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Important Required Covid Testing Information

In order to provide a safe campus environment we continue to encourage vaccination against COVID-19, wearing masks while indoors and good hygiene. Our robust surveillance testing program is an added measure to keeping our campus safe through identification, separation of positives and contact tracing for those who remain unvaccinated or who are partially vaccinated for COVID-19. Should there be a cluster outbreak in an area, surveillance testing will be conducted on all persons within the cluster-area regardless of vaccination status.

COVID Pooled Testing:

The university will be conducting ongoing surveillance testing throughout the Fall semester for both students and employees who are asymptomatic and unvaccinated/partially vaccinated. This will be accomplished through pooled testing.

Pooled testing involves extracting a small sample from each testing vial and placing it into a “pool” with other tests, then run as a singular test. As per laboratory recommendation, there are 16 people in a pool. The pooled PCR test will pick up on any COVID viral RNA in the pooled sample. If the pool is negative then everyone in the pool is assumed negative. However if the pool is positive, one or more people in the pool are positive. The lab will then automatically test each sample individually in the pool to determine who is positive; this is called reflex testing. Pooled testing produces accurate results in a safe and efficient manner.

Testing will be conducted using a PCR self-swab nasal test. Our campus community has two designated zones; (1) General population students/staff and (2) Athletic Department students/staff. The 16-person pools will be separated by zone. The University will assume the cost of surveillance testing. The person’s health insurance will be billed by the laboratory for costs associated with reflex testing and symptomatic testing.

Students and employees will be able to view test results online via their account. Results are expected within 24 to 48 hours from receipt of the specimen in the laboratory. Positive results will continue to be contacted by Health Services and the respective COVID Response, and Tracing teams.

COVID Testing Centers

Magill Lounge

Magill Lounge is the Fall 2021 site for COVID surveillance testing for the General population students/staff.

  • Who uses this site:
    • General population students/staff who are:
      • Unvaccinated/partially vaccinated, asymptomatic and required to participate in weekly COVID surveillance testing.
    • Unvaccinated, asymptomatic General population person who is a Direct Contact of a positive case.
    • Do NOT use if you have COVID symptoms: Instead call the Health Center at 732-571-3464.
  • Testing is conducted on a walk-up basis, no appointments.
  • Persons being tested need to set-up an account in JCMWorks prior to testing.
    • If you already have an account from last year in JCMWorks but forgot your password:
      • Enter your email address and select “Forgot Password.” A new password will be emailed to you.
  • Testing Days/Hours: These are initial testing hours and days, subject to change after classes begin.
    • Week of August 16th:
      • Tues. August 17th to Thurs. August 19th: 11:00am to 3:00pm
    • Week of August 23rd:
      • Monday to Friday: 11:00am to 3:00pm
    • Week of August 30th:
      • Monday to Friday: 11:00am to 4:00pm
  • Until the Testing Center is operational during the week of August of 16th, surveillance testing will be conducted at the Health Center. Call for an appointment.

Sports Medicine

Sports Medicine will continue to be the surveillance testing site for student athletes and employees of the Athletic Department.

  • Student athletes will follow testing schedules set forth by the Athletic Department in conjunction with NCAA and conference guidelines.
  • Unvaccinated persons within the Athletic Department who are unvaccinated or direct contacts of a positive case are tested through Sports Medicine.
  • Student athletes and Athletic Department employees also have to set-up an account in JCMWorks prior to being tested. See attached instructions.
    • If already have an account but forgot password, go to: https://workflow.jcmworks.com; log in with email; select “Forgot Password” and follow prompts.

Health Center: Testing for Anyone with COVID Symptoms

  • If you are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19, regardless of vaccination status, call the Health Center for an appointment.
  • You will receive: A rapid COVID test and individual PCR testing.
  • Also available and used in certain circumstances: a confirmatory rapid molecular assay COVID test.
  • Hours: Monday to Friday 8:45am to 5:00pm

Thank you for your anticipated cooperation with this and all of the other health and safety protocols on campus as we return for the fall semester!

Mary Anne Nagy
Vice President for Student Life and Leadership Engagement