August 12, 2021

Dear North Central College Community,

We are writing to share important details regarding the College’s fall semester COVID-19 surveillance testing plans, as well as registering for our SHIELD Illinois testing program.

As it relates to SHIELD Illinois, we ask that all members of the campus community, regardless of vaccination status, register for a new account.

As has been communicated, surveillance testing is mandatory for campus community members who do not submit proof of COVID-19 vaccination. The College will continue to review the latest public health information and guidance and update our testing protocols as necessary.

SHIELD ILLINOIS REGISTRATION

All community members—new and returning—must create a new SHIELD Illinois portal account for fall semester.

In order to get tested, individuals must register via the website below using the website and agency code provided to create a portal account.

• Select “SIGN UP FOR AN ACCOUNT” to create your new username and password (Portal Set-up Instructions).
• Upon submitting your information, you will receive a verification code via text and email to enter and confirm your identity. (Please note: the verification code is only active for 5 minutes, so act promptly.)
• Enrollment takes approximately 2-3 minutes to complete.
• If you need help creating your account, call the SHIELD patient support line at 217-265-6059.

WEBSITE: portal.shieldillinois.com

AGENCY CODE: Please reference the email you received to your North Central account on August 12, 2021 for your agency code.

FALL COVID-19 NEGATIVE RE-ENTRY TEST & SURVEILLANCE TESTING 

Individuals may schedule a re-entry test via portal.shieldillinois.com to meet the negative re-entry requirement.  See the College’s Return to Campus Requirements communication for further details.

Currently, Fall COVID-19 surveillance testing will begin the week of August 30 for resident students, the week of September 6 for commuter students, and the week of September 13 for faculty and staff.  Community members, expected to participate in surveillance testing, will receive an email from the COVIDTesting@noctrl.edu with scheduling instructions.

Student athletes and athletics staff members will be tested according to the guidelines set forth by the College’s athletics department (more information will be provided to those individuals by the athletics department).

The College is proud to continue its partnership with SHIELD Illinois to
deploy our COVID-19 surveillance testing program, which uses a highly accurate and easy to administer saliva-based test. Test results are expected to be available within 24 hours.

Within the portal, you can view an accurate listing of available appointment times. You will receive notification of your current test results via text and email, with a link to your private patient portal to view your results. Test results will also be shared with the Illinois Department of Public Health and North Central College as required. If needed, you can show your most recent negative PCR-based test results with any organization that may require it via the mobile-friendly website portal.

COVID-19 TESTING COMPLIANCE

For Students: Failure to comply with the College’s COVID-19 testing requirements will result in discipline including, and up to, being trespassed from campus property until you have completed your testing requirement.

For Faculty and Staff: Failure to comply with the College’s COVID-19 testing requirements will result in the loss of access to campus buildings until the requirement is satisfied, as well as possible disciplinary action.

COVID-19 TESTING EXEMPTIONS

Positive COVID-19 Test Result within the Past Three Months: If you have tested positive using an FDA EUA test for COVID-19 within the past three months, and you have fulfilled your isolation requirements, you are not to get retested per the CDC guidelines at this time. You are required to complete the College’s COVID-19 reporting form and submit a copy of your positive test result along with the online form. 

Other Reasons: If you will not be coming to campus for any reason or any amount of time, you may request and exemption from testing. Please email covidtesting@noctrl.edu to inquire further.

The College’s Institutional Response Team will continue to review and update the College’s health and safety protocols as warranted based on current guidance and the changing COVID-19 landscape in our state and region. If you have questions about the College’s testing program or process, please contact covidtesting@noctrl.edu.

Healthy Regards,