Greetings new and returning PDC students, and welcome to the 2022-23 academic year!

Many of you recently attended the PDC Student Convocation on Sept. 1. I hope you all enjoyed the event. I understand that, for many of you, it may have been the first time you have attended a convocation. I am glad that you had the opportunity to meet with university leaders, your deans, faculty, staff and your fellow students.

At the convocation, we had two great student speakers, Sarah and Jason, who shared their personal stories of being a college student, and gave advice to our incoming students on how to successfully navigate college.

Going through the pandemic as college students was a challenge for many of you. I am glad that you did not let this challenge become a hurdle to your college education.

At PDC we want to help you. We want to ensure that you receive a quality education with a meaningful degree; you will have an unforgettable college experience; and we will provide the resources you need to achieve success. We want to make sure that all of you are able to graduate in four years with minimal debt and that you learn the necessary skills for success in your career and in life.

A successful college experience is your making. So please connect with your faculty, who are here to help and mentor you. PDC staff members are also a great resource for you. They can help you to enroll in the right classes, answer your questions on financial aid and provide career counseling to prepare you for an exciting career.

We have a student health center here on campus to provide with physical and mental health services, a Services to Students with Disabilities (SSD) and WorkAbility IV office, and an Undocumented Student Success Center to serve those who need these services.

Our food pantry – the PDC DEN - is open Monday through Thursday. Please visit the DEN for some great food donated by some of our local non-profit organizations and supplied by our San Bernardino campus.

For those of you who need emergency financial assistance, PDC’s Bridging the Gap funding is still available for this fall - thanks to our local Auen Foundation and H.N. and Frances C. Berger Foundation, which provided the funds to help our students stay in school during difficult times.

Please visit the PDC website to learn more about all of the services available to students.

I urge you to actively participate in PDC events. The Rancho Mirage Student Center will host many events throughout the year, and be sure to connect with ASI for some great opportunities to be involved with student leadership and fun activities. Join a club to meet with other students and expand your college network.

Please go to campus events, and bring friends. You will learn more about PDC and how to get more involved.

Be sure to follow PDC on Instagram (@csusbpdc) and Facebook (@csusb.pdc) for the latest campus announcements.

If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to any PDC staff member. My email should be just a click away. We’re all here to help!

Once again, welcome to PDC! I look forward to seeing you all on campus and to a great year ahead!

At CSUSB, We Define the Future!

Jake Zhu, Ph.D.

Dean, CSUSB Palm Desert Campus

(909) 537-8101

[email protected]