Friday, December 31, 2021

Updated on January 6, 2022: Vaccinations and boosters for UNCW students, faculty and staff will be available Friday, Saturday and Sunday (January 7-9) during Return-to-Campus Testing hours in the MAC Gym while supplies last. See hours below.

The university’s leadership team has closely monitored the development of the Omicron variant during winter break. Based on emerging public health guidance, UNCW will require all residential students as well as unvaccinated faculty, staff and students learning and working on campus for the spring 2022 semester to participate in return-to-campus testing before coming to campus for the first time in January. Using the same guidance, UNCW also will require Seahawks in these groups to provide proof of a negative COVID test (PCR or rapid antigen) within the past 3 days, a change from the previously announced 5 days. 

Residential Students must show   

• Proof of a previous positive test in the past 90 days or  
• Proof of a negative COVID test within the past 3 days  
• OR get tested on campus before you move in, attend class, or begin work  

Unvaccinated faculty, staff and students learning and working on campus must show   

• Proof of a previous positive test in the past 90 days or  
• Proof of a negative COVID test within the past 3 days  
• OR get tested on campus before you move in, attend class, or begin work  

Submit Vaccination Records or Previous Positive Test Results to Student Health  
Students, faculty and staff who have not yet submitted their vaccination records or previous positive test results can email a copy to coronavirus@uncw.edu or drop one off at any of the testing sites.   

• People that have not already submitted their information may email it before they arrive on campus or bring it to one of the testing sites.   
• Emailed information must be received by noon the day before arriving on campus to receive an emailed clearance letter by the next day. Those arriving over the weekend will need to submit their information by Friday at noon.   
• If you have already submitted proof of vaccination or a previous positive test, you do not need to do so again. Faculty, staff and students who already have their information on file will receive a clearance letter in the first week of January. This includes individuals who already lived, worked or learned on campus in 2021-22. 
• Student Health will issue clearance letters via campus email or in-person at the testing sites to confirm that recipients have met the return-to-campus requirements. Please be prepared to show your clearance letter if asked. 

Return-to-Campus Testing will occur in Warwick Ballroom 4  

• Tuesday, January 4 from 8:30-11:30 a.m. and 1-4:30 p.m.  
• Wednesday, January 5 from 8:30-11:30 a.m. and 1-4:30 p.m.  
• Thursday, January 6 from 8:30-11:30 a.m. and 1-4:30 p.m.  
• Friday, January 7 from 8:30-11:30 a.m. and 1-4:30 p.m.  
• Saturday, January 8 from 10 a.m.-6 p.m.  
• Sunday, January 9 from 1-6 p.m.  

Return-to-Campus Testing will also occur in the MAC Gym   

• Friday, January 7 from 8:30-11:30 a.m. and 1-4:30 p.m.  
• Saturday, January 8 from 10 a.m.-6 p.m.  
• Sunday, January 9 from 1-6 p.m.  

Please allow at least 45 minutes to be tested and receive your result and your clearance letter.   

Updated on January 6: Vaccinations and boosters for UNCW students, faculty and staff will be available Friday, Saturday and Sunday (January 7-9) during Return-to-Campus Testing hours in the MAC Gym while supplies last.  

Surveillance Testing  
Surveillance testing starts on Monday, January 10 and will serve as return-to-campus testing for those who arrive January 10 or later. Surveillance testing is Monday-Thursday from 8:30-11:30 a.m. and 1-4:30 p.m. in Warwick Ballroom 4 and Veterans Hall, Room 1012. As a reminder, all unvaccinated faculty, staff and students must complete surveillance testing weekly. 

Living, Learning and Working on Campus 
Indoor face coverings will be required for students, faculty, staff and campus visitors regardless of vaccination status as we begin the spring semester. We are maintaining this extra safety precaution as part of our efforts to reduce the spread of COVID-19. Residential students are not expected to wear a face covering when in their assigned residential space. As a reminder, residential students should routinely monitor their campus inboxes for information from Housing and Residence Life. 

Events and Activities, including Athletics 
At this point, campus activities and events will continue as planned with face coverings required at all indoor events. We will assess the impact of COVID-19 on activities and events once the semester begins and communicate information about any changes, if needed. Please see uncwsports.com for the latest information from UNCW Athletics. 

Continue to Wear Face Coverings, Wash Hands and Stay Home When Sick 
Vaccines, boosters and COVID-19 testing provide us with important tools to combat the pandemic, but diligently practicing other preventative measures will be just as important this spring as it has been for nearly two years. Remember to wear a face covering, wash your hands frequently, and stay home when you are sick. These strategies are essential parts of our prevention plan to reduce the spread of the virus, including new strains that have emerged or may emerge. 

In UNCW’s ongoing effort to navigate the pandemic, the university’s leadership team will continue to consider several factors when making decisions to alter COVID-19 guidance, including CDC, NCDHHS and UNC System policies; the level of transmission in North Carolina; and the overall vaccination rate in our state. Please continue to review your campus inboxes, the UNCW homepage and Best for the Nest for updates.  

Thank you for your remarkable patience and grace as the campus community continues to maneuver around challenges caused by the pandemic. Please contact Student Health at coronavirus@uncw.edu with any questions.