Spring Semester COVID-19 Testing
Ohio State is taking action as we plan for spring semester to prioritize the health and safety of the university community, and we want you to be prepared to do your part. We successfully completed autumn semester by acting Together As Buckeyes, and those requirements, including face masks, physical distancing and other personal behavior, will continue in 2021.
In addition, please be aware of the following changes and requirements for the beginning of the spring semester.
Return to Campus Information for All Students
The first two weeks of spring semester classes (January 11-15 and 18-22) will be conducted via virtual delivery. Please note that there are no classes on January 18 in recognition of Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Depending on how COVID-19 cases are trending, and with the guidance of Governor Mike DeWine as well as state and local health experts, the university will evaluate and make any necessary changes to our return plans.
All students are requested to self-sequester for 10 days before they return to their on-campus residence and/or to in-person engagements on campus.
- Sequestering means staying in your residence as much as possible. The goal is to limit exposure to any other person, including your family members or roommates. If you must be near others, you should wear a mask even indoors.
- To further limit exposure, make your own food or have it delivered.
- If you must go out, wear a mask at all times.
Testing for University Housing Students Columbus Campus
Students must complete a two-part testing program prior to moving back into their residence hall, off-campus property managed by the university, or other university housing facility:
- Complete an at-home Vault Health COVID-19 saliva test before traveling to campus. The university will provide the tests and cover all shipping expenses.
- Complete a COVID-19 test at Jesse Owens North directly before moving into your residence.
If you were approved to live on-campus over winter break, you should continue your weekly, required testing at Jesse Owens North. You will not complete an at-home test.
Process for Pre-Travel Testing
Step 1: Order Your Vault Kit
To order your Vault test kit, use the unique link you were provided with via email. This link is assigned to you personally and cannot be shared with others. Please use the Vault account you used in autumn semester to order your kit. If you do not have a Vault account, set one up using your university email account.
We recommend you order your kit as soon as possible to ensure ample time for delivery. We are unable to replace lost kits, so once you receive it, keep the kit in a safe, secure place.
Step 2: Collect and Mail Your Sample
7 days before you leave to return to campus, you should collect and mail your sample. Please follow the instructions sheet closely to ensure your sample can be successfully processed.
Do not collect your sample before you log into the Virtual Waiting Room with Vault Health. You are required to collect your saliva sample via Zoom with a Vault Health test monitor so they can confirm validity of your sample. The Virtual Waiting Room is available Sunday through Thursday from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. EST and Friday through Saturday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. EST.
You should package your sample in the biohazard bag before wrapping in the bubble padded manilla envelope or box, and then place it in the UPS mailer. Use the shipping label provided in your kit and drop your package at The UPS Store. Find your closest UPS Store location here: theupsstore.com/tools/find-a-store.
Step 3: Receiving Results
Results will be emailed to your university email account from Vault Health and are also available via the Vault Health website/app. Students who receive positive test results will receive a public health order to isolate and will not be authorized to travel to campus.
Process for Move-In
You are required to complete a COVID-19 test at Jesse Owens North before moving into your residence hall or other facility.
Step 1: Schedule Your Move-In Day and Time
To facilitate physical distancing, you will need to schedule a Move-In day and time between January 18 and January 24 using the Housing Portal.
Step 2: Schedule Your COVID-19 Test
After scheduling your Move-In time through the Housing Portal, you should schedule a testing appointment at Jesse Owens North through MyChart for 30-60 minutes before your scheduled Move-In time.
You will be asked to self-sequester in your room while waiting for test results and will be provided with a bag of food before heading to your residence. You should receive your results within 24-48 hours.
More information about the Move-In process will be shared via email in the coming weeks.
Weekly Testing Requirement
All students who live in university housing will resume weekly required testing the week of January 25, so please consider scheduling your MyChart appointments for the semester. Students who are compliant with weekly testing will be entered in drawings for prizes such as gift cards and more.
If you have not already, activate your MyChart account. If you are having difficulty creating or accessing your account, you can call MyChart support at 866-966-6975, option 3 (available Monday-Friday from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. EST) or email MyChartTechSupport@osumc.edu for assistance (email may take up to 2 days for response).
Testing for Students Involved in Sorority and Fraternity Life
As a member of the sorority and fraternity community, you must complete a two-part testing program prior to the beginning of the semester. This two-part testing program is part of the university’s effort to support the health and safety of our students. This testing program aims to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 amongst your members and within your chapter facilities (if applicable).
- Complete an at-home Vault Health COVID-19 saliva test before traveling to campus. The university will provide the tests and cover all shipping expenses.
- Complete a COVID-19 test at Jesse Owens North directly before moving into your residence.
Process for Pre-Travel Testing
Step 1: Order Your Vault Kit
To order your Vault test kit, use the unique link you were provided with via email. This link is assigned to you personally and cannot be shared with others. Please use the Vault account you used in autumn semester to order your kit. If you do not have a Vault account, set one up using your university email account.
We recommend you order your kit as soon as possible to ensure ample time for delivery. We are unable to replace lost kits, so once you receive it, keep the kit in a safe, secure place.
Step 2: Collect and Mail Your Sample
7 days before you leave to return to campus, you should collect and mail your sample. Please follow the instructions sheet closely to ensure your sample can be successfully processed.
