| Overall Rating | Bronze |
|---|---|
| Overall Score | 25.13 |
| Liaison | Dennis Astl |
| Submission Date | Aug. 20, 2024 |
Palomar College
PRE-2: Points of Distinction
| Status | Score | Responsible Party |
|---|---|---|
|
N/A |
Name of the institution’s featured sustainability program, initiative, or accomplishment:
A brief description of the institution’s featured program, initiative, or accomplishment:
The Edwin and Fances Hunter Arboretum is a public nature preserve on the eastern edge of the San Marcos campus. Using funds from Prop. M in 2019, Palomar College made improvements to the Arboretum, including a new entrance, irrigation upgrades and renovation, and trails conversion for ADA compliance in the lower portion of the arboretum, which includes the Palm and Bamboo collections, the Hubble Sculpture area, and all the primitive plant collections.
The San Marcos campus proudly holds the distinction of being a certified Level 2 Arboretum and Botanical Garden. This reflects the campus's commitment to biodiversity, conservation, and environmental education, offering students, staff, and the community a living laboratory where they can explore and learn about a wide variety of plant life. The designation as a Level 2 arboretum indicates that the campus maintains a collection of trees and plants that are labeled and cataloged for research, educational purposes, and the enjoyment of visitors, further enhancing sustainability and ecological awareness.
Which of the following impact areas does the featured program, initiative, or accomplishment most closely relate to?:
Campus Engagement
Public Engagement
Grounds
Optional Fields
STARS credit in which the featured program, initiative, or accomplishment is reported (if applicable):
A photograph or document associated with the featured program, initiative, or accomplishment:
Second Point of Distinction
A brief description of the second program/initiative/accomplishment:
For more than 60 years, the college has maintained a food pantry to meet the food security needs of thousands of students. The Anita & Stan Maag Food & Nutrition Center, located in the Student Union area of the San Marcos campus, is available to all students, faculty, and staff, providing a vital resource for anyone in need of food assistance within the campus community.
Food insecurity on college campuses continues to be a major factor cited by students when asked about barriers to success. With these improvements, Palomar is providing better access to nutritional support, allowing more students to be served. The Center aims to alleviate food insecurity by offering access to a variety of nutritious food options, ensuring that everyone, regardless of their role at the institution, can maintain their well-being and focus on their academic and professional responsibilities.
The Food and Nutrition Center services include:
- Assistance with resource referrals
- Diaper Program for Students with Dependent Children (50 per/month for each child)
- Free hygiene and feminine hygiene products
- Grab ‘n’ Go Cooler Locations
- CalFresh information and assistance
- Weekly service to Escondido, Fallbrook and Rancho Bernardo Educational Centers
- Up to 20lbs of free food per month for students and staff
- Farmer Markets (Free Food Events)
Which impact areas does the second program/initiative/accomplishment most closely relate to?:
Public Engagement
Food & Dining
Diversity & Affordability
Wellbeing & Work
Website URL where more information about the second program/initiative/accomplishment may be found:
STARS credit in which the second program/initiative/accomplishment is reported (if applicable):
A photograph or document associated with the second program/initiative/accomplishment:
Third Point of Distinction
A brief description of the third program/initiative/accomplishment:
Palomar College is a proud Hispanic Serving Institution. Hispanic Serving Institutions (HSI) are colleges and universities that are formally recognized for their commitment to serving the Hispanic population. Currently with 47% of our student population identifying as Hispanic, Palomar College is designated a HSI by the United States Department of Education. And thus we aim to surround our Hispanic/Latinx students with peers and support them with quality resources so they can succeed in their pursuit of a higher education.
An institution of higher education (IHE) is designated as a Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) when it has an enrollment of undergraduate full-time equivalent students that is at least 25 percent “Hispanic.” The HSI designation strengthens our Values toward the success of our Hispanic students. Designations must be renewed every year. Designated by the U.S. Department of Education, the HSI designation allows Palomar College to be eligible for federal grant funding, recognized as Title V, Developing Hispanic Serving Institution and Title III STEM grants.
The federal designation of HSI came out of the Higher Education Act of 1992. The term HSI was originally developed by HACU (Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities). Years of advocacy from institutions, including the Hispanic Higher Education Coalition (HHEC) and HACU at the federal level, resulted in the federal HSI designation.
Being an HSI means that Palomar continuously strives to be a reflection of our students, their cultures, values, and life experiences. Living the ‘Servingness‘ part of the HSI designation must guide the direction of our college and how we undertake all the work that we do collectively. Every student deserves to feel a sense of belonging, validation, connectedness and safety on campus. And so at Palomar, we are committed to provide access to the programs and services our students deserve in order to successfully reach their academic and life goals. As an Hispanic Serving Institution, Palomar is proud to be the leading the way. Si Se Puede!
Which impact areas does the third program/initiative/accomplishment most closely relate to?:
Public Engagement
Diversity & Affordability
Website URL where more information about the third program/initiative/accomplishment may be found:
STARS credit in which the third program/initiative/accomplishment is reported (if applicable):
A photograph or document associated with the third program/initiative/accomplishment:
Data source(s) and notes about the submission:
The information presented here is self-reported. While AASHE staff review portions of all STARS reports and institutions are welcome to seek additional forms of review, the data in STARS reports are not verified by AASHE. If you believe any of this information is erroneous or inconsistent with credit criteria, please review the process for inquiring about the information reported by an institution or simply email your inquiry to stars@aashe.org.