UNCW updates COVID-19 testing protocols for students and staff

December 31, 2021

WWAY News,

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — The University of North Carolina Wilmington has announced some changes to its COVID-19 testing protocols starting in January.

UNCW will require all residential students as well as unvaccinated faculty, staff and students learning and working on campus for the spring 2022 semester to participate in return-to-campus testing before coming to campus. Using the same guidance, UNCW also will require Seahawks in these groups to provide proof of a negative COVID test (PCR or rapid antigen) within the past three days, a change from the previously announced five days.

Residential students must show :

Proof of a previous positive test in the past 90 days or
Proof of a negative COVID test within the past 3 days
OR get tested on campus before you move in, attend class, or begin work

Unvaccinated faculty, staff and students learning and working on campus must show :

Proof of a previous positive test in the past 90 days or
Proof of a negative COVID test within the past 3 days
OR get tested on campus before you move in, attend class, or begin work

Submit Vaccination Records or Previous Positive Test Results to Student Health

Students, faculty and staff who have not yet submitted their vaccination records or previous positive test results can email a copy to coronavirus@uncw.edu or drop one off at any of the testing sites.

People that have not already submitted their information may email it before they arrive on campus or bring it to one of the testing sites.
Emailed information must be received by noon the day before arriving on campus to receive an emailed clearance letter by the next day. Those arriving over the weekend will need to submit their information by Friday at noon.
If you have already submitted proof of vaccination or a previous positive test, you do not need to do so again. Faculty, staff and students who already have their information on file will receive a clearance letter in the first week of January. This includes individuals who already lived, worked or learned on campus in 2021-22.
Student Health will issue clearance letters via campus email or in-person at the testing sites to confirm that recipients have met the return-to-campus requirements. Please be prepared to show your clearance letter if asked.

Return-to-Campus Testing will occur in Warwick Ballroom 4

Tuesday, January 4 from 8:30-11:30 a.m. and 1-4:30 p.m.
Wednesday, January 5 from 8:30-11:30 a.m. and 1-4:30 p.m.
Thursday, January 6 from 8:30-11:30 a.m. and 1-4:30 p.m.
Friday, January 7 from 8:30-11:30 a.m. and 1-4:30 p.m.
Saturday, January 8 from 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
Sunday, January 9 from 1-6 p.m.

Return-to-Campus Testing will also occur in the MAC Gym

Friday, January 7 from 8:30-11:30 a.m. and 1-4:30 p.m.
Saturday, January 8 from 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
Sunday, January 9 from 1-6 p.m.

You should allow at least 45 minutes to be tested and receive your result and your clearance letter.

Surveillance testing starts on Monday, January 10 and will serve as return-to-campus testing for those who arrive January 10 or later. Surveillance testing is Monday-Thursday from 8:30-11:30 a.m. and 1-4:30 p.m. in Warwick Ballroom 4 and Veterans Hall, Room 1012. As a reminder, all unvaccinated faculty, staff and students must complete surveillance testing weekly.

Indoor face coverings will be required for students, faculty, staff and campus visitors regardless of vaccination status as we begin the spring semester. We are maintaining this extra safety precaution as part of our efforts to reduce the spread of COVID-19. Residential students are not expected to wear a face covering when in their assigned residential space. As a reminder, residential students should routinely monitor their campus inboxes for information from Housing and Residence Life.

At this point, UNCW says campus activities and events will continue as planned with face coverings required at all indoor events. See uncwsports.com for the latest information from UNCW Athletics.