Palomar College continues to remain focused on the health and safety of all students and employees.  The College will continue to monitor COVID-19 related data, and if necessary, our health and safety guidance will be updated. 

Although not required to be onsite, vaccination remains the top preventative measure against COVID-19.  The College continues to recommend that all employees and students be fully vaccinated for COVID-19.  Vaccination events are held regularly, and the schedule is available on this webpage.   In addition, facial coverings are also no longer required indoors, however, they are highly recommended. 

District Wide COVID-19 Mitigation and Prevention Initiatives
Contact Your Instructor(s) If You Do Not Feel Well
If you are not feeling well, please do not come to class, contact your instructor, and follow the guidance in this flowchart.  If you have tested positive for COVID-19, please complete the COVID- 19 Questionnaire.  A member of our student health services team will contact you.  The information you provide in the questionnaire is confidential.  The questionnaire provides necessary information to the College to provide guidance, and issue the required notifications should an exposure take place on District property.  If you have COVID-19 or other health related questions, please call Student Health Services at 760-891-7530.

Daily Health Questionnaire Required
All employees, students and visitors are required to answer the daily health questionnaire in Cleared4 prior to coming on-site to the main campus or education centers.  Students and employees will use their personal Cleared4 link. 

• You can find your link in your Palomar College Student email. You should see an email from no-reply@cleared4work.com.  This email contains your PERSONAL link.  DO NOT forward it to anyone else.
• Upon first use, you will be required to register some of your personal information.
• Thereafter, on a daily basis you will need to take the survey to update your health
• On a weekly basis, you will be asked to complete the entire health screening

COVID-19 Antigen Test Kits are Available
Free COVID-19 antigen test kits are available at Student Health Services (HC building).  Please call 760-891-7530, before you pick up a test kit.

Campus Monitor Check-In stations are set up at each of our libraries by the front entry.
Students and visitors will be required to show their Cleared4 clearance to obtain a daily clearance bracelet, from the Campus Monitors, when visiting the libraries.  Employees may ask students to see their Cleared4 pass.

Increased Signage and Safety Measures
Signage is placed at entries and high traffic areas to notify all students, employees, and visitors of the recommendation to wear a facial covering indoors.  In addition, our facilities department has provided additional safety measures at all campus locations, these include: 

• Hand sanitizer stations in high traffic areas at the main campus and education centers
• Air scrubbers/purifiers in buildings which were identified as needing additional circulation
• Frequent cleaning of high use and touch areas (bathrooms, handles, etc.).
• Plexiglass/Protective barriers

Monkey Pox State of Emergency
On August 9, 2022, the San Diego County Board of Supervisors ratified a state of emergency due to the outbreak of Monkey Pox in the region.  To date, the College is not aware of any Monkey Pox cases impacting students or employees.  While the risk of contracting monkeypox for the public remains very low, it is important to be aware of the facts and primary preventative tactics found here on this factsheet.  If you think you have the monkeypox rash and want to get tested, or have any health concerns, please contact your healthcare provider. If you do not have a healthcare provider, call 2-1-1 San Diego for information. 

If you have any questions regarding this information, please contact vpstudentservices@palomar.edu.  

Effective October 11, students taking face-to-face classes and employees working onsite must provide proof of a complete COVID-19 vaccination or receive an approved medical or
religious exemption from the College.  Students and employees with an approved medical or religious exemption will undergo a required weekly diagnostic screening for COVID-19.  The screenings are at no cost and will take place on the main campus and education centers.  A schedule of screening locations and times is pending.

Students can upload their vaccination information or request a religious or medical exemption by using this guide in English and in Spanish.

Employees who desire to request an exemption from the COVID-19 Vaccination mandate for medical reasons, must complete this employee medical exemption form.  Those seeking an exemption for religious reasons, should complete the employee religious exemption form.  Employees who have been fully vaccinated, but have not yet submitted proof of vaccination, can send proof to Human Resources in one of three ways:
1. (PREFERRED) Send an email to benefits@palomar.edu. In the subject line, enter “COVID-19 Proof of Vaccination”, and include your name, employee ID#, and proof.
2. U.S. Mail: Palomar College (Attn: Benefits Office), 1140 W. Mission Rd., San Marcos, CA 92069
3. Fax: (760) 761-3530
If you have lost or misplaced your physical vaccination card, please visit Digital COVID-19 Vaccine Record (ca.gov) to obtain a replacement digital copy of your vaccination card for submission. You may also call the site you received your vaccination to request an additional physical vaccination card.

