August 19, 2020
As the University prepares for the start of the fall semester on Monday, August 24, please see the following updates for the SMU campus community.
No-cost, rapid curbside COVID-19 testing for employees is now available at Expressway Tower
SMU employees and families can now receive no-cost, rapid drive-through testing for COVID-19 at Expressway Tower, 6116 North Central Expressway, on the East Campus. The University covers 100% of the cost and no insurance paperwork is needed for those who have SMU health benefits. Telemedicine appointments and drive-through testing may be scheduled for this location Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The SMU curbside testing site is in addition to existing Virtual Care for Families clinic locations in the DFW area that can provide rapid COVID-19 antigen testing to SMU employees and their dependents. It is available to those who have symptoms or may have been exposed to the virus. Clinic and testing hours vary by location so call ahead to confirm availability.
To schedule a test, complete an initial telemedicine screening at virtualcarefamilies.com/smu. Based on the screening, an appointment for curbside testing can be scheduled at one of the Urgent Care for Kids clinic locations (scroll down for the list.) Employees who test positive should complete the SMU Health Reporting Form and remain at home. If a dependent tests positive, employees should contact their supervisor for additional instructions.
SMU eases travel restrictions, but approval is still required
Based on the August 6 decision by the U.S. State Department to lift its level 4 Global Health Advisory, SMU-sponsored international travel may resume, subject to approval. Concur Travel requests may be submitted, but are subject to location, specific health and safety restrictions as dictated by the Department of State, CDC and International SOS before approval. Please complete this form to request a review of international travel plans by SMU’s Travel Oversight Committee (TOC). The health and safety of university travelers will be a top priority when reviewing a request, and approval of travel is not guaranteed due to the ongoing global pandemic. For any questions related to the travel request form or international travel, contact Allison Russell, awitucki@smu.edu.
SMU is moving to Phase II of its COVID-19 Domestic Travel plan. SMU continues to restrict University-sponsored and/or sanctioned overnight domestic travel, either by motor vehicle or airplane, but exceptions may be requested by the traveler from their dean, vice president, athletic director, or that supervisor’s designee, for approval by using this form. Local motor vehicle travel (for day trips only) is permitted without requesting an exception.
Any authorized University-sponsored and/or sanctioned travel by faculty and staff for an SMU business purpose requires approved in advance of making travel arrangements. Reservations must be made using the University’s Online Travel and Expense System. Please review the Travel and Entertainment Management Policy 4.7 before booking travel.
SMU outdoor facilities remain closed to the public
With the return of our on-campus population and the resumption of classes, SMU outdoor facilities (such as tennis courts and other athletic fields and facilities) will remain closed to the general public to prevent the potential for virus spread. Outdoor facilities will be open to the campus community on a limited schedule to be set and posted by their managing authority – either Recreational Sports or SMU Athletics. Signs will be posted to reinforce that these venues are closed to the public.