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Find the latest Coronavirus (COVID-19) information

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Department Return to Campus Safety Plan

  • PHASE 1 PHASE 2 PHASE 3
    Restricted Campus Access
    April – June 15     		Beyond the Blueprint
    June 16 – Dec. 17     		Open Campus
    Intersession/Spring ‘22

    Planning Phase: Assess each area’s safety, facility, technology, and operational needs and complete the Department Return to Campus Safety Plan in accordance with your division’s specified timelines.

    PHASE 2A: June 16 – August 15: Acclimation period intended to ensure we are staffed appropriately to optimize the student experience.

    PHASE 2B: August 16 – December 17: Full implementation of Fall term on-site and remote operations. Planning for Phase 3 – Open Campus.

    PHASE 3A: Jan. 3 – Jan. 28 Intersession: Implementation of Spring plans for return to full on-site operations (Note: Plenary is January 27)

    PHASE 3B: Spring ‘22, Jan. 31 – May 28: Full on-site operations.

  • As illustrated above, the District’s current plan is to begin repopulating main campus and education centers in alignment with the state of California’s transition Beyond the Blueprint for a Safer Economy, which is scheduled to take effect on June 15, 2021. The District has identified Phases 1, 2A, 2B, 3A, and 3B as outlined above.

    When planning your department’s return to on-campus operations, there are several factors that should be considered. This document is intended to assist in your planning process and identify any needs and required actions prior to returning onsite work. Once submitted, this form will automatically be routed to the Dean/Director of the department, Vice President, and the EOC to review, provide feedback, and/or approve.

    Face-to-face lectures will not need to complete a safety plan. The safety protocols will be provided to the departments and faculty teaching lectures on campus. Face-to-face labs will need to complete a plan; however, this is not the plan that should be submitted. An updated version of the previously utilized On-Site Operations and Safety Plan will be provided to departments offering labs on campus.

  • Health and Safety Information:

    The following measures will be in place to protect employee, student, and visitor health and safety and should be communicated to all employees:

    • Employees and students are strongly encouraged to get a COVID-19 vaccine to reduce the risk to the campus community. As of April 15, 2021, all individuals 16 years of age and older are eligible to receive a vaccine in the state of California.
    • Individuals should not come to campus if they’re not feeling well.
    • Anyone visiting campus, including employees must complete a temperature and symptom screening or a self-assessment via the Palomar College App (once available).
    • All employees, students, and visitors must wear facial coverings while on campus including while operating in outdoor spaces and should maintain six feet of physical distance whenever possible.
    • To maximize cleaning and disinfecting for the District, all existing custodial staff will be assigned to specific areas where in person classes are scheduled, and areas where College employees are working onsite. These custodial team members will be on campus during regular operational hours.
    • Individuals should wash their hands or utilize hand sanitizer frequently and should avoid touching their face.
    • HVAC units will be programmed to deliver the highest air flow within each unit’s mechanical capacity. Many systems can mix outside air into the supply flow, and, where equipped, these systems will be programmed to supply the highest rate of outside air within mechanical capacities. A licensed mechanical engineering firm will be specifying recommendations and modifications, including the highest MERV rating of filters, and auxiliary equipment wherever deemed necessary.
    • Evaluate your area’s Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) needs, and be sure to communicate your needs/concerns to your Dean/Director or VP to ensure they are included in this plan.
    • Classrooms and service areas designated for use will be stocked with extra facemasks, gloves, and face shields. Hand sanitizer stations will also be available in these areas. This is dependent upon continued state and local health and safety guidance.
    • Outdoor services/resources will be made available to students where possible. Examples: Student study areas; “Ask Me” tents to guide students, answer questions, and address student concerns.

    Required signage to be posted in all functional areas:

    • Signage will be posted at each public entrance to the campus, as well as to any building, informing all employees, students, and visitors of the defined safety protocols and that they should avoid entering the facility if they have a cough or fever (or chills), shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, fatigue, muscle or body aches, headache, new loss of taste or smell, sore throat, congestion or runny nose, nausea or vomiting, or diarrhea.
  • Plans may contain multiple departments so list all that are included.
  • Please only use your Palomar.edu email address.
  • If the Dean/Director is the same as Contact Person, please re-enter the person's name and email address here.
  • Please only use a Palomar.edu email address.

  • Departmental Operations

    Your department may consider a phased approach for employees to return to campus. This may include some operations continuing remotely or in a hybrid model.
  • Provide the general hours employees will be working on campus. List all necessary areas and their respective hours. Even if some employees may be working virtually or in a hybrid model, provide the hours any employees will be working in the department/service area.

    Ex: Financial Aid; July 1; Mon-Thur: 7:30am-5:00pm Fri: 7:30am-3pm

    Department/Service AreaStart DateDays/Times Staffed by Employees 
  • Provide the hours services will be available on campus. List all necessary areas and their respective service hours. Employees’ on-campus working hours may be different than the availability of on-campus services.

    Ex: Financial Aid; July 1; Mon-Thur; 7:30am-4:00pm.

    If your department does not provide services, please write "No services provided".

