2023-2028 Strategic Master Plan (Opens as PDF)
Dear College of the Desert Community,
It is my privilege to provide you with an introduction and insights into College of the Desert’s Strategic Master Plan 2023-2028. This plan outlines the goals, strategies, objectives, and actions that will guide the future of the College and help us fulfill our mission, vision, values, and goals.
A culmination of about eight months of research and preparation, the new plan sets a pathway for the College as it embarks on a journey of transition after experiencing an unprecedented and challenging pandemic. Input from students, faculty, college leaders, and the public provided the foundation for this forward-looking document. The Strategic Master Plan provides a roadmap for the next five years.
With such a broad range of perspectives and data, we were able to create a Strategic Master Plan that provides a blueprint for reaching our ambitious yet attainable goals. In addition, it sets the guidance for the creation of our next Educational Master Plan. Development of the plan allowed us an opportunity to revisit our mission statement and emphasize student belonging by embracing diversity, equity, inclusion, social justice, and continuous improvement.
The Strategic Master Plan aligns with and supports several of the California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office initiatives, including the Vision for Success, Guided Pathways, Student Equity and Achievement, and Call-to-Action to address systemic racism. The plan also aligns with the Aspen Institute’s College Excellence Program for Student Success framework, which represents College of the Desert’s commitment to our students’ success, community engagement, institutional accountability, equity, and social and economic justice.
College of the Desert also took this opportunity to expand its values, which are now:
Access
Collegiality
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility
Empathy
Fiscal Accountability
Innovation
Integrity
Social Justice
Student Success
Now that the plan is complete, the real work begins. We must turn our attention to the future and come together to continue the College of the Desert’s standing as an accessible, welcoming, and inclusive organization of higher learning.
We owe a great deal of gratitude to those who invested their time and energy in helping develop the 2023-2028 Strategic Master Plan. This sets the stage for long-lasting efforts that will be sustainable for years to come.
Onward and upward, Roadrunners!
Martha Garcia, Ed.D.College of the Desert Superintendent/President
Maria Elena Diaz
Associate Professor
Kim Dozier
Professor, English
Gwendolyn Earle
Instructor, Business
Jessica Enders
Director, Education Centers
Carl Farmer
Director, MESA
Mike Gladych
Adjunct Faculty, Radio/TV
Donna Greene
Distance Education & Instructional Design Coordinator
Scott Adkins
Director, Education Centers
ASCOD Officer of Academic Affairs
ASCOD Officer of External Affairs
Douglas Benoit
Dean, School of Applied Sciences and Business
Sara Butler
Interim Vice President of Instruction
Oceana Collins
Assistant Professor, History
Linda Costagliola
Executive Administrative Assistant
Christina Tafoya
Interim Executive Vice President
Evelyn Trejo
Adjunct Counselor Veterans
Steven Holman
Dean, School of Math & Science
Catherine Levitt
Adjunct Faculty, Economics
Jim Lilly
Computer Support Specialist
Dean Papas
Dean, School of Communication & Humanities
Miguel Pena III
Media Support & Training Specialist
Kurt Spurgin
Assistant Professor, Health Science
College of the Desert conducted a comprehensive and inclusive four-phase approach to developing the Strategic Master Plan, which commenced in April 2022 and concluded in December 2022. The supporting documents for the activities in each phase can be found online on the College of the Desert SMP Webpage. This webpage also includes a comment portal through which internal and external stakeholders were able to submit comments, questions, and feedback.
College of the Desert is an inclusive, student-centered community college providing high-quality degree, certificate, and transfer programs that are accessible, affordable, and responsive to the diverse needs of students and our community. By preparing workforce professionals and leaders, the College enhances the local economy, closes persistent equity gaps, and improves the quality of life in the Coachella Valley and surrounding communities.
College of the Desert will be a culture of diversity, equity, inclusion, and social justice, while continually improving community access to relevant training, certificates, degree programs, services, and transfer opportunities.
We fulfill our Vision and Mission by creating and sustaining a community where all are welcomed and valued. Recognizing the importance of diversity, we acknowledge the rich and unique contributions each person makes to achieve the Vision and advance the Mission of the College. To this end, the following Values will guide our actions:
Achieve equitable student outcomes by providing clear curricular pathways and equity-based student supports to ensure student learning and the timely completion of educational goals.
Contribute to the growth and vitality of the regional economy and achieve economic justice by aligning College of the Desert’s career education programs with the needs of current and future labor markets and providing students with opportunities to develop 21st-century workplace knowledge and skills, which prepare them for high-quality, high-demand, living-wage occupations.
Develop and implement responsible and sustainable policies and practices to effectively create and steward District resources, ensuring a supportive learning and working environment.
Strengthen a culture of equity, diversity, inclusion, anti-racism, and social justice by cultivating a culture of care, empathy, and mutual support in which students and employees are valued and respected.