Testing and move-in procedures for spring semester

Posted: January 7, 2021

We hope that you have had a restful holiday break. As we kick off 2021, we are busy preparing for your return for the spring semester. As we shared in a communication prior to the holiday break, we are taking many steps to do this as safely as possible, starting with a thorough COVID-19 testing plan for all students and employees.

Please read the message below for more details on important testing information, including:

Voluntary testing for off-campus residents, commuters and employees is available Jan. 11-15.
Residents of Gannon-owned properties are required to take a test Jan. 21-23.
Those arriving from other states are required to take a test upon returning.
How to schedule your move-in and/or test.
How to report your positive COVID-19 case before returning to campus.

Off-Campus Residents, Commuters & Employees

When are voluntary tests for off-campus residents, commuters and employees available?
Jan. 11-15 | Appointments will be available in five-minute increments, and times vary each day.

How do I schedule a test?
Visit the following link and select your preferred time: Click Here to Schedule a COVID-19 Test

After reserving your time, you will receive a confirmation email with details for your appointment, as well as an electronic consent form.

The electronic consent form must be fully completed and submitted prior to your scheduled appointment. Please complete each field fully with proper spelling, including your date of birth and ID number, which can be found on your Gannon ID card.

What is the deadline to register for a test?
Appointments are scheduled on a first-come, first-serve basis. Appointment reservations cannot be scheduled less than 24-hours prior to your desired time.

Do I need a test if I am traveling back to campus from another state?
Yes. Per Pennsylvania guidelines, those traveling from out-of-state are required to take a test. Out-of-state residents and Pennsylvania residents who have traveled outside the state in the last 14 days will require two tests (Day 1 and Day 5). Day 5 tests will be scheduled at the testing site.

How should I prepare in advance of my test and move-in?
Complete your LiveSafe questionnaire daily beginning Jan. 11. Coordinate with your roommates to time your return as closely to one another as possible. This will help limit the possible risk of multiple exposures to the virus should it be present. You should expect to have limited interactions with others until you receive test results. Plan your groceries and other items you may need during that timeframe in advance. After testing, it will be vital to stick to your pod. Limit your interactions to the same small group to minimize potential of becoming a “close contact” and quarantine.

What do I need to do after I take my test?
PA residents and voluntary testing:

Receive a Day 1 test.
Monitor symptoms and limit interactions with others until test results are received on Day 2.
If your test is negative, you may resume all normal activities.

Out-of-state residents and those who’ve traveled outside PA in the last 14 days:

Receive a Day 1 test.
Quarantine until test results are received on Day 2.
If your first test is negative, continue to monitor symptoms and complete a limited quarantine. This means you are limited to attending class only and picking up to-go meals.
Receive a Day 5 test and quarantine until results are received on Day 6.
If your second test is negative, you may resume all normal activities.

Residents of Gannon-Owned Properties

How do I schedule a test?
To select your COVID-testing time based on the return-date for your building assignment:

Log into the MyHousing Portal
Click “Make An Appointment” in the maroon banner at the top.
Select the Spring 2021 Term.
Under “Book an Appointment,” select your building assignment from the drop-down menu.
“Please book an appointment for yourself” will show available appointments in blue for your designated days/times, with the number of timeslots remaining listed.
Select your desired appointment time and confirm “Yes.”
“My Appointments” will show that your appointment has been booked. Refreshing the page will show appointment details. You will also receive an automatic email from Residence Life confirming your appointment details. Do not respond to this email.

What is the deadline to register for a test and move-in?
Please register by noon on Thursday, Jan. 14. If your arrival plans change, you may cancel your appointment and rebook it online until this date. Please submit any questions or concerns at update.gannon.edu.

What if I cannot return on the designated testing date for my residence hall or apartment?
If you cannot arrive for one of the available timeslots for your living situation, please submit your question or concern at update.gannon.edu.

How many tests will I need to take?
Those who are Pennsylvania residents and have not traveled out of state in the last 14 days will take one test.

Out-of-state residents and Pennsylvania residents who have traveled outside the state in the last 14 days will require two tests (Day 1 and Day 5). Day 5 tests will be scheduled at the testing site.

How should I prepare in advance of my test and move-in?
Complete LiveSafe daily beginning Jan. 11. Coordinate with your roommates to time your return as closely to one another as possible. This will help limit the possible risk of multiple exposures to the virus should it be present. You should expect to quarantine immediately following your test until you receive results. Plan your groceries and other items you may need during that timeframe in advance of your test. Additional to-go meal options will be made available at check-in. After testing, it will be vital to stick to your pod. Limit your interactions to the same small group to minimize potential of becoming a close contact and quarantine.

What should I expect at the check-in and testing sites?
Upon arrival, students should first report to the Fieldhouse in the Recreation and Wellness Center for check-in. Please enter through the secondary entrance near the Fieldhouse.

Parking will be available in the main RWC lot and in the corner lot on Fourth and Peach Streets. All guest and visitor policies will remain in effect; therefore, any guests should remain in the vehicle.

You will then complete the following steps on-site:

Wellness Check: Show your green checkmark on LiveSafe and get your temperature taken.
Testing Consent Form: Sign our required waiver. Please review the waiver in advance.
Test Scheduling: If you require a second test, you will schedule it here. Please be familiar with your class times and commitments to schedule your appointment on-site.
Registration: Confirm your name, date of birth and contact information. You will receive everything for your test and proceed to the University Services Building to take your test.
Testing: The Health Services staff will explain the procedure and complete your test. You will proceed back to the Fieldhouse to complete check-in.
Residence Life Check In: You must stop at this table to restore your ID access in order to gain entry into your residence hall or campus housing.
Meal Pick-Up: To-go meal options will be available to provide residents with food while they quarantine and await test results.

What do I need to do after I take my test?
PA residents:

Receive a Day 1 test.
Quarantine until test results are received on day 2.
If your test is negative, monitor symptoms for 5 days. Stay in your pod, get to-go meals and restrict interactions with others to only required obligations such as class.

Out-of-state residents and those who’ve traveled outside PA in the last 14 days:

Receive a Day 1 test.
Quarantine until test results are received on Day 2.
If your first test is negative, continue to monitor symptoms and complete a limited quarantine. This means you are limited to attending class only and picking up to-go meals.
Receive a Day 5 test and quarantine until results are received on Day 6.
If your second test is negative, you may resume all normal activities.

Report Your Positive COVID-19 Case Prior to Returning to Campus

If you have contracted COVID-19 over break, please report your case through the yellow tips box on LiveSafe. This will help avoid unnecessary testing and quarantines once you are back on campus if it is within your 90-day window according to the CDC. Once you have submitted this tip, our Health and Counseling Center will work with you on next steps. Please be prepared to provide documentation of your positive test, because this will be required.

If you have a question or a comment, you can submit it at https://www.gannon.edu/Questions-or-Comments/.