CampusPublished Aug. 13, 2021; Updated Aug. 19, 2021

PRAIRIE VIEW, Texas – Prairie View A&M University (PVAMU) is scheduled to return fully to face-to-face instruction this fall, with a small percentage of coursework being offered in hybrid and online modalities. Considering the ever-changing COVID-19 pandemic, the university continues to adjust its response in an attempt to slow the spread of the virus. Here are a few steps below that students moving onto campus need to know to help keep Pantherland safe.

Scheduled Move-in Days

Official move-in days begin August 16. Residents of University College and University Square move in on August 16 and 17, residents of University View move in on August 17 and 18, and residents of University Village move in on August 19 and 20.

“While all students are able to move into their assigned spaces as early as their lease date – August 15, some specific dates have been identified for freshmen to ensure that the following are open – Cafeteria (food), University Official Offices, and the Bookstore,” said Valerie Holmes, assistant vice president of Student Experience in the Division for Student Affairs.

Required Testing

In a memorandum released during the first week of August, students learned they’d be required to participate in on-site testing upon checking in to their on-campus housing. Required move-in COVID-19 testing will happen daily, from 8 a.m.-noon, and 1-5 p.m. The last test will be conducted at 4:45 p.m. each day. Upon entering the campus from University Drive, make the first left at T.R. Solomon Street. Testing will be conducted in Lot 96.

To help the process go smoothly, before arriving on campus, students should:

  1. Bring a photo ID.
  2. Download the NAVICA Abbott app and create an account. Students will receive their testing results through this app.
  3. Follow signage to Lot 96.
  4. Park and follow the instructions provided, being prepared to wait.
  5. Participate in walk-up testing, remembering to bring a mobile device.
  6. Return to their vehicle and await their results, which will be sent through the NAVICA App.
  7. Show their results to staff members on hand.
  8. Wristbands, which indicate negative results, must be worn until August 21.

*Students checking in residential housing after 5 p.m. on August 20 will be required to provide proof of a negative test received no more than 24 hours before move-in. Rapid tests are provided at many retailers, such as CVS and Walgreens, and urgent care facilities at the student’s expense. Rapid COVID-19 tests provided during on-campus move-in testing are free.

The last on-campus move-in COVID-19 test will be conducted at 4:45 p.m. on August 20.*

Positive Results

Students who test positive will not be able to complete the move-in process. Instead, they will be required to complete a 10-day isolation period at their permanent residence until Health Services clears them to return to campus. They will also receive instructions on academic policy and procedures. Isolated housing will not be available for those who test positive on move-in day.

“If students are traveling a long distance, we encourage them to test 48 hours before arriving at PVAMU, as well as isolate, to ensure their required test, once on-site, is negative.”

“Due to the availability of vaccines to a large majority, responsibility has been placed on students to effectively manage their COVID status. Therefore, we are heavily advertising the need to ‘Know Your Status’ before arriving so that the chances of being positive are greatly reduced,” said Dean of Students Steve Ransom.

If students test negative, students can continue with the move-in process.

Remaining Vigilant

Prairie View A&M will continue to monitor the evolving situation. Students are advised to keep up-to-date with campus changes and updates at www.pvamu.edu while following the actions below, which have been proven to reduce the spread of COVID-19:

  1. Get vaccinated. Vaccinations are not required to return to campus, but vaccination is the most effective way to mitigate the impact of COVID-19. Vaccinations are, therefore, strongly encouraged. Students can use vaccine.gov to find a vaccination site.
  2. Wear a face covering while inside public spaces if possible. Face coverings are highly recommended indoors and outdoors when physical distancing is not possible. At present, not everyone has been vaccinated; therefore, asymptomatic, unvaccinated individuals pose a risk, and face coverings help reduce that risk.
  3. Get tested for COVID-19 if needed. Students have free access to on-campus PCR diagnostic tests. Appointments can be made using the following link.

Students can find more information about moving in at www.pvamu.edu/reslife. PVAMU COVID-19 processes and FAQs can be found at www.pvamu.edu/coronavirus.

-PVAMU-