COD INFO
College of the Desert is one of over 112 community colleges in California and a vital part of the world’s largest system of higher education. The governing body of College of the Desert is the Desert Community College District, which has five elected members on its Board of Trustees and a Student Trustee elected by the Student Body.
The college was founded in 1958 and opened its doors for the first time in September 1962. The current average student enrollment each semester is approximately 10,000.
As a two-year college, COD offers transfer students an affordable option for starting college and transferring to a four-year institution. College of the Desert is the number one source of transfer students to California State University at San Bernardino. COD also offers a number of popular vocational and technical programs, including Nursing and Health Sciences, Digital Design and Production, Turf Grass Management & Ornamental Horticulture, Advanced Transportation Technologies, Culinary Arts, and a full range of Administration of Justice courses at the Public Safety Academy training facility.
Here's a link to a 6-minute video that summarizes how we benefit individual lives and our community every day.
Click HERE to visit College of the Desert's Website for more information
The college was founded in 1958 and opened its doors for the first time in September 1962. The current average student enrollment each semester is approximately 10,000.
As a two-year college, COD offers transfer students an affordable option for starting college and transferring to a four-year institution. College of the Desert is the number one source of transfer students to California State University at San Bernardino. COD also offers a number of popular vocational and technical programs, including Nursing and Health Sciences, Digital Design and Production, Turf Grass Management & Ornamental Horticulture, Advanced Transportation Technologies, Culinary Arts, and a full range of Administration of Justice courses at the Public Safety Academy training facility.
Here's a link to a 6-minute video that summarizes how we benefit individual lives and our community every day.
Click HERE to visit College of the Desert's Website for more information
COD STUDENT RESOURCE GUIDE
CAMPUS RESOURCES
Food Pantries
Emergency pantries for students experiencing food insecurity can be found in multiple locations on the Palm Desert Campus and at each of the education centers in Desert Hot Springs, Indio, Mecca/Thermal, and Palm Springs. Ask a counselor for details. Students are limited to two items per day.
FIND Food Bank Food Distribution Events
During fall and spring semesters, FIND Food Bank conducts food distribution events on the Palm Desert Campus of COD on the second Tuesday of each month. Contact the Office of Student Life at 760.862.1317 for details
Showers for Homeless Students
Showers for students experiencing homelessness are available in the gymnasium locker rooms on the Palm Desert Campus on weekdays. Contact Public Safety at 760.3412111 regarding access.
Veteran Services
The Veterans Resource Center provides critical service and support for our veterans; active-duty, National Guard and Reserve military personnel, their spouses and dependents; and faculty and staff. For more information contact the VRC at 760.733.2536.
Financial Aid
The Financial Aid Office is committed to making college affordable for students, and to assist students and families with any questions regarding the student financial aid process. The Financial Aid Office offers several types of financial aid which are funded through federal, state and local agencies, as well as the college itself. For more information, contact the Financial Aid Office at 760.773.2532.
DSPS
Disabled Students Programs and Services (DSPS) is committed to providing students with disabilities equal access to community college education. DSPS provides services and courses to support students with disabilities in the achievement of their academic and vocational goals. For more information, call 760.733.2534.
HEALTH & PSYCHOLOGICAL SERVICES
Student Health and Wellness supports registered students in achieving their educational goals by maintaining optimum physical, mental and emotional health. The clinic is staffed with licensed professional nurses and licensed mental health professionals. All services are free unless otherwise specified. Students must be enrolled in classes, during the current semester, to receive services.
Services covered by your student health fee are:
For more information and to setup an appointment contact 760.776.7211
Services covered by your student health fee are:
- Free over-the-counter medications
- Health education and consultation
- Health evaluations (including pregnancy, sore throat, urine and blood glucose tests)
- Low cost flu vaccine
- Low cost vaccines
- Mental health services (also available at Indio campus)
- Process all COD student accident insurance claims
- Referrals
- Tuberculosis screening (TB Test)
- Vision screening
For more information and to setup an appointment contact 760.776.7211
COUNSELING SERVICES
Counseling services are available for students who need information or assistance with choosing classes, changing majors, meeting transfer requirements and much more. Counseling services are available at the following College of the Desert campuses:
Palm Desert | Cravens Student Services Center, 2nd Floor, 760.776.7200
East Valley Campus, Indio | Administration, 2nd Floor, 760.776.7200
Mecca/Thermal | Administration, 1st Floor, 760.396.2010
Palm Desert | Cravens Student Services Center, 2nd Floor, 760.776.7200
East Valley Campus, Indio | Administration, 2nd Floor, 760.776.7200
Mecca/Thermal | Administration, 1st Floor, 760.396.2010
CAMPUS MEAL PLAN
College of the Desert offers a campus meal plan for students who wish to eat on campus. Students can use their COD student ID card as a way to pay for their campus meals at Beeps Café.
