Dear Students,

We hope you had a happy and healthy holiday break.

As we start the spring semester, we want to inform you that the Utah System of Higher Education just released its COVID-19 Intensive Testing Plan in accordance with the state’s most recent Public Health Order, 2020-27. The plan uses a more efficient testing model to mitigate coronavirus spread while allowing greater flexibility for universities and less disruption for students. 

As we all do our part to slow the spread of COVID-19, we hope this message will help you understand what the new testing guidelines mean for you and UVU.

 

Testing for students registered in face-to-face classes spring term:  

Students taking one or more face-to-face courses on campus during the spring semester are asked to participate in the following testing.

Re-entry testing

Students are asked to take a free COVID-19 test within the first two weeks of spring semester 2021. Our goal is to have all students with in-person classes tested by January 25. These rapid-result tests will allow for detection and mitigation of the virus's transmission as everyone returns to campus after the holidays. The non-invasive nasal swab tests are available in the Sorensen Student Center Ballroom during the following times:

• • Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
  • Wednesday: 9 a.m. – 7 p.m.
  • Saturday testing begins on January 9, between 9 a.m. and noon, and will continue throughout the semester.

In addition, for those students experiencing symptoms of COVID-19, UVU will offer drive-thru testing beginning January 11. The same rapid-result tests will be utilized in lot L10, by the CB building, between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Please make an appointment for all testing services. Photo identification and your university ID number are required.

 

Randomized testing

Asymptomatic students enrolled in courses on campus may also be invited to participate in testing periodically throughout the semester as part of a plan developed by the Utah System of Higher Education and approved by the Utah Department of Health. Those selected will be notified by email. The goal is to understand infection trends to protect our campus community.

Some groups of students — including those enrolled in programs that require specialty labs; programs where social distancing is not possible; and those participating in sporting events — will be tested more frequently.

 

Close contact tracing

UVU will continue to conduct contact tracing and case investigations to identify (as much as possible) all on-campus close contacts of those who test positive for COVID-19. All close contacts will be notified of their exposure and directed to quarantine and test per state protocols. UVU will test close contacts seven days after their exposure.

 

Testing exceptions

Students who tested positive for COVID-19 in the past 90 days and those who have already been fully vaccinated for the virus (and have passed the three-week period after the second dose) do not need to be tested.

 

We ask that all students who are invited to participate in the free testing on campus do so. While there are no academic penalties for non-participation, it’s important that we all do everything we can to slow the spread of COVID-19. Until vaccinations are available to everyone, testing, social distancing, practicing good health hygiene, and wearing a mask are our best defense. By working together, we can continue to keep each other safe.

Thank you.

Wayne Vaught
Provost & VP of Academic Affairs

Val Peterson
Vice President of Finance & Administration