Libraries, Labs & Activities
College Libraries
The mission of the College of the Desert Libraries is to contribute to institutional outcomes by developing library collections that support faculty and curriculum, and instructional programming that will give students a transferable information literacy skill set that will prepare them for a changing workplace.
The COD Libraries recognize and appreciate the diverse community that we serve, and we strive to assist our users in achieving all of their academic, career-oriented, and personal goals.
The Palm Desert, Palm Springs & Indio Libraries provide access to:
- Computer workstations in labs and/or open areas
- Professional, experienced librarians providing f2f instruction on how to find and use information
- Online Chat/Reference, 24/7
- Course textbooks on reserve for most COD courses
- full-text magazines, journals, and newspapers online
- full-text electronic books online
- A large print collection at the Palm Desert location
Library and Research Instruction
The Libraries are very active in providing students with the tools they need to succeed in their college courses. The staff offers library and research instruction to students in several ways:
Individually – Students are encouraged to ask for instructional assistance at the Library Information Desk. Professional librarians are on duty at all times to provide a full range of assistance in using the Library for assignments and interests.
In Groups – Every semester, the professional librarians provide many course-related instruction sessions to students in all areas. Each of these sessions last from one to two hours and are geared toward the specific areas of study as requested by the course instructors.
The College Libraries invite all students, faculty, community members and visitors to visit the library and discover all the services, equipment, and other resources available online and in person.
For more information, please call 760.773.2563
Library Fines
Fines will be charged for overdue materials, and fees will be charged for lost or severely damaged materials. The fee for lost or severely damaged material is the current market value for the item as determined by the Technical Services Department, plus a $25.00 processing fee.
To avoid overdue fines, most materials may be renewed by phone or online, please call for assistance.
Unpaid Library fines/fees will result in a hold on student records and transcripts.
Contact the Library Information Desk at 760.773.2563
Intensive English Academy
International students seeking English-language skills development are invited to enroll in the Intensive English Academy (IEA). The IEA consists of 30 hours per week of instruction and lab work. This fee-based program includes classes in reading, writing, grammar, oral communication, and conversation. Classes are offered from beginning to advanced levels. The IEA course offers both 8-week and 16-week sessions.
For more information and to obtain an application, please visit the International Education Program webpage, or contact the IEA Office at:
International Education Program
43500 Monterey Avenue
Palm Desert, CA 92260
by email: iep@collegeofthedesert.edu
by telephone: 001.760.776.7205
Math/Science Study Center
The Math and Science Study Center (MSSC) is a welcoming environment that is located in the Math Building (Room 4). There are 16 computers with internet access, as well as software and videos to support all mathematics and science classes. Math and science students are invited to drop in anytime to use the provided services which include individual study, group study and expert help from science and math instructors. Look for flyers with schedules of available faculty, planned study sessions, and workshops. For more information, please call 760.674.3769 or 760.773.2573
Online Classes
College of the Desert offers over 1300 sections of online classes each academic year covering a wide variety of academic disciplines. Some of these include Accounting, Criminal Justice, Automotive Technology, Business, Computer Information Systems, Digital Design & Production, Childhood Development Education, English, Fire Science, Health Sciences, History, Kinesiology, Music, Natural Resources, Political Science, Psychology, Sociology, and Theatre Arts. See the class schedule for a complete listing.
Online courses have the same transfer status and prerequisites as traditional on-campus classes and are subject to the same standards of academic quality. The difference is that the student completes his or her coursework via COD's learning management system CANVAS. This can be a tremendous advantage for those students who have trouble getting to one of COD's campuses or who have schedules that do not allow them to take classes scheduled at specific times. Online students must have their own computers and high-speed internet access, and must be proficient in using the internet, a word processing program, and email. Some courses may require students to have a webcam. For further information, please go to the college's Online Classes information page.
Tutoring & Academic Skills Centers (TASC)
TASC is the Tutoring and Academic Skills Center. The mission of TASC is to support independent study habits and sustainable learning for all students at College of the Desert. This is accomplished by providing the academic support and tools that empower individuals to take charge of their goals. TASC labs can be found at all major sites for College of the Desert.
These resources include:
- Peer tutors for general subjects
- Tutor and staff support with writing and math
- Computer lab space for coursework and research
- 24/7 Online tutoring access (with synchronous subjects) through Smarthinking
- Helpful, friendly staff
When students use our drop-in tutoring program, they will now be enrolled in “ASC 300: Supervised Tutoring.” Supervised tutoring “courses” are common at many community colleges. Here’s some general information:
- Students do not need to do anything extra beyond working with a tutor.
- The course will be listed on students’ transcripts as “ASC 300, Supervised Tutoring.”
- This is a free, pass/no pass, zero-unit course. In order to receive a passing grade, students need to work with a tutor (as they’re already doing by working with you on Zoom).
- This course enables the TASC to better track student tutoring usage, which in turn is helpful for our funding.
- If student have questions, please refer them to a tutoring coordinator.
We want to collaborate with you for your success. Stop by any of the five TASC locations listed below, and let's get started!
Palm Desert Campus (PDC)
TASC Main Line: 760.773.2557
TASC - Hilb Building
Lower and Second Floors
43500 Monterey Avenue
Palm Desert, CA 92260
Regular Term Lab Hours: Check the website for services and office hour updates.
Computer and Language Lab Hours
Monday-Thursday 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
Friday 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
Saturday-Sunday Closed
Tutoring Center Hours PDC
Tutor Coordinator Phone
760.776.7241
Monday-Thursday 10:00 am - 6:00 pm
Friday 10:00 am - 2:00 pm
Saturday-Sunday Closed
Indio (EVC) TASC Lab
760.346.8041, Ext. 5382
Room 205
45524 Oasis Street
Indio, CA 92201
Monday-Thursday 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
Friday 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Saturday 9:00 am - 2:00 pm
Sunday Closed
Mecca-Thermal (MTC) TASC Lab
760.396.3410
TASC Lab Room C3
61120 Buchanan Street
Mecca, CA 92254
Monday-Thursday 8:00 am - 4:00 pm
Friday-Sunday Closed
Palm Springs Temporary Campus (PSTC) Learning Resource Center
TASC Representation 760.776.7373
PSO6 Learning Resource Lab
1300 East Baristo Road
Palm Springs, CA 92262
Monday-Thursday 8:30 am - 8:00 pm
Friday – Sunday Closed
Wenzlaff Educational Center (DHS) TASC Representation
760.674.7812
Student Services
Edward Wenzlaff Education Center
11625 West Drive
Desert Hot Springs, CA 92240
Monday-Thursday 9:30 am - 8:00 pm
Friday-Sunday Closed
