Booster and Pre-Arrival Testing Info

Hello,

We want to share a reminder, as well as additional information about the College requirements for students to receive their COVID-19 booster and take a COVID-19 PCR test prior to returning to campus/Boston.

COVID-19 Booster Requirement

Booster shots are required for all new incoming and returning students.

All students who plan to access Emerson-operated facilities one day a week or more this semester (Boston campus, Emerson Los Angeles center, and Kasteel Well) must:

1. Upload appropriate booster documentation to the Student Health Portal.
    
2. Attest on the Emerson app either that you have received the vaccine booster or to the other listed criteria (i.e., that you are ineligible).
    
3. The attestation process is currently live on the Emerson App. Please be sure to complete this 24 hours in advance of your return to campus, as your ID will not be able to access buildings until you complete the attestation. (More information on the Emerson App is below.)

Please note: If you have previously been granted an exemption from receiving the COVID vaccine by our Center for Health and Wellness, you will still need to complete the attestation but will not need to apply for an additional exemption.

Why?: The booster increases the effectiveness of the vaccine, and has been particularly helpful in protecting against and reducing the virulence of the omicron variant infection.

Pre-Arrival COVID Test

All students returning to an Emerson-operated facility one day a week or more this semester (Boston campus residence halls, Los Angeles center, and Kasteel Well) are asked to schedule a PCR test in your current location and receive results within 72 hours of your expected return to campus.
 
If PCR tests are not readily available in your area, you may attest to a negative rapid antigen test done within 24 hours of your planned travel back to Boston. This is only acceptable if PCRs are not available. PCR tests are more reliable and preferred.
 
You will need to complete the attestation of negative test results on the Emerson app to restore your ID access to campus buildings. Please complete the attestation within 24 hours before your scheduled return. (More information below.)
 

If you have tested positive for COVID-19 since fall classes ended or over the winter break, you must share that information (with a copy or proof of your positive test result) with the Center for Health and Wellness by emailing healthservices@emerson.edu, which will exempt you from testing for 90 days and return testing requirements, including arrival testing requirements. You must still use the Emerson App to indicate your exemption status. 
 
Why?:  The hope is to identify cases of COVID before you return to campus. This limits the potential for further spread of the virus and lets positive students complete the required isolation period before returning.

Using the Emerson App

The Emerson app has been in existence for several years and provides access to a host of useful information. As the College prepared to respond to the first stages of the pandemic, the Emerson app functions became an important part of managing information and access.  If you’ve not already done so, you can find and download the free app from the Mac App Store or Google Play.
 
Make sure you are logged into the app using your Emerson credentials and that you are using the app under the correct persona.  For this purpose, you will want to be using the “Student” persona. You can find and change your persona by tapping on the outline of a head at the top right of the screen.
 
–  Once you are logged into the app, follow these instructions:

• Go to “One Emerson” 
• Click the option for the booster attestation
• Sign in using Emerson DUO login
• Select the answer that applies to you 
• Submit

Take good care and we look forward to seeing you soon,
Jim Hoppe
Vice President and Dean for Campus Life