Dear graduate students,

You may have read in this week’s Return to Campus Update that undergraduate students on campus are tested weekly for COVID-19.  As part of key efforts to ensure the safety and wellbeing of our community, earlier this month the university also implemented a periodic COVID-19 testing program for graduate students.

All graduate students engaging in on-campus, in-person activities are required to participate in this mandatory testing program. Activities include, but are not limited to, attending or instructing on-campus, in-person classes, visiting libraries, conducting on-campus research, etc.

Professional students and graduate students in programs within the Divinity School, Peabody College and the School of Nursing should continue following the testing process in which they are currently enrolled.

Graduate students within the College of Arts and Science, the School of Engineering and in basic science programs within the School of Medicine should expect a message, if they have not already received one, from the Graduate School regarding testing.

Graduate students participating in on-campus, in-person activities should expect to be tested at least once this semester. Frequency of repeat testing during the fall semester will be based on analysis of relevant data.

When instructed to pick up a test kit, you are welcome to contact us if you have questions about your individual situation. The Graduate School can advise you regarding this testing program and extenuating circumstances that may affect your participation, including past positive COVID-19 test results (within the previous 90 days), being identified as a close contact and subject to off-campus quarantine, or remote-only status.

Tests should be completed during the week assigned.  Failure to complete your COVID-19 test in a timely manner can lead to academic consequences.

Many students have already participated in this mandatory periodic testing program, and for that we greatly appreciate your efforts. We must all be responsible in our roles to keep ourselves and our Vanderbilt community safe. Thank you for your continued cooperation.

Best Regards,
Bunmi

Bunmi Olatunji
Interim Dean of the Graduate School

Need assistance?  Send us an email if you need support or would like guidance on identifying available university resources.

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^{Stay informed:  visit the Return to Campus website, FAQ page for graduate students,  Research@Vanderbilt and the COVID-19 Dashboard for current updates on the Vanderbilt community. Together, we can slow the spread of COVID-19—learn more at Anchor Down, Step Up.}