher education setting, with frequent movement of faculty, staff and students between the university and the community, implementation of mitigation strategies (e.g., social distancing, masks, hand hygiene, enhanced cleaning and disinfection) should go along with any of the various testing strategies.
When and where is entry testing?
Updated: 2:40 p.m., Monday, Feb. 1
Feb. 2 testing
Students needing to test can use this link to sign up for testing at The Union (Warren Hall) on Feb. 2.
Arriving after Feb. 2
If you need to test after Feb. 2, please follow these options:
Option 1: Test at home
- You must provide 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. Your written verification of completed test results should include: date and time of test, name, type of test and the result.
- Bring the test results to your Hall Director to be verified.
- If you have any questions, please email res-life@jmu.edu.
Option 2: Test through the University Health Center (UHC)
- You will need to schedule an appointment at UHC. Please call 540-568-6178 to schedule an appointment. We recommend you schedule 72 hours prior to your arrival. Appointment times are limited. If you were scheduled for Sunday entry testing, you should let them know as you make your appointment.
- This appointment is for testing only, NOT verification of at-home results.
If you have any questions about the process, please email vpstudentaffairs@jmu.edu.
Who participates in entry testing?
Why is entry testing only for students who live on campus?
How do I sign up for a testing time?
If you have not yet registered your online student ticket account, click “Register” and then enter your nine-digit student ID number to activate your account. If you have previously registered your account, enter your log-in credentials to sign in.
Once logged in, click the COVID-19 Entry Testing Program option to view available dates.
Select the date and then select from the drop-down menu which time window you wish to arrive. Please note when you are selecting a time that you will be assigned a specific entrance to use.
Add to cart and then follow steps to complete your reservation.
If you need assistance scheduling your appointment or if you need to reschedule your appointment, you should call (540) 568-3853 or email athletic-ticket@jmu.edu.
Will I have to pay for the entry testing?
Appointments
Who should I contact if I am having trouble signing up?
What if I cannot make or if I miss my appointment time?
Students have the option to change their appointment via the ticketing link up to 10 a.m. the morning of their appointment.
If a student is running late, they will need to call (540) 568-3853 or email athletic-ticket to reschedule their testing time on the day of their appointment, they should call (540) 568-3853 or email athletic-ticket@jmu.edu.
Who do I contact if I need to reschedule my appointment?
If students need to reschedule their appointment, they should call (540) 568-3853 or email athletic-ticket@jmu.edu between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. M-F.
What if I do not schedule a testing appointment?
Students who do not schedule an appointment by 8 a.m. on Jan. 28 will have their JACard deactivated. Student will not be able to access their residence hall, meal plan, or UREC. Once students complete entry testing in the Convocation Center, they can show their results before they exit. Staff will be able to reactive JACard Access before they leave.
What if I do not attend entry testing?
Testing specifics
We will perform entry testing with an Abbott BinaxNOW COVID-19 Ag Card. The test is performed on a self-collected nasal swab. You can view how to collect the specimen at this link then view module #3.
The BinaxNOW COVID-19 Ag Card is a type of test called an antigen test. Antigen tests are designed to detect proteins from the virus that causes COVID-19 in respiratory specimens, for example nasal swabs. It is a reliable, highly portable tool for detecting active coronavirus infections.
Potential risks include possible discomfort or other complications that can happen during sample collection, which could include a possible nosebleed.
Do I have to quarantine after I take my entry test?
What if I’ve received the vaccine?
Can my family come in with me?
What happens if I receive a positive result during entry testing?
Students with symptoms and a positive test will be presumed to have COVID-19 and will need to isolate for 10 days from onset of the symptoms. Students who have no symptoms and test positive will have a rapid PCR test performed to determine if the initial test is valid. Final decisions in this latter case will be made based on the PCR results. At that time, if the student is diagnosed as positive, it will be recommended that the student return home. There will be staff members from the Office of Residence Life on site to assist in this step of the process.
Testing at home, prior to arrival
If I test at home before arrival, what are the requirements?
Do I need an appointment at the Convocation Center?
You will still need to sign up for a testing slot and report to the Convocation Center with verification upon your arrival to campus. A staff member will review your verification at the test site and provide you with documentation if accepted. It is possible that you will need to test at the Convocation Center if your test results do not meet specified guidelines.
What do I need to bring to Convocation Center?
You should bring written verification of a completed test results. This test can be 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 you will be excused from this testing.
Your written verification of completed test results should include: date and time of test, name, type of test, and the result.
Is the time requirements for performed test or completed test?
Both. You should have performed the test AND received results within the allotted time frames.
Moving In
Can I move my stuff in before I go get tested?
When do I move into my residence hall?
I am a new student. Do I have a specific move-in time?
New students do not have a specific move-in date. They will sign up for entry testing at a time that fits their schedule. Upon completion, they will move-in to their residence hall.
How do I get my key and JACard?
You will receive information from Residence Life for room key pick up.
If you are arriving on Monday – Friday, you can pick up your JACard at the Card Services between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. If you are arriving Saturday or Sunday, you can use Mobile ID for meal plans. If you need a temporary JACard to enter your residence hall, contact Residence Life.
Specific Populations
What if I recently tested positive for COVID-19?
All students living on campus are required to complete entry testing, even if they have previously tested positive. Prior COVID-19 infection does not prevent you from becoming infected again and possibly spreading the virus. For this reason, we are testing everyone who lives on campus. This test will not give a false positive result due to a prior COVID-19 infection.
We are using the BinaxNOW cards which is an antigen detecting test. Students should not test positive on this test if they have been previous in the past since it is a different type of test than the PCR. However, if you do test positive, we have a medical staff member on site who will meet with you to review your results. It is helpful if you bring documentation of your previous positive result. Our medical professional will walk through this with you and evaluate all the information provided before making a diagnosis.
What about Resident Advisors (RAs)?
Do athletes have to participate?
I am a new student, how does entry testing impact orientation?
We encourage student to schedule an appointment on Friday or early Saturday. There are events all weekend https://www.jmu.edu/orientation/1787.shtml that the student can participate in. For more information about spring move-in, visit https://www.jmu.edu/orl/housing/first-year.shtml#spring-movein.
What if I am arriving to campus early?
What if I am arriving to campus at a later date?
Preparing for your return to campus
What steps should I take to be fully prepared for entry testing?
- Self-quarantine for 8 days prior to return to minimize the risk of getting COVID-19.
- Download and sign in to the NAVICA APP, available for free in your APP store.
- Watch the video on how to collect a self-obtained nasal swab specimen (Module 3 at this link).
- To minimize risk of having to return home to isolate if you test positive, consider being tested shortly before leaving home.
- If you have any symptoms of COVID-19, be tested and have your results before leaving home.
- Anyone who is in isolation or quarantine at home must complete this before returning to campus.
Where can I find the instructional videos?
