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PDC Orientation Leaders

PDC staff on campus

Welcome to the CSUSB Palm Desert Campus Orientation Leaders page!
 
Our Orientation Leaders are current CSUSB students who undergo semester-long training to serve as mentors, resources and role models throughout your journey at CSUSB. They represent all academic colleges and a wide range of majors, each bringing unique experiences and perspectives to the table. Whether you’re looking for guidance or simply someone to connect with, our Orientation Leaders are here to support you every step of the way.
 
Interested in making a lasting impact on our community? Fill out our interest form to apply and become an Orientation Leader. Join us in leading future students to success and helping them navigate their time at CSUSB.

Join the Palm Desert Campus Interest List for 2025/2026
 
For any questions, feel free to reach out to our Transfer Programs & Orientation Coordinator. We look forward to connecting with you!

Lead

Christopher Olguin

Christopher Olguin

B.A. Psychology 
Orientation & Student Engagement Coordinator
E: Christopher.olguin@csusb.edu
P: 909 -537 - 8279 
Office: IW-102 
"You are stepping into an exciting new chapter, whether you're a transfer student or a freshman coming straight from high school. Now is the time to set the pace that works for you. If getting involved means taking an extra semester, or you are wanting to travel abroad, then embrace it! Remember, your journey is unique - don’t compare your path to others only to feel discouraged. This is your opportunity to pave your own way to success and Define the future you want to create for yourself! Welcome to the pack, Coyotes!"

OL Team Palm Desert Campus

Student Orientation Leaders

Allen Pahl

Allen Pahl

Major: Business Administration - Hospitality & Marketing
Grade: Junior
E: Allen.Pahl@csusb.edu
" Look into what we offer on our campus and how it aligns with their career goals, even if they're unsure. Remind them that we have plenty of resources not only here at PDC but also on the main campus as well with their concerns!"

Angelina Medina

Angelina Medina

Major: Kinesiology
Grade: Freshmen
E: Angelina.Medina@csusb.edu
I would tell prospective students interested in joining the pack to give it a shot! Joining that pack means being able to connects with others amongst a common interest, such as helping people or connecting with others on campus.

Axel-Emiliano Barajas

Axel-Emiliano Barajas

Major: Information Systems and Technology - Cybersecurity
Grade: Freshman
E: Axel-Emiliano.Barajas@csusb.edu
“As you transition into your adult life you’ll have no other choice than to be a one hundred percenter. College is what you make of it and so is the rest of your life. Giving it your all no matter what you do will ensure it all pays off in the end.”

David Lopez Jr

David Lopez Jr

Major: pre-nursing
Grade: Freshmen
E: David.lopez@csusb.edu
One piece of advice that I would give to our prospective students would be to believe in yourself and be aware that orientation and the leaders within the program would be able to support them.

Evelyn Centeno

Evelyn Centeno

Major: General psychology
Grade: Sophomore
E:Evelyn.Centeno@csusb.edu
One piece of advice I would give them is that it is OK to be unsure, since a lot of the time most of them are first-generation, or they're completely doing this by themselves. And to let them know about our great programs and professors. As well as the opportunity to grow as a person, understand college life, and have guidance from peers like student advisors, student mentors, and grad students. So I would just let them know about all the people here on campus who are more than welcome to help them and make sure they understand what we have to offer, as well as classes that could help benefit their future and their career.

Jackie Magaña

Jackie Magaña

Major: Psychology  
Grade: Freshman
E: Jackie.Magaña@csusb.edu

"It’s okay to be worried or unsure about where you want to take your future, just know that our PDC staff and resources will help lead you all the way through without a doubt."
Jacquelinee Sandoval

Jacquelinee Sandoval

Major: Business Administration - Hospitality & Marketing
Grade: Junior
E: Jacquelinee.Sandoval@csusb.edu

"Make the most of everything CSUSB has to offer. Surround yourself with people who will support and help you grow into the best version of yourself!"
Jocelyn Torres

Jocelyn Torres

Grade: Freshman
Major: Pre-Nursing
E: Jocelyn.Torres@csusb.edu

"A piece of advice I would give to incoming students is don’t be afraid to talk to new people or participate in any school event because your college experience if what you make it to be, and it’s best to not have any regrets when you graduate."

