Building the Next Strategic Plan
Building the Next Strategic Plan
Setting the Stage for Exceptional College Planning
Successful College of the Desert planning is derived from a solid foundation, clear and transparent approaches, and input from leadership, faculty, staff, stakeholders and students. The District Strategic Master Plan (SMP) for the upcoming five-year timeframe will directly influence strategy and decision-making for allotting the necessary resources – capital and people – to fulfill our identified goals.
The 2022-2027 SMP will outline the goals, strategies, objectives, and tactics that will guide the future of College of the Desert.
The District has created this page as one of several means to gather input and communicate SMP progress. College of the Desert leadership is committed to ensuring that the planning process is anchored by transparency and inclusivity.
Benchmark Timeline
Following a timeline is key to creating, refining, adopting and launching the SMP, which will be conducted over an eight-month period. Critical SMP time points are noted below.

Phase 1: Pre-plan
April-August 2022
This first phase includes coordination and meetings of Workgroups; project kick-off; draft of mission, vision, values and SWOTC Survey.

Phase 2: Investigate
May-September 2022
Phase 2 focuses on finalizing data sets; completing internal/external environmental data scans, identifying key trends; reviewing work done in Phase 1 and identifying key themes; designing focus group sessions with internal and external stakeholders.

Phase 3: Formulate
September -October 2022
In Phase 3, focus group sessions are conducted; information from Phase 1, 2 and 3 is synthesized to develop strategic initiatives.

Phase 4: Complete
October-December 2022
The SMP is developed in Phase 4; the SMP is designed and shared through the appropriate participatory governance groups; submit SMP for board approval; adopt and publish the SMP.
Participate in Our Plan
The 2022-2027 College SMP demands a thorough process that stresses the importance of input from newly created Work Groups. These Workgroups will help lead the Plan development effort with their input and provide the ability for individuals to submit feedback about our planning process. Anyone interested in submitting ideas can do so anonymously; individuals can also share their email addresses so that the College’s point of contact on this effort can provide information on the SMP progress and milestones.
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 Atkins
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
Planning Documents
This section contains various foundational and supplemental materials for the SMP and process; it will be updated with any new information, feedback and documents throughout the SMP development process.
College surveys
“Crosswalk” document linking the goals and objectives of the SMP with those of the Educational Master Plan
Point of Contact

Please contact us for additional information by filling out the form below.