REMINDER: Phase 3: Weekly Testing for Residence Hall Students

Dear Residence Hall Student,

Welcome Back to Campus!

• As you prepare for the start of spring semester, it is time to get into the routine of scheduling your weekly COVID-19 test.
• As you are aware from communications already sent,  weekly testing is part of our program of expanded COVID-19 testing for Spring Semester 2021.
• Weekly testing begins the week following your move-in test and every week thereafter through the week of April 11. The residence halls close on Saturday, April 17.

Scheduling your weekly COVID-19 test

Students must visit the CVS testing portal to schedule your next weekly testing appointment.

CVS scheduling tips:

• Use a computer/laptop/tablet instead of your phone 
• Log-in using your home zip code/date of birth (mm/dd/yyyy)
• Make sure you select the date you want from the drop down (note: the system only provides current day plus 2 days. CVS adds next day at midnight)
• Be sure to scroll all the way down when looking for appointments, the locations numbered 13-21 are sometimes missed!  
• You can test any day, Monday through Friday. You do not need to test on the same day each week. Just make sure you get tested weekly! 
• If you cannot login the CVS testing portal, please contact the COVID Response Team at covid@kent.edu.

COVID-19 Testing Location 

• COVID-19 testing for residence hall students will occur at the Ice Arena for the entire spring semester.
• Students must bring their FlashCard or another photo ID.

Exemptions from Testing 

Students may be exempt from move-in and/or weekly testing if:

• The student has tested positive for COVID-19 in the last 90 days. (Only a positive PCR or antigen test, collected within 90 days of a student’s move-in date, will qualify for this exemption. Antibody test results will not be accepted.)
• The student is currently in isolation or quarantine for COVID-19.
• The student has a disability that would preclude them from having the test done.
• The student is currently sick and unable to go to the testing facility. A clinician’s note will be required for proof of this illness.
• The student has a sincerely held religious belief prohibiting testing.

Students must request an exemption by emailing the COVID Response Team at covid@kent.edu.

• When requesting an exemption, please include your name, student ID number and reason for exemption. If that reason is a positive COVID-19 test within 90 days of move-in, you will need to include a copy of the lab/test results and/or a letter from your local health department stating that you have been released from quarantine.

If You Do Not Test 

COVID-19 testing is a requirement at Kent State University for specific students based on health and safety standards in accordance with University policy 5-14.2 and the University Housing contract as appropriate. If you are a student and you reside in university housing, you will be required to participate in COVID-19 testing.

• Questions can be sent to QI Housing Operations and Safety Coordinator Chelsea Knarr at cuhl3@kent.edu.  
• Students who fail to comply with weekly testing requirements may have their housing contract cancelled and/or be referred to the Office of Student Conduct for non-compliance.

Community Goal

Our community goal is to provide an environment in which all are safe to live, learn and work. We need your help to keep our communities safe!

• If you have questions regarding an exemption, please contact the COVID Response Team at covid@kent.edu.
• If you have questions regarding housing, please contact Chelsea Knarr, at cuhl3@kent.edu.

Sincerely,

Julie Volcheck
Assistant Vice President, Student Affairs
Director, University Health Services
 
Jill Jenkins
Executive Director, Residence Services