    Department/Service AreaStart DateDays/Times 
  • Please describe your plans for departmental operations. You may upload any documents that explain your plans for departmental functions.

    In Phase 2 above, describe which operations are planned to:

    1) Return to campus

    2) Continue to be conducted remotely

    3) Operate in a hybrid model

    Provide a list of employees performing these functions in each model and develop a tentative schedule including a start date for on-campus work (if known) for each employee.

    Drop files here or
    Max. file size: 195 MB.
    • Please describe your plans for departmental operations.

      In Phase 2 above, describe which operations are planned to:

      1) Return to campus

      2) Continue to be conducted remotely

      3) Operate in a hybrid model

      Provide a list of employees performing these functions in each model and develop a tentative schedule including a start date for on-campus work (if known) for each employee.

    • List all that apply. You may upload a document(s) with all buildings/rooms that will be utilized. If your department will be using all of the rooms associated in the department and it is easy to distinguish these rooms, you may describe this.

      Ex. 1: Instruction Office: Bldg AA; Room 104

      Ex. 2: Veterans Resource Center: Bldg - ST; Room(s) - All rooms in VRC

      Drop files here or
      Max. file size: 195 MB.
      • List all that apply. If your department will be utilizing all of the rooms associated in the department and it is easy to distinguish these rooms, you may describe this.

        Ex. 1: Instruction Office: Bldg AA; Room 104

        Ex. 2: Veterans Resource Center: Bldg - ST; Room(s) - All rooms in VRC

        Building(s)Room(s) 

      • Physical Space/Facilities

        Physical distancing, as recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), as well as state and local public health departments, is required to the fullest extent possible. Under the California Department of Public Health’s industry guidance for Institutes of Higher Education (IHE), we are required to maintain 6 ft of distance between individuals. The District is awaiting new guidance for IHEs following the implementation of the Beyond the Blueprint for Safer Economy, which may include modified recommendations for physical distancing.
      • Examples: rearranging furniture, reducing furniture, using signage to limit the use of furniture, installing plexiglass sneeze guards, staggered shifts. Please do your best to develop a comprehensive list. The use of faculty offices will be addressed through a separate process, so there is not a need to describe them in this section.
      • Examples: Closure of waiting areas, utilizing floor decals to promote physical distancing, regulating entry and exit points or one-way traffic, the use of the Sign-Up Genius appointment system to schedule student interactions.
      • Examples: directional signage, hours of operation, appointment procedure, and any enhanced safety protocols required for your area. Entrances to buildings will have previously described District standard signage, however department specific information should be considered.
      • If so, please describe. If you need to visit the campus to determine this answer, please fill out the Essential Campus Access Request Form.
      • Please provide an itemized list as well as how they relate to the impact of COVID-19 and your return to on-campus operations. Examples: resources to support hybrid work or additional non-technology equipment related to required space modifications.
        Drop files here or
        Max. file size: 195 MB.
        • Please provide an itemized list as well as how they relate to the impact of COVID-19 and your return to on-campus operations. Examples: resources to support hybrid work or additional non-technology equipment related to required space modifications.

        • Technology

          When the District moved primarily to remote work in March 2020, many employees required technology needs (computers, hot spots, web cams, etc.) to perform their duties from home. As your department returns to work or into a hybrid model, evaluate the technology needs of employees to ensure they have the necessary resources to complete their duties and responsibilities.
        • This may include things like computers or monitors. Make a comprehensive list of equipment that requires reinstallation prior to resuming on-campus work and submit a request with this information to the IS Help Desk by emailing helpdesk@palomar.edu or by calling (760)744-1150 x2140.
        • This may include external webcams, monitors with built-in webcams, headsets, or additional technology to support working in a hybrid capacity. Please provide an itemized list as well as how they relate to the impact of COVID-19 and your Department Return to Work Safety Plan. To request the removal of existing District equipment, submit an Equipment Removal Form.
          Drop files here or
          Max. file size: 195 MB.
          • This may include external webcams, monitors with built-in webcams, headsets, or additional technology to support working in a hybrid capacity. Please provide an itemized list as well as how they relate to the impact of COVID-19 and your Department Return to Work Safety Plan. To request the removal of existing District equipment, submit an Equipment Removal Form.
          • If so, please describe your needs and why they are required.

          • Staffing Considerations

          • Be sure to communicate expectations to your employees. This includes providing adequate, advanced notice of a need to return to work on-campus, health and safety protocols, hours of operation, work location (including hybrid). Classified employees shall be provided at least 10 business days’ notice in writing (email is sufficient).

            Ensure all employees have reviewed District and department safety procedures, protocols and processes under the agreed upon guidelines with the employees – check for understanding.
            Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Guide for COVID-19
            COVID-19 Prevention Program

            Be sure to check in regularly with your employees as they transition back to on-campus work to ensure safety protocols are being followed. Discuss any questions/concerns with employees and ensure you’re being supportive and solution oriented, as some employees may have anxiety or hesitation about returning to on-campus work.

          • You may upload any additional documents that will be helpful in planning and approving this Department Return to Work Safety Plan.
            Drop files here or
            Max. file size: 195 MB.
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