Thank you for doing your part in keeping our learning and working environments safe.

We hope your fall semester is going well and that you are staying safe and healthy.  We reviewed our on-campus parking policy and we have determined during the Fall 2021 semester, no parking fees will be charged to students who are required to visit the main campus or one of the Palomar College Education Centers.

Your success is our top priority!   Please connect with Student Services to address your needs.  Don’t forget we have a Quick Guide to Student Resources designed to point you in the right direction on a variety of topics, including emergency food and housing assistance.  You may also find additional information in our Student FAQs section of our website.

Stay well!

It is imperative to understand the District’s steadfast commitment to the health and safety of students and employees.  The COVID-19 Vaccination Mandate for employees working onsite and students enrolled in face-to-face courses was clarified today by Superintendent/President Dr. Star Rivera-Lacey.

By October 11, both students and employees are required to submit proof of a COVID-19 vaccination or submit a request for a religious or medical exemption.  Those with an approved exemption will be required to submit to weekly COVID-19 testing.  Testing will be made available at the main campus in San Marcos and at the education centers in Fallbrook, Escondido, and Rancho Bernardo.  There is no cost for testing and will be scheduled during campus hours of operation.  The testing schedule details are forthcoming.

Employees who desire to request an exemption from the COVID-19 Vaccination mandate for medical reasons, must complete this employee medical exemption form.  Those seeking an exemption for religious reasons, should complete the employee religious exemption form.  Employees who have been fully vaccinated, but have not yet submitted proof of vaccination, can send proof to Human Resources in one of three ways:
1. (PREFERRED) Send an email to benefits@palomar.edu. In the subject line, enter “COVID-19 Proof of Vaccination”, and include your name, employee ID#, and proof.
2. U.S. Mail: Palomar College (Attn: Benefits Office), 1140 W. Mission Rd., San Marcos, CA 92069
3. Fax: (760) 761-3530
If you have lost or misplaced your physical vaccination card, please visit Digital COVID-19 Vaccine Record (ca.gov) to obtain a replacement digital copy of your vaccination card for submission. You may also call the site you received your vaccination to request an additional physical vaccination card.  Palomar College employees should address all mandate related concerns or questions to their supervisor.

Students taking face-to-face courses can submit proof of vaccination or submit a request for a religious or medical exemption from the COVID-19 vaccine through the My Palomar Student Portal.
Specific instructions to do so are available here.  If students are unable to complete one of the above requirements by Monday, October 11, they should email vpstudentservices@palomar.edu.

The College has several vaccination clinics planned.  The schedule is available here. You can find a complete list of the College’s COVID-19 mitigation and prevention strategies here.

Mitigating the Spread Of COVID-19

• Campus entry and building entry signage notifies employees, students, and visitors of requirement of the following to enter campus to be:
  • Symptom free,
  • Wearing a facial covering
  • In possession of a campus pass
• Campus entry signage notifies all students, employees, and visitors of the requirement to wear a facial covering indoors, regardless of vaccination status
• District is requiring employees and students to use a health pre-screening questionnaire accessible via the personal link provided in a no-reply@cleared4work.com email sent to their Palomar College email.  Community members, students and employees may access the health pre-screening questionnaire at kiosks located at:

• • the main campus inside the Police Department lobby, cashier’s office, main area of student services
  • the main lobby of the Rancho Bernardo Education Center
  • the main lobby of the Escondido Education Center
  • the student services center (building A) at the Fallbrook Education Center

• Students and employees may be asked to show proof of a campus pass from the Cleared4 health questionnaire.
• Employees, students and visitors who become ill while on campus are requested to complete a COVID-19 questionnaire. The COVID-19 Response Action Team will manage all cases (see below).
• The class schedule has been designed to prevent gatherings in hallways and common areas.
• Every classroom scheduled for in-person learning has a supply of disposable facial coverings.
• Every department has a supply of disposable facial coverings.
• Every employee in need of a facial covering can request a reusable facial covering by submitting a facilities request.
• All work schedules are staggered to avoid over populating work spaces of those needed to provide essential services to students and campus operations.
• Social distancing signage has been installed in high traffic areas indoors and outdoors (i.e. student services center)
• “Please use hand sanitizer” signage is placed throughout the campus and hand sanitizer is available.
• The facilities department has remedied concerns related to the HVAC systems on the main campus and education centers. You can find an update here.
• Employees should submit their proof of vaccination to benefits@palomar.edu
• A working document containing the hours of operation for all departments on campus can be found here.

