Departure Testing & Protocol

The University of Michigan advises all students to practice enhanced social distancing and be tested before they leave campus to promote safety by reducing the likelihood of students infected with COVID-19 returning to their permanent residences and surrounding communities. Students should plan to complete their Winter term departure testing through the Community Sampling and Tracking Program by April 30.

As a U-M student, you play an important role in helping to keep the U-M community — as well as your communities back home — as safe as possible.

Undergraduate students living in Michigan Housing are expected to get tested prior to departure. All graduate students and undergraduate students living off campus are strongly encouraged to be tested before departing.

If you tested positive for COVID-19 in the past 90 days, the CDC and the Washtenaw County Health Department do not recommend collecting another test because you may still be positive from your previous infection. If you are traveling to a location that requests a recent negative test result and need to request documentation of this policy, please email covid19sampling@umich.edu with "Travel Letter" as the subject line.

Before you leave Ann Arbor, here are important things to plan to do:

  • Practice enhanced social distancing before you intend to travel, ideally for 14 days if possible.
  • Get a COVID test prior to departure. Allow for up to 3 days to receive your results. Register for testing by 5pm the day before you want to take your test. Students living in Michigan Housing are expected to get tested prior to departure.
  • Quarantine for 14 days after arriving at your permanent residence. Public health officials advise that university students quarantine for 14 days after returning from campus to their permanent residence. Wear a face covering, watch for development of symptoms and avoid contact with others. This is recommended by U-M health officials and the Washtenaw County Health Department.
  • Travel safely. Please review the following travel recommendations. It is recommended that you not travel until you have received negative test results. Please visit the UHS COVID-19 Testing for International Travelers page if you plan to travel abroad. If you are an international student, also review the Travel Guidance for International Students webpage.

Please see this FAQ for more information on departure protocols for Michigan Housing residents.

Student walking up a set of stairs

What if you test positive?

Any student who tests positive will be expected to isolate for 10 days following their positive test result.

U-M Quarantine & Isolation Housing remains available to you, or you may isolate at your permanent residence if it is safe and acceptable to your co-residents, however you should not use public transportation to return home.

Already tested positive earlier in the semester?

You do not need to be tested again if you tested positive for COVID-19 in the past 90 days. The CDC and the Washtenaw County Health Department do not recommend collecting another test because you may still be positive from your previous infection. If you currently have COVID-19 symptoms you should seek a medical evaluation through University Health Service.

Already quarantining or isolating?

Students who are currently in quarantine and isolation also have the option to return to their permanent residence to complete their quarantine or isolation period, if they can travel safely and have an appropriate home location in which to complete their isolation period. Please check in with your case investigator to discuss this option.

U-M community exhibiting behaviors related to Wolverine Culture of Care

Traveling safely