Southwestern College will begin its spring 2022 semester with four weeks of virtual instruction and student services to combat the rising infection rates of COVID-19 throughout the San Diego region.
About 60 percent of spring semester classes were scheduled to start in-person on Jan. 31 throughout all of Southwestern College’s campuses. Those classes will begin and remain online through Feb. 25.
Some spring semester courses and programs will have exceptions to the delayed in-person start date including public safety, allied health, performing arts, athletics and classes at the Crown Cove Aquatic Center. These courses will continue to adhere to Southwestern College’s health and safety guidelines and may be asked to follow additional protocol. College leadership may identify additional classes that will be approved to return in person.
Students with possible in-person exceptions are strongly encouraged to check their MySWC account before the semester begins on Jan. 31 and to communicate with their instructors for more information about their start date and in-person instruction.
“We must create the safest environment for everyone who comes onto one of our campuses,” said Superintendent/President Dr. Mark Sanchez. “The COVID-19 pandemic is not over and it continues to upend many of our lives. However, it will not deter us in our mission to provide exceptional education and services to our students and our region.”
In addition to four weeks of temporary virtual instruction, Southwestern College employees and in-person students will be required to get a COVID-19 booster shot as soon as they become eligible unless they have qualified for a religious or medical exemption. More information will be communicated to the campus community about booster requirements and submission.
Southwestern College continues to make operational decisions based on science, local public health data, guidance from public health experts and feedback from our students and employees. College leadership and the reopening workgroup will reevaluate infection data throughout January and early February for any possible changes to the spring semester.
