Palomar Health Student Wellness Center
Frequently Asked Questions
Please see the list of Frequently Asked Questions below, curated by Associated Student Government. FAQs include information on hours and access, facility policies, programs, reservations, employment and more. Click on a question to expand and reveal the answer. Reach out to the Wellness Center Team with any follow-up questions at wellnesscenter@sandiego.edu. We hope this list of questions can serve as a valuable resource to our campus community!
Facility Hours
Facility hours vary by semester and academic schedule. Current hours are always posted on the USD Wellness Center website at: https://www.sandiego.edu/wellness/wellness-center/about-us/.
While we regularly review operating hours based on usage and staffing, extending hours earlier or later is not always possible due to staffing, safety, and operational considerations.
The facility is typically busiest:
- Weekdays: 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM
- Midday: 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM
Early mornings and late evenings are often less crowded.
If the strength floor is busy, you can explore several other spaces:
- Group Fitness and Mindful Movement studios (when classes are not in session)
- The Outdoor Workout Area
- Outdoor field spaces and courts
- The Sports Center TRX fitness area
- Other outdoor fields and recreation spaces around campus
You may also consider visiting during non-peak hours.
Access & Eligibility
In general, the Wellness Center is reserved for USD students and employees.
Guests may occasionally be permitted to tour the facility with an affiliated member after formally checking in at the front desk.
No. The Palomar Student Wellness Center serves USD students primarily. It is a student facility. Our facility operations are supported by student fees and are therefore designated as a student-centered space. Currently, the student body has extended access to affiliated faculty and employees to utilize the facility as well.
Alumni and community access may be available through specific programs or facilities such as the Sports Center or the Mission Bay Aquatic Center. For more information on alumni visits, please visit: https://www.sandiego.edu/alumni/benefits/.
Open outdoor recreation fields and campus spaces may be accessible to alumni and community members when they are not reserved for University programs. Some spaces may require reservations or may be prioritized for University activities.
The outdoor workout and climbing areas are enclosed spaces designated only for current USD students, faculty, and employees.
The PHSWC is accessible by enrolled students. Access typically continues through the end of the academic term in which you graduate.
Policies
A liability waiver must be signed once each academic year. The new waiver typically becomes available at the end of August. A link or QR code will be sent to you and is also available at the front desk when you enter the building.
Consistent with USD campus policies. Service Animals are allowed in the PHSWC spaces.
Please see the USD policy on Animals on campus for more information.
Day-use lockers must be cleared at the end of each day. Items left overnight may be removed by staff. Long-term locker rentals are available at the Student Life Pavilion and the Sports Center facility.
Yes. The Palomar Student Wellness Center requires closed-toed shoes on the strength floor to maintain a safe and professional environment for all participants. To accommodate specific training preferences, barefoot lifting is permitted exclusively within the squat racks, and students are welcome to exercise barefoot in the outdoor BeaverFit area. The PSHWC requires that shirts be worn at all times within the indoor facilities to maintain hygiene standards and equipment longevity for all members. This policy is adjusted for the outdoor BeaverFit and MAC gym areas, where students are permitted to exercise without a shirt if they prefer.
For the safety and cleanliness of our workout areas, we kindly ask that patrons refrain from eating on the cardio and strength floors. We encourage all guests to stay hydrated and to bring water for use before, during, and after their workouts. Please ensure that all beverages are kept in sealed containers while in the fitness areas. Glass containers are not permitted.
Group Fitness Classes
To ensure a streamlined and efficient experience, the Wellness Center manages all program registrations exclusively through our online portal. Students may reserve their spots for upcoming classes beginning two weeks in advance. We kindly ask that you complete all registrations digitally, as our team is unable to process sign-ups in person at the facility.
To register, please visit: https://campusrecreation.sandiego.edu/
Most students have access to a wide range of Group Fitness and Mindful Movement classes through a semester package. Once registered, students can reserve spots in classes throughout the semester using the Recreation portal. For more information on group fitness packages, please email the Assistant Director for Fitness Engagement & Aquatics at wellnesscenter@sandiego.edu.
You can cancel your reservation by calling or emailing the Wellness Center Hospitality Team at wellnesscenter@sandiego.edu or 619-260-4140. Please reach out at least 24 hours in advance so another student or employee has the opportunity to take your spot.