Meal Plans are available at $50, $100 and $250 levels and your Financial Aid awards may help you pay for it.
For more information and to apply for subsidized plans, visit:
www.collegeofthedesert.edu/students/mealplan
Meal Plans are available at $50, $100 and $250 levels and your Financial Aid awards may help you pay for it.
For more information and to apply for subsidized plans, visit:
www.collegeofthedesert.edu/students/mealplan
HAUL PASS
SunLine Transit Agency and College of the Desert recently partnered to provide students FREE unlimited SunBus rides as part of SunLine's new Haul Pass program.
Students will use their active student ID card by swiping them through the SunBus card reader on the fare box. Should they require assistance, bus operators can help. Students can obtain their college ID cards at the following locations:
Students that need assistance with the process may contact the Office of Student Life at 760.862.1317
Students will use their active student ID card by swiping them through the SunBus card reader on the fare box. Should they require assistance, bus operators can help. Students can obtain their college ID cards at the following locations:
- Palm Desert Campus - Office of Student Life | Monday - Friday 8:30am - 4:30pm
- Indio Campus - Administration Office, 2nd Floor | Monday - Thursday 8:30am - 4:30pm
- Palm Springs Campus - Administration Office, Building 1 | Monday - Thursday 8:30am - 4:30pm
Students that need assistance with the process may contact the Office of Student Life at 760.862.1317
CAREER WORKFORCE SOLUTIONS CENTER
The mission of the Career and Workforce Solutions Center is to enhance student success by empowering students with the tools and skills necessary to be active participants in their career development. Services include:
43500 Monterey Ave. Palm Desert, CA. 92260 | Admin Bldg. Rm 5 | 760.625.7799 | www.collegeoftehdesert.edu/students/cwsc
- Career assessments
- Career workshops
- Interview skills
- Individual career counseling
- Job/internship information
- Major exploration
- Resume writing assistance
43500 Monterey Ave. Palm Desert, CA. 92260 | Admin Bldg. Rm 5 | 760.625.7799 | www.collegeoftehdesert.edu/students/cwsc
EMPLOYMENT ASSISTANCE
State of California Employment Development Department
44199 Monroe Street Suite B, Indio, CA 92201 | 760.863.2540
www.edd.ca.gov
Catholic Charities - Palm Desert Counseling Center
73441 Fred Waring Drive, Palm Desert, CA 92260 | 760.568.5101
www.ccsbriv.org/our-core-programs
Desert Best Friend's Closet, Coachella Valley
74040 Hwy 111 #F, Palm Desert, CA 92260 | 760.776.9975
Coachella Valley Women's Business Center
77806 Flora Road. A, Palm Desert, CA 2260 | 760.345.9200
Small Business Development Center
44199 Monroe Street #B, Indio, CA 92201 | 760.848.4096
44199 Monroe Street Suite B, Indio, CA 92201 | 760.863.2540
www.edd.ca.gov
Catholic Charities - Palm Desert Counseling Center
73441 Fred Waring Drive, Palm Desert, CA 92260 | 760.568.5101
www.ccsbriv.org/our-core-programs
Desert Best Friend's Closet, Coachella Valley
74040 Hwy 111 #F, Palm Desert, CA 92260 | 760.776.9975
Coachella Valley Women's Business Center
77806 Flora Road. A, Palm Desert, CA 2260 | 760.345.9200
Small Business Development Center
44199 Monroe Street #B, Indio, CA 92201 | 760.848.4096
EMERGENCY SHELTER AND HOUSING
Shelter from the Storm
73550 Alessandro Drive #103, Palm Desert, CA 92260 | 760.674.0400
www.shelterfromthestorm.com
Safe House of the Desert
72710 East Lynn Street, Thousand Palms, CA 92276 | 760.343.3211
www.safehouseofthedesert.com
Fair Housing Council of Riverside County
760.864.1541 | www.fairhousing.net
Housing Authority of the County of Riverside
760.863.2828 | www.harivco.org
The Narrow door
43052 Madison Street #101, Indio, CA 92201 | 760.775.6200
