Students & Families

As we approach the conclusion of spring semester and move into the summer months, there are several important updates regarding the vaccination exemption process, testing, and outdoor mask requirements.  

Pursuant to the University of Wisconsin Interim Policy 600- Interim 02, entitled “Summer 2021 COVID-19 Testing Requirements” Tommy G. Thompson, President, UW System is hereby directing mandatory COVID-19 testing for the following populations as defined in SYS 600- Interim 02.

COVID-19 Summer Testing Information

• The legacy testing program with Weber Health in the Johnson Fieldhouse concluded on May 7.  
• Employees, including student employees, who have been fully vaccinated may upload proof of vaccination to be exempted from the testing process. Please note that anyone exempt from required testing may still opt to be tested as needed/desired.  
• Testing for employees, students, and community members will transition to eTrueNorth (ETN), the agency that has been providing the community surge testing since last fall.  
• Testing this summer is a self-administered, Binax Now, nasal swab under the supervision of ETN medical staff.  

Beginning the week of May 17

There will be a pause for required employee and student testing from now through Friday, May 14. Beginning the week of May 17, employees may sign up for their COVID-19 testing time with ETN.

Please note that this is a new link for employee sign-up. 

Please be sure to select UW-Stout Sports & Fitness Center, Employee/Student Employee, when registering for the test.  

• All testing this summer will occur in the West Gym (where community surge testing has been occurring) in the Sports & Fitness Center.  
• Supervisors will continue to receive testing compliance biweekly reports for all employees, including student employees.  
• Community members are welcome to continue to test as often as they would like. 

Pursuant to the University of Wisconsin Interim Policy 600- Interim 02, entitled “Summer 2021 COVID-19 Testing Requirements,” Tommy G. Thompson, President, UW System is hereby directing mandatory COVID-19 testing for the following populations as defined in SYS 600- Interim 02:

• On-campus students at a frequency of once a week
• Off-campus students at a frequency of once every other week
• Employees at a frequency of once every other week
• Precollege/youth programs and activities participants dependent on the length of the program, as described below:
  • Single day youth programs and activities- participant should self-quarantine for at least 10 days before coming to campus
  • Multi-day youth programs and activities- participant must either be tested upon their arrival or within three days prior to their arrival to campus. If a youth program or activity lasts longer than seven days, participants must additionally be tested once per week after the initial seven-day period. An exception should be granted to participants who have documentation of a positive PCR test within 90 days of the activity and have completed their isolation period.

UW institutions may exempt individuals from testing and quarantine requirements if all the following requirements are met:

• If an individual is “fully vaccinated,” which means that it has been two weeks or longer since the individual has completed the vaccine series.
• The institutions can verify that the individual is fully vaccinated.
• The individual is asymptomatic.

If a fully vaccinated on-campus student or a precollege/youth programs and activities participant is exposed to an individual with suspected or known COVID-19, the student/participant should be tested for COVID-19.

Appointments are required to receive a COVID-19 vaccine. No walk-ins are accepted at this time.

• Pharmacies:
  • Medicine Shoppe
    • Vaccination Calendar to schedule -https://covidappointment.as.me/meno
    • 2021 Stout Rd  #715-309-4329
  • Walgreens
    • Register online
    • 121 Pine Ave  #715-235-9575         
  • Walmart
    • Register Online
    • 180 Cedar Falls Rd #715-235-6565
• Local Clinics:
  • Mayo Clinic Health System -appointments scheduled through patient portal: Patient Online Services or the Mayo Clinic App. (Enroll in Patient Online Services)  For additional assistance call 877-858-0398
    • 2321 Stout Road  #715-235-5531
  • Prevea Clinic- appointments can be scheduled through MyPrevea at myprevea.com.  For additional assistance call 833-344-4373
    • 2919 Stout Road  #715-3094451
    • May need to travel to Eau Claire, WI clinic site.
  • Marshfield Clinic Visit the Marshfield Clinic Health System website to complete a survey for the COVID-19 vaccine or call 877-998-0880.
    • 3603 Schneider Ave SE  #233-6400
    • May need to travel to Eau Claire, WI clinic site.
• Dunn County Public Health Department
  • 3001 UW Highway 12 East  #715-232-2388

Chippewa Valley Regional Vaccination Clinic

• Beginning April 8 UW-Eau Claire Zorn Arena.
• Register at the Wisconsin COVID-19 Vaccine Registry For additional assistance call 844-684-1064

The Department of Health Services (DHS) this week announced all individuals ages 16 and older will become eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine on April 5. This welcome news creates a path forward for our students (regardless of medical conditions) to get vaccinated before the end of the spring semester and return protected to campus next fall.

