Message from the President

Enrollment Updates:

Spring Update

SDCCE's overall enrollment for spring stands at 27,197 (10% less than this time last year, and a 0.05% increase from last week), with a fill rate of 69%, which is less than last spring (76%). SDCCE's overall headcount is currently 14,364, a decrease of 8% compared to this time last spring (15,605) and a 0.4% increase from last week (14,302). FTEF scheduled for the spring semester is 9% greater than last spring (196.10 to 214.02).

Summer Update

The summer class schedule went live last week and student will be able to enroll in summer classes beginning May 4.

I'd like to take a moment to again share an important update following the San Diego Community College District Board of Trustees' special meeting on April 6. Thank you to everyone who participated, both in person and online—your voices and engagement are deeply valued.

After thoughtful public input, the Board approved the temporary renaming of the César E. Chávez Campus to the San Diego College of Continuing Education Harbor View Campus. This interim name will be used as we begin a collaborative and transparent process to determine a permanent name, with input from our college community in the months ahead.

We recognize that this change brings a range of perspectives, and we remain committed to fostering open dialogue and honoring the voices that shape our institution. Thank you for your continued dedication to our students and one another as we move forward together. We will continue to keep you informed as the naming process evolves and as opportunities for community input become available.

Commencement

As we look ahead to Commencement on June 2, 2026 at the Town and Country Resort, please remind students to connect with a counselor to develop their educational plan, request their diploma, and apply for graduation.

Key Commencement updates and information have been added on the Commencement Webpage, please encourage students to review it for items such as:

• Eligibility requirements
• Participation form details
• Cap and gown information
• Commencement speaker opportunities
• Accommodations
• Location information and more

Please contact the Office of Student Affairs at sdccestudentaffairs@sdccd.edu for any additional questions

CCPRO Conference Recognition

Our PIO, Brenna Leon Sandeford, proudly represented our college alongside SDCCD colleagues at the 2026 Community College Public Relations Organization (CCPRO) Conference.

At the conference, our college, earned a Gold Award for the video profile category featuring Francisco Contreras, the 2025 SDCCE Student Commencement Speaker created by Chris Radomski. In addition, the team was recognized with a Bronze Award for the "Before &After" logo category developed by Dustin De Los Santos in collaboration with Associated Students—an outstanding achievement and well-deserved recognition of their impactful work.

April is Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month

At SDCCE, we are committed to creating a safe, inclusive, and respectful environment for all students and employees. Sexual violence affects people of all genders and backgrounds, and preventing it is a shared responsibility. By promoting healthy relationships, equity, and respect, we can build stronger, safer communities together.

Get Involved & Show Support

• Denim Day – April 29: Stand in solidarity with survivors and help educate others about sexual violence prevention.
• Invite our Title IX Office to your classroom, student group, or department meeting to learn about consent, reporting options, and available resources.

Resources & Reporting

SDCCE provides support through the Title IX Office, including academic accommodations, counseling, safety measures, and community referrals. Students and employees can report incidents and access assistance at titleIX@sdccd.edu.

At SDCCE, we are committed to fostering a campus culture where everyone feels safe, supported, and respected.

BIG MAKE 2026: From Waste to Worth – Stitching Sustainable Stories

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.

This week in the classroom, students are also learning from visiting artist Michelle Montjoy, whose work explores material storytelling, sustainability, and the transformative power of textiles.

CE Student Media Fest

Please encourage students to attend the CE Student Media Fest: "Oh, the Places You'll Go," hosted by the Office of Communications and Creative Services—a one-stop event designed to support their academic and career goals.

Students can take advantage of free professional headshots, on-camera interview practice, resume support, guidance on transitioning to credit programs, career resources, and opportunity drawings.

This is a great chance for students to build confidence, strengthen their personal brand, and prepare for internships, job interviews, and future success.

See event dates and times below:

• Harbor View Campus - Monday April 27th - 11:00am to 1:00pm (Multipurpose Room)
• ECC - Tuesday April 28th - 1:00pm - 3:00pm (Room 76)
• Mid City - Wednesday April 29th - 12:00pm to 2:00pm (Room 117)
• West City - Monday May 4th - 10:30am to 12:30pm (Room 124B)
• North City - Wednesday May 6th - 10:00am to 12:00pm (Multipurpose Room)
• CE Miramar - Thursday May 7th - 11:30am to 1:30pm (Outside area)
• CE Mesa - Tuesday May 12th - 9:30am to 11:30am (Multipurpose - Room 118/120)

SDCCE Campus Board Meeting

This Thursday, April 16, join us for the SDCCE Campus Board Meeting at the North City Campus from 4 to 5 p.m. featuring the theme "My Story Is Not Your Story," where students, faculty, classified professionals, and administrators will share their unique and powerful stories to the Board of Trustees. Come out and support!

