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.
“Crosswalk” document linking the goals and objectives of the SMP with those of the Educational Master Plan
Mission
Vision
Our Values
Faculty and staff fulfill our vision and mission by creating and sustaining a community where all are welcomed and valued for their individual dignity and worth. We recognize the importance of diversity and 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 guide our actions:
College of the Desert is a learning-centered institution that values:
Student Success: Student learning and growth are central to all we do.
Diversity and Inclusion: We embrace the diversity of our community and uphold the dignity and worth of the individual.
Integrity: We are open, honest and reliable.
Respect: We value the thoughts, words, and actions of our students, colleagues, and community.
Dedication: Our faculty, staff and administrators are responsible leaders who effectively implement programs in support of student learning and efficient college operations.
Professionalism: We are current in our areas of expertise and embody high standards of conduct.
Communication: We communicate with authenticity in pursuit of broad understanding, effective dialog, and inclusive decision-making.
Lifelong Learning: Learning is essential to living, for our students, faculty and staff.
Proposed
Access
We commit to ensuring access to educational opportunities for our students, employees, and the community to fulfill our mission and vision.
Collegiality
We value the thoughts, words, and actions of our students, colleagues, and community. We encourage open dialogue, healthy dissent, and varying opinions so that we may come together to serve our students, employees, and the community.
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (DEIA)
We embrace the diversity of our community and uphold the dignity and worth of the individual. We strive to create equitable and accessible safe spaces so individuals can learn, grow, and complete their educational goals.
Innovation
We create safe spaces for empowerment, creativity, courage, and exploration to provide a unique student-learning-centered culture that fosters innovation.
Integrity
We communicate openly, honestly, and with authenticity. We pursue broad understanding, effective dialog, and inclusive decision-making.
Lifelong Learning
Learning is essential to living for our students, faculty, and staff.
Social Justice
We commit to a communal effort dedicated to creating and sustaining a fair and equal society in which all people and groups are valued and affirmed. We embrace efforts to end systemic violence and racism and all systems that devalue the dignity and humanity of any person. We recognize the legacy of past injustices and promote efforts to empower individual and communal action in support of restorative justice and the full implementation of human and civil rights. Source: John Lewis Institute for Social Justice: https://www.ccsu.edu/johnlewisinstitute/terminology.html
Accountability
As good stewards of the public trust, we take thoughtful, intentional, and responsible action in allocating resources and fulfilling our mission and vision. We plan for and respond to dynamic fiscal conditions through ongoing evaluation, reallocating existing resources, and developing new funds.
Student Success
We commit to student learning, goal completion, and personal fulfillment in alignment with the California Community College Chancellor’s Office Vision for Success.
Point of Contact

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