Friday, February 5, 2021

Now is the time to order your required COVID-19 test

Dear Smeal students,

As the Feb. 15 return to in-person instruction approaches, I am writing with an urgent reminder that all Penn State students must have a negative COVID-19 test result from a University provided test on file prior to, and within 72 hours of, their return to their campus community. This requirement includes students who remained on campus over the break and also applies to those taking a fully remote/online course load if they live in Centre County or within 20 miles of a Penn State campus. Time is running out for you to meet this requirement prior to the start of in-person classes.

I want to thank those of you who have already started or completed the testing process. 

If you haven’t yet done so, please take this moment to log in to the “Know Your Status” portal to get started with ordering a test from Vault Health. Vault Health self-test kits are being provided to students at no cost.

Please don’t delay. Students who do not fulfill the testing requirement will not be able to move in to on-campus housing and/or participate in on-campus activities until they complete the testing process. 

You can learn more in this Penn State News article and by visiting the testing and support page on the University’s official coronavirus information website. For help with planning, you can also use the COVID-19 Testing Requirements Checklist.

Thank you for your cooperation in protecting the health of our community. I look forward to your return and to the completion of a safe and rewarding spring semester.

Regards, 

Dean Charles H. Whiteman