Management of COVID-19 Cases

• The District Administrators designed a COVID-19 Response Action Team (CRAT) in summer 2020 to manage COVID-19 cases on the main campus and education centers. To date, there have been no outbreaks within the District.
• Our Health Services team attends regularly scheduled meetings with the San Diego County Department of Public Health and other institutions of higher education in the region. Data shared and guidance informs recommendations by the Emergency Operations Center (EOC)and CRAT.
• CRAT Protocol
  • Every COVID-19 case received through the COVID-19 questionnaire is triaged and every individual is interviewed by our health services team.
  • If a positive COVID-19 case is reported, the CRAT utilizes a communication system that includes email and telephone notifications of parties who may have been exposed and contacts facilities to request a disinfection of the area(s).
  • Every case received is assigned a case manager who stays in contact with the individual until they return to work or school, to make sure the resources available are known to the student or employee.
  • If there are three or more high risk cases (positive for COVID-19 or exposure to a positive COVID-19 individual), the Policy committee of the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) calls an emergency meeting to evaluate the need to pause or discontinue a course, program or service.

The Palomar College COVID-19 Recovery Plan (PCCRP) is designed to support a safe and healthy return to on-campus work and learning beginning in Fall 2021.  We have also updated our Return to Campus Frequently Asked Questions.  You can find them here.  It is important to note, the PCCRP will be updated as the status of the pandemic changes in our region.  Our main priority is to keep our students, employees, and campus community safe. The District will continue to monitor the situation and provide immediate updates if any changes occur.

• The PCCRP represents the current status for the College, it may change as guidance is issued by the County of San Diego Public Health Department, Cal/OSHA, the California State Department of Public Health and the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
• The Governing Board approved BP 7330and AP 7330 and reviewed and accepted the COVID-19 Employee Vaccination and Immunization Plan, which is included in the PCCRP.
• The Governing Board also approved BP 5210 and AP 5210, which apply to students, and will receive and review the COVID-19 Vaccination and Immunization Plan for students at an upcoming meeting. This document is also included in the PCCRP.
• The PCCRP also includes the COVID-19 Prevention Plan, which provides resources and direction to aid in the enforcement of the important health and safety measures designed to mitigate the spread of the COVID-19 virus and related variants.
• The main campus and education centers will re-open to the general public on August 16 and our community partners will be able to reserve space through our standard Use of Facilities Request process at least three weeks in advance of the event/activity date.

Students and employees must be adhere to the following:

• Prior to coming to campus, students and employees are required to complete the daily health pre-screening form on the My Palomar App. Information on the App is available here.
• While indoors, all employees, students and visitors to campus are required to wear a facial covering, regardless of vaccination status. This includes classrooms and all campus meeting spaces.
• Face coverings do not need to be worn outside, regardless of vaccination status. However, students and employees who are not fully vaccinated are encouraged to wear a face covering outside when six (6) feet of social distancing is not possible.
• Employees are prohibited from asking other employees and students about their vaccination status, as this is medically confidential information.

The following is specific guidance for employees:

• Fully vaccinated employees may take their face covering off when working in their office alone.
• The College continues to make safety a top priority, and having full knowledge of the number of vaccinated employees allows us to plan and implement plans accordingly. As such, the College is requiring that all employees submit their vaccination status if they have not already provided proof of vaccination. Human Resources will email a “Vaccination Confirmation Form” to all employees who have not yet submitted a proof a vaccination. This form should be completed as soon as possible, but no later than September 30, 2021.
• If you have been fully vaccinated, but have not yet submitted proof of vaccination, please send proof to Human Resources in one of three ways:

1. (PREFERRED) Send an email to benefits@palomar.edu. In the subject line, enter “COVID-19 Proof of Vaccination”, and include your name, employee ID#, and proof.
2. S. Mail: Palomar College (Attn: Benefits Office), 1140 W. Mission Rd., San Marcos, CA 92069
3. Fax: (760) 761-3530

• If you have lost or misplaced your physical vaccination card, please visit Digital COVID-19 Vaccine Record (ca.gov)  to obtain a replacement digital copy of your vaccination card for submission. You may also call the site you received your vaccination to request an additional physical vaccination card.

Great news!  Our partner, Neighborhood Healthcare, will host a vaccination event in the Dome at the main campus in San Marcos on Saturday, June 19, from 8:00 a.m. to 11:45 a.m.  You must use the MyTurn link and follow the directions stated below.  This vaccination event is open to all Palomar College employees and students, and the general public who are 12 years and older.  Stay well!

