Release & Waiver of Liability Relating to COVID-19

By registering for and attending NASFAA 2022 (the "Event"), I acknowledge that I will be voluntarily participating in the following activities sponsored by National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators ("NASFAA"), held in Austin, Texas, from June 26-29, 2022 (collectively, the "Activities"):

Participate in a four-day conference expected to have fewer than 2,000 attendees who will come to the Event from many different locations across the U.S. with optional networking events held both onsite and offsite.

I am aware that the novel coronavirus, which causes the disease known as COVID-19, has been declared a worldwide pandemic by the World Health Organization. COVID-19 is extremely contagious. The state of medical knowledge is evolving, but the virus is believed to spread from person-to-person contact and/or by contact with contaminated surfaces and objects, and through the air. People can be infected, show no symptoms, and therefore spread the disease unknowingly. Evidence has shown that COVID-19 can cause serious and potentially life-threatening illness and even death. As of the date of this document, there is no known widely available government-approved cure for COVID-19, and none is anticipated to be fully available by the time of the Event. I understand that the U.S. Centers for Disease Control ("CDC") urges all adults to be vaccinated against the novel coronavirus, that vaccination can confer substantial protections against COVID-19 infection and can reduce the likelihood of serious complications from COVID-19, and that NASFAA requires all attendees at the Event to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19.

I am aware that the Activities are occurring in a public and/or indoor location during the COVID-19 pandemic and that even vaccinated individuals may contract "breakthrough infections" of COVID-19 and be infectious before they are symptomatic. I understand that the Activities therefore could be hazardous, and that I could also be exposed to COVID‑19 through travel to the Event. I am aware that even diligent efforts to follow public health guidance and orders cannot guarantee that participants in the Activities will not contract the virus that causes COVID-19, and that I could be infected, seriously injured or even die due to COVID-19 or due to activities by me or others on or at the Event, including but not limited to the activities listed above. I AM VOLUNTARILY PARTICIPATING IN THESE ACTIVITIES WITH KNOWLEDGE OF THE DANGER INVOLVED AND AGREE TO ASSUME ANY AND ALL RISKS OF BODILY INJURY, DEATH, OR PROPERTY DAMAGE WHETHER THOSE RISKS ARE KNOWN OR UNKNOWN.

I agree that I HAVE READ AND WILL ABIDE BY NASFAA'S HEALTH AND SAFETY PROTOCOLS while participating in the Activities and that I will not attend the Event or have in-person contact with NASFAA's employees unless I am able to provide proof of vaccination, upon request, and meet all of NASFAA's attendee conditions as stipulated on the conference website and registration form.

In addition to all other rules and regulations relating to my attendance at the Event, I agree to comply with all COVID-related laws, guidelines, protocols, or procedures that may be implemented by NASFAA, the Event venue, and the federal/state/local government as applicable at the time of the Event, in order to protect as much as possible the health and safety of all attendees, including directives for frequent hand washing and use of face masks in public and indoor locations. I agree that if I experience any symptoms associated with COVID‑19 at the Event, I will inform Event staff as soon as reasonably possible and promptly depart the Event.

ASSUMPTION OF RISK: I have read and understood the above warning concerning COVID-19. The value of attending the Event is such that I accept the risk of being exposed to or contracting COVID-19 in order to attend the Event in person.

WAIVER OF LAWSUIT/LIABILITY: As consideration for being permitted by NASFAA to participate in the Activities and attend the Event, I forever release NASFAA and any affiliated organizations, along with their respective board members, employees, volunteers, agents, attorneys, contractors, and representatives (collectively "Releasees") from any and all liabilities, causes of action, lawsuits, claims, demands, or damages of any kind whatsoever that I, my assignees, heirs, guardians, next of kin, spouse and legal representatives now have, or may have in the future, for bodily injury, death, or property damage, related to (i) my participation in the Activities or presence at the Event, (ii) the negligence or other acts of any Releasee, whether directly connected to the Activities or not, and however caused, and (iii) the condition of the Event. This release includes, without limitation, any claims in connection with any exposure, infection, and/or spread of COVID-19 related to attendance at the Event. I understand that this waiver means I give up my right to bring any claims including but not limited for personal injuries, death, disease or property losses, or any other loss, including but not limited to claims of negligence and give up any claim I may have to seek damages, whether known or unknown, foreseen or unforeseen. 

I HAVE CAREFULLY READ AND FULLY UNDERSTAND ALL PROVISIONS OF THIS RELEASE, AND FREELY AND KNOWINGLY ASSUME THE RISK AND WAIVE MY RIGHTS CONCERNING LIABILITY AS DESCRIBED ABOVE.

[By registering for and attending the Event, I certify all of the above.]