HEALTH & HUMAN PERFORMANCE
in Journal of Higher Education Theory and Practice
This practice report highlights the collaborative approach by the Mountain Area Health Education Center (MAHEC) and six residential IHEs in Western North Carolina in mitigating COVID-19 infection rates on college campuses. This collaborative approach focused on engaging SHAs using a peer-to-peer education model, the diffusion of innovative, student-driven ideas, and positive messaging and support rather than “scare tactics” and enforcement. Promising transferable practices across the schools include selecting the right students, strong institutional support, the three Ps (positive, proactive and prevention-focused), building leadership skills, and peer-led campus culture change.