• Additional information on where to find vaccines is available on the DHS website, and VaccineFinder.org.
• Additional vaccine confidence resources can be found on the DHS website at COVID-19 Vaccine | Partner Resources.

Pfizer and Moderna will continue to be the most commonly available vaccines across Wisconsin. Unlike the single-shot Johnson & Johnson vaccine, Pfizer and Moderna require two shots injected up to four weeks apart. Students vaccinated in our community may move to another location at the end of the semester before receiving their second shot. They should plan to return for their second shot, or find another vaccine provider in their area, to obtain the full benefit of the vaccine. We encourage all students to finish their series no matter their location.

An individual is considered fully vaccinated two weeks after receiving the second shot of Phizer or Moderna and two weeks after receiving a single shot of Johnson & Johnson. Individuals should continue to follow Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and campus protocols (social distancing, masks, testing, etc.). Additional guidance on behavior for fully vaccinated individuals can be found on the DHS website at COVID-19 Vaccine | After You Get the Vaccine. Please be clear with students about expectations on campus for fully vaccinated individuals.

The vaccine is free for all, whether they have insurance or not. While some vaccine providers may ask for insurance, it is not required.

More information on vaccination is available at the DHS website at COVID-19: Vaccine | Wisconsin Department of Health Services and the CDC website at Vaccines for COVID-19 | CDC.

Memos are listed in the order they were released.

• May 27, 2021 - Chancellor's Updated COVID-19 Mask Guidance
• May 11, 2021 - Chancellor's Order on Mask Use to Minimize the Spread of COVID‐19
• April 1, 2021 - Mask Requirement Reminder
• November 12, 2020 - Shift to Virtual Instruction
• July 16, 2020 - Fall 2020 Course Schedule Changes
• July 16, 2020 - Contactless Stout BlueCards available
• July 6, 2020 - Living on Campus Fall 2020
• June 8, 2020 - Fall Planning Updates
• May 28, 2020 - Refund FAQs
• May 14, 2020 - Dean of Students - Federal Emergency Grant Aid
• April 10, 2020 - Student Voices: Strategies for Success in Online Learning
• April 9, 2020 - Segregated Fees Update
• April 1, 2020 - University Housing Memo
• April 1, 2020 - COVID-19 Health Resources
• March 26, 2020 - Advisement Day Student Memo
• March 26, 2020 - Student Health Services Update
• March 19, 2020 - Commencement Announcement
• March 10, 2020 - Spring Break Travel Memo
• March 19, 2020 - Student Health Services Update
• March 19, 2020 - ocial Distancing Recommendations
• March 19, 2020 - University Library and Textbook Rental Update
• March 19, 2020 - Residence Hall Closing Information
• March 17, 2020 - Fitness Center COVID-19 Update
• March 16, 2020 - WIAC Statement On COVID-19
• March 12, 2020 - Dean of Students - COVID-19 Coronavirus Update
• March 11, 2020 - Residence Halls and UW-Stout COVID-19 Plan
• March 10, 2020 - Dean of Students - COVID-19 Memo to Students
• February 26, 2020 - Suspension of travel abroad program in South Korea

How will required residence hall student testing occur?

Standard Residence Hall Testing

Residence Hall students began antigen testing in the Sports & Fitness Center on September 14 as a condition of their residence hall contract. Residence hall students are tested every week. Residence Hall students who have a positive antigen test, will likely be referred for a confirmatory PCR test. 

We are not doing antibodies testing at this time because Public Health does not recognize the antibodies testing, as the exposure date of COVID-19 is unknown. 

At the present time, UW System has not secured spit tests. If a student has a medical reason to be exempt from the nasal test, they should provide medical documentation to Student Health Services indicating that they have a medical condition preventing them from a nasal test.

Off-campus students who are symptomatic can call Student Health Services to talk with a staff member. We have a web-based guide that is also available within the Connect App that students can use to monitor their symptoms and help determine whether they should seek medical advice.

