Dear Alfred University alumni, parents, and friends,
Phase 1 of our COVID-19 testing process—the mandatory testing of all students residing and/or attending in-person classes on our main campus—is coming to an end. So far, over 90 percent of our students have provided saliva specimens used in pooled sample testing and none of the results have come back positive. These results evidence our students’ willingness to Protect the Lux by taking part in testing as well as following other safety protocols.
Next week, we move into Phase 2 of testing, called surveillance testing. This will involve the periodic testing of students who are not experiencing any COVID-19 symptoms and is designed to provide an early warning system of COVID’s presence. We will test more than 10 percent of our student body weekly throughout the rest of the semester.
Phase 2 begins on Monday, September 28, and will involve students engaged in athletics, those who live in Kruson residence hall, and a few others. Testing will be administered between the hours of 10:00 a.m. to noon and 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Joyce & Walton Center. Students will be assigned times for their tests; there is no need to sign up.
Adherence to all safety protocols remains critically important for all of us. Student participation in testing is a requirement, not a suggestion. As with Phase 1, any students failing to present for Phase 2 testing will be referred for a conduct review, which could culminate in possible suspension or expulsion for non-compliance.
As a reminder, our shared responsibilities for promoting a safe campus also include wearing a mask or face covering whenever you are or may be within six feet of someone else, engaging in appropriate personal hygiene, practicing social distancing, and submitting to a daily health screening. We also highly recommend flu shots for all members of our campus community. If you are a student and would like to schedule a flu shot, please call the Wellness Center at 607-871-2400. The cost is $15, which will be charged to your student account.
