The University System of Maryland recently mandated that all students, faculty, and staff approved to return to campus for the fall semester are required to have a COVID-19 test prior to the start of the semester, report the result, and begin daily symptom monitoring 14 days prior to arrival on campus.
While the campus continues to work with USM leaders and testing partners at UMB to finalize reporting process details, it is important that UMBC community members approved to be on campus this fall proceed now with testing according to the requirements below.
Further details about testing appointments and online symptom monitoring will be shared directly via UMBC email with students, faculty, and staff who are approved to return to campus.
Who Needs to Get a COVID-19 Test and When?
Faculty and staff within 14 days before the start of classes on August 27
- Faculty teaching face-to-face classes
- Faculty teaching online but approved to work from campus
- Staff approved to work on campus
- Students commuting to on-campus class
RCA faculty. staff, and students by August 17
- Research and Creative Achievement faculty, staff, and students approved for access to campus during RCA Return to Campus Phase 1 who were not tested in July
Residential student staff
- Within 14 days before arriving on campus AND during the move-in period, August 21-26
Residential students
- On-campus test on your assigned move-in date, before receiving access to residence hall
Where To Get a Free COVID-19 Test
There are both off-campus and on-campus testing options available at no charge to UMBC community members. Due to demand for tests, we strongly encourage community members to take advantage of off-campus options as soon as possible in order to allow time for the return of your result and any necessary medical follow-up in the event of a positive test.
- Free tests are available at the Baltimore Convention Center as well as other sites across Maryland.
- Out-of-state community members are encouraged to check the following link for testing locations near them.
- On-campus testing will be available August 21-26 for all residential students who are moving in and for faculty, staff, and students commuting to on-campus classes who are unable to access testing beforehand.
Please note that at this time, the University of Maryland Medical System testing sites are only serving individuals with COVID-19 symptoms.
As always,we invite you to share questions or concerns through the covid19@umbc.edu inbox. All messages with an email address will receive responses.