There are no fees associated with the test that are passed on to the student. However, if there are follow-up health care costs, those are the responsibility of the student and/or their insurance.

Information regarding the next steps for reporting a positive test result can be found on the COVID-19 response flow chart.  

Due to HIPPA privacy laws, individual student test result information will not be shared with parents, instructors, or other parties unless a student has given HIPAA authorization and power of attorney for healthcare to their parents and provided those forms to Student Health Services.

Appropriate measures will be taken to ensure tracing and isolation measures are implemented. Students should also communicate directly with their instructors about any concerns regarding missing class.

The UW System is maintaining a dashboard reflecting positive COVID-19 case residence hall student test results and UW-Stout has a similar dashboard as well.

How will required off-campus student/employee testing occur?

W System Administration recently developed a policy that establishes COVID-19 testing requirements for all employees and students with at least one face-to-face class and/or who work on campus for the 2021 spring semester at UW System institutions. The testing program is part of a comprehensive effort to support the health and safety of the campus and the greater community.

Beginning February 1, testing for off-campus students will be in the Johnson Fieldhouse. Off-campus students will need their campus ID at the time of their test. If a student does not currently have a campus ID card, they can obtain one through the Campus Card office Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m.- 4:30 p.m. 

Testing will be in the Johnson Fieldhouse. Students will need their campus ID at the time of their test. If an employee does not currently have a campus ID card, they can obtain one through the Campus Card office Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m.- 4:30 p.m.

Sign up for testing will be available through this website. Residence hall students will continue to test weekly using the same testing process they used during fall 2020.

Students with commuter permits may park in Lot 29 on the East side of the Sports and Fitness Center building for testing. This lot also has a pay station option for those without a permit. All parking policies are in effect.  

Unlike the previous surge testing offered, this testing is for employees and off-campus students only and is not available for employees’ family members. The surge testing program offered in the west gym is available for community or family members. Community and family members may register for surge testing online.  

Q. Do I need to be tested? If so, how often?

A. Off-campus students, who are on campus one day a week or more, need to be tested once every two weeks.

Q. Why do I need to be tested?

A.  The testing requirement is due to the UW System Administrative Policy 600-01.  The testing program is part of a comprehensive effort to support the health and safety of the campus and greater community.

Q. What kind of test will I be taking and what is the sample collection process like?

The testing is an antigen test.  An antigen test reveals a current COVID-19 infection.  An antigen test is taken using a nasal swab. A sterile swab is gently inserted into the nostril (approximately one inch into the nostril), the swab is rotated a few times against the nasal wall and then repeated in the other nostril.  The swab is removed from the nostril and placed into a small tube containing the testing reagent.  The specimen is moved to the lab/testing area to run the test and results are usually available within 15-20 minutes.

As of 1/29/2021, if a confirmatory COVID-19 test is required, the test is done by another nasal swab and sent to an offsite lab to process.  The results are typically received within 36 hours.

Q.  Do I need a second/confirmatory test?

Per the WI Department of Health Services, a person should have a second test to confirm the antigen test results in the following situations.

• Individual who is symptomatic and negative antigen test should have a second test/confirmatory test.  During the “waiting period” for the confirmatory test results, the individual is required to isolate.
• Individual who is asymptomatic and positive antigen test should have a second test/confirmatory test.  During the “waiting period” for the confirmatory test results, the individual is required to isolate.

If a confirmatory COVID-19 test is required, this test is done through collection of saliva or a nasal/pharyngeal swab and sent to an offsite lab to process.  The results are received within 36 hours.

Q. Do I need to register for my test?

A. Yes, register for your test in advance online. Walk-ins are not permitted. You should complete the on-line screening tool 48 hours before your appointment.

Q. What do I need to bring to the testing appointment?

A. Employees must bring their campus ID card.

Q. How will tracking of testing be conducted?

A. Tracking will be completed by the tapping or swiping of your campus ID card at the testing site. This information will be collected and provided to campus.

Q.I can’t find my ID card, what should I do?

A. Please contact the Campus Card office in Price Commons to obtain a new Campus ID card.

Q. If I don’t want to be tested, what are the ramifications?

A. All students on campus at least one day a week, are expected to fully comply with the UW System policy.  An effort will be made to obtain your voluntary cooperation. If that does not occur within the required two-week period, your consequences could include termination from your student employment position on campus, holds being placed on your student account, and/or university disciplinary action. Disciplinary action could include university probation, inability to attend in-person courses or to participate in co-curricular activities, and/or suspension from the university.

