Where, when and how to pick up university-provided rapid tests before spring break

Dear students,

Starting March 1, the university will provide all students two rapid antigen tests in preparation for spring break and the start of spring quarter. We are writing today with more information on the distribution process, and the testing protocol during and after spring break, in accordance with this Health Alert.

Picking up rapid tests in advance of spring break

Graduate and professional students

• Graduate and professional students will receive an email from their schools or departments with directions on when, where and how to pick up two tests.
• Tests will be available from graduate housing service centers only for spouses and partners living in Stanford housing, and students who are new to Stanford this spring.
• The Quarantine/Isolation Housing Front Desk will provide rapid tests to students testing out of isolation only.

Undergraduate students

• The first day you can pick up your tests depends on where you live.
  • Neighborhoods S and A: March 1
  • Neighborhoods T and F: March 2
  • Neighborhoods D and O: March 3
  • Neighborhoods N and R: March 4
  • Undergraduates living in graduate housing or off campus: March 4
• You can pick up two test kits at the following Color sites:
  • Arrillaga Family Dining Commons, 8:30 a.m. – 4 p.m.
  • Arrillaga Outdoor Education and Recreation Center, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
  • EVGR Building B, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
• There will be enough kits for everyone! We’re staggering the start dates by neighborhood to keep lines short and swift.
• You’ll need your Stanford ID and cell phone. You’ll be asked to scan a QR code while in line to display your pick-up authorization badge on your phone. Staff will check your badge before giving you the tests. If you don’t have a phone, a staff member will manually check your records to verify eligibility. Once you pick up your two kits, your authorization badge will expire. You will not be able to pick up more kits until after April 1.
• The Quarantine/Isolation Housing Front Desk will provide rapid tests to students testing out of isolation only.

Testing requirements, if you do not travel during spring break

• For fully vaccinated and boosted students, required weekly testing with Color will continue through spring break and the first two weeks of spring quarter.
• For students who are not fully vaccinated and boosted, twice-weekly testing with Color will continue to be required until further notice.
• Students who tested positive for COVID in the past 90 days should not test with Color and should instead take a rapid test if they have symptoms. Here’s more information.

Testing requirements, if you do travel during spring break

• Take a rapid test before you return.
• If you test positive, do not travel! Complete Health Check. Send a copy of your positive test results to the “COVID Medical Care Team” through the Vaden patient portal. Isolate in place for 10 days. Contact the Financial Aid Office if travel disruptions present a financial hardship.
• If you test negative, return to campus. Test twice with Color during your first week back, and then continue testing at your assigned cadence thereafter.
• Students who tested positive for COVID in the past 90 days should not test with Color and should instead take a rapid test if they have symptoms. Here’s more information.

Here’s detailed spring quarter testing guidance. Based on the current status of the pandemic, weekly testing with Color will be suspended for fully vaccinated and boosted students effective April 10. However, we strongly recommend that you test whenever you are experiencing symptoms and/or concerned about possible exposure.

In closing, we would like to once again thank everyone for all you’ve done since the beginning of the pandemic to care for yourselves and your communities.

Sincerely,

Mona Hicks
Senior Associate Vice Provost and Dean of Students

Dr. Jim Jacobs
Associate Vice Provost and Executive Director, Vaden Health Services