Return to Campus Plan

The health and wellness of students, faculty, and staff of Alamo Colleges District is our highest priority. Out of an abundance of caution, Palo Alto College and all of the Alamo Colleges have made changes to the way we provide instruction and operate in light of the evolving concerns related to the coronavirus.

With safety as our top priority, we are entering the next phase of our return to campus plan for Summer/Fall 2021.

Return to Campus Plan Highlights

We are currently operating at Level 5.
The Alamo Colleges District Return to Campus Task Force is creating plans for May, Summer and Fall.
- For the end of Spring 2021 we are planning for Level 4 up to 10% on-site capacity (effective May 3).
- For Summer 2021, most classes will be conducted remotely with a plan for Level 3 up to 25% on-site capacity (effective May 31) followed by Level 2 up to 50% on-site capacity (effective July 6).
- Fall 2021 information coming soon.
We are increasing the number of Health and Safety screen stations in preparation for an increasing number of students and employees onsite. Additionally, beginning April 2021, we are providing voluntary onsite weekly testing of all onsite employees and students.

Palo Alto College will continue to require the use of masks and physical distancing for all visitors to our college campus.
For students who have concerns about returning to face-to-face classes, formats of instruction will provide a wide variety of options to students including fully online, fully remote, fully on-campus, plus hybrids of these.
While our levels may fluctuate, and we will continue to monitor the local conditions, we know it’s important to prepare a framework to move forward as conditions change.
All meetings/trainings will be virtual.
All travel is canceled.

Frequently Asked Questions

FAQs

How can I contact the College?

Palo Alto College hours of operation: Monday-Friday from 8 a.m.-5 p.m.

Palo Alto College Welcome Center
Phone: 210-486-3100
Also, open on the first Saturday of the month from 9 a.m.-1 p.m.

Or, sign in to the Virtual Welcome Center (powered by Zoom) to speak to one of our Enrollment Coaches during the following hours:

Monday–Thursday: 9 a.m.–noon and 2–7 p.m.
Friday: 9 a.m.–noon and 2–5 p.m.
Saturday: 9 a.m.-1 p.m.

Visit the Virtual Welcome Center

Palo Alto College IT Helpdesk
Phone: 210-486-3777 (select option 1)

Alamo Colleges District Student Hotline
Local 21ALAMO (210-212-5266)
Toll Free 1-844-20ALAMO (1-844-202-5266)

View Department Directory

Can I come to the College any time?

For the end of Spring 2021 we are planning for Level 4 up to 10% on-site capacity (effective May 3). For Summer 2021, most classes will be conducted remotely with a plan for Level 3 up to 25% on-site capacity (effective May 31) followed by Level 2 up to 50% on-site capacity (effective July 6).

Students will be permitted to visit campus only if they are enrolled in an in-person course, if they made an appointment with student services, or are attending a function that requires they visit.

If you or someone in your household is sick, please stay home. 

What is the process for coming to campus?

Health screenings, including temperature checks, are required before entering any building on campus. Please arrive to campus at least 15-20 minutes early to allow time for your required health screening. If you or someone in your household is sick, please stay home.

View campus map

Health screening locations and hours of operation:

Ozuna Library and Learning Center lobby (view on campus map)
Monday–Friday: 6:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.

Summer 2021 Hours:
Monday–Thursday: 6:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.

Do I have to wear a mask?

Yes. Masks are required, as defined by as defined by C.2.1.9 (Procedure) Use of Face Coverings/Social Distancing at College District Sites, San Antonio Metro Health and CDC:

All people over the age of 5 years old should wear a cloth face covering over their nose and mouth. Coverings may include homemade masks, scarfs, bandanas, or a handkerchief.

A cloth face covering should:

Fit snugly but comfortably against the side of the face and completely cover your nose and mouth
Be secured with ties or ear loops
Include multiple layers of fabric
Allow for breathing without restriction
Be able to be laundered and machine dried without damage or change to shape

Please note that face coverings are a complementary strategy to other mitigation efforts. Face coverings are not a replacement for social distancing, frequent handwashing, and self-isolation when sick.