www.thenarrowdoor.org
73550 Alessandro Drive #103, Palm Desert, CA 92260 | 760.674.0400
www.shelterfromthestorm.com
Safe House of the Desert
72710 East Lynn Street, Thousand Palms, CA 92276 | 760.343.3211
www.safehouseofthedesert.com
Fair Housing Council of Riverside County
760.864.1541 | www.fairhousing.net
Housing Authority of the County of Riverside
760.863.2828 | www.harivco.org
The Narrow door
43052 Madison Street #101, Indio, CA 92201 | 760.775.6200
www.thenarrowdoor.org
FIND FOOD BANK
760.775.FOOD (3663) | www.findfoodbank.org
FIND Food Bank holds monthly food distribution events on the Palm Desert Campus. FIND also has several distribution centers throughout the Coachella Valley for those experiencing food insecurity. Contact FIND for the schedule and location of the distribution center nearest you.
List of East Valley and West Valley FIND Food Bank distribution locations are available at the administrative offices at the education centers in Desert Hot Springs, Indio, Mecca/Thermal and palm springs.
Martha's Village and Kitchen
83791 Date Avenue, Indio, CA 92201 | 760.347.4741
www.marthasvillage.org
FIND Food Bank holds monthly food distribution events on the Palm Desert Campus. FIND also has several distribution centers throughout the Coachella Valley for those experiencing food insecurity. Contact FIND for the schedule and location of the distribution center nearest you.
List of East Valley and West Valley FIND Food Bank distribution locations are available at the administrative offices at the education centers in Desert Hot Springs, Indio, Mecca/Thermal and palm springs.
Martha's Village and Kitchen
83791 Date Avenue, Indio, CA 92201 | 760.347.4741
www.marthasvillage.org
SUBSTANCE ABUSE AND RECOVERY
ABC Recovery Center
44359 Palm Street, Indio, CA 92201 | 760.342.6616
www.abcrecoverycenter.org
Alcoholics Anonymous | Narcotics Anonymous
www.aa.org | www.na.org
California Smoker's Helpline
1.800.NO.Butts (66.28887) | www.nobutts.org
44359 Palm Street, Indio, CA 92201 | 760.342.6616
www.abcrecoverycenter.org
Alcoholics Anonymous | Narcotics Anonymous
www.aa.org | www.na.org
California Smoker's Helpline
1.800.NO.Butts (66.28887) | www.nobutts.org
LOCAL LIBRARIES
Cathedral City Library
33520 Date Palm Dr. Cathedral City, CA 992234 | 760.328.4262
Coachella Branch Library
1500 Sixth St. Coachella, CA 2236 | 760.398.5148
Desert Hot Springs Library
11691 West Dr. Desert Hot Springs, CA 92201 | 760.32.5926
Indio Branch Library
200 Civic Center Mall, Indio, CA 92201 | 760.347.2382
La Quinta Library
78275 Calle Tampico, La Quinta, CA 92253 | 760.564.4767
Palm Desert Library
73300 Fred Waring Dr. Palm Desert, CA 2260 | 760.346.6552
Palm Springs Library
300 S Sunrise Way, Palm Springs, CA 92262 | 760.322.7323
Rancho Mirage Library
71100 Hwy 111, Rancho Mirage, CA 992270 | 760.341.7323
33520 Date Palm Dr. Cathedral City, CA 992234 | 760.328.4262
Coachella Branch Library
1500 Sixth St. Coachella, CA 2236 | 760.398.5148
Desert Hot Springs Library
11691 West Dr. Desert Hot Springs, CA 92201 | 760.32.5926
Indio Branch Library
200 Civic Center Mall, Indio, CA 92201 | 760.347.2382
La Quinta Library
78275 Calle Tampico, La Quinta, CA 92253 | 760.564.4767
Palm Desert Library
73300 Fred Waring Dr. Palm Desert, CA 2260 | 760.346.6552
Palm Springs Library
300 S Sunrise Way, Palm Springs, CA 92262 | 760.322.7323
Rancho Mirage Library
71100 Hwy 111, Rancho Mirage, CA 992270 | 760.341.7323
LEGAL AND FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE
The organizations listed below provide free or low-cost legal counseling to low-income families or individuals. Individual centers provide different forms of assistance. Please contact each service to find the one that best suits your needs.
