Palomar College to Move Most Classes Online as a COVID-19 Precaution

Mar 12, 2020

Upcoming steps include using “alternate methods of delivery” to continue instruction for the remainder of the spring semester, suspending business travel, restricting spectator access to athletic competitions, and canceling large events.

SAN MARCOS, CA (March 12, 2020) — In preparation to meet the challenges of the COVID-19 epidemic, Palomar College announced that it will move most classes online for the remainder of the spring 2020 semester as of March 30, following the March 23-27 spring break. These include classes at the San Marcos campus, as well as the education centers in Rancho Bernardo, Escondido and Fallbrook. To prepare for this initiative, faculty are being provided two non-instructional days on March 18 and March 19.

The alternate methods of delivery include online classes, video and web conferencing, and email, as appropriate, while labs, clinical units and internships requiring students to be physically present may continue with limited face-to-face interactions.

Additional precautionary steps include:

  • Suspending all student and employee business travel until further notice;
  • Urging students and employees to limit or cancel personal travel;
  • Requiring compliance with the CDC’s recommendations for those returning from impacted countries;
  • As of March 16, events at Palomar’s campus and education centers with more than 100 people in attendance will be canceled;
  • Implementing social distancing of 6 feet per person at events smaller than 100 attendees;
  • And restricting spectator access to athletic events.

“The health and welfare of our students, faculty and staff is a top priority of administrators and the Board of Trustees of the Palomar Community College District,” said Acting Superintendent/President Dr. Jack Kahn. “While the risk to our campus remains low, our goal is to mitigate opportunities for exposure as much as possible. We launched a communication campaign to encourage good personal hygiene on campus, inclusive of urging anyone who feels ill to stay home.”

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.

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Media contacts:

Julie Lanthier Bandy, Public Affairs, jlanthierbandy@palomar.edu, 760-744-1150 x2365

Tom Pfingsten, Public Affairs, tpfingsten@palomar.edu, 760-744-1150 x2960