BGSU is implementing a program of randomized surveillance testing that will help the university and our community further monitor and respond to the prevalence of COVID-19. An expansion of our initial testing of targeted groups of asymptomatic individuals (those not experiencing symptoms), this ongoing program will use proportional stratified random sampling to give us a more representative picture of the presence of COVID-19 in those who are in-person on our campus.
The surveillance testing will focus on undergraduate and graduate students on the main campus. At future times, we may also test selected groups of students where increasing numbers of cases are of concern.
Participation in the program is expected as part of the COVID-19 Personal and Community Health Requirements and Falcon Commitment, which aims to serve our public health mission of monitoring and reducing the transmission of COVID-19. BGSU strives to be flexible and adaptable, and we recognize there are exemptions to randomized surveillance testing, which include:
- Students who are fully vaccinated against COVID-19
- Students who are not coming to the main campus and do not have in-person interactions with anyone who is on-campus
- Students who are less than 18 years of age
- Students who have tested positive for COVID-19 in the past 90 days
If you choose to opt out, you will need to fill out the Surveillance Testing Opt-Out Form with your reason for exemption.
There is no cost to the student for the surveillance testing. Participation in the program is expected and is part of the Falcon Commitment in our return to campus. This surveillance testing program aims to serve our public health mission of monitoring and reducing the transmission of COVID-19. While requests to opt out of the testing may be submitted, participation this program is strongly encouraged.
Multiple rounds of scheduled randomized surveillance testing will take place at regular intervals. Students randomly selected each week will be notified via their BGSU email and/or text message to schedule a date and time, along with instructions for next steps.
This program focuses on students who are asymptomatic. Any student experiencing symptoms for COVID-19 should contact their medical provider or Falcon Health Center to determine whether an immediate test is appropriate.
