Auburn University begins pilot testing the AU GuideSafe Sentinel Testing Program on Wednesday, Sept. 2

Entry testing has ended, and currently our AU campus community is transitioning to sentinel testing. We are currently conducting a pilot test of the sentinel testing program in preparation for the full launch of the AU GuideSafe Sentinel Testing program after Labor Day. In contrast to entry testing, the sentinel testing program will include faculty and staff as well as students.
 
What is sentinel testing?

Sentinel testing is COVID-19 testing program that tests a random sample of individuals within our Auburn University community (faculty, staff and students) to monitor campus prevalence. These data will help us understand the underlying prevalence of COVID-19 in our Auburn University main campus community and will allow us to promptly respond to changes in infection rates on campus.
 
What is the start date?

Pilot testing program: Wednesday,  Sept. 2

Full launch: Tuesday, Sept. 8
 
Who is eligible?

• Students who are registered for traditional classes on main campus. Students who are enrolled exclusively in distance education courses or experiential training courses that are completed at distance sites will be excluded.
  
  

• Employees (part-time and full-time) who are assigned to main campus. Employees assigned to locations away from main campus will not be included.
  
  

• Individuals with symptoms will be excluded. Individuals with symptoms should seek medical care.
  
  

• Individuals who have tested positive for COVID-19 in the past 12 weeks will be excluded. Please do not retest.

 
Is participation required?

No. Participation in the sentinel testing program is not mandatory for students or employees, but it is highly encouraged. Sentinel testing is a very important component of Auburn University’s health and safety plan. This testing allows us to identify increases in infection rates and promptly respond. 
 
How will individuals be notified if they are randomly selected?

• AU employees and students will receive an email from Healthy@Verily.com asking you to schedule an appointment for COVID-19 random sentinel testing.
  
  

• E-mails for the pilot phase of AU’s sentinel testing program will be sent out to students starting Tuesday, Sept. 1.
  
  

• If you receive this e-mail, please click on the link provided to log into your Verily account and complete the pre-test symptoms screen and select an appointment time from the options listed.

 
Where will sentinel testing occur?

Testing will occur in the scholarship room at Beard-Eaves-Memorial Coliseum on Auburn University’s main campus.
 
Who should I contact if I have additional questions?

E-mail the AU COVID Resource Center at covidresourcecenter@auburn.edu and include “Sentinel Testing” in the subject of the e-mail. It will be directed to the appropriate individuals. General information is available on the GuideSafe website.