2nd Annual SDICCCA AccessAbility Week 2026

Join us for the 2nd Annual SDICCCA AccessAbility Week 2026, taking place April 15–17, 2026 (virtual).

This regional event brings together California Community Colleges to advance accessibility and foster meaningful, lasting change for our students and communities. Learn more info about the week and opportunities to get involved as we work together to ensure our colleges are accessible by April 24, 2026.

Black Student Success Week

Black Student Success Week is right around the corner, taking place April 20–24. Please encourage students to participate in a series of engaging and empowering events at our Mid-City Campus, including:

• Daily Watch Parties, April 20-24 from 12 to 1 p.m.
• Money Talk Session, April 21 from 3 to 5 p.m.
• A2MEND: Black Men in Conversation, April 22 from 5 to 6:30 p.m.
• Black Women: Forward, Not Behind, April 23 from 5 to 6:30 p.m.

These sessions offer valuable opportunities for connection, growth, and support—don't let your students miss out!

2026 Districtwide Black Student Success Summit

Join us for the 2026 Districtwide Black Student Success Summit, a virtual event for all District students and employees to build community and celebrate Black excellence.

Taking place Friday, April 17, 2026, from 8:30 to 11:00 a.m., the summit will feature Black student leaders and artists from across our colleges, with a keynote by Dr. Michael Odu, Vice President of Instructional Services at San Diego Miramar College.

Register: https://forms.office.com/r/6PhSda40aw

2026 Districtwide Undocumented Student Conference

Join us for the 2026 Districtwide Undocumented Student Conference!

All District students, employees, and allies are invited to this free virtual event on Thursday, April 30, 2026, from 3:00 – 5:30 p.m.. The conference features engaging workshops, important resources, and a student opportunity drawing.

Our keynote speaker will be UndocuScholars LLC, sharing insights and inspiration for undocumented students and their supporters. FLEX credit is available (31756 for credit, 38762 for noncredit).

Register now: https://forms.office.com/r/iL1RurpiuC

8th Annual CCC LGBTQIA2S+ Summit Watch Party

Join the watch party for the 8th Annual CCC LGBTQIA2S+ Summit hosted by Outreach and the SDCCE LGBTQIA+ Student Success Program.

The watch party will take place on Wednesday, April 15 and Thursday, April 16, from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at West City Campus Room 124 B. All students, employees, and allies are welcome to attend. Breakfast and lunch will be provided.

Know Your Rights Presentation and Performance

Join Uprise Theatre and the SDCCE DEIAA Committee for an engaging evening of legal education through theater. A local attorney will share a "Know Your Rights" segment, followed by performances that bring real-life scenarios to life.

Thursday, April 16 | 7–9 PM | SDCCE Main Campus, 1901 Main St, San Diego

Flex credit: ID# 38829 | RSVP Here

2026 Scholarship and Awards Program

The Office of Student Affairs and the SDCCE Foundation are proud to announce the honorees of the 2026 Scholarship and Awards Program have been announced! This year, we received 321 applications and are thrilled to recognize 124 students, each receiving scholarships of at least $500.

These outstanding students will be celebrated at our Open House Scholarship and Awards Celebration on Tuesday, April 21, 2026, from 4 to 6 PM at the North City Campus. Join us as we honor their achievements in academics, personal growth, community service, and for exemplifying the very best of the San Diego College of Continuing Education!

Early Years Conference

The San Diego County Office of Education's 23rd Annual Early Years Conference, held April 10–11, drew strong engagement as Child Development Program Chair Dr. Rachel Rose and Outreach Coordinator Andrea Gastelum represented the San Diego College of Continuing Education as exhibitors. Over two days, they connected with more than 1,300 attendees, providing resources, enrollment support, and proudly spotlighting the college's Child Development Program on stage.

ECC Theatre Renovation

The ECC Theatre Renovation continues to make progress!

The construction site is active Monday - Friday, 7am - 3:30pm. Check out the demolition of the second level deck on the live stream link: ECC Theatre Renovation.

