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In an effort to minimize and mitigate the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19), instruction and student services have shifted online. Please review the FAQs below for more information about how to access services.

Check your Palomar College email and Canvas platforms for further details regarding your classes.

All official communication will be emailed to your Palomar College email address.

Frequently Asked Questions

General Questions

How do I check my Palomar email account?

You received a college email address upon admission to Palomar College. You can find your email address on the Welcome tab in your MyPalomar account.

When accessing your email, type your full email address to login (username@student.palomar.edu).  Your password is the same password that you use to access eServices/MyPalomar.

When will classes resume?

The regular spring semester will resume on March 30th with all instruction online only.  No decisions have been made regarding summer and fall semesters.

When will Palomar be open again?

At this time, instruction and student services have been shifted online. There will be no classes held at Palomar College during the week of March 16th – 20th and the campus will be closed for Spring Break March 23rd – March 27th. After Spring Break, you may contact an individual department with specific questions. Visit their websites for contact information.

Are the Escondido, Fallbrook and Rancho Bernardo campuses open?

At this time, the education centers in Escondido, Fallbrook, and Rancho Bernardo are closed to the public.  All classes will be taught online. Services will be limited to online or phone communication. Please check individual department or program websites for more information.

What if I do not have internet access at home?

The following providers provide low-cost internet options:

For more information, visit our Quick Guide to Student Resources.

When can I register for Summer 2020 and Fall 2020?

Palomar College is working in accordance with the California Community College Chancellor’s Office, as new updates in legislation and state-wide regulations are received daily. Please visit the Enrollment, Admissions, Records and Evaluations COVID-19 Updates Webpage for enrollment related updates.

What if I want to apply to Palomar College as a new student?

You can apply to Palomar College for free on-line.  For details visit our Steps to Enroll page.

Counseling / Transfer Center

What if I need to see a counselor?

Students have the option of meeting with a counselor via Zoom or telephone when possible. New appointments requests are paused but students can submit any specific or urgent question via email at counselingdepartment@palomar.edu.  Additional updates can be found on the counseling website at www.palomar.edu/counseling  Counseling staff can answer questions via phone at (760) 891-7511.

What if I planned to transfer after this semester?

All transfer events and university representative visits have been postponed at this time. If you need assistance with transfer inquiries such as university denials, petitions, appeals etc. please use one of the following options:

  • You can request a phone appointment by calling (760) 744-1150, ext. 2552
  • Subscribe to 2-way text (Phone #: 81010; Message @PCTCSp20)
  • Email direct questions to transfercenter@palomar.edu.

Financial Aid

What happens to my student loans?

Betsy DeVos, United States Secretary of Education, has announced the following:

  • All borrowers with qualifying loans will automatically have an interest rate set to 0% for at least 60 days from March 13, 2020.
  • They will be able to halt payments on those loans for at least two months by requesting an administrative forbearance through their loan servicer.
  • Borrowers that choose to forgo asking for an administrative forbearance will not see a reduction in monthly payments. Rather, the full payment would be applied toward the principal balance of the loan.

What if I am using the Federal Work Study (FWS) program?

Palomar College will continue to pay FWS students if their supervisor has advised them not to report to work.  You must continue attending classes (6-unit minimum).  We expect to pay students based on their normal work schedule.  We will be working with your supervisor to determine the number of hours.   If you are asked to report to work but choose not to work, please discuss your compensation options with your supervisor (i.e. unemployment compensation)

Where else can I get Financial Aid updates?

Please visit the Financial Aid COVID-19 Updates webpage.

Current Enrollment Questions

When can I finish my Fast Track 1 class?  It was supposed to finish this week.

The last week of your Fast Track 1 and 4-Week 2 class will be the week of March 30, 2020.  If your class was a face to face, it will meet on the same day it did during the regular term.  If this conflicts with another class, please alert both professors immediately to plan your absence.  Keep on the lookout for communication from your instructors.

Can I add or drop classes? How will my GPA be affected if I drop classes now? Will I get a refund if I drop classes?

Palomar College is working in accordance with the California Community College Chancellor’s Office, as new updates in legislation and state-wide regulations are received daily. Please visit the Enrollment, Admissions, Records and Evaluations COVID-19 Updates Webpage for enrollment related updates.

