COVID-19 Policy

Important information

We want to assure all registrants that the association is taking steps to ensure the health and safety of all attendees. Below are our event safety policies.

Please review them carefully. If you have any related questions or concerns, contact Andy Laine, ACCT Association Counsel, at 202-775-4470 or alaine@acct.org.

COVID-19 Vaccination and Testing

In compliance with requirements of the District of Columbia and to protect the health and safety of our membership, verification of COVID-19 vaccination is required of all attendees, except individuals with a documented medical or religious COVID-19 vaccination exemption. Attendees with a documented medical or religious COVID-19 vaccination exemption must provide a negative COVID-19 test result as described below.

PLEASE NOTE THE FOLLOWING CHANGE: The Marriot Marquis will be verifying COVID-19 vaccination or vaccination exemption information from attendees for the event ON-SITE and providing verification wristbands to be used during the event. Attendee vaccination information that was previously uploaded via the ACCT Safe Expo portal CANNOT BE USED as proof of vaccination for the event, and ALL ATTENDEES SHOULD BRING:

1. A CDC-ISSUED VACCINATION CARD (ORIGINAL, PHOTOCOPY, OR PICTURE/DIGITAL COPY), record of immunization from a healthcare provider or public health authority, or a COVID-19 verification app (including VaxYes, Clear, Excelsior, MyIR), AND

2. PHOTO IDENTIFICATION (state issued driver’s license or ID card, passport, or student ID).

Per requirements of the District of Columbia, attendee proof of vaccination must show the attendee has received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine.

Attendees with a medical or religious vaccination exemption should bring documentation supporting the exemption and documentation of a negative PCR or antigen COVID-19 test within the last 24 hours as specified below, as well as photo identification. Attendees should also submit documentation of medical or religious exemptions to Andy Laine, ACCT Association Counsel, alaine@acct.org, in advance of the NLS.

Vaccination/Exemption Verification Process

1. If you are a guest of the Marriott Marquis, you will be asked your vaccination status AT CHECK-IN. Please note: Vaccination is not required to check into the hotel, but it is required to attend the 2022 Community College National Legislative Summit and utilize hotel amenities.

Attendees not staying at the Marriott Marquis should visit the hotel’s VAX Check Desk in the Lobby.

At hotel check-in or the hotel Vax Check Desk, please present:

2. PHOTO IDENTIFICATION (state issued driver’s license or ID card, passport, or student ID).

If you have a medical or religious exemption from COVID-19 vaccination, you will need to provide documentation at check-in or the Vax Check Desk. Documentation of a medical exemption can be in the form of a note from a medical provider. Documentation of a religious exemption can be in the form of an attestation from the attendee that they have a sincerely held religious belief in conflict with vaccination. Please contact Andy Laine, ACCT Association Counsel, alaine@acct.org, for a religious exemption form. Attendees with a documented medical or religious exemption from the COVID-19 vaccine MUST ALSO provide photo identification and documentation of a negative PCR or antigen test conducted within the last 24 hours. Acceptable documentation includes digital results from a healthcare provider or a proof of the negative test.

2. Once you provide COVID-19 vaccination or vaccination exemption credentials and photo identification, you will receive a HOTEL-ISSUED WRISTBAND that you will need to wear to access the 2022 NLS meeting spaces, hotel restaurants, and the hotel fitness center.

3. At the 2022 NLS Registration Desk, you must show your hotel-issued wristband in order to pick up your conference badge and materials.

Please note: The District of Columbia also currently has in place a COVID-19 vaccination REQUIREMENT for indoor food and drink and entertainment establishments, such as:

· Restaurants

· Nightclubs

· Taverns

· Coffee shops

· Food halls

· Concert, live entertainment and sporting venues

· Movie theatres

· Bowling alleys

Attendees should therefore be prepared to provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination, or vaccination exemption documentation with a negative PCR or antigen test conducted within the last 24 hours, at all such establishments in the District of Columbia.

For more information on the DC COVID-19 vaccination requirements, please visit: https://coronavirus.dc.gov/vaxdc.

Face Masks

The District of Columbia currently has in place a face mask REQUIREMENT for both vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals in indoor public settings, unless actively eating or drinking. This includes presenters in concurrent sessions. We are monitoring conditions in DC, and are committed to following

all applicable CDC and local health and safety protocols in effect at the time of the event. ACCT will provide masks on-site.

Optional COVID-19 On-site Testing

Simple HealthKit will be on-site from February 6 through February 8 to provide free PCR COVID-19 testing to interested attendees. Please note: COVID-19 testing is NOT required for vaccinated attendees. Results will be provided to attendees within one day. Please visit the Simple HealthKit desk at the NLS to learn more.

Association of Community College Trustees COVID-19 Safety Policy

By attending this Association of Community College Trustees (ACCT) event in Washington, DC, you agree to abide by and engage in certain mandatory health and safety conduct while attending the event.

Current CDC and hotel safety guidelines will be followed and enforced, and ACCT reserves the right to update health measures and attendance policies based on evolving health threats and guidance from federal health agencies and local authorities. While we intend for the event to go forward as planned, the event may be impacted by future guidance from federal and local authorities and protocols will be adjusted as warranted.

By attending the event, you are acknowledging that an inherent risk of exposure to COVID-19 exists in any public place where people are present, voluntarily assume all risks related to exposure to COVID-19, and agree not to hold ACCT or any of its directors, officers, employees, agents, or contractors liable for any illness or injury.

Event Registration Cancellations

We are looking forward to seeing everyone in person after so long, but in an abundance of caution if you need to cancel your registration due to unforeseen circumstances through January 21, 2022, the policy is that ACCT will either 1.) provide a full refund of your registration fee or 2) apply your registration fee as a credit towards the 2022 ACCT Leadership Congress. The decision to receive a refund or a credit is yours.

If you cancel after January 21, 2022, the policy is that ACCT will either 1.) provide a refund minus a $250 processing fee or 2.) apply your registration fee as a credit towards the 2022 ACCT Leadership Congress. The decision to receive a refund or a credit is yours.

If ACCT cancels the event, we will provide a full refund to all who have registered.

Travel Cancellations

Many airlines, car rental companies, and other travel providers have adjusted their cancellation or change policies to provide greater flexibility when cancelling or rescheduling booked travel. Please consult with your travel provider(s) for the event for specific information on what refund or voucher options may be available should you decide to cancel your travel arrangements. If the event is cancelled or postponed, ACCT is not liable for any travel arrangements that you may have booked.

Hotel Reservation Cancellations

If you are staying at the event host hotel, the Washington Marriott Marquis, you may cancel your reservation up to 72 hours prior to your arrival date without penalty. Please contact the Washington Marriott Marquis directly to cancel your reservation. ACCT cannot cancel or change guest reservations and is not responsible for hotel refunds. If you are staying at a different hotel to attend the event, please consult with the hotel to determine cancellation policies for your stay. Should the event be cancelled or postponed, ACCT is not liable for any hotel arrangements that you may have booked.

Thank you for your understanding and cooperation during this transitional period.

We anticipate a well-attended reunion of community college leaders and look forward to seeing you this February in Washington, DC.