Message from the President

Dear SDCCE Community,

Spring Break will take place March 30 through April 2, with all campuses closed on Friday, April 3 in observance of César Chávez Day. As we approach the midpoint of the spring semester, let’s continue working together to support our students in every way we can so they finish strong before their well-deserved break.

I’m also proud to support brain injury awareness at the SurviveHEADSTRONG Walk & Health Fair this Saturday with Team ABI. I hope you’ll consider joining the community as we walk and roll together in support of this important cause. You’ll find more details in this week’s message below.

Together, we can help raise awareness, strengthen our community, and support those impacted by brain injuries.

Enrollment Updates

Spring Update

SDCCE’s overall enrollment for spring stands at 26,770 (8% less than this time last year, and a 1% increase from last week), with a fill rate of 70%, which is less than last spring (76%). SDCCE’s overall headcount is currently 14,081, a decrease of 7% compared to this time last spring (15,069) and a 1% increase from last week (13,931). FTEF scheduled for the spring semester is 9% greater than last spring (195.56 to 212.82). View the enrollment report.

While enrollment continues to fluctuate, retention remains strong, and additional late-start sections are now underway. Our FTES are currently above target, signaling positive momentum. Final enrollment numbers will be available after the semester concludes, and we will continue to monitor trends closely.

March is Brain Injury Awareness Month!

Join SDCCE's Team ABI 2026 with DSPS! We're proud to participate in the San Diego Brain Injury Foundation SurviveHEADSTRONG Walk & Health Fair, supporting brain injury awareness and recovery. For the third year in a row, I am proud to sponsor students for this event—let’s walk and roll together for a great cause!

The event will take place on Saturday, March 21, 2026 from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at De Anza Cove at Mission Bay Park.

Employees can donate & register with Team ABI at their direct link: sdbif.org/teamabi

San Diego College of Continuing Education proudly celebrates Welding Instructor Mike Bradbury and his students for earning first place for their float in the 2026 Martin Luther King Jr. Parade, hosted by Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated.

The award recognizes the students’ craftsmanship, teamwork, and creativity in honoring the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. while showcasing the pride and talent of the SDCCE community.

Read more in our SDCCE Newsroom.

Join SDCCE for the BIG MAKE 2026: From Waste to Worth – Stitching Sustainable Stories, a celebration of sustainability, creativity, and community through textile arts. Guided by visiting artist Michelle Montjoy, the event highlights how reclaimed materials can be transformed through knitting, repair, and reuse into meaningful works that reflect care for the environment and one another. The week of student workshops will culminate in a free public Capstone Event & Festival on Saturday, April 18, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at West City Campus, featuring a large-scale textile installation, interactive activities, and a keynote address. Community members ages 16 and older are encouraged to attend and experience the power of sustainable making.

View the Fourth Annual Budget Enrollment Management Symposium

The Fourth Annual Budget and Enrollment Management Symposium was held on March 11 at the César E. Chávez Campus and via Zoom. Participants received key updates on college funding, resource allocation, enrollment trends, and strategic enrollment management. The hybrid session provided a shared understanding of the current budget and enrollment landscape, helping guide the college’s continued growth and service to students. Thank you to our leadership team and all of the budget managers for presenting. If you missed the session, we invite you to view the recording.

InnovAItion Day (AI Day) is quickly approaching at SDCCE’s North City Campus on Friday, March 20, bringing an exciting opportunity to explore and engage with the evolving world of AI. Led by SDCCD’s Institutional Innovation and Effectiveness (II&E) division, this second annual event centers on the theme, “Curiosity in Action — Exploring AI with purpose, skepticism, and shared imagination.” Employees will engage in a full day of professional learning through panels featuring students and industry leaders at the forefront of AI integration, targeted breakout sessions exploring the “why” behind specific tools and strategies, and lightning talks showcasing practical lessons and discoveries in AI implementation.

Event Details

• Location: North City Campus (lunch provided)
• Time: 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., with full- and half-day in-person options available and select sessions streamed via Zoom.
• Registration: Visit https://bit.ly/SDCCDAIDay2026 and select “Register Now” for in-person attendance or the “Virtual” tab for online participation.

Celebrating Women's History Month

Join the Cultural Events Task Force for Women's History Month! We have two workshops lined up and all are welcome to attend!

Leading While Becoming with Dr. Shanelle Watkins

Thursday, March 19th from 11-12:30 pm at our Mid-City Campus, Room 117
This interactive workshop explores identity-rooted leadership, confidence, belonging, and personal power.

Leading While Becoming with Dr. Shanelle Watkins

Tuesday, March 24th from 10:30-12:00 pm at our Cesar Chavez Campus, MPR
This interactive workshop explores identity-rooted leadership, confidence, belonging, and personal power.

Join us at Mid-City for “Gather”, a guided space for ESL instructors to connect, share, and unwind with coloring, facilitated by Sarah Boswell and Be Well CCE.

• When: Wednesday, March 18 | 12:30–1:30 PM
• Where: Mid-City, Room 217

Additional dates are available if you can’t attend. The next sessions will run from 12:30-1:30 PM on the following dates:

• Thursday, April 16
• Thursday, May 21

Come relax, connect, and recharge with us!

