Palomar College
PA-7: Support for Underrepresented Groups

Palomar Community College District is committed to a safe and equitable learning environment for all students and employees. The District does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, ancestry, ethnic group identification, physical or mental disability, medical condition (including pregnancy), genetic information, marital status, age, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, or sexual orientation in any of its policies, procedures, practices, educational programs and employment. The District is committed to equal opportunity in educational programs, employment, and all access to institutional programs and activities. In addition, all students have the right to participate fully in the educational process, free from discrimination and sexual harassment. Sexual harassment includes incidents involving sexual harassment or sexual violence, including, but not limited to, sexual assault, rape, dating violence, domestic violence or stalking. Any student or employee who believes that he/she has been harassed or retaliated against in violation of this notice should immediately report such incidents by following the procedures described on this website. Supervisors are mandated to report all incidents of harassment and retaliation that come to their attention.  

Palomar Community College District is an equal opportunity employer. https://www.palomar.edu/titleix/

Equal Employment Opportunity: https://www.palomar.edu/hr/eeo/
Commitment to Diversity: https://www.palomar.edu/governingboard/wp-content/uploads/sites/64/2017/06/BP-7100-Commitment-to-Diversity-adopted-5-8-18.pdf

Incident Reports are used to report both alleged Standards of Student Conduct violations and concerns about a student’s wellbeing. We receive these reports from a place of care and concern, and with regard for the safety of our entire community. The Office of Student Life & Leadership or Human Resource Services receive these reports, depending on the nature of the concern. Administrators in those offices will follow up with the person of concern and address the matters noted in the report. https://www.palomar.edu/studentlifeandleadership/about-a-student/ 

When reporting of an incident(s) related to Sexual Violence/ Harassment, Stalking, or Unlawful Discrimination, Human Resource Services can walk you through your reporting options and provide you with resources, including the option to speak with a Liaison (private counselor) who can help you with resources on- and off-campus, found here http://www.palomar.edu/bhcs/. The main resources offered by Palomar College are the anonymous and confidential behavioral health counseling services, incident reporting options, and health centers.  

Contact the Title IX office to report the incident to a Title IX Coordinator to receive information about:

• Your legal rights
• Complaint filing options
• Request an investigation or other resolution process
• Supportive resources: https://www.palomar.edu/titleix/resources-and-support/ 

AP 7120 Recruitment and Hiring: Diversity:
Commitment to Diversity: In all phases of recruitment and hiring, equal opportunity is afforded to all employees and qualified applicants for employment without discrimination on bases including but not limited to: ethnic group identification, race, color, national origin, religion, socio-economic status, age, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sex, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, political affiliation, transgender, marital status, veteran status, medical conditions, union membership or on the basis of these perceived characteristics, or based on association with a person or group with one or more of these actual or perceived characteristics. Applicants not possessing specific qualifications as outlined in the job announcement who feel that their background and experience is equivalent to the minimum requirements are encouraged to apply.

Per Title 5, 53024.e, “Whenever possible, screening committees shall include a diverse membership which will bring a variety of perspectives to the assessment of applicant qualifications.” The selection committee should be balanced in its diversity and, to this end, will seek representation from under-represented groups whenever possible. https://www.palomar.edu/governingboard/wp-content/uploads/sites/64/2017/06/AP-7120-Recruitment-and-Hiring-Approved-1-10-23-1.pdf, AP 7120A Faculty Recruitment and Hiring Procedures https://www.palomar.edu/governingboard/wp-content/uploads/sites/64/2022/12/AP7120A-Faculty-Hiring-Procedures-Reviewed-5-3-2022.pdf

Palomar College additionally has an EEO hiring committee and compliance officer training.

Student Recruitment:
Upward Bound provides fundamental support to participants in their preparation for college entrance. The program provides opportunities for participants to succeed in their precollege performance and ultimately in their higher education pursuits. Upward Bound serves: high school students from low-income families; and high school students from families in which neither parent holds a bachelor's degree. The goal of Upward Bound is to increase the rate at which participants complete secondary education and enroll in and graduate from institutions of postsecondary education. https://www.palomar.edu/upwardbound/

Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs (GEAR UP) is a grant-funded student program offered through Palomar College and partnering at local schools within the Fallbrook Elementary Union, Fallbrook High, Vista Unified, and Valley Center-Pauma Unified school districts. GEAR UP offers college readiness and outreach services to the graduating classes of 2022 and 2023. GEAR UP works to support students in preparation to attend post-secondary schools, particularly for at-risk, low-income, and first generation college-bound students. GEAR UP is a matching and proven United States Department of Education grant that puts federal tax dollars, in collaboration with business partners, back into our educational system. https://www.palomar.edu/gearup/