Inland Counties Legal Services
82632 Highway 111, Suite C, Indio, CA 92201 | 760.342.1591
www.inlandlegal.org
CAP Riverside - County of Riverside Community Action Partnership
951.955.4900 | www.capriverside.org
TODEC Legal Center ( Immigration & DACA )
1482 Sixth Street, Coachella, CA 92236 | 760.698.8787
www.todec.org
CA Rural Legal Assistance
1460 Sixth Street, Coachella, CA 92236 | 760.398.7261 Ext. 302
www.cria.org
Inland Counties Legal Services
82632 Highway 111, Suite C, Indio, CA 92201 | 760.342.1591
www.inlandlegal.org
CAP Riverside - County of Riverside Community Action Partnership
951.955.4900 | www.capriverside.org
TODEC Legal Center ( Immigration & DACA )
1482 Sixth Street, Coachella, CA 92236 | 760.698.8787
www.todec.org
CA Rural Legal Assistance
1460 Sixth Street, Coachella, CA 92236 | 760.398.7261 Ext. 302
www.cria.org
HEALTH AND DENTAL SERVICES
The following services provide a variety of free or low-cost medical services. Organizations may offer a variety of services at a variety of locations. Contact each service to find the one that suits your needs.
S.A.G.E. Dental Clinic
39620 Washington St. Suite C, Palm Desert, CA 992211 | 760.343.7737
Borrego Health Clinics
Locations in Cathedral City, Desert Hot Springs, Palm Springs and Thermal | 855.436.1234
www.borregohealth.org/coachella-valley
Planned Parenthood
Locations in Coachella and Rancho Mirage | 888.743.7526
www.plannedparrenthood.org
S.A.G.E. Dental Clinic
39620 Washington St. Suite C, Palm Desert, CA 992211 | 760.343.7737
Borrego Health Clinics
Locations in Cathedral City, Desert Hot Springs, Palm Springs and Thermal | 855.436.1234
www.borregohealth.org/coachella-valley
Planned Parenthood
Locations in Coachella and Rancho Mirage | 888.743.7526
www.plannedparrenthood.org
HOTLINES AND OTHER RESOURCES
Community Connect Riverside County 211
Call 211 from any phone or visit www.211.org
A confidential service providing Riverside County residents access and referrals, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and in many languages. Reach out to 211 if you or anyone you know is in need of:
Coachella Valley Sexual Assault Services
74333 Hwy 111 #103, Palm Desert, CA 92260 | 760.568.9071
www.sbsas.org
National Suicide Prevention Hotline
800.273.TALK (8255)
www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org
The Trevor Project: 24-Hour Crisis/Suicide Prevention Hotline for LGBTQ Community
866.488.7386
wwwthetrevorproject.org
American Red Cross
39645 Entrepreneur Lane, Palm Desert, CA 92211 | 888.831.0031
www.redcross.org
Call 211 from any phone or visit www.211.org
A confidential service providing Riverside County residents access and referrals, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and in many languages. Reach out to 211 if you or anyone you know is in need of:
- Children's services including day care
- Education and the arts
- Financial assistance
- Food and shelter information
- Health care and mental health services
- Help with healthcare options
- Job training and unemployment services
- Rent and mortgage assistance
- Senior services including social security
- Suicide prevention hotline
- Ways to volunteer
Coachella Valley Sexual Assault Services
74333 Hwy 111 #103, Palm Desert, CA 92260 | 760.568.9071
www.sbsas.org
National Suicide Prevention Hotline
800.273.TALK (8255)
www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org
The Trevor Project: 24-Hour Crisis/Suicide Prevention Hotline for LGBTQ Community
866.488.7386
wwwthetrevorproject.org
American Red Cross
39645 Entrepreneur Lane, Palm Desert, CA 92211 | 888.831.0031
www.redcross.org