For assistance, contact: bewellsdcce@sdccd.edu

In support of the DEIAA Committee’s mission to advance inclusive learning and meaningful dialogue, the Spring 2026 Diversity Book Club will meet on the following dates:

• March 18 – Zoom
• May 21 – ECC

Participants who attend all three sessions and complete the reading will earn 10 hours of flex credit. Professor Ross will also present in person on March 18 at the Chavez Campus, and book club participants are encouraged to attend. Registration is available through the Spring 2026 DEIAA Book Club form.

Please join us in welcoming Loretta Ross to SDCCE on Wednesday, March 18, from 10:00 to 11:30 a.m. at the Cesar Chavez Campus, Multipurpose Room. Sponsored by the SDCCE Professional Development Department in collaboration with the San Diego Community College District Professional Development Office, this special event offers employees an opportunity to engage with a nationally recognized human rights advocate, speaker, and author of Calling In: How to Start Making Change with Those You'd Rather Cancel.

Reserve your spot by registering through the event RSVP link.

Please continue to encourage students from opportunity youth to foster youth to get involved with the ElevateU program, which supports young adults ages 16–26 with resources and guidance tailored to their unique educational and career goals.

SDCCE was proudly represented at San Diego Mesa College’s Jumpstart event on Saturday, March 14, where SD Advance Counselor Armando Carignan Palacios connected with current Continuing Education students interested in transitioning to Mesa College. The event provided students with an opportunity to explore Mesa’s programs, discover campus resources, and take steps toward enrollment. We were especially proud to see four of our Continuing Education students win prizes during the event, including one student who received a $500 scholarship to Mesa College, an exciting milestone as they continue their educational journey.

Student leaders Natalyia, Siem, and Marisol proudly represented San Diego College of Continuing Education at the March in March advocacy event at the California State Capitol in Sacramento.

Alongside thousands of student advocates from across California, they championed the needs of adult education students and the communities we serve, accompanied by advisor Neill Kovrig.

The San Diego College of Continuing Education Automotive Technology Job Fair recently brought together local automotive employers with talented Automotive Technology students and prospective students eager to begin their careers in the industry.

The event created meaningful networking opportunities while showcasing the many strong career pathways available in the automotive field. Thank you to our high school partners and industry professionals for attending and helping make the event a success. Special appreciation goes to our outreach team for their strong support in hosting this impactful event.

Spring Safety Trainings are underway. Please join us to build essential skills that keep our campus community safe. Multiple sessions and locations are available, with flex credit offered.

Evacuation Chair Training – Learn to safely operate evacuation chairs in multi-story buildings.

• Mar 19, 12:30–1:30pm | Cesar Chavez Campus, Rm 103

Hands-Only CPR & AED Introduction – Get basic knowledge of cardiac emergencies and hands-on practice with CPR and AEDs.

• Mar 13, 9–10am | ECC, Rm 134
• Mar 18, 12:15–1:15pm | CE Mesa, Rm 118/120
• Mar 24, 12:15–1:15pm | CE Miramar, Rm A102

Safety Workshop by SDCCD Police Department – Learn about campus safety resources, crime reporting, and best practices.

• Mar 19, 10–11am | Zoom

Visit our Safety Page to RSVP for sessions that work best for you.

Hoop Hysteria

Join the SDCCE Foundation for a full day of non-stop basketball to support our students' basic needs. Teams will compete in this exciting fundraiser that brings our community together for a great cause!

The event will take place on Sunday, April 12, 2026, at 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Jackie Robinson YMCA.

Volunteer at the event: We’ll need friendly faces to help with check‑in, guest support, activity stations, and more. Just a few hours of your time makes a huge difference.

Make a donation: Every contribution matters — truly. Even $5 helps expand the Basic Needs support that our students rely on. Click on the link to donate: Donate

Show up and cheer: Bring your energy to the stands! Invite family, bring friends — let’s pack the gym and show our students and community what SDCCE spirit looks like.

Your involvement, in any form, helps ensure that every SDCCE student has the support they need to stay on their educational journey.

For more information on how to support, visit the Hoop Hysteria website.

ECC Theatre Renovation

The ECC Theatre Renovation continues to make progress!

Visit the project webpage to learn more and stay up to date with the progress via livestream.

Thank you to our Theatre Director, Silvia Nogales, for playing a pivotal role in the theatre renovation and for keeping us informed on its progress. You can now follow the theatre on Facebook and Instagram @Educational Cultural Complex Theatre & Community Room.

Bond Projects Update

The current Measure HH Bond projects for our college continue to make progress. We have also developed a current projects page with updates on each project and the SDCCD Measure HH webpage has further updates.

Safety, Inclusion, and Belonging (SIB) Task Force Updates

The Safety, Inclusion, and Belonging (SIB) Task Force meets monthly to further our conversations on continuing to implement proactive strategies for tracking students who are facing immigration challenges, as well as the importance of reporting any sightings of ICE on campus to the Chancellor or District General Counsel. Reports of ICE near campus (off campus) should first be directed to the COS, who, in collaboration with the Deans, will take appropriate and informed next steps to address the situation.

