Western opens Fraser Hall as testing facility for on-campus students

Western is committed to having a safe and healthy campus, and as part of this, all on-site students at Western’s Bellingham campus must be tested continuously. Many students have submitted their results from COVID testing this week in preparation for their arrival on campus, but staff have also heard from a large number of students who haven't been able to access testing because poor air quality from wildfires has closed test sites throughout the state.

All students in residence halls are being tested upon arrival this week. All on-site students, including student employees and those tested upon arrival, must follow the same testing protocol below. On Tuesday, Sept. 22, Western’s designated COVID testing facility at Fraser Hall will be open for students to get their pooled COVID test before starting classes. These tests are provided at no cost to students. 

Here are the steps for students to get tested and report their results:

1. Make an appointment – login into MyWesternHealth.wwu.edu starting Friday, Sept. 18, and click on “Appointments” to book your appointment for a test. On the day of your appointment, you will have a QR code available to you on your home screen. This will act as your “boarding pass” for testing. Note: Appointment times are not exact. Be prepared to wait in line.

2. Arrive at Fraser Hall at your testing time. Please make sure to wear your mask and follow good social distancing.

3. Get your test!

4. Do not go to class until you get an email notification of your result. Results will be back in roughly 24 hours and available to you in your patient portal.

5. E-mail your professor to let them know your test was negative. If your result is part of a positive testing pool, you will be instructed to get retested for confirmation. Do not go to class until you receive the second test result if it is negative.

Students will not be allowed in any class on-site unless they have notified their professor that they are cleared, so students should get tested as soon as possible. As well, every effort has been made to ensure that students have a safe place to conduct their studies.

Here are a few reminders for students as they prepare to come on campus:

1. Practice the 3 W’s - Wear a mask. Wash your hands. Watch your distance.

2. Check your health status with the daily symptom checker at MyWesternHealth.wwu.edu.

3. Prepare to receive COVID tests every two weeks at our new on-campus testing facility.

4. Join your friends outdoors and in small groups of five or fewer.

5. Be prepared to share your green QR badge on your phone to professors if they request to see your green attestation and testing date status.

For more details please go to https://www.wwu.edu/fall-guide/health-safety