Skip to main content

Health, Wellbeing and Belonging

Aug. 23, 2021 – Asymptomatic testing program begins today

Posted by on Monday, August 23, 2021 in Community Messages.

Beginning Monday, Aug. 23, individuals who are unvaccinated with an approved accommodation will be required to complete weekly asymptomatic COVID-19 testing at the university’s testing center. This decision comes as data shows that unvaccinated individuals are more likely to contract COVID-19 and that case counts are increasing in Nashville and surrounding communities.

The campus community stepped up by getting vaccinated—with more than 95% being fully vaccinated currently. Less than 3 percent of individuals are unvaccinated with an approved accommodation.

Unvaccinated individuals with an approved accommodation are required to participate in the testing program. Student Access or Equal Opportunity and Access will contact individuals who have approved accommodations to provide additional information about the testing requirement and continuing health and safety protocols. International students must continue to follow the protocols previously communicated to them.

The indoor testing center is in the David Williams II Recreation and Wellness Center auxiliary gym and will be open:

  • Mondays, 7 a.m.–3 p.m. (except Sept. 6 for Labor Day holiday)
  • Tuesdays, 7 a.m.–1 p.m.
  • Wednesdays, 7 a.m.–1 p.m.
  • Thursdays, 7 a.m.–1 p.m.

A limited number of drive-up testing spaces are available in Lot 102 for those with mobility challenges or who otherwise prefer to remain in their cars.

Individuals who need an asymptomatic test for purposes of travel or other special circumstances are welcome to visit the Testing Center during open hours. The VU Testing Program is designed to satisfy the COVID testing requirements of the university and are not designed necessarily to meet specific test result requirements for every possible form of travel. If the testing results sent via email and the app do not satisfy an individual’s specific proof of test result requirements, or testing is needed outside of open hours, individuals should explore tests performed beyond the university Testing Center. Options are the Metro Nashville or Tennessee assessment sites or other facilities, including CareNow and American Family Care.

Individuals with symptoms should not visit the Testing Center and should instead visit the Student Health Center, the Occupational Health Center or another symptomatic testing option.

For more information about the university’s protocols, visit the Health and Safety Protocols website.