1. Go to https://myturn.ca.gov/
2. Complete the basic information requested and use one of the following zip codes to locate this event:  92024. 92029, 92069, 92078, 92079 or 92096
3. Select your vaccine and schedule your appointment – Neighborhood Healthcare will distribute the Pfizer and Johnson & Johnson vaccines.

Status as of June 15

• As of June 15, the stay-at-home order in California ends and new guidelines on physical distancing, facial coverings, and capacity limitations for businesses begin.
• On June 17, Cal-OSHA is scheduled to approve guidance for employers.  Once this guidance is published, the College will issue an update to employees and students.
• On July 6, the Governing Board will conduct a second reading of recommended revisions to BP/AP 5210 Communicable Disease (students) and BP/AP 7330 Communicable Disease (employees) to give the District the ability to create a Vaccination and Immunization Plan in the event of an epidemic or pandemic.
• The collective bargaining negotiation process to discuss the impacts of BP/AP 5210 and BP/AP 7330 on working conditions, including legal exemptions from a vaccine mandate, are underway.
• Our facilities department partnered with an engineering firm to do an analysis of air quality and HVAC systems in all campus and education center buildings. All required repairs and upgrades will be complete by the end of summer.
• Every department was asked to submit Summer 2021 and/or Fall 2021 Return to Work plans to our Emergency Operations Center.
• On June 4, the Emergency Operations Center and Policy Team reviewed and finalized all of the plans received to date.
• Our technology team is installing required audio visual equipment in conference rooms and in some classrooms for continued ZOOM usage.
• We will continue to ensure access to vaccines for students and employees.
• We will determine the most efficient and effective approach to COVID-19 testing on campus.
• We are in the process of determining the most efficient and effective approach to collecting the appropriate data on vaccinations while abiding by HIPAA requirements.
• We will modify the campus Return to Campus plan as relevant guidance is gained from federal, state and regional public health agencies.

Please visit this page frequently as updates to our plan are made available regularly.

Palomar College will host a food distribution event at the Fallbrook Education Center.  The event is free and open to the general public.

Friday, July 9 from noon to 2:00 p.m.
Fallbrook Education Center, 35090 Horse Ranch Creek Road, in Fallbrook
Community Partner:  Feeding San Diego
Registration is required.  Find More Information Here

Due to the pandemic, the Palomar College main campus in San Marcos, and the education centers at Rancho Bernardo, Escondido and Fallbrook remain closed to the general public.  Only students taking onsite courses, our faculty and staff who facilitate these courses, and our essential employees are permitted on Palomar Community College District properties.  In result, we are not hosting ACT or SAT testing at this time.   As our re-opening plans progress, these types of opportunities will be considered.   Thank you for your patience as we continue to adhere to the guidelines designed to protect the health and safety of our students and employees.  Stay well!

If you’re an income eligible renter who has experienced a financial hardship due to COVID-19 and have past due rent, you may be eligible to get financial assistance now through the CA COVID-19 Rent Relief program.   Renters who have experienced a financial hardship due to COVID-19, have past due rent or utilities, and have a household income that is not more than 80% of the area median income, are eligible to apply.   To check eligibility requirements, apply or find a Local Partner Network organization who can assist you further,  visit HousingIsKey.com or call 833-430-2122, toll free.

The community colleges within San Diego County have all chosen to opt out of spring semester competitive sports.  There are several factors which include, the current status of the pandemic in our region, but more so, the infrastructure to comply with all COVID-19 regulations applicable to competitive athletics is not operational.  We are hopeful that by the end of the semester, we will be able to offer an opportunity to practice and condition as we know this pandemic has had a great affect our student athletes.

In our commitment to maintain a healthy and safe campus, all students, faculty, and staff are required to have their temperature taken and be screened for symptoms of COVID-19 at one of the screening stations in parking lot 1 or parking lot 12.  Note:  if you plan to arrive on campus after 5:30 p.m., please enter through parking lot 12.

During the spring semester, February 1 through May 28, the Temperature and COVID-19 Symptom Screening Station hours of operation will be as follows:

Parking Lot 1
Monday, Tuesday – 7:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Wednesday, Thursday – 7:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Friday – 7:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Parking Lot 12
Monday, Tuesday – 5:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Wednesday, Thursday – 5:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Friday – 5:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Please note, the campus and the temperature and COVID-19 symptom screening stations will be closed on the following holidays:
Lincoln’s Day, Friday, February 12
Washington’s Day, Friday, February 15
Spring Break, Monday March  29 through April 2.

