COVID-19 Student Requirements

College of the Desert is committed to supporting the health and well-being of our community, especially during the public health situation related to the coronavirus pandemic. 

We have created a set of safety requirements that all students must follow to ensure campus safety for all at College of the Desert. If you do not follow these requirements, you will be asked to leave campus.

The College recognizes the pandemic is a fluid situation. It is your responsibility to check this site frequently to ensure you are following all current requirements. 

  • Stay home when ill. Individuals must stay home if they do not feel well or have tested positive for COVID-19. Notify your instructor immediately if you will not be on campus and file a report online

  • All employees, students, and volunteers, are required to provide certification of COVID-19 vaccination on or before February 13, 2022. Employees, students, and volunteers, may claim an exemption to the approved vaccine requirement in accordance with District procedures. Employees, students, and volunteers who do not provide certification of vaccination, obtain an authorized exemption, or undergo weekly COVID-19 testing and provide proof of negative test results may be denied access to on-site campus/programs. All students, faculty and staff must complete the COVID-19 Vaccine Verification/Exemption Form.
  • As of May 31, 2022, face masks are no longer required. However, the Campus Safety Committee does recommend that masks be worn while in classrooms and inside any campus building, regardless of vaccination status.

  • Wash and sanitize hands regularly.

  • Students are not currently required to purchase a parking permit. However, students must still follow all parking rules, including parking in designated student lots and using appropriate spaces.

If you still have specific questions, please email us at COVIDreporting@collegeofthedesert.edu.

You may also wish to view more COVID-related topics and other helpful resources by visiting the sites on our left navigation menu. 

Show All Content

  • If you are experiencing any COVID-19 symptoms, notify your instructor immediately and do not come to campus.
    Faculty and Staff Contact Information
  • File a COVID Online Report.
  • There is no daily check-in process and our campus is open to visitors and students to use learning and student services. 

  • Do not come to campus if you feel ill or if you have tested to positive for COVID-19.

  • Get vaccinated

  • Wear a mask indoors in public places to minimize your exposure (strongly recommended). 

  • Get tested, if you develop COVID-19 symptoms or have been exposed to an individual that is positive for COVID (3-5 days after last day of exposure).

  • Masks are strongly recommended to be worn indoors.

  • Wash or sanitize hands frequently.

  • Get vaccinated

  • Stay home and report all COVID-19 illness/positive test results to your instructor(s) immediately. Provide them with your contact information (Student ID, Course, Phone Number and Preferred Email).

  • Your instructor(s) will email covidreporting@collegeofthedesert.edu to inform them of your absence. A member of the COVID Reporting Team will follow-up with you over the phone with any potential next steps.

  • A COVID Reporting Team Member will:
    • Contact you within one business day for more information and to follow-up on symptoms.
    • Request information to help the Team identify any potential exposures for contact tracing purposes.
    • Notify instructors that you will not be allowed on campus until cleared by a COVID Reporting Team member with your anticipated return date.
    • Determine a date in which you may be allowed to return to campus.
    • Call you the day of your tentative return date or the first business day after to conduct a follow-up evaluation.
      • If cleared, you may be allowed to return the next day.
  • If you are already on campus and begin to exhibit symptoms, you may be asked to leave campus. Individuals who need to wait for a ride can do so at the Public Safety Office until they can get picked up by someone. It is important to keep in mind that if someone is experiencing shortness of breath 911 should be called immediately. 

If you are exposed but do not have any symptoms, regardless of vaccination status:

  • You are allowed to come to campus.
  • Inform your instructor and submit a COVID report.
  • Someone from the COVID reporting team will follow up with you.
  • Wear a well fitted mask for 10 days after last day of exposure.  
  • Test 3-5 days after last day of exposure. 

Updated August 24, 2022