I don’t want to study online or remotely.  Can I drop?

We strongly encourage you to try the class for a couple of weeks.  Your instructors are working hard to make the experience work for you and for them.

My class has a science lab.  Is that going to be online too?

Yes. All classes will be conducted from a distance no matter what the format is. Online is one option; your instructor may also use email, conference calling, etc.  Your instructor will be contacting you, so be sure to check your Palomar College email regularly.

Is it too late to change my class to pass/no pass?

We are waiting on recommendations from the Chancellor’s Office.

I’m nervous about taking my class online.  What can I do?

It’s completely understandable that you are concerned about this!  Here is one resource: Check out the Are You Ready to be an Online Student webpages: https://www.palomar.edu/areyouready/. We also recommend you contact the instructor for tips on how to be successful.

I use tutoring a lot.  What will happen now?

Palomar College offers online tutoring through Net Tutor; students access online tutoring through Canvas.  We are also exploring other distance assistance using our own faculty and tutors. We will provide further direction as it becomes available.

Student Records & Enrollment

How do I request a transcript?

Palomar College transcripts can be requested online in your MyPalomar Student Portal.

  • Click on the “Student Center” tab.
  • Under “My Records and Enrollment”, click on the “Official Transcript” link.
  • Follow the instructions on the TranscriptsPlus® order form.
  • If you have any difficulties ordering transcripts, please send an email to records@palomar.edu. We appreciate your patience while we respond to your inquiries remotely.

How can I request a verification of enrollment?

We are currently working on developing a secure drop off procedure. In the interim, you may ask the agency you are obtaining the verification for if they will accept a transcript that you can order online using your MyPalomar student portal.

Where else can I get updates on enrollment in classes?

Please visit the Enrollment, Admissions, Records and Evaluations COVID-19 Updates webpage.

Health & Wellness

What if I need medical services?

For all health services, call first. The Student Health Center phone number is (760) 891-7530.

The Student Health Center is transitioning to phone appointments whenever necessary. We do not have the capacity to treat or diagnose COVID-19 on campus, but our medical team can answer your questions and provide guidance on where to access appropriate care.  Palomar students can access telehealth services by video 24/7 through Rezolve.org at a discounted rate of $10 per visit. For instructions, visit the Student Health Centers’ website.

What if I need Behavioral Health Counseling Services?

If you are experiencing a crisis or psychiatric emergency, call the SD County Access and Crisis Line at (888) 724-7240.  You may text “COURAGE” to 741741 to access the Crisis Text Line.  Both of these services are open and available 24/7.

For Behavioral Health Counseling Services at Palomar College, please call first. Call (760) 891-7531 for scheduling options.

Behavioral Health Counselors remain available during the spring semester. Appointments will transition to telehealth platforms, including phone appointments. Your counselor will discuss these options with you and establish a plan that will help reduce barriers to your mental healthcare including referral to partners in the community for ongoing treatment.

Basic Needs & Resources

Are there any resources available if I need assistance with food or basic needs?

We have created a quick guide with on-campus and community resources to assist you. Visit our Quick Guide to Student Resources website for more information.

Student Life & Leadership

Is the Anita & Stan Maag Food & Nutrition Center open for food?

Our Food & Nutrition Center is currently closed. Many community food resources are available for you and your family. Please contact our office, Monday-Friday; 9:00am – 4:00pm, at 760-744-1150 x2594 if you need assistance with finding the best community resources.Listed below are helpful links to access food resources.

Has the May 22, 2020, Commencement Ceremony been cancelled?

Sadly, Commencement, scheduled for May 22, 2020, has been cancelled. We are actively looking for alternative virtual programs as we explore ways to honor this tradition in a non-traditional way! Updated information will be sent to your Palomar College student email account.

How do I get my Student Activity Card that is required for a fast track course?

Our Student Activity Card production has been temporarily paused in order to minimize and mitigate the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19). We are looking into producing Student Activity Cards remotely or virtually. Please contact our office, Monday-Friday; 9:00am – 4:00pm, at 760-744-1150 x2594 if you need assistance.

Is the Associated Student Government (ASG) and Inter-Club Council (ICC) still meeting on campus?

