MESSAGE FROM REV. JOHN P. STACK, OSA VICE PRESIDENT FOR STUDENT LIFE
December 22, 2020
Dear Law Student,
This email contains an overview of COVID-19 testing protocols for the start of the spring semester.
Spring Semester Arrival Testing
On-campus classes are scheduled to begin on Monday, January 11. Students who will be physically on campus or taking in-person classes are required to be tested prior to the start of the spring semester.
Testing for Law students will be conducted at the Finneran Pavilion Wednesday, January 6, through Saturday, January 9, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Arrival testing will be completed via a saliva test administered through Vault Health. No appointments are required. Please adjust your travel plans as needed to allow for testing. Students must be tested during this timeframe to ensure results are received prior to the first day of classes on January 11. If it is impossible for you to be on campus for testing by January 9, email Michael Risch at risch@law.villanova.edu for further instructions.
Students who have tested positive in the last 90 days do not need to participate in this testing. However, you must share the documentation of your positive test with the Student Health Center if you were tested off-campus. Please email your documentation to covidsurvey@villanova.edu.
Information for the Day of Testing:
- Please report to the Finneran Pavilion for testing. Pre-registration is not necessary.
- Please hydrate the night before your test and the morning of it, but do not consume any liquids 30 minutes before your testing time.
- No eating/drinking/smoking/vaping 30 minutes prior to the time you plan to take your test.
- Bring your smartphone or similar mobile device to self-register for the test while on-site.
- Bring your Wildcard to record that you attended your test.
When You Arrive at the Testing Site:
- You will be asked to tap your Wildcard to register.
- You will be asked to scan a QR code to begin the registration process with Vault Health, and you will be provided a test kit.
- When a table becomes available, proceed to that spot to take your test.
- The test involves collection of saliva. When you are done, remain at your table and raise your hand.
- A Vault Health representative will validate that your sample is complete. You will be directed to place your sample in the biohazard plastic bag provided and drop your sample in a collection box on your way out.
After You Complete Your Test:
- Results will be emailed directly to you and to the Student Health Center by Vault Health within 48 hours.
Quarantine Expectations
Villanova is asking students to take precautions before returning to campus in January. Students are expected to quarantine at home, or where they physically are for 14 days prior to returning to campus. Please make plans accordingly. Our plan is that arrival testing—paired with an at-home quarantine—will ensure the health of the community as the semester begins. Guidance on quarantine may shift and could alter this strategy, depending on CDC and Pennsylvania Department of Health guidelines.
Surveillance Testing During the Spring Semester
Villanova will once again conduct surveillance testing during the spring semester. The purpose of surveillance testing is to use randomized sampling to monitor the health of the Villanova community, and full participation is necessary for its validity and integrity. We will continue to sample our population weekly in accordance with statistically significant sampling principles.
COVID-19 Vaccination Information
Villanova has been identified by the county and state as a vaccination site, which means Villanova will receive vaccines when they become available for our population. It is too soon to know a timetable for when vaccines will be available for our campus community.
In Conclusion: The Caritas Commitment
While we are all ready for this pandemic to be over, it is more important than ever to continue to practice the health and safety measures that limit exposure: mask-wearing, social distancing and good hygiene. We see the numbers of infections continue to rise across the country—please be safe and make healthy decisions every day. The Caritas Commitment continues to be in effect while you are at home and on campus.
May you and your family have a blessed Christmas and a happy holiday season,
Rev. John P. Stack, OSA
Vice President for Student Life
