The COVID-19 pandemic is ever-evolving and rapidly changing. We are focused on taking all reasonable measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19 at 2022 programs sponsored by NHI headquarters at partner colleges and universities. 

1. The safety and health of participants, volunteers, and staff is always the highest priority at the National Hispanic Institute. 

2. All 2022 NHI programs will adhere to the guidance and regulations from the CDC, federal and local health officials, and university host institutions with respect to COVID-19.

3. Because of variations in host institution requirements and possible updates to CDC guidelines, specific policies may vary by program site. NHI on-site COVID protocols will be based on then existing CDC guidelines or host-institution requirements, whichever provides more protection. 

4. All persons who enter NHI-designated student activity spaces for the purpose of interacting with students, volunteers, or staff will be part of “interactive” protocol. These individuals will be previously fully vaccinated for COVID-19 with a vaccine recognized by the W.H.O. and must present valid proof of vaccination.

5. It is the responsibility of each individual, including staff, volunteers, and participants, to get to the door of the campus at drop off and pick up. However, NHI Administration reserves the right to arrange transportation as is consistent with internal policies on a program-by-program basis. NHI will make program-specific information available.

6. All interactive participants, volunteers, and staff will be required to provide a negative, FDA-approved COVID-19 screening test performed a maximum of 3 days prior to their scheduled arrival to the program, or they may take a COVID test upon arrival. In the event of a positive test, NHI will adhere to CDC guidelines for safety. For individuals who should go home, they will be invited to join a virtual program or may be rebooked for a different program at a later date. No refunds will be given. 

7. NHI Medical Waivers shall be modified to include documentation of COVID-19 vaccines.

8. Individuals who will not closely interact with NHI volunteers, staff, or students during the program are considered “visitors.” Visitors are allowed on campus at designated times and in designated spaces only. “Visitors” must adhere to program site COVID protocols, such as masks, when required. Visitors who are authorized by NHI to interact with students, staff, or participants will be required to adhere to the requirements listed in #4 as “interactive guests.”

9. Parents, guardians, or anyone picking up or dropping off participants, volunteers, or staff shall remain outdoors or in their vehicles at program drop off and pick up. 

10. The program shall have access to medical providers 24/7. 

11. Measures shall be taken to monitor and address possible COVID-19 symptoms, including wellness surveys and temperature checks. 

12. Any person at an NHI program who screens positive for symptoms consistent with COVID-19 will be subject to testing and isolation, pending a negative test result by an FDA-approved COVID-19 test, as outlined by the CDC. Persons in close contact with participants testing positive for COVID-19 will be subject to quarantine and isolation per then current CDC guidance.

13. Individuals under quarantine or isolation as per this policy will be monitored regularly. Provisions will be made for their usual daily needs including meals and hygiene. 

14. Additional COVID-19 testing performed on-site at in-person programs, including testing required for return travel, will be billable to individual participants and/or their legal guardians. 

15. Everyone at the program will comply with on-site masks and social distancing requirements. The requirements for each specific program location will be based on then current guidelines by the CDC or the host campus, whichever provides greater protection. 

16. Staff shall receive training on how to ensure the health and safety of everyone at the program including protocols to safely isolate, confirm, respond, and remove any participant or staff member with suspected COVID-19. This also includes training on routine cleaning and disinfecting of facilities, activities, and equipment. 

17. NHI will implement CDC-recommended transmission-mitigation strategies, including provision of hand sanitizer, disinfecting supplies, and implementing visual cues and physical barriers to maintain physical distance, when necessary, at each program (this can include printing signs, tape on the floor, physical dividers, etc.). All individuals at in-person programs are required to bring their own dual layer cloth or medical/surgical type masks as required by CDC guidelines. 

18. Mask requirements and physical distancing for activities, dorm room accommodations, and dining shall be in accordance with then existing CDC guidelines or host campus policies, whichever provides greater protection. 

19. Exercise may be conducted outdoors adhering to specific program site policies for mask usage. If outdoor exercise is not possible, exercise shall be held in an indoor area at the discretion of NHI staff following CDC guidance. 

20. If prior to the program the environment of national or state (i.e. where program is held) rates of transmission exceed moderate transmission rates as per guidance from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, NHI reserves the right to transfer the program to a virtual format. 

21. Any person at an NHI program, including staff or participants, may be dismissed from the program without refund of tuition should they demonstrate repeated disregard for published and established safety precautions being followed by all members of the National Hispanic Institute at its in-person programs. 

22. NHI HQ shall communicate the COVID-19 policies and procedures to participants, parents, and staff prior to programs.

23. The National Hispanic Institute will adhere to its reporting responsibilities in accordance with host institutions, local, state, and federal laws and regulations, including but not limited to the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). 

24. Costs associated with the care and supervision of any individual at an NHI program beyond the published program dates are the sole responsibility of each individual participating in NHI programs, or their legal guardian(s). 

25. The National Hispanic Institute will make students aware of technological requirements of in-person programs, including the electronic devices and communication platforms for individuals that may be necessary to support COVID-19 protocols. 

26. Families and organizations that sponsor students will be provided a final deadline to join the in-person program and will be asked to assume the full financial risks for both tuition and any other cost of participation, without refund.

27. NHI reserves the right to change or amend the COVID-19 policies and procedures as the pandemic status and/or CDC or host-institution policies change. NHI headquarters shall communicate the changes or amendments to attendees.