College of the Desert

09/03/2026

This we're celebrating the 60th anniversary of the Vocational Nursing Program at College of the Desert! 🩺

“For 60 years, College of the Desert’s Vocational Nursing Program has provided students with the education and hands-on training needed to enter a profession that is essential to the health and well-being of our community,” - Superintendent/President Val Martinez Garcia.

We are proud to celebrate the generations of students, faculty, staff and healthcare partners who have contributed to the program’s success and lasting impact on the Coachella Valley. 🤍

A new generation of local nurses will also be celebrated at tomorrow's Vocational Nursing Pinning Ceremony: a nursing tradition that celebrates students’ successful completion of their program and transition into the nursing profession.

09/02/2026

Need a ride this semester? Roadrunner Express has you covered! 🚌

Roadrunner Express is College of the Desert's FREE shuttle service for COD students. This shuttle runs Monday-Thursday and even has free wifi for riders! 🛜

Click the link here to view the routes: https://www.collegeofthedesert.edu/students/student-life/resources/transportation.php

09/02/2026

Friday, September 4, is National College Colors Day! ❤️ 💛

Show your College of the Desert pride by wearing red and/or yellow colors, a COD-branded clothing item, or participate by getting some new gear at the Bookstore: https://bit.ly/CODBookstore

We'd love to see your school spirit! 🎉

09/01/2026

In need of a mid-day snack? Head over to one of our on-campus café's!☕️

✨Beeps Café (Palm Desert): Open Monday thru Thursday 7:30am-6:30pm and Fridays from 7:30am-2:00pm.

✨Oasis Café (Indio): Open Monday thru Thursday 7:30am-6:30pm, closed on Fridays.

08/31/2026

Superintendent/President Val Martinez Garcia welcomes you to the fall semester! 🎒

Make sure to follow us on social media as we highlight important campus resources throughout the week.

Let’s make this semester a great one!

08/29/2026

The Class Breakdown: Intro to Criminal Justice 🚨

Interested in a career in law enforcement? Enroll in Intro to Criminal Justice (CJ-001) and the learn the foundations of the law enforcement and criminal justice system.

Classes are still open, enroll now: https://www.collegeofthedesert.edu/students/admissions/getting-started/online-application.php

08/28/2026

Superintendent/President Val Martinez Garcia is warming up for fall semester

See you on Monday 🫡

08/27/2026

Welcome to the Roadrunner Community! 💛 ❤️

During Welcome Day, incoming Roadrunners explored the Indio and Palm Desert campuses, connected with campus resources and discovered programs available to help them succeed.

Thank you to our student services team and student volunteers for making this event possible!

See you next week for the start of fall semester!

08/27/2026

This week, College of the Desert's Welcome Day helped students get connected to resources before the fall semester begins next week. 🎒

"College may sometimes be stressful. You may not want to come to class every day, but when you're connected to a community, you build accountability, and you will show up," Dr. Cynthia Alvarez tells KESQ News Channel 3.

Welcome Day—which took place at the Palm Desert campus on Tuesday and the Indio campus on Wednesday—gave attending students the chance to take a campus tour, connect with faculty and staff, enjoy slushies, attend a resource fair, and much more.

To watch the full KESQ News Channel 3, story, visit:

PALM DESERT, Calif. (KESQ) - College of the Desert is helping students get connected as the fall semester gets underway with Welcome Day at its Palm Desert campus. Sessions begin at 9 a.m. and will give students a chance to learn more about campus resources, ask questions and connect with faculty an...

08/26/2026

The FAFSA and CADAA applications for California community college students are due one week from today! 📝

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and California Dream Act Application (CADAA) are two different application forms used to apply for financial aid. To be eligible for a Cal Grant, you must apply for the FAFSA or CADAA by the September 2, 2026 deadline. 💵

For more information, visit the California Community Colleges website: https://icangotocollege.com/

For application assistance, explore COD's financial aid resources: https://www.collegeofthedesert.edu/students/fin-aid/