COVID-19 Testing FAQ's

Please see below for Frequently Asked Questions about campus COVID-19 Testing.

What is the process for students, faculty, and staff to obtain a free COVID-19 test?

Test Iowa self-administered saliva PCR test kits are available at the Student Services Center in the Olmsted Center. Students, faculty, and staff can pick up a test kit at no cost, and no reason is needed to receive a test kit.

Students with COVID-19 like symptoms are asked to complete this form.

Faculty and staff who receive a positive test result should email chris.nickell@drake.edu.

Completed test kits should be returned to the Student Services Center. Important: Student Services will only accept returned test kits between 8 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. Monday–Friday.

Public Safety will collect returned test kits every weekday at 2:30 p.m. and deliver the samples to Polk County Health Department for testing. Results will be available through Test Iowa after the test kit is received.

Who do I contact if I test positive?

Students who test positive for COVID-19, whether vaccinated or not, should immediately complete this form.

Employees who test positive for COVID-19, whether vaccinated or not, should immediately complete this form.

What information will the University share about the occurrence of COVID-19 within the Drake community?

Drake will communicate information on a weekly basis this website every week under the heading Operational Updates.

Is the University conducting surveillance or random sample testing for COVID-19 during the semester?

Drake will not be conducting routine surveillance testing at this time.

What off-campus COVID-19 test locations are available in the Des Moines area, including for individuals not currently experiencing symptoms consistent with COVID-19?

The following test locations are available to those who decide to obtain a test for COVID-19 off-campus:

Your personal health care provider
Test Iowa: Register for a free test at https://www.testiowa.com
Other test locations can be found here

Will all students living in a residence hall be tested for COVID-19 during move-in?

Students moving into a residence hall on-campus do not have testing requirements prior to move-in.

If I am a student who resides off campus and test positive, or someone living in my house or apartment tests positive, will the University provide on-campus or off-campus isolation housing?

No. The residence hall and campus properties designated for this purpose will only be made available to on-campus residential students who need to isolate.

Will parents be notified if their student tests positive for COVID-19?

Due to restrictions imposed by HIPPA, if a student is 18 or older, only the student will be notified and it is up to the student to determine if their parent(s) are notified.

Should students isolate while awaiting test results?

Students should isolate in place while awaiting test results.