Dear Redhawks,

Seattle University, in consultation with public health experts, has determined that one of the best ways to stop the spread of COVID-19 is to have a comprehensive surveillance testing program so that we can quickly identify positive cases. Students who will be physically on-campus this quarter, including residential students and commuter students who need access to university facilities, are required to participate in this program. We have designed the testing program to run as efficiently as possible so that there is minimal disruption to your academic commitments while ensuring that we are doing everything we can to quickly stop the spread of COVID-19.

We understand it will take time to adjust to testing protocols and surveillance testing appointments, and we appreciate your participation in this important program.

Who is required to participate, and how often?

• Residential Students:Weekly testing appointment starting the week after arriving back onto campus. Residential students will have the same appointment day and time each week.
   
• Commuter Students:A random sample of 10% of commuter students who will be physically on-campus this quarter will be tested weekly. If you are a commuter student who has been selected for surveillance testing, you will receive an email with instructions on how to schedule an appointment for the following week.

Who is exempt from this requirement?  

• Recent Positive Test:Anyone who has tested positive for COVID-19 in the last 90 days is exempt. Participation in surveillance testing will start again after the 90-day window. If you have tested positive for COVID-19 in the past 90 days, please notify the Student Health Center at studenthealthcenter@seattleu.edu.
   
• Student-Athletes:Athletes will participate in mandatory testing through the sports medicine department.
   
• Virtual-Only:If you are taking all of your classes remotely and will not be physically on campus this quarter, you are not required to participate.

How will this requirement be enforced?

Because this program is an important part of our disease prevention efforts, students who fail to make or attend their testing appointments will be referred to the Office of Student Conduct & Integrity formation for follow up. Disciplinary action could include the loss of card access to campus buildings, restriction of campus access privileges, loss of residential “pod” privileges, and/or suspension from campus housing. We want to ensure that you can continue to access campus and to participate in university activities, so we hope that you will take action to comply with this testing requirement. It is our expectation to have 100% compliance so that these actions will not be necessary.

How do I sign up for my testing appointment?

You can find a step-by-step guide for making an appointment through your student health portal online. You can learn more about our surveillance testing program here: https://www.seattleu.edu/student-health/covid-19-testing/. The surveillance testing clinic is located on the 3rd level of the Murphy Garage.

If have any questions about this requirement or test scheduling, please contact the Student Health Center at studenthealthcenter@seattleu.edu.

Sincerely,

James Willette, Ph.D.
Associate Vice President & Dean of Students