WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. (WLFI) -- Students need to be prepared to get tested for COVID-19 upon arrival to Purdue's campus.

Wednesday, university officials said all students must be tested for the illness before classes start in August.

Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb, State Health Commissioner Dr. Kristina Box, and Chief Medical Officer Dr. Ramirez said they all support the decision.

"Boiler Up, Hammer Down," said Gov. Holcomb. "All the power to you."

Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb's has that message as the gold and black join other universities across the county to mandate COVID-19 testing for all students.

Gov. Holcomb said the state, including the health commissioner Dr. Box are working with all public universities to make sure they make the right decision in protecting the safety of all.

"They are going to use a saliva test, I think, to test students and send that to Rutgers to do that testing so they have a plan in place as do other universities and colleges across the state," said Dr. Box.

As we previously reported, the plans are not finalized yet, but students will receive instructions on how to go about being tested before they step foot on campus.

Chief Medical Officer at the Protect Purdue Health Center Dr. Esteban Ramirez said this will happen in a two to three week time span before the fall semester begins.

"We need to make sure we provide ample amount of time for students to be able to get results back so they can start on time for class," said Dr. Ramirez.

He said it's all about preventative measures and protecting safety of all students.

"Not only is the individual going to try to take care of themselves, but also look out for those around them," said Dr. Ramirez.

Purdue plans to partner with different laboratories to test students who are out of state and the university will host different testing areas once this plan gets underway.

In a statement Wednesday Purdue said:

"For students participating in Early Start, Summer Start and other programs throughout July, as well as students already at Purdue for work, research or classes this summer, special arrangements have been made to test them on campus or in collaboration with local testing partners."

"I know that our students will take this pledge serious and I know our faculty and staff will take this serious," said Dr. Ramirez.

Purdue officials said failure to complete a COVID-19 test prior to arrival to school will affect their ability to move into a residence hall and start classes.

Faculty and staff are not required to be tested unless they exhibit any symptoms of the illness.