Dear Xavierites,

Now that you have made it home safely, we hope that you are having a fantastic and restful break.  It may seem too early to be thinking about the spring semester, but we know that some of you are wondering what to expect next.

Our Xavier community members have done an exceptional job following mask-wearing, physical distancing, and hand hygiene guidelines while also participating in testing, avoiding crowds, and using the Daily Wellness Screener; this behavior has greatly contributed to the success of the fall semester. It will be vital for everyone to maintain that behavior and not become complacent throughout the spring.

Our health and safety protocols will continue to be guided by local, state and federal guidelines. In Spring 2021, we will continue to have regular surveillance testing, observing results for patterns, and contact tracing. With increased capacity provided through the University’s on-campus lab, capacity and turnaround time has improved greatly since the beginning of the fall semester.

Xavier’s first day of classes in the spring will be January 19, 2021 - please see below testing requirements for a Spring Safe Return. 

Your test results are to be submitted to Student Health Services via email, healthservices@xula.edu, fax: 504-520-7962 or uploaded through the patient portal at MY XULA.

You can fulfill the testing requirement with either a PCR or antigen (rapid) test. (A PCR test is more accurate than a rapid test if you don’t have symptoms, but it takes longer, and we recognize the need to maximize flexibility.) 

If you test positive before your planned return, you will be required to start the semester virtually while you isolate at home. 

NEW STUDENTS: ON-CAMPUS RESIDENTS

Must provide negative test results:

Taken between January 07 through January 13, 2021 (prior to move-in beginning Jan. 14)

RETURNING STUDENTS: ON-CAMPUS RESIDENTS

Must provide negative test results:

Taken between January 09 through January 15, 2021 (prior to move-in beginning Jan. 16)

COMMUTERS: NEW AND RETURNING STUDENTS

Must provide a negative test result:

Taken between January 12 through January 18, 2021 (prior to classes beginning on Jan. 19)

SPRING SEMESTER TESTING

Surveillance testing for students will begin on January 25, 2021. Students will receive an email two days prior to their testing date and a reminder the morning of providing them with the date and time of their test.