Supportive Measures: November 2024 Presidential Election

Election day is November 5, 2024. Election-related stress affects many, and it may be worsened by heightened polarization. Below is a list of resources and supportive measures that are in place as we head closer to the election.

Civic Engagement Resources for Students

Palomar College has implemented a series of educational measures to increase elections awareness. Student Life and Leadership has a designated website for civic engagement information which includes voter and election information. This website also provides California-specific elections information, including deadlines, voter registration information, and more.

In addition, Student Life & Leadership has planned a series of civic engagement events planned in partnership with community organizations and agencies:

  • On September 17, 2024 the college hosted a Voter Registration Event with the League of Women Voters and Registrar of Voters. The September 17 event included informational tables, answering questions about the upcoming election and providing support with registering students to vote. We supported many students in registering to vote!
  • On October 2, 2024 the college hosted a civic engagement and voter registration event and invited internal campus partners.
  • On October 16, 2024 we hosted a comet hour and civic engagement event in the Student Union to increase awareness.

Supportive Resources for Students

The much-anticipated November elections are right around the corner. With every election comes heightened stress and uncertainty, and it may feel like there is even more at stake this election season. Palomar College wants you to know that we care about you and your concerns and are here to provide support, no matter where you land on the complex political spectrum. Throughout the entire election season, we are offering ongoing supportive measures to provide students with tips for managing elections-related stress and to help students take care of their mental health. Note: these sessions are not intended to be spaces for political debate. They are intentional, safe spaces designed to build community, create space for students to process, and to support students with managing stress.

Heading towards the election season, Behavioral Health Counseling Services (BHCS) has scaled up supportive measures and resources in case students need help. BHCS has

workshops and discussions on managing anxiety, stress, and uncertainty. Our licensed therapists, interns, peer mentors in the Student Wellness Advocacy Group, and student advocates in the Active Minds club are all providing a range of supportive events, skillshops, and workshops to help students cope with stress and difficult emotions. We encourage students to visit our Calendar of Events for information on upcoming workshops and offerings. The Comets Care Network also provides cultural humility and supportive trainings for faculty, staff, and students.

In addition, BHCS provides mental health counseling services Monday through Friday. These services are FREE for registered Palomar College students as part of the student health fee each semester. To schedule an appointment, students can call 760-891- 7531 and our administrative staff will assist them with scheduling an appointment.

Students can also stop by NB-2 on the San Marcos campus to schedule an appointment in person. Furthermore, BHCS has designated liaisons across our many support programs including Umoja, Puente, Pride, Veterans Resource Center, Rising Scholars and Dreamer Success Program.

As a result of these collaborative relationships, we have arranged pre-scheduled community spaces during the weeks of November 4th and November 11th and as long as is needed for our clinicians to be present with our students. Community spaces are tailored to the needs and desires of each program and offer additional opportunities to provide support throughout this election season. In addition to community spaces, a drop-in Managing Stress and Uncertainty workshop will be offered Monday-Thursday at 1pm during the first two weeks of November as well. To access the workshop, use this link.

Our therapists in BHCS remain available daily from 8am-5pm on the San Marcos Campus and via telehealth for any urgent crises that may emerge. Students can come visit BHCS in the NB-2 building on the San Marcos campus or call 760-891-7531 to schedule an appointment. A licensed clinician will be present at each of the Education Centers (ESC, RB, and FB) every Thursday in November.

In addition to the on campus and virtual supports we have for available for students, we hope to spread awareness about many other free resources that are available to help you cope with election-related stress:

Election Anxiety

Coping with Uncertainty about the Future

Managing Difficult Emotions

Social Media and Mental Health

Coping with Negative News Coverage

Resources for Employees

With election season being well underway, it is also important to utilize supportive resources we have as employees. Below are useful resources for all employees to receive support during this time:

In addition, the National Conflict Resolution Center hosts a free webinars and resources for workplace leaders and has also developed resources with helpful tips around navigating election-related conversations.

On Campus Demonstrations

College Executive Leadership, Palomar Police, and Student Life & Leadership are in regular communication regarding any on-campus demonstrations that may occur. You are not expected to approach any demonstrators but instead, we encourage you to inform your supervisor. For any safety issues, please note below.

Safety

Palomar College Police Department ensures the safety of our students and district employees. If there is ever any question or concern where you feel there is a threat or safety issue, please call Campus Police immediately. All campus phones have a direct extension (x2289) accessible from the home screen. Or you can call Dispatch at 760- 891-7273; there is also Text a Tip that goes directly to Dispatch: 760-891-6154.

Reporting

If you have a concern that you would like to report, please visit this website to learn about reporting options and to file a report.


Health Services Calendar of Events
Health Services Calendar
Health Services Newsletter
Health Services Upcoming Events

Image Sources

  • Elections Support 2024 November Calendar: https://www.palomar.edu/bhcs/
  • Elections Support 2024 Health Services Newsletter: https://www.palomar.edu/bhcs/