While our campus has mostly returned to pre-pandemic times, it’s crucial to stay mindful that COVID-19 still exists—as does influenza, RSV and the common cold—especially during the respiratory virus season from November through April. If you’re feeling sick, please prioritize yourself and the well-being of our community by staying home.

Missing class due to an illness is nothing to stress about. You can work with your instructors on making up missed work and class time, as outlined in the absence policy here and on your instructors’ syllabi. If you need to be out of class for an extended period you can find information about accommodations here.

Communication is key, so reach out to your instructors as soon as you know you’ll be absent.

COVID-19 guidelines

If you test positive for COVID-19, follow the CDC’s isolation guidelines, which currently state that you should stay home for at least five days from the date of your initial symptoms (or positive test if no symptoms), or longer if symptoms persist. After the isolation period ends, wear a mask for five days when around others. If you are sick but test negative for COVID-19, remain home until your symptoms improve or you are without fever for 24 hours. If you need to go out, remember to wear a mask until you are feeling better.

COVID-19 tests

• Students can use their UCard to get a free COVID-19 test at the Basic Needs Collective, located in the Union basement.
• At-home antigen tests are also available for purchase at most pharmacies, grocery stores and big box retailers. The federal government periodically provides free antigen tests at covid.gov/tests.
• Typically, it’s best to wait until two to four days after symptoms develop to test. After exposure, it usually takes 3 days to start to have symptoms, and then you are most infectious on days 3-10 on average.

Free mask locations  

• Union front desk
• Housing front desks
• LGBT Resources Center (Union Room #409)
• Women’s Resource Center (Union Room #411)
• Veterans Support Center (Union Room #418)
• Marriott Library front desk

COVID-19 vaccines

• Students enrolled in the Student Health Insurance Plan can get COVID-19 vaccines for free at the Student Health Center. Schedule an appointment online through the Center’s Patient Portal.
• Students covered by a different insurance provider should go to a local pharmacy and have the vaccine billed through their prescription drug benefit. Insurance should cover the cost of the vaccine, although provider networks may vary. If you need assistance navigating your insurance plan, call the customer service number on your insurance card. The Student Health Center can also walk you through your options.
• For those who are uninsured, the CDC’s Bridge Access Program will provide free access through participating pharmacies to COVID-19 vaccines to adults 18 or older who are uninsured or whose insurance doesn’t fully cover all costs of the COVID-19 vaccine through Dec. 31, 2024.

Our campus community’s well-being relies on each of us doing our part. While COVID-19 is still a concern, we also need to consider other illnesses like the flu, or even the common cold, that can spread rapidly and have a major impact on others. Doing simple things, like washing your hands, getting the flu shot, and staying home when you’re sick, makes a big impact not only on your health but also on the health of the campus community.

Visit the Student Health Center’s FAQs to learn more about health services available to students.