Guidelines and Recommendations

In order to advance the field of college health, ACHA has created numerous policy guidelines, recommendations, and position statements to assist college health professionals in developing and sustaining strong and high quality health programming, health care, and health services in support of college students and their institutions.

The following guidelines and recommendations are available to download in pdf format, or copies may be obtained by contacting ACHA at pubs@acha.org. Please also see ACHA's Position Statements.

• Addressing Sexual and Relationship Violence on College and University Campuses [pdf]




• Best Practices for Sensitive Exams [pdf]




• Best Practices for Sexual Health Promotion and Clinical Care in College Health Settings [pdf]




• Considerations for Reopening Institutions of Higher Education for the Spring Semester 2021 [pdf] (posted December 29, 2020)




• Cultural Competency Statement [pdf]




• Drug Education and Testing of Student Athletes [pdf]




• Emergency Planning Guidelines for Campus Health Services: An All-Hazards Approach [pdf]




• General Statement of Ethical Principles and Guidelines [pdf]




• Guidelines for Hiring Health Promotion Professionals in Higher Education [pdf]




• HIV Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis [pdf]




• Immunization Recommendations for College Students [pdf]




• Opioid Prescribing in College Health [pdf]




• Outsourcing of College Health Programs: Discussion Points [pdf]




• Position Statement on Tobacco on College and University Campuses [pdf]




• Preparing for COVID-19 [pdf] (posted March 3, 2020)




• Sanctions Procedure [pdf]




• Scope of Practice for the Registered Nurse in College Health [pdf]




• Standards of Practice for Health Promotion in Higher Education [pdf]




• Standards for Student Health Insurance Coverage [pdf] 




• Supporting Vulnerable Campus Populations During the COVID-19 Pandemic [pdf]  (posted August 20, 2020)




• Trans-Inclusive College Health Programs [pdf]




• Tuberculosis Screening and Targeted Testing of College and University Students [pdf]

Guidelines and recommendations from other organizations may be available in the "College Health Topics" section.

White Papers

ACHA white papers serve as authoritative educational guides that address college health issues and how to solve them.

The following white papers are currently available:

• Addressing E-cigarette Use and Vaping on College and University Campuses [pdf]

• Considerations for Integration of Counseling and Health Services on College and University Campuses [pdf]

• Wellness Coaching [pdf]