Is COVID-19 testing available onsite?

Beginning May 10, Palo Alto College is providing voluntary onsite weekly testing of faculty, staff and students. This service is offered in partnership with Community Labs. Registration information and frequently asked questions can be found here.

COVID-19 Testing locations and hours of operation:

Student Center (Rm 130)

Mondays 10:30 a.m.-12 p.m.

View campus map

Will the COVID-19 vaccine be mandated for students or employees to return to campus?

The health and safety of the Alamo Colleges District is a shared responsibility, and vaccination is one of many efforts we may choose to take to protect ourselves and those around us. With health and safety as the top priority of the Alamo Colleges, all students and employees who will be on-site are strongly encouraged to receive the COVID-19 vaccine as soon as possible, although it is not a presently required. The COVID-19 vaccination is now available to individuals age 16 and up in Texas. For more information on the vaccination site located at St. Philip’s College, visit WeCanDoItSA.com.

COVID-19 Vaccination Resources

I have tested positive for COVID-19. Do I need to report it to Palo Alto College?

Yes. If you have been exposed to or have tested positive for COVID-19, you must complete the COVID-19 Incident Report immediately.

You must complete the report:

upon notification of exposure to COVID-19 or a positive COVID-19 test result;
regardless of whether you have been on-site or remote;
if you share a home with an individual who has tested positive for COVID-19;
or if you exhibit onset of COVID-19 symptoms (CDC COVID-19 Symptoms).

I was exposed to someone who tested positive for COVID-19. Do I need to report it to Palo Alto College?

Yes. If you have been exposed to COVID-19, you should stay home and take the following steps.

Employees:

Notify your supervisor of your status
Respond to all requests for follow-up information from Risk Management
Do not come to campus until you have been released to do so by Risk Management. Note: Procedures regarding campus access for remote employees remain applicable following release by Risk management.

Students:

Notify your instructor(s) of your status
Respond to all requests for follow-up information from Risk Management
Do not come to campus until you have been released to do so by Risk Management

Spring 2021

Are classes going to be held on campus for Spring 2021?

We will remain at Level 5 through May 2. On-campus classes will be prioritized for courses that require in-person instruction.

Students should check their ACES email, Canvas course page, and Canvas email for information from their instructors before classes start on Jan. 19, 2021.

Only courses that have a hands-on learning component that cannot be delivered remotely will have on campus instruction. Students are encouraged to contact their instructors via their ACES email or Canvas with any questions.

View all on campus courses by browsing the dynamic schedule for Spring 2021.

View dynamic schedule

How to use the dynamic schedule:

Visit the dynamic schedule page and choose Spring 2021 from the pull-down menu
Click Submit button
Choose a Subject from the list (required field, i.e. ENGL-English)
Choose the College (i.e. Palo Alto College, or choose All)
Choose Part of Term (i.e. Full Term, or choose All)
Choose Session or leave it All; choose Location or leave it All; make any other selections (or leave blank for all available)
Click Class Search
The mode of instruction is listed in each course's details, beneath "Lecture Schedule Type"

What services are offered on campus for Spring 2021?

The Welcome Center
Remote "walk-in" sessions are available. If you have any questions, sign in to our Virtual Welcome Center (powered by Zoom) to speak to one of our enrollment coaches. The Welcome Center will be available virtually to assist students. In extenuating circumstances, we will provide drive-through, curbside, contactless services by appointment for students who need essential items by calling 210-486-3100.

Remote hours of operation: Monday–Thursday, 9 a.m.–noon and 2–7 p.m.; Friday: 9 a.m.–noon and 2–5 p.m.; Saturday: 9 a.m.–1 p.m.

Testing Center
Palo Alto College is providing TSI testing services remotely. Please contact the Testing Center via email at pac-testcenter@alamo.edu or phone at 210-486-3444 to register for the exam.

Wi-Fi
Palo Alto College has designated parking lots 1 and 2 (north of Palomino Center) and lot 11 (north of Ozuna) as Wi-Fi hotspots for students to access campus Wi-Fi. Everyone is encouraged to stay in their vehicles and practice social distancing. View Wi-Fi hotspot map

Are curbside services available for Spring 2021?

