Fall 2021 Surveillance Testing
Starting fall semester 2021, CSU will randomly select 5 percent of students who commute to campus for at least one class per week for COVID-19 testing. The selected students will receive a text message and an email to their CSU accounts on the Wednesday prior to the week that they will need to be tested. Students will have the option of either making an appointment for testing or being tested on a walk-in basis during specified hours. COVID-19 testing will take place on the 1st floor of the Center for Innovations in Medical Professions (2112 Euclid Avenue) Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
1. What is surveillance testing all about?
The purpose of surveillance testing is to collect data that allows our healthcare leadership to determine if COVID-19 is present and spreading on our campus, to determine the effectiveness of our prevention strategies are and to help guide prevention planning ahead.
Ultimately, it’s about helping keep the CSU community safe.
2. Why am I being asked to test?
If you are selected for surveillance testing, your name was selected randomly as part of an overall strategy to sample the student population.
3. How many students will be tested?
The university’s Health & Wellness Services will test 5 percent of students commuting to campus each week. Please note that testing will occur at random and you could be contacted to test multiple times.
4. How will I know when it’s my turn to be tested?
You will receive an email and text message with information.
5. If I haven’t received a surveillance testing invitation, can I still test?
Surveillance testing is not on-demand and requires an invitation. However, if you have COVID-19 symptoms, or are concerned that you may have been exposed, you should seek medical care immediately for evaluation and, if indicated, testing.
6. What if I’ve already been tested?
If you’ve already been tested and were found to be negative, you may still be tested through surveillance testing. If you were found to be positive, then please get those test results to Health & Wellness so we can remove you from the eligible pool of students for 90 days from the date of the positive test.
7. What if I am sick and have symptoms that might be COVID-19?
Please call Health & Wellness Services at 216-687-3649 to schedule an appointment for a diagnostic test.
8. Who’s paying for the test?
The test cost is being covered by the university. It will not cost you anything and we are not billing your insurance.
9. What type of COVID-19 test is CSU using?
We are using the PCR test (nasal swab), which is currently the most accurate test.
For commuter students: Initial testing will involve a rapid test via nasal swab. If the rapid test gives a positive result, the student will take a PCR test which provides results within 24 to 48 hours.
10. Will my results be used in any disciplinary actions?
No. We will not use COVID-19 test results, nor data from the COVID-19 reporting form, to pursue conduct violations. If you test positive, you will need to enter isolation. It is important to know that this is a public health requirement and not a disciplinary action.
If you have specific questions about your COVID test and scheduling, please email Health & Wellness Services at healthandwellness@csuohio.edu.