Testing Requirements Upon Return to Campus

As additional faculty and staff return to campus over the next two weeks, we wanted to share additional instructions and answers to frequently asked questions about how to complete an on-campus COVID-19 PCR test. All community members are required to test the first day they return to campus, regardless of vaccination status. 

1. We recommend that you take an at-home rapid test the day before you come to campus. 

2. Testing on-campus requires the use of a mobile app. Please review these instructions, download and register now, before you come to campus to test. If you need technical assistance, email mgscanner@umbc.edu.

3. Plan to test as soon as you arrive on campus, before 11am if possible.

4. When you come to campus, plan to pick up a vial and swab at:

• The UMBC police station

• The Center for Well-Being (during operating hours)

• The University Center 3rd floor vestibule

5. Find an isolated or distanced place to complete your swab. This may be your car, your office, or outside. Return your completed test to the drop box at each location. Do NOT test at the pick up and drop off locations as you may expose others.

Frequently asked questions:

Can I be on campus while I am waiting for my results?

Yes. Once you complete your test, you may remain on campus to complete your day wearing an appropriate mask and maintaining physical distance as much as possible. We are relying on masking and distancing protocols to reduce on campus transmission while we await your test results. Given the shortage of testing in Maryland, we felt this was the fairest way to require an entry test.

How long will it take to receive my results?

UMBC cannot check on the status of individual tests. In general, it can take up to three business days to receive your results. Testing results from on-campus tests will be posted to your COVID Compliance Card in your myUMBC profile. 

Is testing on campus safe?

We do believe testing on campus is safe, as long as community members follow instructions, pick up their kits, and swab in a location that is distanced from others. For the first week of classes, we plan to make additional testing, as well as technical assistance, available in the RAC, in order to reduce any potential crowding at testing sites. In addition, it will be helpful to have most employees complete testing next week, before students return. 

What if I recently tested positive? Should I test?

You are not required to test as you may continue to test positive for up to 90 days. You will need to report your result in order to be exempted from entry testing. Information on how to do this and when you can return to campus is available here.

Please email covid19@umbc.edu if you have any questions.