Yesterday, the Office of the Chancellor sent out a helpful checklist for preparing for next week, the first week of Spring Semester 2021. Here are the highlights:
Download the Safer Badgers App
- Both the iOS and Android versions of the app are now available at saferbadgers.wisc.edu. A web version is forthcoming. Another email will be sent when it is available.
- No phone? No problem! A campus loan program provides limited-use devices with the app at no cost. Learn more.
- For help getting started in the app, watch this short video. You may also contact the COVID-19 Assistance Line at (608) 262-7777 (interpretation assistance is available; please identify your language when you call).
- Accessibility information is available here.
Scheduled and complet an on-campus saliva test
If you will be on campus for any reason beginning Feb. 10, you MUST have a negative test within the previous 8 days
- All 12 new campus testing sites are now open. Check here for locations, hours, accessibility information and parking availability. These sites offer saliva-based testing and results within 24 hours.
- Appointments are being offered seven days a week and can be scheduled up to seven days in advance. Evening and early morning hours are available.
Learn helpful tips on how to complete a successful (ie. usable) saliva test
- Learn how to submit a usable saliva sample by reading these tips.
- Additionally: In the hour before your test, do not drink (including water), eat anything, brush or floss your teeth, use mouthwash, chew gum, or smoke. You may want to rinse your mouth or gargle with water to remove any discoloration (such as from coffee) or small pieces of food. If you do this, make sure it is at least one hour before your test.
Familiarize yourself with the building access process
- One screen of the Safer Badgers app, called the Badger Badge, is your virtual pass into any campus buildings or activities. It will be red if you have had a negative test, or if you have not recieved test results in the previous 8 days, or green if you are approved to be on campus.
- The Badger Badge screen does not show any private health data, it only serves as proof you have tested negative and are approved to be on campus and enter buildings.
- You’ll need to show your Badger Badge upon request; trained employees will help monitor access to campus facilities and services beginning Wednesday, Feb. 10.
- However, during the first week of classes, you will not be required to have a green badge to enter. That requirement will begin Feb. 10. The first week acts as a soft launch to assist in getting people used to having their devices with them and showing their badge when requested.
- We are still asking people to be tested and be in compliance starting Monday.
- All other Covid-19 safety protocols still stand. Wear a face-covering inside buildings and when you cannot maintain a safe distance from others. Keep at least six feet between you and other people, even when wearing a mask. If you have tested positive in the last 10 days or have any COVID-19 symptoms do not come to campus.
How to get help
Answers to dozens of commonly asked questions can be found on our FAQ website. You can filter the questions by audience and/or topic or use the search function.
- An online forum for employees and graduate students to learn more about the requirements, the new Safer Badgers app, issues such as facilities access, and other employment-related concerns is scheduled for noon on Thursday, Jan. 21 (TODAY). You can join the forum here. You are invited to submit questions via email to chancellor@wisc.edu. Please include “Safer Badgers employee forum” in the subject line.
- If you have a question not addressed by the FAQs, you can email covidresponse@vc.wisc.edu or call the UW–Madison COVID-19 Assistance Line at (608) 262-7777. The line is currently staffed Mondays through Fridays from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Saturdays from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.; and Sundays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.