Julian Arias

Julian Arias

Major: Psychology Major - General Concentration
Grade: Junior
E:Julian.Arias@csusb.edu
Please do not be afraid to reach out when you need help. Your peers are going through the same journey as you and staff have been in your shoes! CSUSB Palm Desert is able to be a more tight-knit community and family due to the smaller campus size. This is also our Coachella Valley's university and can help with costs by staying closer to home.

Karime Hernandez

Karime Hernandez

Major: Child, Adolescent, and Family Studies
Grade: Junior
E:Karime.Hernandez@csusb.edu
For incoming students, I would tell them to not be afraid to ask questions, get involved, and use the resources available at PDC. Starting at a new campus can feel overwhelming, but meeting people and getting involved can make the experience a lot better. For prospective students who are unsure, I would tell them to visit the campus, talk to current students, and give PDC a chance because it has such a welcoming community and opportunities to help you reach your goals.

Karla Mendoza

Karla Mendoza

Major: Liberal Studies
Grade:Freshmen
E:Karla.Mendoza@csusb.edu
My advice to prospective students would be to visit the campus and learn more about its programs. PDC has a smaller, welcoming community, so you can receive more support and build closer connections.

Laylah Morales

Major: Criminal Justice 
Grade: Junior
E: Laylah.Morales-Murillo@csusb.edu
"Work at your own pace, you'll end up reaching the finish line whenever you're ready. Remember you're an undergrad - strive for what you want to achieve during this time and create as many connections as you can!" 
 

Lithzy Perez

Lithzy Perez

Major: Major: Liberal Studies
Minor: Spanish
Grade: Freshmen
E:Lithzy.Perez@csusb.edu
One piece of advice I'll give to students interested in doing the pack is even though its there first year or so this is a way they can start getting new people and making new connections that are gonna help them along the way.

Maria Doreen Juarez

Maria Doreen Juarez

Major: Sociology
Grade: Freshman 
E: Maria.Juarez@csusb.edu
“Life begins at the end of your comfort zone, so take a step forward and see where it takes you! Get involved in the campus life, you never know what opportunities might come your way!”

Maribel Lopez

Maribel Lopez

Major: Spanish, Hispanic-language, literature, and civilization
Grade: Freshmen
E: Maribel.lopez@csusb.edu
For prospective students I would tell them that even if they're unsure about joining the pack, I recommend learning more about all the resources and support we provide as a way to see whether it fits your personal and academic growth.

Mia Wedeking

Mia Wedeking

Grade: Sophomore
Major: Liberal Studies Integrated
E: Mia.Wedeking@csusb.edu

"It is important to just be yourself. There are so many different students here so there is not a pressure to try to act or be different in order to fit in. Eventually you are going to find your group that works for you."

Paola Portillo

Paola Portillo

Major: Child Development- Early Childhood Concentration
Grade: Sophomore
E:Paola.Portillo@csusb.edu
A piece of advice I would give to our prospective students joining the pack is to really step out of your comfort zone and to not be afraid of judgment, stay comfortable being yourself. We are all here to lift each other up not just as students but as peers.

Raymond Navarro-Acosta

Raymond Navarro-Acosta

Major: Pre-Nursing
Grade: Freshmen
E: Raymond.Navarro@csusb.edu
I would recommend for them to stay locked on their studies by doing there homework early and studying so that you can have time to do your own hobbies on weekends or to spend times with friends and family

Sebastian Bautista

Sebastian Bautista

Major: Information Systems and Technology - Cybersecurity  
Grade: Freshman
E: Sebastian.Bautista @csusb.edu

"There is a community waiting for you to join and support you to the highest ability. There is something special about a small campus with a big heart. You might not believe this is the best choice, but it is."
Daniela Rodriguez

Daniela Rodriguez

Major: Liberal Studies
Grade: Junior
E: Daniela.Rodriguez@csusb.edu
“Don't be afraid to step out of your comfort zone. Try something you normally wouldn't do and see how it may open doors of opportunity for you. Getting involved on campus is one of the vital parts of college life! Also, don't forget to attend as many campus events throughout your time at CSUSB.”