Initial COVID-19 Testing for Students

Posted on by Sarah Frink

Kalamazoo College has robust testing protocols in place as part of our plan for re-engagement. All faculty, staff, and students will be asked to partake in an initial COVID test during the beginning of the winter term and random surveillance testing throughout the remainder of the academic year. The following applies to the initial testing phase.

Why are we requiring initial testing?
Protecting the health and safety of our community continues to be our primary goal. Testing is one of many ways that we are protecting each other. Identifying asymptomatic people is a way of preventing the spread of COVID-19.

When will I be tested?

The initial testing schedule for students (excluding residential students) is:

  • Saturday, January 2, 3–5 p.m.
  • Sunday, January 3, 3–5 p.m.
  • Wednesday, January 6, 2–5 p.m.

First-year students moving into the residence halls will have their own schedule.

Will all students be included in the selection pool?
All students are automatically included in the testing pool. Students will need to opt out if they will NOT be coming to campus at any time for any amount of time during winter 2021. Note that completion of the opt-out form only applies to winter term. If students need to opt back in they should contact the Student Development Office (studev@kzoo.edu).

What kind of test is it?
A PCR (quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction) test looks for the presence of SARS-CoV-2.  PCR tests provide fast and highly accurate results.

Who administers the test?
The test will be administered by OptiMed Health Partners.

What information about me will be shared by the College with the testing professionals?
There are hundreds of people to be tested in a relatively short period of time. In order to streamline the testing process, the following information will be shared with OptiMed: name, mailing address, phone, K email address, date of birth, sex, race/ethnicity. OptiMed will store the information in compliance with privacy regulations and practices.

What can I expect when I am tested?
To run a PCR test, a specimen will be collect from the nose via nasal mid-turbinate collection, which is a little bit less invasive than nasopharyngeal (back of nose). 

Should I need to bring anything with me to the test?
You should bring a picture ID.

How long will the test take?
The test takes less than 5 minutes to administer. However, you should expect to wait due to the number of people to be tested. 

Who pays for the test?
Kalamazoo College will pay for initial and surveillance testing.

Where will the testing take place?
The testing will occur in the banquet room located on the lower level of the Hicks Student Center.

I am experiencing some symptoms of COVID-19. Am I able to be tested on campus?
For the safety of our community, please avoid coming to campus and contact the Student Health Center for more information. 

Who will have access to the results?
Results of the test will be accessible by OptiMed Health Partners and the Student Health Center. Testing numbers with no identifying information will be included on the testing dashboard.

How will I learn of the results?
The results will be communicated by the Student Health Center.

What happens if I do not or cannot participate in the testing?
You are asked to refrain from coming to campus until an initial COVID test is complete. There are no known medical reasons why someone would not be able to tolerate a COVID test.

My COVID-19 test is positive. Now what?
A positive test result means that you should follow the following steps. Additional information may be found by visiting the Student Health Center COVID-19 Resources page. 

  • On-campus residents:
    • Limit interaction with those around you. Stay in your room until given directions on moving to an isolation room. See the Isolation Plan webpage for more information on what to expect. 
    • Wear a mask or cloth face covering.
    • Clean and disinfect things you touch, like light switches, doorknobs, tables and remotes.
    • Wash your hands often.
    • Cover cough and sneezes.
    • Don’t leave the isolation location.
    • Don’t share personal items.
    • Answer calls from your COVID Care Coordinator and the local Health Department.
    • Watch for severe symptoms or other health emergencies. If you need to call 911, tell them you have COVID-19.
    • After 10 days you may end isolation if you meet these criteria:
      • Have not had a fever for at least 24 hours, without the use of fever reducing medication.
      • Other symptoms, like cough or shortness of breath, have improved.
  • Off-campus residents:
    • Limit interaction with those around you. 
    • Wear a mask or cloth face covering.
    • Use meal or grocery delivery services when possible or ask family and friends for help.
    • Clean and disinfect things you touch, like light switches, doorknobs, tables and remotes.
    • Wash your hands often.
    • Cover cough and sneezes.
    • Consider people living with you. If you live with someone with health conditions, think about how to isolate from them.
    • Don’t leave home.
    • Don’t share personal items.
    • Don’t use public transportation, if you have another choice. 
    • Answer your health department’s call. They will reach out to begin contact tracing. They can also answer your questions.
    • Watch for severe symptoms or other health emergencies. If you need to call 911, tell them you have COVID-19.
    • After 10 days you may end isolation if you meet these criteria:
      • Have not had a fever for at least 24 hours, without the use of fever reducing medication.
      • Other symptoms, like cough or shortness of breath, have improved.

My COVID-19 test is negative. What do I need to know?

  • If you had a known exposure to a confirmed case, contact the Student Health Center for more information.  You will need to quarantine until 14 days after your last exposure. On campus students will be moved into a quarantine space and out of their residence hall for the duration of their quarantine. 
  • If you had no known exposure to a confirmed case, and you are symptomatic, you may have another respiratory pathogen that is circulation in the community. Call the Student Health Center. Ask if you should be tested again or for another illness if you continue to have symptoms of COVID-19. Avoid group settings until 3 days after the last day of your respiratory symptoms and fever.
  • If you had no known exposure to a confirmed case and you are not symptomatic, you may return to your regular routine. Continue practicing physical distancing, wearing your clean mask and washing or sanitizing your hands frequently.

Who can I contact with questions?
You can contact the Student Health Center at 269-337-7200.