As you are preparing for the first week of the fall semester classes starting on August 23, please read the following reminders.
FOR ALL STUDENTS: Your Trojan Check will require that you have completed a COVID-19 test within the past 7 days in order to enter campus.
Update to Testing on Campus
- Schedule a test for this Friday or Saturday through MySHR if you need to meet the requirements to pass the Trojan Check perimeter Monday morning. Saturday, August 21 has special extended hours from 8 AM – 2 PM
- Monday, August 23 testing opens at 7 am at UPC and 8 am at HSC. Please note—due to expected high volume, we recommend testing Friday or Saturday to avoid wait times and lines.
- Beginning August 23, weekend and evening hours are available:
- Weekday (M-F) evening hours: Jefferson Lot (UPC) from 7 AM until 6:30 PM
- Saturday hours: Pappas Quad (HSC) and Jefferson Lot (UPC) Saturdays from 9 AM until 1:00 PM
- Please note that “drop off” of saliva testing samples is available and encouraged, Please schedule an appointment for drop offs through MySHR. Walk-ins are accepted for drop-off of kits and on-site testing; however, scheduling is appreciated to reduce crowding and lines. Pick up of kits is available at Jefferson Lot, Pardee Marks, Pappas Quad, and Eric Cohen Health Center, no appointment is necessary for pick up.
- See the schedule and instructions on the main Pop Testing webpage.
Frequently Asked Questions
I am having appointment scheduling issues for COVID testing.
If you are not able to view appointments for your desired timeslot, try “select all locations.” Frequently, appointments are available at Pardee/Marks when Jefferson Lot is booked. When Pappas Quad is closed, samples may be dropped off at Eric Cohen.
I don’t see appointments for later in the week.
Check the schedule 4-12 hours ahead of your desired testing time. Due to the volume of testing appointments, times that are later in the week are not visible until closer to the date/time of testing.
What day of the week should I arrange to test?
After your initial test, decide which “weekly” appointment date from Tuesday-Friday works best in your schedule. Pro tip: Avoid Mondays, which are usually the most sought-after day for testing.
I live locally and commute to classes. Am I required to test?
Yes, you are required to test, as this affects your Trojan Check.
I am an employee who takes classes, am I required to test?
Yes, you are required to test, as this affects your Trojan Check.
Can I use a test from an outside facility to meet this requirement?
No, uploads from external testing sites are not accepted to meet the surveillance testing requirement.
Additional questions are answered on the Troubleshooting webpage.
COVID-19 testing options will expand with anterior nasal swab testing next week; additional information related to that option will be relayed in a follow up message next week.
Please send any questions on COVID-19 testing to the COVID-19 Response Team, covid19@usc.edu; 213-740-6291.
