FAQs

Below are answers to common questions.

General

• What do I do if I am feeling ill or test positive for COVID-19?

  If you are feeling ill or have tested positive for COVID-19, you should self-isolate and avoid close contact with all others. There is no requirement to report your case to the university.

  Students are asked to not come to class if they have symptoms and reason to believe they have COVID-19 and reach out to their instructors for accommodations so that they can continue their coursework. If students have any questions about COVID-19 guidance or protocols, including regarding symptoms and testing, they can call 888-353-1294.

  Employees experiencing symptoms need to stay home and contact their supervisor to make accommodations. 

  For more information on what to do if you are ill, test positive or are exposed to COVID-19, visit the COVID-19 guidance page.

• Where can I get a vaccine or booster?

  In the U.S., anyone 6 months of age and older, including international students, is eligible to receive a COVID-19 vaccine. It is being distributed via doctor’s offices, hospital systems, pharmacies, grocery stores, county health departments and many other locations.  

  All members of the MSU community age 12 and older, including students, faculty, staff, patients, retirees and their families, can receive a Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine or booster through the MSU Health Care Pharmacy. 

  You can also find a COVID-19 vaccine or booster near you by visiting vaccines.gov.

• How do I get tested for COVID-19?

  Testing options are widely available: 

  • Students experiencing significant symptoms (such as high fever, persistent cough or shortness of breath) can request a medical appointment at Olin Health Center. A Student Health Services provider will administer a COVID-19 test as medically necessary.
  • Many urgent care centers and pharmacies in the East Lansing area and other communities offer testing.
  • Members of the MSU community can get tested at the Sparrow Laboratories clinic in Frandor at the former Sears Auto Center. Test results are typically available within 24 hours. In addition, many urgent care centers and pharmacies in the East Lansing area offer testing as well.
  • The state of Michigan also runs a test location finder.
• Who should isolate or quarantine?

  The following rules apply if you test positive for COVID-19 or are exposed to someone who is positive:

  • If you test positive for COVID-19, even if you do not have symptoms, you should isolate yourself for five days and avoid any contact with others as best as possible. There is no requirement to report your case to the university. 
  • Regardless of your vaccination status, if you are exposed to COVID-19, carefully monitor yourself for symptoms for at least five days and then get tested. The CDC also recommends wearing a mask for 10 days. If you are not exhibiting symptoms and test negative, you do not need to quarantine

  For more information on what to do if you are ill, test positive or are exposed to COVID-19, visit the COVID-19 guidance page.

• Is isolation and quarantine housing being offered in the residence halls?

  MSU is unable to provide quarantine and isolation housing for on-campus residents. Students should have a plan of what they do if they test positive or have close contact with someone who tests positive. There is no requirement of notifying the university.

  Expectations for students who test positive:

  1. Isolate yourself and limit non-essential contact with others
  2. Do not attend in-person classes or activities
  3. Utilize takeout, grab-and-go dining or mobile ordering
  4. Contact medical personnel if symptoms worsen or do not improve

  Expectations for students whose roommate tests positive:

  1. Self-monitor for symptoms, and leave the room when possible
  2. When in your room, limit contact with your roommate and consider wearing a mask
  3. Get a test if you exhibit any symptoms and have reason to believe you may have COVID-19

COVID-19 vaccine/booster mandate

• Is MSU requiring COVID-19 vaccines and boosters?

  MSU no longer requires students, faculty and staff to be vaccinated or boosted. 

• Why did the university remove the vaccine mandate?

  As both the virus and our understanding of it continues to evolve, there is widespread protection due to the number of individuals vaccinated. New vaccine boosters and treatment options are widely available, and we know better how to protect those most vulnerable.
  
  

  This evolution has led many institutions, including MSU, the federal government and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to reassess their response to COVID-19 and adapt accordingly.

   

• Will the university reinstitute a vaccination requirement in the situation evolves?

  Just as we have from the outset of the pandemic, we will adjust and adapt our plans as needed to protect the well-being of students, faculty and staff.

• Can individual colleges or other individual units still require COVID vaccinations of employees? 
  Generally, no. But there may be some instances where professional students and employees are required to get vaccinated by hospitals or health care facilities in which they work or study. Additionally, some employees may still be required to be vaccinated due to contractual requirements.