July 29, 2020

COVID-19 Testing Information and Resources

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RIT is committed to our community’s health and safety. As a part of RIT’s Fall 2020 Reopening Plan, all students who will be on campus for the semester are required to provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test result before circulating on campus for any reason. Proof of this negative test result is necessary before moving into your university residence hall or apartment, attending classes or labs, or participating in meetings, recreational or social events on campus. Additionally, this negative test is required before entering into the university-sponsored quarantine program held at area hotels.

If you do not have a test result when you arrive to move into an on-campus residence, you will not receive your room key. In the event that this occurs, students will be responsible for finding suitable housing until a negative test result is submitted. Please keep in mind that last minute hotel housing will be limited due to the NYS mandated quarantine needs of local universities.

Testing Resources

There have been cases of COVID-19 in every community across the globe. We understand you may experience difficulty getting tested and receiving results before you arrive on campus. We are committed to supporting you through this process and have compiled a list of resources to assist you in identifying testing options for your specific circumstances. We are continuing to explore testing options and available resources.

As you prepare for your arrival on campus, consider the following:

  • Contact your local, county, or state health department for a list of testing resources in your area or check the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
  • Search your current location to find a COVID-19 test location anywhere in the United States on the New York State Find a Test webpage. Consider your surrounding communities for additional testing options, which may require you to travel a bit in order to find an available testing site.
  • There are a variety of mail-order tests that meet our standard of molecular-based PCR tests. Look for FDA authorized EUA (Emergency Use Authorization) to ensure their quality and that you are taking a PCR test. Antibody tests will not be accepted. Mail-order tests may be the most readily available option if asymptomatic testing is unavailable in your community. These tests can be obtained by ordering online or through local pharmacies. Some options possibly available to you include:
  • Your primary care provider is a useful resource for identifying testing availability in your community.
  • If you are in the Greater Rochester area, New York State has set up a free testing site at Monroe Community College (MCC). Tests are by appointment, and can usually be booked within a few days. Students should list their college address when registering for an appointment at the MCC testing location. Details and registration are available online. You may also call 888-364-3065 to schedule an appointment.

We suggest you schedule a COVID-19 testing appointment immediately to ensure you meet the timeframe of your campus arrival. Remember, you will not be allowed on campus if you do not have this negative test result.

We do not recommend that students wait at home for their state to be removed from the New York travel advisory list. In order to retain their housing assignments, students must move in by Aug. 23 or have started University supported quarantine as assigned. In addition, we are not able to guarantee every student from a travel ban state a fully online option.

COVID-19 Pre-Arrival Screening Form

COVID-19 test results must be submitted to the Student Health Center using the COVID-19 Pre-Arrival Screening form available through the Wellness Portal.

  • If you do not plan to come to the RIT campus during the fall semester, you do not have to upload test results; however, you are still required to complete the form to attest that you will not be circulating on campus.
  • If you have a positive test result, do not come to campus. We expect you to stay home until you are released for travel by your local health department.
  • We are prepared to support students who test positive so they do not fall behind in their coursework.

Please help us help you in having a healthy, successful academic experience this fall. We appreciate your continued dedication to getting RIT Ready for the fall semester. For more information on testing requirements, resources, FAQs, and the most up to date information, visit the RIT Ready website.  

Still have questions? The RIT Ready Call Center is available Monday through Friday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. EDT at 585-475-3500 or 1-833-323-0002, or via the RIT Service Portal.