COVID-19 Random Testing Program

The Random Testing Program is on hiatus until further notice.

Overview

Each Monday, a random 5% sample of TC community members who who have accessed campus within the last 120 days will receive an alert email with the subject line “ACTION REQUIRED: You have been selected for the COVID-19 Random Testing Program.”

Fully remote individuals will not be part of the testing pool. If you plan to enter campus for any reason, however, you will be expected to comply with the random testing protocols. Individuals with approved vaccine exemptions already submit weekly test results and, thus, will not be part of the random testing program.

If, at the time of receiving your selection email, you have tested positive for COVID-19 within the last 90 days, you should not submit new test results for the Random Testing Program. Instead, please send proof of your previous positive test result to the TC Environmental Health and Safety Team at tcrandomtesting@tc.columbia.edu.

Because this program is randomized, it is possible you will be selected for testing multiple times. Each time you are selected, you must submit a new test result.

Once you receive a selection email, you have two weeks to get a new COVID-19 PCR test (not a rapid test) and submit these new test results to TC. It may take several days to receive results from a PCR test, so we recommend you plan to get tested within 48 hours of receiving your selection email. It will take our staff approximately 2 days to verify test results. During the verification process, you will be able to access campus as usual.

As the deadline approaches, if you have not yet submitted your test result, you will receive up to two reminder emails. If you do not submit results by the deadline, you will be in violation of the program and may face disciplinary action detailed below.

Submitting Your Test Results

Use the PCR Test Results form to upload your test results within your two week deadline. Even if you get tested at a Columbia University testing center, YOU MUST upload your results via this form. CU testing center results will not automatically be sent to TC.

Submit Your COVID-19 PCR Diagnostic Test Results

If your test results are negative, no further action is required. If your test results are positive, you will receive an email with the subject line “Positive COVID-19 PCR Test: Required Isolation and Next Steps” with instructions for isolating, and a member of the TC Environmental Health and Safety Team will contact you to conduct the appropriate contact tracing, per the CDC and NYC Department of Health guidelines, and advise you on next steps.

Where to Get Tested

Employees will be given one hour of paid time off to get tested. Please let your supervisor know if you plan to get tested during the work day.

The Manhattan School of Music provides community-based COVID-19 testing that is free and open to anyone, no appointment necessary (they will accept patients who may be experiencing symptoms of COVID-19). Visit their page to find information about the testing locations and hours. You may also choose to get tested elsewhere. To find a testing site in New York, visit this site. To find a testing site in other regions, please consult your local government website.

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 see details on how to request reimbursement in the FAQ section below.

Remember, if you access campus for any reason during the semester, you are eligible to be selected for random testing and must comply, even if you do not plan to return to campus.

Noncompliance

The COVID-19 Random Testing Program is a critical part of TC’s health and safety plan for protecting our community against the spread of the virus. Individuals who do not comply will not be granted access to campus and may be subject to further disciplinary action. If you do not take a new COVID-19 PCR test and submit your results within the two week timeframe, you will receive an email notice indicating that you are in violation of the program guidelines and the following actions may be enacted.

Students

Students who are noncompliant after the 2 week testing deadline will receive a “red X” on the Daily Health Screening, and will not be permitted to access campus until they submit a new PCR test.
Remote learning access will not be granted to noncompliant students.
Spring 2022 enrollment may be dropped for noncompliant students.
A Fall 2022 registration hold will be placed on noncompliant students which will prevent future class registration.
Noncompliant students may be found to be in violation of the Student Code of Conduct.

Employees (faculty and staff)

Employees who are noncompliant after the 2 week testing deadline will receive a “red X” on the Daily Health Screening and will not be permitted to access campus until they submit a new PCR test.
Employees who are noncompliant may be placed on an unpaid leave of absence, and/or may be subject to other appropriate action as determined by the College.

Affiliates

Affiliates who are noncompliant after the 2 week testing deadline will receive a “red X” on the Daily Health Screening (DHS).
Receiving the “red X” via the DHS means the Affiliate ID card will not work to access academic campus or the residence halls until they submit a new negative PCR test.
Failure to meet the negative test may affect the ability for the affiliate(s) and/or their family’s ability to remain in TC housing.

Still have questions? Email tcrandomtesting@tc.columbia.edu.

COVID-19 Random Testing Program