Despite the lack of an identifiable health risk on campus, Palomar College strengthened its efforts to minimize and mitigate the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19), by announcing that no classes will be held online or on-campus from March 16 through March 21, 2020.  Students, faculty and staff will be on spring break starting March 23 and upon their return to campus on March 30, all classes will be taught either online, through web conferencing or via email.   Staff and faculty will be preparing throughout the week of March 16 for the change in the delivery of coursework.  Due to these changes, the College is working toward finalizing a modified work schedule for employees.

The Education Centers in Rancho Bernardo, Escondido and Fallbrook will have limited services available on Monday March 16 and will be closed the remainder of the week. Student Support Services will remain open at the main campus, with normal hours on Monday, March 16, and Tuesday, March 17.   The library, tutoring services and the Disability Resource Center (DRC) and other services available to students will offer limited hours of service.  Behavioral health counselors  will continue to be available to students as will Student Health Center medical staff.  For health and safety reasons, it is important that students call the Health Center prior to coming in.

This change in class schedule comes one day after the College announced the alternate methods of course delivery and additional precautionary steps including suspension of all student and employee business travel until further notice and canceling on-campus events.

“The health and welfare of our students, faculty and staff continues to remain a top priority of administrators and the Board of Trustees of the Palomar Community College District,” said Acting Superintendent/President Dr. Jack Kahn. “We feel this is the best step forward to minimize the spread of the virus.”

There are no confirmed cases of COVID-19 at Palomar. However, the college’s Emergency Response Teams have been activated to respond as necessary. College leadership is currently evaluating how to proceed regarding the scheduled commencement ceremony on May 22. Updates will be posted at http://www.palomar.edu/covid-19.