Welcome back Comets, we hope everyone had a safe summer! We’re on the second week of the fall semester, and whether your classes are online or you’re one of the few people on campus, there are some important things to take note of.

On campus COVID-19 screenings

The main San Marcos campus and the Escondido Education Center are requiring students, faculty, staff and authorized visitors who come onsite to wear masks, social distance and be screened for a temperature and COVID-19 symptoms. Screenings stations are touchless and both drive-through and walk-up.

Screening station times and locations:

• Main campus screening stations are drive-through and walk-up from 7:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Monday-Friday in parking lot 1.

• Main campus drive-through screenings are also offered from 6 a.m.-1:30 p.m., and from 4:30-6:30 p.m. Monday-Friday in parking lot 12.

• Escondido Education Center walk-up screenings are held from 7-8:30 a.m. Monday-Thursday and Saturday, and from 5-6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Thursday and Friday. The stations are located in parking lot 3.

The hours of operation will be updated on Palomar’s COVID-19 page as needed.

Individuals will be given a sticker to wear onsite once screened. Those who have a temperature of 100.4 degrees or higher or show symptoms of COVID-19 upon screening will be asked to return home, self-quarantine and seek medical care if necessary.

Palomar dining

Dining services on the San Marcos campus are open for take-away, and catering services are available for drop off.

The Comet Cafe Food Court is open 8 a.m.-2 p.m. Monday-Thursday, and Grilleworks is open 10:30 a.m.-2 p.m. Monday-Thursday.

Touchless payment will be provided, and cash payments are not currently being accepted.

More information about campus dining can be found here.

Student services

Palomar is offering numerous resources to help Comets through the online semester, including the new Pathways Mapper.

Released over the summer, the tool is designed to help students map out their course plan to obtain an Associate’s degree, certification or transfer to a four-year university. It also provides information on careers, salaries and demand for employees in each field of study.

Preparing for Zoom courses and online learning, tutoring, virtual labs and other resources are available for students on Palomar’s site as well.

That’s about it to kick off the start of the semester. If you have any questions or news that you believe the student paper should know about, email [email protected]. Have a great week and stay safe!