Facility & Space
The Palomar Student Wellness Center provides fully private, inclusive, universal restrooms and changing spaces designed to ensure both privacy and comfort for all users. These spaces are available to anyone who prefers additional privacy.
We offer designated Sensory Sensitivity Hours for patrons who prefer a quieter, more serene environment. These hours take place daily, M-F from 9:00–10:00 AM and 3:00–4:00 PM and on Saturday and Sunday from 3:00–4:00 PM . During this time, we lower the lights, turn off all TVs, and mute the music throughout the center to create a calmer atmosphere.
Outside of these hours, TVs and music remain on as part of the overall environment. TV channels can be changed upon request, though they are generally set to sports and wellness-related programming.
The Palomar Student Wellness Center environment has been intentionally designed using lighting, sound, and scent to support different activities throughout the facility. In the Wellness Wing, we use a gentle lavender and vanilla scent to promote relaxation. In the fitness and workout areas, we use a eucalyptus and basil scent to support energy and focus. In the lobby areas, a subtle sandalwood scent creates a welcoming and grounding atmosphere. These scents are selected to evoke specific sensory responses that compliment the activities taking place in each space. We have them set at very low levels meant to be occasionally noticed…but never overwhelming or overbearing.
Our music selections are curated in a similar way. Upbeat music is played in the cardio and strength areas, more relaxing music is used in the Wellness Wing, and familiar background music is played in the lobby spaces to create a comfortable and welcoming environment.
USD offers aquatics programming in the heated pool located at the Sports Center. At this time, The Palomar Student Wellness Center does not have a sauna. For more information on the Sports Center, please visit: https://www.sandiego.edu/campus-recreation/facilities/
Reservations & Equipment
Nap pods in the Rejuvenation Lounge are available on a first-come, first-served basis during designated hours. Please check in with the front desk for availability and usage guidelines.
The Palomar Student Wellness Center Outdoor Courts may be available for drop-in use or reservation by a department or student organization, depending on programming schedules. Please check with the front desk or the reservation system for availability.
Student organizations should submit a facility reservation request at least 14 days in advance directly to the Assistant Director for Wellness Center Operations (wellnesscenter@sandiego.edu). Recreational Wellness staff will review requests based on availability and programming needs.
Telehealth booths are currently available on a first-come, first-served basis and are intended for telehealth appointments only, such as virtual therapy or medical visits. Each booth is equipped with white noise machines, lighting, and charging stations to support a private and comfortable experience. These booths are the only spaces on campus specifically designated for telehealth, allowing patrons to attend appointments without competing for space with those seeking areas for Zoom meetings or studying.
Yes. Fitness and recreational equipment is available for check-out at both the first and third floor equipment desk. Equipment must remain at The Palomar Student Wellness Center and returned by the end of the day. Current offerings include a range of items from gaming equipment, towels, pickleballs and paddles, basketballs, soccer balls, foam rollers, recovery tools, etc.
Yes. The Torero Gaming and Engagement Lounge includes gaming stations and equipment available for use within the space. Equipment must remain in the lounge and follow posted guidelines. Gaming hours may fluctuate throughout the year. Please visit www.sandiego.edu/wellness/wellness-center/about-us/ for updated hours.
Yes. Students are encouraged to bring their own lock for day-use lockers unless lockers with built-in locks are provided.
Small workout towels are available for use in the facility. Students are encouraged to bring their own towels for showering.
To enhance your comfort and convenience, the Palomar Student Wellness Center provides complimentary shampoo and conditioner in all private shower stalls. Additionally, the second-floor Universal Locker Room is stocked with a selection of personal care essentials, including organic, dye-free tampons, hair ties, and cotton swabs, for all members to utilize as needed.
A scale is available on the third floor of the Palomar Student Wellness Center in the Universal Restroom area. Students who choose to use it are encouraged to do so as part of a balanced approach to overall health and wellbeing, rather than focusing solely on weight.
The Palomar Student Wellness Center offers convenient options for snacks and beverages to support your nutrition needs throughout your workout. You will find a vending machine stocked with drinks and snacks on the first floor just outside the MAC gym, as well as Crush Juice, which is also located on the third floor for those seeking additional refreshments.
Careers
Recreational Wellness hires student staff throughout the academic year for positions such as facility attendants, fitness instructors, lifeguards, Outdoor Adventure leaders, and program staff.
Job openings are posted on USD student employment platforms.