Dear Members of the TC Community,
Thank you all for your cooperation with the weekly COVID-19 Random Testing Program . We recognize that your schedules are already quite full, and we appreciate the time you are taking to schedule your PCR tests. Though vaccination rates among our community members are high, TC is taking the threat of breakthrough COVID-19 cases very seriously. Especially as we approach the year’s end, when many people will be traveling and gathering for the holidays, this program is critical to help us identify and isolate COVID-19 transmission hotspots and clusters of infections. Regardless of your vaccination status or current location, you must comply with the program guidelines or risk facing disciplinary action.
To help streamline the random testing process, we are writing today to highlight answers to some frequently asked questions and provide tips for successfully uploading test results by your assigned deadline.
Frequently Asked Questions
I have been selected for testing multiple times. Do I need to submit a new test result?
Yes. This program is designed to be completely randomized. Once two weeks have passed since your selection date, you are reentered into the eligible testing pool. You must submit a new PCR test result each time you are selected.
I was selected for testing but I am working/studying remotely. Do I need to comply?
Yes. With few exceptions, individuals who are studying or working remotely must also get tested, if selected, and submit their result.
I cannot make it to the CU campus to get tested. What should I do?
CU offers free testing to students, faculty and staff, but you are not required to get tested there. Consult your local government website to find a testing site near you. If you do not have access to a free PCR testing location and/or your insurance does not cover testing, TC will reimburse you for the cost. Please obtain a receipt from your test and submit it via this reimbursement form.
What happens if I do not submit my test result by the deadline?
You will receive "red X" on the Daily Health Screening and be denied access to campus. Furthermore, Student Affairs or Human Resources will be in touch to detail possible disciplinary action.
Tips for Successfully Uploading Your PCR Test Result
When using the PCR test result upload form, make sure you:
- Include the date your test was administered—not your date of birth or the date you received your result.
- Upload a PCR test result—not a rapid test result—that was administered within two weeks after you were selected for testing. If you upload results from a test that was administered before your selection date, you will not fulfill the requirements of the program and may receive a “red X” on the Daily Health Screening.
- Upload your result before your deadline. If you miss your deadline, you will receive a “red X” on the Daily Health Screening. If you then attempt to visit CU in order to obtain a PCR test, you will be denied entry. This will further delay the process to restore your campus access.
Please also note that vaccine booster shots are now available for New York City residents ages 18 and older. The effectiveness of your COVID-19 vaccine may decrease over time, and so we strongly recommend that anyone who is eligible for a booster shot in NYC or elsewhere obtain one.
As always, we are grateful for your support of TC’s health and safety measures during this challenging time. If you have any questions about the Random Testing Program, please email tcrandomtesting@tc.columbia.
Sincerely,
Lisa Seales
Vice President for Administration
Co-Chair, COVID-19 Working Group
Hank Perkowski
Vice President for Finance and Operations
Co-Chair, COVID-19 Working Group