The ASG and ICC are working remotely.  Plans are underway to ensure successful completion of the spring semester. “Zoom” meeting formats will be used and policies and procedures will be available soon. Virtual activities are under development and will move forward. ASG elections are coming up and we encourage you to stay engaged, virtually. Please visit the ASG webpage or contact our office, Monday-Friday; 9:00am – 4:00pm, at 760-744-1150 x2594 if you need assistance.

Where do I find resources for Housing and Safe Parking, Low-Cost Internet, Immigration Services, Health and Wellness, and Emergency Funds as examples?

We have prepared this list of resources that are designed to serve in meeting a variety of your needs. Quick Guide to Student Resources

Disability Resource Center

What if I have special learning needs or need services from the Disability Resource Center (DRC)?

Students have the option of meeting with a DRC counselor via Zoom or telephone when possible.

New appointment requests are being reviewed on a student by student basis to ensure active students in courses this semester are being assisted and supported in a timely manner. Students can submit any specific or urgent question via email at drc@palomar.edu or via phone.

The DRC’s Testing Center will be closed until March 30th. Students should work with their professor for test administration on or after March 30th.

Additional updates can be found on the DRC website at www.palomar.edu/drc  DRC staff can answer questions via phone at (760) 744-1150, ext.  2375 or 2376.

Student Athletes

How will the suspension of Spring Athletics impact my athletic eligibility?

The California Community College Athletic Association is working to develop a policy to accommodate all spring 2020 Athletes.  The CCCAA is coordinating with the NCAA, NAIA and other governing bodies to assure a comprehensive solution to continuing eligibility.

When can we practice again?

For the next several weeks there will be no practice.  The Athletic Department is waiting for further direction from the CCCAA. We are also following the federal, state, and county guidelines for mitigating the spread of the COVID-19 virus. However, all athletes are required to still participate in their ACS classes via distance learning. Athletes should contact their coaches directly for more information on their specific class requirements.

Should I drop my classes?

No. All classes will continue through a distance learning format as stated in the release by the school. All assignments must still be completed by appropriate deadlines.

As an athlete, how do I get help with distance learning?

Athletes should contact the Athletic Academic Counselor, Amber Slivick, for direct assistance. Meetings will be held by phone or via Zoom.  (Instructions for setting up a meeting with Zoom can be found here.)  Student Athletes should also frequently check the Palomar College Website for updated information on further resources.

If I’m a student athlete, how can I access athletic academic counseling?

All counseling appointments will be taking place online through March 20th.  Students can continue to set up appointments online through the athletic website’s appointment website or by emailing Amber Slivick at aslivick@palomar.edu. The lab will be closed.

Are the athletic facilities still open?

The facilities are closed as of Mar. 13 2020 and will remain closed indefinitely.

As an Athlete, what do I do if I need injury rehabilitation?

If you need rehab, please contact the athletic trainers, Flecicia Heise (fheise@palomar.edu) or Dennis Greenhill (dgreenhill@palomar.edu). Each injury will be individually evaluated.

I am a prospective student-athlete that would like to apply for the Fall 2020 semester. What do I do?

Please go to the Palomar College Website and click the “New Students” tab at the top of the page.  If further assistance is needed please contact one of the coaches of the sport that you would like to participate in.

Veteran /Active Duty Students

Information specific to Veteran, Active Military or Military Dependents

Veterans Center COVID-19 Updates

Information specific to Camp Pendleton Students

Camp Pendleton COVID-19 Updates

International Students

Information specific to International Students

International Education COVID-19 Updates

Students in Special Programs (EOPS/TRIO)

How can I access services from student support programs like EOPS, TRIO SSS, etc.?

EOPS/CalWorks/Care/Foster Youth

Appointments will be offered by phone or video chat utilizing the Zoom platform until future notice.

For general questions, email eopsadmin@palomar.edu or call (760) 744-1150, ext. 2449.

Trio SSS

Counseling appointments will be offered online or by phone. Important deadlines and information will be regularly sent to students via email. SSS Counselors and staff will provide online workshops on important topics. Remote tutoring will be offered soon.

New applications for the program will continue to be accepted; visit the TRIO SSS website to learn more. For questions, contact SSS staff at (760) 744-1150, ext. 2761.