College of the Desert — Attraction in Palm Desert

I've been at this campus since 2017 and this is what I have to say, Most of the counseling staff, transfer center, and Career Workforce center are horrible. There was only two councilors that actually knew what they were doing the others had no idea or said some contradictory information that almost made me take classes that would have been a complete waste of time, I don't really blame Scott for the transfer center he's ONE guy in charge of thousands of students but as for me I hated having to wait 2 weeks every time just to get 20min with him just for him to shove a bunch of websites basically telling me "figure it out" luckily I went to my cousin who already went through the process to sit down with me and explain how the process of transferring works, and lastly the Career Workforce Center SUCKSSSSSSS I think I've gone to see them 5 times and each time they either said "sit at that computer and do your own research" or "here's this website where you can make connections" even doe the website had paywalls, additionally being very convoluted to navigate and if you're gonna tell me go to the computer and do your own research then why are you here?!?!? If I knew these lazy Career Workforce people were just gonna tell me "figure it out yourself" every time I came I never would have came. The only reason the this college gets 2 stars doe is because most of the professors are AMAZING they go above and beyond for their students. But the problem with this college despite majority of the teaching staff being amazing it's kind of hard to stay motivated when you have no direction as to what you want to study. And the staff here who are "supposedly" there to help you figure it out pretty much will always tell you "Figure it out on your own" Great professors but honestly to any fresh high school students here's my advice take the SAT and AP exams in high school and go straight to a UC or Cal State because there's a reason they been putting up the "COD Cares" slogan to try to hide the fact that the Career and Workforce Solution Center do not care in the slightest, not hiring more transfer center councilors, and some of the councilors being incompetent. I see now why this college has a 25% graduation rate and a 17% transfer rate. I can't wait to go to Irvine or Loma Linda and hopefully experience some staff who actually want to help their students with their direction in life and not just tell them over and over when the students do seek help "DO...

California higher education has gone to hell in a hand-basket. Once upon a time tuition fees at California junior colleges was capped at $50 per semester. Caps were long ago removed and it is crazy expensive to attend junior college now. In addition, California uses mandatory and assigned textbooks meaning you do not get to select your own reading materials and you will be an arm and a leg for your textbooks since this system basically grants the publishers a monopoly and the right to charge you whatever they want.

California uses the 'general education' system, which is basically a way to charge you for 2 to 3 years worth of class tuition for a bunch of units/credits that have absolutely or nearly nothing to do with your major. Leaving you only two years of upper division at a university dedicated to your actual major subject. For example, if you wanted to be an engineer you will need to take psychology, humanities, arts, physical education and a bunch of useless classes which are very expensive and do not go very far in educating you in your chosen career path.

The 'Liberal to Conservative' teacher ratio is way out of whack. So if you chose to be educated in California, that education, if you can call it that, will be heavily biased and almost entirely liberal with no conservative points of view provided. Therefore, you will not be taught to think. You will be taught to regurgitate or to mimic. ie you will be trained not taught to think.

If you want to be a thinker look elsewhere than California for higher education (and/or...

Concerns Regarding Trustee Mary Jane Sanchez-Fulton’s Conduct

Dear College of the Desert Board of Trustees,

I am writing to formally express deep concerns regarding the conduct of Trustee Mary Jane Sanchez-Fulton and the negative impact her actions have on the College’s reputation and community relationships.

A significant portion of the local business community has come together to discuss repeated incidents involving Ms. Sanchez-Fulton’s lack of professionalism. She consistently displays rudeness, dismissiveness, and a disregard for others’ roles and contributions. She frequently arrives late to events, causing disruption, and often interrupts speakers with unrelated commentary. Her behavior is perceived as entitled and pretentious, with little respect for established rules or protocols.

Ms. Sanchez-Fulton regularly uses the College of the Desert name to assert her status, attempting to gain access to events and promising College sponsorships that do not materialize. She has also taken visible satisfaction in the termination of colleagues, which is inappropriate and damaging to morale.

These actions have caused concern and discomfort among many in the business and campus communities. Many feel unable to speak out openly due to fear of retaliation, which is why I am submitting this letter anonymously.

I urge the Board to address these issues to protect the College’s integrity, reputation, and the well-being of those who represent and support it.

Thank you for your attention.

Sincerely, A Concerned Community Member &...