Q. I was recently tested for COVID-19, do I need to be tested?

A. If you have been tested in the past two weeks, you may be exempt from testing for the week at the campus location.  Students should be prepared to show proof of testing to the university that they received a test elsewhere. On-campus surge testing, located in the west gym, is not available for students, and results from the surge testing is not an acceptable proof of recent test. 

 Q. I have already had COVID-19, am I required to be tested?

A.  If you have had COVID-19 within the past 90 days, you are not required to be tested. Students should be prepared to show proof of having had COVID-19 to the university to be exempt from testing.

Q. If I tested positive for COVID-19 or I am awaiting PCR test results and am required to isolate, what should I do?

A. First and foremost, students should respond to any phone calls from a contact tracer. Students should also contact their instructors to let them know that they will not be able to attend face-to-face classes.  It is the student’s responsibility to communicate with their instructors and to stay on top of their coursework.

Q. What are the testing hours?

A. Testing will be offered from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m., Monday – Friday, in the Johnson Field House in the Sports & Fitness Center.

Q. I had a positive test result. Do I need a negative test result before I am able to return to campus?

A. No, students may return after the completion of their isolation period. The contact tracer will let you know the date by which you can return to campus.

I'm fully vaccinated, why do I still need to test bi-weekly?

We can understand how the CDC guidance released recently can be confusing. The newly-released guidance refers to fully vaccinated individuals as not having to quarantine or test if they have been identified as a close contact to someone who is a probable or positive case of COVID.  In this case, the CDC is referring to previous recommendations of individuals who were close contacts to test on the 5th and 8th days of their quarantine if they remained asymptomatic. It is not referring to surveillance testing of a community, which is the testing we are doing in the Johnson Field House.  Fully vaccinated individuals no longer need to quarantine and test, just monitor for symptoms, and if they become symptomatic, then should isolate. Therefore, fully vaccinated employees still need to participate in the every other week surveillance testing offered on campus.

Am I required to participate in the testing program?

Student employees who live on campus are already tested as a requirement for living on campus. If you are a student employee who lives off campus and works on campus at least one day a week, then you must be tested once every two weeks.

How will my supervisor know if I’m testing?

Testing participation is tracked through the tapping/swiping of an employee’s campus ID card at the testing site. Supervisors will have access to a database that tracks participation in the testing requirement.

I was recently tested positive for COVID-19, do I need to be tested?

If you had COVID-19 within the past 90 days, you do not need to be tested.  You may be asked to show documentation to your supervisor. Student employees do need to communicate with their supervisor as to any exemptions from the testing protocol.

What happens if I don’t participate in the required testing protocols?

All student employees are expected to participate in the testing requirement. Reasonable efforts will be made to gain your voluntary cooperation; however, failure to participate in the testing process may result in disciplinary action from your supervisor, which could include termination from your student job.

If I have received the COVID-19 vaccination, do I need to participate in the testing program?

Yes, in alignment with current CDC & DHS guidance, even if students, faculty, and staff receive the vaccination (1 or 2 doses) they are still subject to the systemwide testing policy requirements. This may be updated as further study is done on the efficacy of the vaccine against the virus’ transmissibility.

If I test positive through an antibody test, am I exempt from testing?  

No, individuals who test positive for antibodies must still participate in the testing requirement and follow the CDC & DHS testing, isolation and quarantine guidance.

Additional Testing FAQs for Student Employees can be found on the Faculty & Staff page under Testing FAQs > Faculty, Staff & Student Employees section.

How can students and parents stay informed?

Everyone:

• Visit the COVID-19 website - It is updated daily.
• Follow the official social media channels.
• Send questions to: covid19update@uwstout.edu

Students:

• Check your emails - The is the first way changes will be communicated to you.
• Read the daily student e-newsletter, "Campus Life Today."

Families:

• Sign up for the StoutFam Newsletter.

Am I able to visit campus in person or a virtual option? 

We currently offer modified on-campus visits and virtual visit experiences.

How have admissions policies changed due to COVID-19? 

Due to COVID-19, many admissions policies are temporarily impacted. Please refer to our COVID-19 admissions information updates page for the most recent information.