At-Home COVID Testing Kits Available to Students

Dear Students and Families:

With our first group of students arriving on campus this weekend to prepare for the start of the fall semester, we are writing to provide an update on COVID-19 pre-arrival testing expectations.

As previously communicated, Syracuse University is requiring that all students, including those who live off campus, provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test before returning to campus. This requirement remains unchanged. If you have access to testing in your community, we encourage you to plan to be tested within a window of 7 to 10 days prior to your planned arrival on campus. Later this week, we will be providing additional information about how students can submit documentation of a negative COVID-19 test, and subsequently receive clearance for campus access.

Importantly, we recognize that as COVID infection rates across the U.S. have increased in recent weeks, access to testing—particularly in the states with high infection rates, and for those without COVID symptoms—has become a significant challenge for some of our students. In response to that challenge, Syracuse University has engaged a highly reputable testing company to make available FDA-approved, at-home COVID testing kits to students who might otherwise have difficulty accessing local testing.

For those who wish to take advantage of this testing alternative, we will arrange to have test kits shipped directly to students. Participating students will self-administer the COVID-19 test and return it by way of a pre-paid overnight mailer (included in the kit) to the testing company. On average, test results will be available approximately 24-48 hours after the laboratory receives the sample, and the laboratory will provide the student with test results through an online portal. The laboratory will also notify the University of the test results. Further, the University has made the decision to significantly subsidize the cost of this at-home testing option. The out-of-pocket cost for students who utilize the University-provided, at-home testing program is $49. If you have financial concerns, please know financial assistance may be available. Please review information about emergency funding and complete the financial appeal for U.S. citizens/permanent residents or financial appeal for international students to apply. These requests will be reviewed quickly and based on financial need or hardship.

Again, Syracuse University is making this testing option available to support those students and families who face challenges accessing testing resources in their own communities. You are not, however, required to utilize this testing option as the only means to satisfy the University’s pre-arrival testing requirement. For those who have access to testing in your community, or through your health care provider, you are welcome to pursue that option.

In the coming days, the University will provide specific details on how students can request a test, when exactly you should administer the test, and how you will receive clearance from the University to access campus. Please remember that a negative test is required for students to return to campus.

Sincerely,
J. Michael Haynie
Vice Chancellor for Strategic Initiatives and Innovation

Amanda Nicholson
Interim Deputy Senior Vice President
Division of Enrollment and the Student Experience