COVID-19 Update: Optional Testing for Students Living Off Campus, Campus Commitment

Aug. 16, 2020

Dear members of the Saint Louis University community,

It has been a busy and energizing week on campus. The times I walked up and down West Pine, taking socially-distanced selfies, giving socially-distanced high-fives, and sharing greetings have brightened my spirits. It is heartening to see a desolate campus come back to life.

With the exception of the occasional long lines, COVID-19 testing for our on-campus students has gone very well. I want to thank you for your patience. Your willingness to show grace is appreciated.

I have heard from many of you who want to know if we will conduct any similar, asymptomatic testing for our commuter students. I am writing to share that is the case.

Optional Testing for Students Living Off Campus

We have extended our relationship with our testing partner, InHouse Physicians, to conduct additional testing for students who live off campus. This testing will take place between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. Monday, Aug. 17 through Wednesday, Aug. 19.

Thisoptionaltesting for undergraduate, graduate and professional students is limited andnot required to start classes.

To register,please fill out this formand select a time slot for your test. You must bring your registration email to the testing site, along with a completed consent form. There is a limit on the number of tests that can be completed in any given hour and this opportunity is only available for these three days.

We continue to test symptomatic students and employees through either the Student Health Center (314-977-2323) and Employee Health (314-268-5499). Please contact the appropriate office as soon as you develop symptoms.

Remember, if you are not feeling well, please stay home.

Campus Commitment Update

Approximately 6,500 students, staff and faculty have signedSLU’s Campus Commitmentthus far. If you have not yet signed it, please do so by Aug. 17.

I have heard from some of you seeking clarity about a few points in the Commitment, namely about social distancing on and off campus. This is not intended to mean you cannot go get a haircut, or hug your spouse, to use two examples I have received.

The spirit of the Campus Commitment is to recognize that what we do off campus affects our ability to be in community, in-person, on campus. We ask that you be intentional about the choices you make day to day, on and off campus. And, to the extent possible, we ask that you wear a mask and socially distance yourself from those outside of your immediate household. These choices, as you know, keep us all safer and allow us to remain in community together.

In closing, I want to again thank the hundreds of people who have worked so hard to make it possible for us to be here today, celebrating a successful move-in and prepared for the start of our 203rd academic year. I feel blessed to be a part of this community and to work with such committed and dedicated colleagues.

We are OneSLU.

Stay safe. Be well. Pray.

Fred P. Pestello, Ph.D.
President