Library
While the library will remain closed this spring, library materials can be returned 24/7 in the Book Return located on the north side of the Ozuna Building.

Bookstore
All purchases and rentals can be coordinated through the Bookstore website. Students may choose to have their items shipped, or, beginning Thursday, Jan. 7, curbside pick up can be scheduled at the end of any purchase on the Palo Alto College Bookstore website.

Curbside hours of operation (starting Jan. 7)
Monday–Thursday 9 a.m.–4:45 p.m.
Friday 9 a.m.–12:45 p.m.

Technology
Laptop and mobile hotspot checkouts are available to PAC students enrolled in the current term on a first-come, first-served basis. Students requesting a mobile hotspot must attest to not having access to high-speed internet.

Appointments for contactless curbside pickup and return are available Monday – Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. To schedule an appointment, call the PAC Information Technology Services Help Desk at 210-486-3777 (select option 1). For more information, visit alamo.edu/pac/its.

What services are offered remotely for Spring 2021?

Library
Remote reference and research assistance is available via chat (Ask a Librarian), email: pac-REF@alamo.edu, and phone: 210-486-3557 (leave a message). Remote hours of operation: Monday – Thursday, 8 a.m. – 8 p.m. and Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. For more information, visit alamo.edu/pac/library.

IT Services
Palo Alto College Information Technology Services (ITS) is committed to assisting the campus community throughout the transition to remote learning, teaching, and working.

Students can call the ITS Helpdesk for ACES and technical support.
Phone: 210-486-3777 (select option 1)
Hours of operation: Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.

Students are encouraged to take the one-hour Remote Ready Boot Camp (RRBC) training in Canvas to prepare for remote learning.
Click on Canvas in ACES, scroll down in your dashboard until you see your college’s name and Remote Ready Book Camp. Watch this video on RRBC for step-by-step instructions.

Academic Advising

To schedule a virtual advising session, you will still request an advising appointment through AlamoNAVIGATE. Your advisor will send you a message with a link to log into your appointment via Zoom.

Academic Advising will have "Remote Drop-in Hours" via Zoom every Monday from 1-5 p.m. Visit alamo.edu/pac/advising to learn more.

S.H.A.R.E. Center

The Palo Alto S.H.A.R.E. Center remains committed to providing resources and meeting students’ basic needs in and outside the classroom. Advocacy services like academic peer coaching, counseling, emergency assistance and much more are available remotely via phone or Zoom. Learn more by calling 210-486-1111 or visiting alamo.edu/pac/share.

STEM Center
The STEM Center will be available virtually to assist students Monday–Thursday from 8 a.m.–6 p.m. and Friday from 8 a.m.–3 p.m. Visit bit.ly/PACSTEMCenter or by email pac-stem@alamo.edu to connect with STEM Center staff.

Tutoring Services

Palo Alto College offers free tutoring services for all students. During remote learning, teaching, and learning, tutoring is available online with Palo Alto College tutors or through Brainfuse. Learn more at alamo.edu/pac/tutoring.

Testing Center

Palo Alto College is providing TSI testing services remotely. Please contact the Testing Center via email at pac-testcenter@alamo.edu or phone at 210-486-3444 to register for the exam.

Virtual Welcome Center

Remote "walk-in" sessions are available. If you have any questions, sign in to our Virtual Welcome Center (powered by Zoom) to speak to one of our enrollment coaches. The Welcome Center will be available virtually to assist students. In extenuating circumstances, we will provide drive-through, curbside, contactless services by appointment for students who need essential items by calling 210-486-3100.

Remote hours of operation: Monday–Thursday, 9 a.m.–noon and 2–7 p.m.; Friday: 9 a.m.–noon and 2–5 p.m.; Saturday: 9 a.m.–1 p.m.

Visit the Virtual Welcome Center

Will there be dining services on campus for Spring 2021?

No. The cafeteria and café will be closed throughout the Spring 2021 semester, and vending machines will be disabled.