Do not collect your sample before you log into the Virtual Waiting Room with Vault Health. You are required to collect your saliva sample via Zoom with a Vault Health test monitor so they can confirm validity of your sample. The Virtual Waiting Room is available Sunday through Thursday from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. EST and Friday through Saturday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. EST.
You should package your sample in the biohazard bag before wrapping in the bubble padded manilla envelope or box, and then place it in the UPS mailer. Use the shipping label provided in your kit and drop your package at The UPS Store. Find your closest UPS Store location here: theupsstore.com/tools/find-a-store.
Step 3: Receiving Results
Results will be emailed to your university email account from Vault Health and are also available via the Vault Health website/app. Students who receive positive test results will receive a public health order to isolate and will not be authorized to travel to campus.
Process Upon Return to Campus
You are required to complete a COVID-19 test at Jesse Owens North upon returning to your off-campus residence.
Schedule Your COVID-19 Test: Schedule a testing appointment at Jesse Owens North through MyChart as close to your move in time as possible.
Weekly Testing Requirement
All students who live off-campus will be required to test weekly throughout spring semester. Testing appointments can be scheduled in advance via MyChart. Students who are compliant with weekly testing will be entered in drawings for prizes such as gift cards and more.
If you have not already, activate your MyChart account. If you are having difficulty creating or accessing your account, you can call MyChart support at 866-966-6975, option 3 (available Monday-Friday from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. EST) or email MyChartTechSupport@osumc.edu for assistance (email may take up to 2 days for response).
Testing for Off-Campus Columbus Campus Students
For spring semester, all off-campus students will be required to test weekly at Jesse Owens North, starting when you return to Columbus to either live or visit campus for any reason. After the first test, you will begin testing weekly, with the goal of receiving two negative COVID-19 tests before resuming in-person classes and/or any on-campus activities or interaction with other students and campus community members. Off-campus students are strongly encouraged to begin testing the week of January 11 and will be required to begin weekly testing the week of January 25. You are not permitted to test more than once a week.
Schedule MyChart Appointments
Testing appointments should be scheduled in advance using MyChart. Students who are compliant with weekly testing will be entered in drawings for prizes like gift cards and more.
If you have not already, activate your MyChart account. If you are having difficulty creating or accessing your account, you can call MyChart support at 866-966-6975, option 3 (available Monday-Friday from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. EST) or email MyChartTechSupport@osumc.edu for assistance (email may take up to 2 days for response).
Testing for Regional Campus Students
Students moving back into your residence hall, off-campus property managed by the university, or other university housing facility must complete a two-part testing program:
- Complete an at-home Vault Health COVID-19 saliva test before traveling to campus. The university will provide the tests and cover all shipping expenses.
- You must schedule and complete a COVID-19 test at your campus testing facility on Monday, January 25.
- Wooster/ATI: Fisher Auditorium, 103 Auditorium (11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.)
- Newark: McConnell Hall, Jones Event Space Room 100 (9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.)
- Mansfield: Molyet Village Apartments, Community Center (10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.)
Process for Pre-Travel Testing
Step 1: Order Your Vault Kit
To order your Vault test kit, use the unique link you were provided with via email. This link is assigned to you personally and cannot be shared with others. Please use the Vault account you used in autumn semester to order your kit. If you do not have a Vault account, set one up using your university email account.
We recommend you order your kit as soon as possible to ensure ample time for delivery. We are unable to replace lost kits, so once you receive it, keep the kit in a safe, secure place.
Step 2: Collect and Mail Your Sample
7 days before you leave to return to campus, you should collect and mail your sample. Please follow the instructions sheet closely to ensure your sample can be successfully processed.
Do not collect your sample before you log into the Virtual Waiting Room with Vault Health. You are required to collect your saliva sample via Zoom with a Vault Health test monitor so they can confirm validity of your sample. The Virtual Waiting Room is available Sunday through Thursday from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. EST and Friday through Saturday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. EST.
You should package your sample in the biohazard bag before wrapping in the bubble padded manilla envelope or box, and then place it in the UPS mailer. Use the shipping label provided in your kit and drop your package at The UPS Store. Find your closest UPS Store location here: theupsstore.com/tools/find-a-store.
Step 3: Receiving Results
Results will be emailed to your university email account from Vault Health and are also available via the Vault Health website/app. Students who receive positive test results will receive a public health order to isolate and will not be authorized to travel to campus.
Process Upon Return to Campus
Students living on the Wooster, Mansfield and Newark campuses should test on Monday, January 25.
- Schedule Your Move-In Day and Time: To facilitate physical distancing, you will need to schedule a Move-In day and time using the Housing Portal.
- Schedule Your COVID-19 Test: On January 7, you will be able to schedule your testing appointment via MyChart. You should schedule a testing appointment for Monday, January 25.
More information about the Move-In process will be shared via email in the coming weeks.
Weekly Testing Requirement
Weekly, required testing of all students who live in university housing will resume the week of February 1, so please consider scheduling your MyChart appointments for the semester. Students who are compliant with weekly testing will be entered in drawings for prizes like gift cards and more.
If you have not already, activate your MyChart account. If you are having difficulty creating or accessing your account, you can call MyChart support at 866-966-6975, option 3 (available Monday-Friday from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. EST) or email MyChartTechSupport@osumc.edu for assistance (email may take up to 2 days for response).