Some Del Mar College students who need to complete labs and other hands-on classwork are being allowed back on campus to finish their semesters. However, the college has put some safety measures in place for their protection while on campus.
The college said every student and faculty member must wear a mask at all times, and maintain 6 feet of social distance. The school also is limiting the number of students in a classroom or lab setting, and hand sanitizer has been placed at building entrances and in each classroom.
Students and faculty who return to campus must also sign a waiver agreeing that if they experience any COVID-19-like symptoms, they will report it to school officials.
Students KRIS 6 News spoke to are glad they'll be able to complete their coursework soon.
"I think I can relate to most students and say that we were looking forward to starting our careers in the dental field,” said student Calena Lawson. “Being able to come back in and get that hands-on practice that is necessary for us to be skilled at what we’ll be doing in the future is excellent.”
Among the students who can return are those studying to work in law enforcement, firefighting, EMT, nursing, welding, and dental careers.
For many students, getting back in the classroom means taking one step closer to graduation. Because of the impacts of COVID-19, some students' graduations were delayed by a week or two, while others were delayed by a semester.
“This is the last part, then we’re getting ready so we can turn out for duty,” said Martin Saenz, who is going to be a firefighter when he graduates. “Our job is to get out and help the community, so I’m so glad Del Mar let us come back. It was a great blessing and will be when the city needs us.”