We have a dedicated webpage with Know Your Rights Information, District protocols, resources, and more curated by our Safety, Inclusion, and Belonging Task Force.

Please take a moment to review the safety cards for navigating ICE incidents on campus. These resources are designed to guide employees on the steps for reporting.

The SDCCD Purchasing Department invites you to an In-Depth Training Session offering valuable insights into procurement processes, best practices, and departmental resources. This session is ideal for employees seeking a deeper understanding of purchasing procedures and how to navigate them efficiently.

• Date: Monday, March 30, 2026
• Time: 1:00 – 3:00 PM
• Location: ECC, Room 134

Join us for an inspiring panel (Flex #31799) featuring leaders from San Diego City College and SDCCD who serve in dean and vice president roles including our very own Dr. Masa Omae. Panelists will share their career journeys, leadership insights, and advice for those interested in pursuing leadership within the California Community College system. Participants will also have the opportunity to ask questions.

Event Details

• March 18, 2026
• 4:30–6:00 PM
• R-109, Professional Learning Center, San Diego City College

Refreshments will be provided.

For accommodations, contact sdccdaccessibility@sdccd.edu or call 619-388-6983 one week prior to the event.

All faculty are encouraged to share this opportunity with students and alumni who may benefit from connecting with inclusive employers. The National Organization on Disability (NOD) is hosting a Spring 2026 Virtual Career Fair for students and alumni with disabilities, including neurodivergent candidates.

This fully accessible event will connect participants with national employers offering internships, part-time, and full-time opportunities. The fair will take place March 24, 2026, from 7:30–10:30 a.m. PST via Zoom, and registration is free.

Please share and encourage students to scan the QR code to register or at the link.

Congratulations to Brad Dorschel who has been nominated as a Visionary of the Year Candidate through The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s Visionaries of the Year Campaign, a 10-week fundraising initiative that supports blood cancer research, patient services, and advocacy for individuals and families affected by cancer.

Brad is leading a team of 14 SDCCE colleagues under the team name “Educators for Impact,” working together to raise awareness and support this important cause. The campaign highlights the power of community leadership in advancing lifesaving research and resources for those impacted by blood cancers.

Those interested in learning more about the initiative can visit Brad’s campaign page here.

Save The Date

You are invited to the grand opening of the Learning & Teaching Center (LTC), led by the Instructional Learning Technology program at San Diego College of Continuing Education. Located at NCC Room 113, the LTC will serve as a hub for instructional design, distance education support, and faculty development to enhance high-quality teaching across all modalities.

• Friday, April 17
• 10:00–11:30 a.m.
• Ribbon Cutting: 10:30 a.m.
• Open House & Brunch to Follow

Employees are encouraged to attend, explore the space, and learn how the LTC supports innovative, equitable teaching and student success. More details to come!

• Visit the Administrative Services Intranet to access campus safety resources and stay informed with the latest updates.
• We will be participating in a 4 x10 schedule this summer 2026. Please refer to the memo that was sent out via email of ​view it on the Intranet​.
• The latest Work-Based Learning Newsletter is now available. Please take a moment to explore updates, opportunities, and partnerships supporting student career pathways.
• A reminder that all requests of the Communications Department must be approved by a dean or vice president and requires submission of a request form. You can find the Project Request Form link on the Faculty and Staff Resources Page of our website. Allow ten working days for a request to be completed. If a request needs immediate attention, please complete the form and contact the Public Information Officer.
• For SDCCE professional development opportunities, visit the professional development web page for upcoming workshops.

President's Updates

• I had the pleasure of attending the ACCE Annual Conference, celebrating 35 years of advancing community and continuing education. It was also wonderful to recognize Madelyn Arballo’s contributions to noncredit education as she prepares for retirement. Moments like this remind us that collaboration and shared learning strengthen both our institutions and the communities we serve.
• This week, I’m excited to deliver welcome remarks at various campuses as we host professor and author Loretta Ross for a special speaking engagement at our Cesar Chavez Campus on March 18. Thank you to our Professional Development Department and Coordinator Carla Grossini-Concha for all the work to bring Loretta Ross to SDCCE.
• Additionally, I will provide a welcome at the SDCCD Community Partner Conference at our West City Campus on March 19, where several K-12 counselors, college access programs, community agencies, and partners will be present to learn about our district and the programs we offer at SDCCE. Thank you to Outreach for helping coordinate this great event.
• I’m deeply grateful to the Electrical Workers Minority Caucus of San Diego amp; Imperial Counties for honoring me as the 2026 Trailblazer Award recipient this Women’s History Month. It was an honor to receive a certificate, award, and beautiful flowers.

The Research Corner

This week, we invite you to read a report "Work and Economic Insecurity in California" by Public Policy Institute of California. The report explores why many working Californians do not feel economically secure—they struggle to pay their bills, save for the future, and balance the demands of work and daily life. The report synthesizes economic data with insights from focus groups of working Californians. The report may be found on the following link: "Work and Economic Insecurity in California" by Public Policy Institute of California. Please take a minute to review this resource and email jsalcedo001@sdccd.edu if you have any questions.