4-week and 8-week classes are still available students can view a list view a list of courses here.  All student services are available at our Virtual Front Desk.

Starting on Monday, February 1, free access to Wi-Fi will be available on the second floor of the parking structure, adjacent to lot 12.  The parking structure can be accessed through the campus entrance off of Los Posas Road and Aveneda Azul.

Hours of Operation: Wi-Fi access will be available to students Monday through Thursday, 7:30 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., and on Fridays from 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Purpose:  The service is provided so that students will be able to access their courses, join virtual study groups, conduct research for assignments, and take exams.

General Guidelines and Information:

• To protect the health and safety of our faculty, students, and staff, all individuals entering the Palomar College campus must be screened for a temperature of 100.4 degrees or more, and symptoms of COVID-19.  A screening station is open at the entrance of lot 12.  Individuals with symptoms of COVID-19 or those with a fever will be unable to access the campus.
• Students accessing the Palomar College wireless network are to remain in their vehicle at all times when on site, and access will be limited to the second floor of the parking structure.
• Power sources, outlets or charging stations will not be available.
• Gender-neutral restroom facilities are available in the lobby of the Campus Police Station, located on the south end of the parking structure.
• The Wi-Fi network will not be accessible beyond the hours of operation stated above.

The main campus in San Marcos, and Education Centers in Rancho Bernardo, Fallbrook, and Escondido are closed for winter break until January 3, 2021.  Intersession begins on January 4, 2021.  Students can still enroll in intersession.  A list of available courses can be found here. 

The Spring 2021 semester begins on February 1.  The majority of courses will remain online.  Please view the Spring 2021 update to find a list of programs that will have face-to-face courses.  Students may find a list here of courses with space available.  All student services will be available at our Virtual Front Desk starting January 4.

Stay safe!  Stay well!

In our commitment to protect the health and safety of all students, faculty, staff and administrators, and in agreement with the Pacific Coast Athletic Conference, Palomar College  will not pursue athletic competitions in “early spring” 2021.  We will be examining the opportunity to participate in the athletic competitions taking place in “late spring” 2021.  As decisions are made, we will update all impacted individuals.

As you are likely aware, Governor Newsom recently issued a Regional Stay Home Order (Order) triggered by a threshold of ICU bed availability in the region.  San Diego County is included in the Southern California region along with 10 other counties.  On Friday evening, the Southern California region fell below the 15% threshold, which activates the start of the Order on Sunday, December 6 at 11:59 p.m. The Order will remain in effect for at least the next three weeks.

What does this mean for Palomar College? The health and welfare of our students, faculty, and staff remain top priorities of administrators and the Board of Trustees of the Palomar Community College District.  While our expectations were that the COVID-19 virus would be more contained by this time, it is apparent that the situation has dramatically worsened since the Governor’s initial stay at home order in March 2020.  Throughout this state of emergency, we have reiterated the College’s right to amend class schedules and essential work being done at the main campus and education centers. This continues to be the case today.

Through the dedicated work of our faculty and staff, it is obvious that we remain committed to the success of our students.  In doing so, the current schedule of classes will remain as is for the remainder of the fall semester, unless further constraints are required per additional emergency orders.

We will close for our scheduled winter break on December 22.  The winter intersession begins on January 4, and all classes will be delivered online with the continued exception of our Public Health & Safety courses.  Due to the current state of the pandemic in San Diego County, the Instruction Office is diligently working with deans and faculty to amend the previously announced Spring 2021 schedule of face-to-face courses.  This information will be released in the coming days.  As a College, we are working with our classified union to extend our Fall 2020 MOU to continue to operate within the same modified staffing model as we have done since March 2020.

The Emergency Operations Center (EOC) remains in active status and will continue its important work to prevent the spread of COVID-19 among our students, faculty, and staff, and issue any new directives as needed under the Regional Stay Home Order.  Please continue to monitor this website and your Palomar email for updates.  Daily communication will be issued to employees from the Office of the President, Public Information Office, and our social media channels.

Please also recognize that the important work of our Foundation continues.  The most recent fundraising efforts have replenished the Foundation’s emergency grant fund. The application for students needing assistance is available on the Foundation website.

Lastly, we must reiterate once again – your health and safety are incredibly important. Please follow all of the current restrictions as contained in the Regional Stay Home Order, wear a facial covering, maintain social distancing, avoid gatherings outside of your immediate closed circle, and practice good personal hygiene.

Stay safe!  Stay well!