With COVID-19 cases on the rise in California, Palomar College will maintain restrictions and continue with remote learning for all classes except Public Safety academies and the Nursing program.

SAN MARCOS — The majority of classes at Palomar College will continue in a remote learning format this fall, and the college will launch a number of exciting new programs online, as students and faculty prepare for their busiest semester of the year.

The decision to continue remotely was prompted by an uptick in COVID-19 cases in the region, which have brought new challenges to the process of safely reopening the campus.

Emergency Medical Education (EME) and Fire and Police Academies, which resumed in-person instruction in May, will continue meeting with health screening procedures already in place. The Nursing program will resume in-person classes in the fall, as well. Additionally, a handful of Microbiology labs, an important prerequisite for Nursing students, will meet in person.

All other instruction will remain online.

“Protecting our students, faculty and staff is our top priority as we navigate the dynamic conditions of this health crisis,” said Interim Superintendent/President Dr. Jack Kahn. “Palomar will continue to deliver stellar instruction in a remote learning format as we support students in pursuing their goals.”

New online programs launching at the start of the fall semester include:

  • Cybersecurity
  • Data Analytics
  • Public Relations
  • Alcohol and Other Drug Studies
  • Social Work and Human Services
  • Child Development—Child and Family Services
  • Child Development—School Age Assistant
  • Child Development—Associate Teacher
  • Medical Professions Preparation (non-credit)

As part of the effort to mitigate the spread of COVID-19, all students and personnel who come to campus are being screened for body temperature and COVID-19 symptoms. Facial coverings and social distancing are strictly enforced.

During the Governing Board meeting on Tuesday, July 14, Dr. Kahn emphasized that the college reserves the right to amend operating policies and procedures at any time, as public health guidelines and directives regarding the pandemic develop.