The full-service reopening of the main campus and education centers is delayed until February 22, 2022, due to the regional impact of the Omicron variant.

SAN MARCOS — The first three weeks of instruction in the Spring 2022 semester will remain largely in a virtual format at Palomar College, with the main campus and education centers in Escondido, Rancho Bernardo and Fallbrook now set to fully reopen on Tuesday, February 22, 2022.

Reflecting the recent surge of COVID-19 cases in the region, the college will retain the virtual format for all lecture-based classes, but programs like public safety, workforce training and hard-to-convert labs will proceed face-to-face, as originally planned, on January 31. All virtual services remain in place during this delay in face-to-face instruction.

“While it was a difficult decision to disrupt the start of the spring semester, this step was necessary to protect the health and safety of our students, faculty and staff,” said Superintendent/President Dr. Star Rivera-Lacey. “The delay in face-to-face learning and services will allow our institution to recover from operational challenges due to illnesses and prescribed quarantines, and better prepare for the safe full reopening of our main campus and education centers on February 22nd.”

Many community colleges in the region and throughout the state are facing similar operational concerns and have instituted similar delays in face-to-face teaching and learning.

Three days prior to returning to in-person classes and job sites, students, faculty and staff are strongly encouraged to use the COVID-19 testing services provided at the main campus and education centers