Sentinel Surveillance Testing for COVID-19

Even though the number of students and employees infected with COVID-19 remains low, RMU will continue our efforts to ensure the campus community is safe, especially now during the colder months when we are mostly indoors.

As stated in the RMU Code During COVID-19, students are required to participate in any COVID-19 diagnostic or surveillance testing that may be required by the university.  During this time, the university will be continually testing randomized cross-sections of unvaccinated student cohorts from across the campus community. The goal is to help detect infected individuals and to keep them from infecting others.

The surveillance testing will be conducted Mondays through Fridays. Students who are randomly selected for testing will be notified via email and receive instructions on how to register for testing.

Thank you in advance for your cooperation and assistance in helping to keep the RMU community safe.

Sincerely,

Mary Ann Rafoth, Ph.D.
Provost and Senior Vice President of Academic Affairs

John Michalenko
Vice President of Student Life and Dean of Students

Frequently Asked Questions
  • What is COVID-19 sentinel surveillance testing?  Sentinel surveillance testing is testing a percentage of the population to monitor the intensity and severity of COVID-19 among a particular population.  
  • Why is RMU doing this? Random testing, coupled with daily health checks using CampusClear and other mitigation strategies, are multiple steps RMU is taking to promote a health environment for students during the pandemic and to provide students with appropriate support services.
  • How many students does RMU intend to test?  RMU will test approximately 100 undergraduate residential and commuter students weekly.
  • Is testing required?  Yes, as stated in the RMU Code During COVID-19, students are required to participate in any COVID-19 diagnostic or surveillance testing if required by the university.  If you are selected for testing, you will receive an email with instructions on how to schedule a time to be tested.  
  • Can I opt out of testing? No, you cannot opt out of testing.  Failure to comply with the testing requirement is a violation of the Code of Student Conduct and may result in disciplinary action or sanctions.  
  • What kind of test will be given?  RMU is using a nasal-based test used to detect the presence of COVID-19 RNA in a shallow nasal swab sample. 
  • How will the test be administered?  You will self-administer the test under the observation of a trained staff member and the test will take less than 15 minutes to complete. A short video will be sent to you prior to your testing date.
  • How quickly are the results available?  Results will be provided to you by the trained staff members administering the test.
  • Where will I be tested? The testing will be administered at the UPMC MyHealth@School Center, Jefferson Center (outdoor facility).  When you are selected for testing, please arrive 10 minutes prior to your testing time.
  • What if I am a fully online student who does not need to come to campus? Students who are not on campus this semester for any classes (fully online), services, or work will not be required to be tested.
  • What happens if my test comes back positive?  UPMC MyHealth@School Center will provide medical advice and isolation protocol instructions.
  • Will my results be shared with anyone outside of RMU? RMU is required by law to report positive test results to the Allegheny County Health Department.  Your testing information will be kept confidential in compliance with applicable law.  Summary, non-identifiable, testing results and data will be provided to the university community.
  • Will I be tested only one time?  No, you may be selected for testing more than once.  It is expected that you will comply with RMU’s testing protocols.
  • Will I need to pay for the test?  No, RMU’s COVID-19 sentinel surveillance testing program is free of charge to those selected.  
  • What else should I be doing to prevent me from getting COVID-19?  Follow the RMU Code During COVID-19, CDC and other public health guidance.  Your compliance with the Code and public health guidelines are essential to your personal health and safety as well as the health and safety of the entire RMU community.

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