Editor’s note: The event will now be one hour later, running from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. at the same location (City Hall Study Session Room, 1st floor).

Laura Hope, Interim President/Superintendent at College of the Desert, continues her listening tour to amplify the community’s diverse voices on College accessibility, environment and programming. All are welcome to help foster inclusivity and a positive learning environment. The Cathedral City event will take place at City Hall in the Study Session Room (1st floor) on Monday, Oct. 23, 2023, from 4:30-5:30 p.m.

Hope has prioritized these sessions as part of a new era of transparency and collaboration at College of the Desert. Attendees can voice their opinions in a comfortable setting and help ensure community needs are met — whether those are related to academics, industry workforce needs, career advancement programs, or barriers to educational success.

The school is fueled by its interaction with the surrounding region, and these gatherings allow for more options and opportunities. “This is your community and your college,” Hope says. “We want to give space to hear all our students, faculty, staff and others discuss their challenges and triumphs here at College of the Desert. You are entitled to your dreams, and we are here to work together toward making them a reality.”

Every corner of the College’s service area will host a session for a total of at least six events through the rest of the year. Find the schedule below — dates, locations and times are subject to change. More dates and locations may be added to continue this important dialogue.

• Tuesday, October 24, 2023 – 5:30pm-6:30pm
  • Indio Campus, Room 105
• Monday, October 23, 2023 – 4:30-5:30pm
  • Cathedral City, City Hall, Study Session Room – 5:30pm-6:30pm
• Monday, December 18, 2023 – 9:30am-10:30am & 5:30pm-6:30pm
  • Virtual Sessions – Zoom links TBD
• Tuesday, December 19, 2023 – 5:30pm-6:30pm
  • Palm Desert Campus, Craven’s MPR

Each meeting will be an open forum discussion with an update provided by Hope. Attendees are encouraged to come armed with their most pressing questions and comments. Expect the conversation to be open, respectful, and full of candor.

For any additional questions, please reach out to otp@collegeofthedesert.edu.