Summer 2021

Are classes going to be held on campus for Summer 2021?

For Summer 2021, up to 50% of instruction will be face-to-face (F2F) or hybrid models of instruction. Students should check their Canvas course page and Canvas email for information from their instructors before classes start. View all on-campus courses by browsing the ACES Course Lookup for Summer 2021.

One to two weeks before classes begin, students should also check their ACES Email for information from their instructors. If students have questions, they can also email the instructor.

ACES Course Lookup

How to use the ACES Course Lookup:

Visit the dynamic schedule page and choose Summer 2021 from the pull-down menu
Click Submit button
Choose a Subject from the list (required field, i.e. ENGL-English)
Choose the College (i.e. Palo Alto College, or choose All)
Choose Part of Term (i.e. Full Term, or choose All)
Choose Session or leave it All; choose Location or leave it All; make any other selections (or leave blank for all available)
Click Class Search
The mode of instruction is listed in each course's details, beneath "Lecture Schedule Type" and Comments Section

What services are offered on campus for Summer 2021?

The following services will be available on campus by appointment only. To schedule an appointment, call or email the department at the contact information listed below.

Welcome Center
Students who need assistance with onboarding services such as the ApplyTexas application, bacterial meningitis, and holds related to the application checklist, please visit our Virtual Welcome Center during our hours of operation.

Visit the Virtual Welcome Center

The Welcome Center will be offering student services by appointment at the Palomino Center building. For in-person assistance, please schedule an appointment at the link below.

Schedule an appointment

On-site hours of operation: Monday – Thursday from 8 a.m.-5 p.m.

Admissions and Records Office
Students who need assistance with their student record (i.e., registration add/drop, transcript, registration holds, change of major, change of primary institution, and online forms) may call 210-21-ALAMO.

The Admissions and Records Office will be offering student services by appointment at the Palomino Center building. For in-person assistance, please email pac-admin@alamo.edu or please schedule an appointment at the link below. For questions regarding graduation, please email pac-graduation@alamo.edu.

Schedule an appointment

On-site hours of operation: Monday – Thursday from 8 a.m.-5 p.m.

Academic Advising and Veteran Affairs
Current students can schedule their appointment in their ACES portal under Navigate. For those who need assistance scheduling an appointment on ACES, email pac-advising@alamo.edu.

Immediate assistance is available virtually at the link below.

Advising remote drop-in

If you are a new student and need assistance registering, please visit the Virtual Welcome Center.

Financial Aid
Students who need assistance from the Financial Aid Office can call (210) 212-5266 or email dst-sfs@alamo.edu.

In-person assistance is available at the Palomino Center building during hours of operation.

Schedule an appointment at the link below.

Schedule an appointment

On-site hours of operation: Monday – Thursday from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. For AlamoPROMISE information, visit alamo.edu/promise; send questions to promise@alamo.edu.

Business Office
The Business Office can be contacted by calling 210-212-5266 or by emailing dst-vbo2@alamo.edu. The Business Office is offering on-site appointments. Please schedule your appointment at the link below.

Schedule an appointment

Library
Beginning July 12, the Ozuna Library will be offering on-site services by appointment.

On Campus hours of operation: Tuesday & Wednesday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.; controlled entry for walk-ins; appointments preferred.

Remote reference and research assistance is also available via chat (Ask a Librarian), email: pac-REF@alamo.edu, and phone: 210-486-3557 (leave message). Remote hours of operation: Monday – Thursday, 8 a.m.-7 p.m. For more information, visit alamo.edu/pac/library.

Tutoring Services
Beginning July 12, Tutoring Services will be offering on-site services by appointment.

On campus hours of operation: Tuesday & Wednesday, 8 a.m.-6 p.m.; controlled entry for walk-ins; appointments preferred.

Tutors are also available remotely through Zoom Monday – Thursday, 8 a.m.-6 p.m. Online tutoring is also provided through Brainfuse. Learn more at alamo.edu/pac/tutoring. Questions? Contact us at pac-tutoring@alamo.edu.