TRIO North County Educational Opportunity Center (NCEOC) program is sponsored by Palomar College and funded by the U.S. Department of Education. The program is designed to identify and assist adult participants who want to enter, re-enter, continue, or enroll in a program of post-secondary education. NCEOC is dedicated to providing quality information, guidance, and services pertaining to education. Staff can assist individuals with exploring career paths and provide information regarding options for programs, majors, and schools. Free assistance is available to individuals who meet the program criteria. Encouraged to apply are:
- Parents of Head Start Children
- Single Heads of Households
- CalWORKs Recipients
- High School and College "Dropouts"
- High School Graduates with No Post-Secondary Education
- Persons with Disabilities
- Persons with Limited English Proficiency
- Individuals that have been System Impacted
- Veterans
https://www.palomar.edu/nceoc/

Dual Enrollment:
- Intended to expand access to low-income, students who may not already be college bound, or are underrepresented in higher education.
- Promotes equity and access to college credit, with goal of developing pathways within CTE, transfer credit, improving high school graduation rates, or college and career readiness.
- College classes that take place at the high school during the regular school day.
- Classes are taught by Palomar instructors that are approved to teach at a California Community College.
- Classes are completely free and include textbooks.
- Palomar sets up the dual enrollment program according to the needs of the high school and its students
https://www.palomar.edu/dualenrollment/program/

Extended Opportunities Programs and Services (EOPS) is a state-funded program designed for the orientation, recruitment and retention of California residents who are economically, socially, and educationally disadvantaged. EOPS assists students in reaching their educational goals through academic support and financial assistance. https://www.palomar.edu/eops/

The Puente Program is a national award winning program that has helped thousands of students transfer to a university, earn degrees and return to the community as leaders and mentors to future generations.
The Puente Program is open to all students and is designed to meet the needs of students impacted with low rates of degree completion and low rates of enrollment at four-year colleges. Students come from all cultural and ethnic backgrounds and are usually the first in their families to attend college. Puente students work with the Puente counselor until they graduate from Palomar College. In addition to developing a comprehensive educational plan, students will also explore and identify a career pathway, network with professionals in the community and develop short term and long-term life goals. Each Puente student is matched with a mentor who is a businessperson or professional in the local community. Mentors share their knowledge and experience with students. https://www.palomar.edu/puente/

Palomar College’s Disability Resource Center (DRC) provides robust academic, vocational, and personal counseling services for students with documented disabilities. DRC counselors assist with comprehensive academic services including but not limited to: certificate/associate degree options, transfer preparation, transcript review, education planning, semester course selection and scheduling. Appropriate academic accommodations are authorized and established each semester. In addition, students are provided with appropriate campus and community referrals as needed. DRC counselors are here to guide and support students through personal or disability-related concerns that may interfere with academic success. https://www.palomar.edu/drc/accommodations-and-services/counseling/

CalWORKs (California Work Opportunity and Responsibility to Kids) is a state-funded program that assists welfare recipients and those in transition off of welfare through education and training. At Palomar CalWORKs, students are assisted by a knowledgeable and compassionate staff as they create new opportunities for themselves and their children through education. To support students in this process, Palomar CalWORKs provides a variety of services to foster emotional well-being, academic and career preparedness, and a sense of community amongst other student parents. At Palomar CalWORKs, we believe student success is achieved by supporting the ‘whole’ student. https://www.palomar.edu/calworks/

Palomar College’s Next Up and Foster Youth Retention, Success, & Transition (FYRST) programs welcome you to our campus as you embark on your education journey. We encourage you to connect with us to prepare you for the semester and equip you with tools needed to successfully attain your educational, career, and personal goals. We are here to support you! https://www.palomar.edu/fosteryouth/

The TRIO Student Support Services (SSS) program is a one of three original federally-funded programs authorized by Congress in the 1960’s. Our mission is to contribute to the success of first-generation, low-income students, and individuals with disabilities by supporting and empowering program participants in their academic, personal, and professional growth. https://www.palomar.edu/triosss/

The Veterans Resource Center supports all Veterans, Active Duty, and Dependents currently enrolled at Palomar College. We strive to provide the most up-to-date information pertaining to Veteran Affairs Educational benefits and policies to our students. https://www.palomar.edu/veterans/

UMOJA (a Kiswahili word meaning unity) is a community based program dedicated to enhancing the cultural and educational experiences of African American and other students. Through a holistic approach, the Umoja program encourages, engages, nurtures, and connects with students. Umoja creates a welcoming environment that fosters self-efficacy and a strong desire to succeed. Furthermore, Umoja encourages socially responsible leadership from students, not only in their communities but in the world as a whole. https://www.palomar.edu/umoja/

Gender-Neutral Restroom Locations: https://www.palomar.edu/pridecenter/index/resources/gender-neutral-restroom-locations/

Basic Need Center to come online 2024