COVID-19 Mitigation Policy

Association for the Study of Higher Education
COVID-19 Health and Safety Operational Policy
Approved by the ASHE Executive Director on 1/23/2023

The ASHE Staff is committed to the health and safety of our event participants. Procedures for COVID-19 Mitigation for events will be set according to CDC and public health recommendations; federal, state, and local regulations applicable at the time of the event; as well as what ASHE deems necessary to manage the risk for event attendees. The ASHE Staff may change, update, or add to these requirements at any time as it deems prudent to best protect the health and safety of attendees and others. Attendees must comply with relevant policies and requirements in place at the time of an event as communicated by the ASHE Staff. ASHE cannot be held liable for cases of infectious disease arising because of event attendance.

As such, at all in-person events, ASHE will:

  • have clear masks and medical masks available;
  • have hand sanitizer and disposable disinfectant cloths available; and
  • provide room set ups that minimize crowds and provide personal space.   

Health and safety protocols should not serve as a replacement for personal decision-making/agency or take precedence over government regulations related to health and wellness. Attendees play an important role and share in the responsibility for the overall safety of any in-person event.

As such, at all in-person events, attendees will: 

  • agree to these policies with an understanding that ASHE cannot be held liable for cases of COVID-19 arising during attendance at in-person events;
  • follow the CDC’s recommendation that everyone over age 12 receive the updated bivalent vaccine as soon as they are eligible to do so (ASHE will not be requiring proof of these measures but calls on the ASHE community to act responsibly and with consideration for the health and safety of others);
  • take an at-home COVID-19 rapid antigen test before traveling to any ASHE in-person event (ASHE will not be requiring proof of these measurer but calls on the ASHE community to act responsibly and with consideration for the health and safety of others); 
  • not enter, or leave if already entered the event area, if they are not feeling well;
  • take common actions to reduce the spread of infectious disease including hand washing and use of hand sanitizer;
  • practice health and wellbeing measures that meet their needs, such as wearing a mask if desired;
  • be respectful of each individual’s preventative measures; and
  • be mindful of their surroundings and to be respectful of one another's space. 

Failure to comply with health and safety protocols and requirements in place at the time of the event or related directions from ASHE representatives on-site may result in the loss of the right to attend or participate in ASHE events, including forfeiting any registration fees paid.

Questions can be directed to the ASHE Office at office@ashe.ws or (202) 660‑4106.