S.H.A.R.E. Center
The Palo Alto S.H.A.R.E. Center remains committed to providing resources and meeting students’ basic needs in and outside the classroom. Advocacy services like academic peer coaching, counseling, emergency assistance and much more are available remotely via phone or Zoom. Learn more at 210-486-1111 or alamo.edu/pac/share.

Pop-Up Markets
In partnership with SA Food Bank, the S.H.A.R.E. Center will continue to offer drive thru food pantry services on June 24. Learn more at 210-486-1111.

IT Services - Computer Lab & Printing
The Academic Learning Studio (Ozuna 150) computers and student printing services (GoPrint) will be available by appointment only, on a limited basis, Monday–Thursday from 8 a.m.–5 p.m.

Occupancy limitations and social distancing will be strictly enforced. Sanitation and disinfection of all equipment will be completed between each use.

To schedule an appointment, call the PAC Information Technology Services Help Desk at 210-486-3777 (select option 1).

STEM Center
Beginning July 12, the STEM Center will provide face-to-face tutoring Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 8 a.m.-6 p.m.

The STEM Center will still be available to assist students virtually Monday–Thursday from 8 a.m.-6 p.m.

Visit bit.ly/PACSTEMCenter or by email pac-stem@alamo.edu to connect with STEM Center staff.

Testing Center
Palo Alto College is providing TSI testing services remotely through Examity online proctoring. Please contact the Testing Center via email at pac-testcenter@alamo.edu or phone at 210-486-3444 to register for the exam.

Are curbside services available for Summer 2021?

Library
Library materials can be returned 24/7 in the Book Return located on the north side of the Ozuna Building.

Appointments for contactless curbside pickup and return are available Monday – Thursday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. To schedule an appointment, call the PAC Information Technology Services Help Desk at 210-486-3777 (select option 1). For more information, visit alamo.edu/pac/its.

What services are offered remotely for Summer 2021?

Library
Remote reference and research assistance is available via chat (Ask a Librarian), email: pac-REF@alamo.edu, and phone: 210-486-3557 (leave message). Remote hours of operation: Monday – Thursday, 8 a.m.-7 p.m. For more information, visit alamo.edu/pac/library.

IT Services
Palo Alto College Information Technology Services (ITS) is committed to assisting the campus community throughout the transition to remote learning, teaching, and working.

Students can call the ITS Helpdesk for ACES and technical support.
Phone: 210-486-3777 (select option 1)
Hours of operation: Monday-Thursday, 8 a.m.–5 p.m.

Students are encouraged to take the one-hour Remote Ready Boot Camp (RRBC) training in Canvas to prepare for remote learning. Click on Canvas in ACES, scroll down in your dashboard until you see your college’s name and Remote Ready Book Camp. Watch this video on RRBC for step-by-step instructions.

Academic Advising
To schedule a virtual advising session, request an advising appointment through AlamoNAVIGATE. Your advisor will send you a message with a link to log into your appointment via Zoom.

Academic Advising will have "Remote Drop-in Hours" via Zoom every Monday from 1-5 p.m. and Tuesday from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Visit alamo.edu/pac/advising to learn more.

Pop-Up Markets
In partnership with SA Food Bank, the S.H.A.R.E. Center will continue to offer drive thru food pantry services on June 24. Learn more at 210-486-1111.

STEM Center
The STEM Center will be available virtually to assist students Monday–Thursday from 8 a.m.-6 p.m. Visit bit.ly/PACSTEMCenter or by email pac-stem@alamo.edu to connect with STEM Center staff.

Tutoring Services
Palo Alto College offers free tutoring services to all students. During remote teaching and learning, the college’s tutors are available through Zoom. Online tutoring is also provided through Brainfuse. No appointment is necessary. Learn more at alamo.edu/pac/tutoring. Questions? Contact us at pac-tutoring@alamo.edu.

Will there be dining services on campus for Summer 2021?

No. The cafeteria and café will be closed throughout the Summer 2021. Vending Machine services will be available beginning May 31.

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For complete information about the Alamo Colleges’ Return to Campus plan, please visit alamo.edu/coronavirus.
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