Wednesday, February 03, 2021

Updated on 2/9/2021

On Feb. 8, UNCW will launch a COVID-19 surveillance testing program to supplement the robust health and safety measures already in place on campus to reduce the spread of the virus. The 3Ws, the physical spacing of furniture in campus buildings, limits on the size of gatherings, and extensive campus cleaning regimens will remain in place for the foreseeable future. Please wear face coverings indoors and outdoors. As a reminder, North Carolina is currently under a stay-at-home order in effect between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m. daily.

Please see the FAQ below for more details about the university’s surveillance testing.

 

Who is required to participate and how often will they be tested? 

Required Testing

• Residential students will be tested weekly, by appointment, beginning Feb. 8.
• Off-campus students taking in-person courses and/or courses with an in-person component (hybrid) will be tested every other week, by appointment, beginning Feb. 8.
• These tests must be performed on campus at the asymptomatic testing locations outlined below.

 

What other members of the UNCW campus community are encouraged to participate in testing?

Voluntary Testing

Off-campus students conducting research, working on campus, and regularly participating in other on-campus activities are all strongly encouraged to be tested.  

Faculty, staff and contractors working on campus are also strongly encouraged to be tested.

 

Are the tests free? 

Yes. There is no cost to be tested on campus.

 

What kind of test will be used for asymptomatic surveillance testing?

A rapid antigen test will be used. Testing typically takes fewer than 5 minutes. There is no waiting time after taking the sample.  If your results are negative, you will NOT be contacted. Participants with positive results will be contacted directly by the Student Health Center.  

 

What are the asymptomatic testing hours and locations?

Hours: 8:30-11:30 a.m. and 1:30-4:30 p.m., Monday-Friday
Note: The last appointments available within each timeframe are 11:15 a.m. and 4:15 p.m.

Locations: Warwick Center and the Mac Gym in the Student Recreation Center (enter off Walton Drive).  

 

How do I make an appointment?

Students required to participate in surveillance testing will receive an email with directions on how to sign up for an appointment.

Students, faculty, staff and contractors who want to participate in surveillance testing on a voluntary basis may register for an appointment window.

Faculty, staff and contractors, especially those working on campus, are highly encouraged to be tested. Please see this link for more information about how to sign up for voluntary surveillance testing.

What should I do if I have symptoms on my testing day? What if I know I have been exposed to a person with COVID-19?

Please DO NOT go to one of the asymptomatic testing locations.   

Students should contact the UNCW Student Health Center at 910.962.3280 to make an appointment for a free COVID-19 test.

Employees who are exhibiting COVID-19 symptoms should contact your own health care provider (let them know you have symptoms when making an appointment), notify your supervisor and then notify the UNCW Student Health Center at coronavirus@uncw.edu.

 

Noncompliance Information

Participation in required surveillance testing supports the university’s COVID-19 community health and safety standards, established to slow the spread of the virus. Students who fail to comply will be referred to the Dean of Students Office for possible violation of the Code of Student Conduct.  

 

Questions?

Please email coronavirus@uncw.edu for specific questions not previously answered.