Here's an exclusive look into the newly renovated ECC Theatre, featuring upgraded lighting, seating, and more to enhance student and community performances.

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.

We met last Friday to discuss upcoming events and future meetings aimed at enhancing the campus and community experience while increasing awareness of the resources available through the SIB 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.

Sixth Annual Emeritus Festival, Music You Will Love!

Join the upcoming SDCCE Emeritus Concert. Come out to support the "Sixth Annual Emeritus Festival, Music You Will Love!", taking place on Saturday, April 25, 2026, from 1 to 4 p.m. (with two intermissions). This special afternoon of music will be held in person at Fletcher Hills Presbyterian Church in El Cajon. Concert proceeds will directly support the Emeritus Program, which provides free classes for adults in our community. We hope you'll join us for an inspiring event that celebrates lifelong learning and the joy of music.

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!

Career Labs & Workshops

Please encourage students to take advantage of Career Labs & Workshops to build practical skills, explore career pathways, and gain tools that support their success beyond the classroom.

The Career Lab is a drop-in space where students can get help with resumes, cover letters, job applications, and access computers for job searching. Please see details for the upcoming session:

April 15, 2026
Harbor View Campus, 1st Floor ESL Testing Lab,
Regularly held on the 1st and 3rd Wednesdays from 1:00–3:00 p.m.

CE Mesa will host a series of Career Lab workshops to support students in their career journey:

• Crafting the Perfect Resume – Tuesday, April 14 | 12:30–1:30 p.m. | Room 218
• Career Exploration – Wednesday, April 15 | 1:00–2:00 p.m. | Room 116
• 3 Easy Steps to Ace Your Interview – Thursday, April 16 | 12:30–1:30 p.m. | Room 218

Career Coach Basics Workshop: Learn how to use the Career Coach tool to explore career options, understand salaries and job outlooks, and plan your future with confidence.

Tuesday, April 14, 2026 | 3:30 PM-4:30 PM
North City, Multi-Purpose Room
Hybrid (In-Person & Zoom) | Register Here

2026 Pre-Pride Month of Events

As we celebrate diversity and inclusion, I invite you to join us for the 2026 Pre-Pride Month of Events happening across all four San Diego Community College District colleges.

For a full list of Districtwide events, visit https://bit.ly/4sj0jq0.

Classified Professional Spotlight

This week's Classified Professional Spotlight shines on our Administrative Assistant IV in the Business & IT (BIT) Departments, Masha Melnik.

Based at North City Campus, Masha supports the Business, Accounting and Entrepreneurship; Digital Media and Programming; and Information Technology programs, helping keep operations running smoothly for both students and colleagues. Since joining the college in 2017, she has brought a strong eye for detail, collaboration, and continuous improvement to her role.

Masha's journey to SDCCE is unique—she previously studied epigenetics as a graduate student at UC San Diego before pivoting to a career in higher education. Her passion for this work is deeply personal: her parents attended ESL classes at SDCCE after immigrating as refugees, an experience that helped shape their future and inspires her to give back every day.

Outside of work, Masha enjoys swimming, creating art, and spending time with animals, especially the many dogs her family has fostered.

Faculty Spotlight

This week's Faculty Spotlight shines on our ESL Instructor, Carol Basilio.

Carol began teaching at the college as an adjunct in Spring 2022 and transitioned to a contract faculty role in January 2025. A self-proclaimed "language nerd," her passion for teaching is deeply rooted in her family's immigrant experience and a commitment to expanding access to education. She is dedicated not only to language instruction, but to helping students navigate new systems, build confidence, and feel a true sense of belonging.

Carol is also a strong advocate for the LGBTQ+ community, particularly as it intersects with multilingual learners. She founded the SDCCD ESL LGBTQ+ Focus Group to collaborate on inclusive teaching practices and to better support LGBTQ+ refugees and asylum-seekers. At the heart of her work is a belief in the power of community and creating safe, supportive spaces where students can take risks and thrive.

Outside the classroom, Carol is an accomplished flamenco dancer and instructor of over 15 years, performing locally in San Diego and having trained and lived in Spain for five years. Known artistically as "la Champi," she brings the same passion and connection from her art into her teaching.

At home, Carol enjoys quiet mornings with her wife, Liliana, and their dogs, often followed by neighborhood walks and a shared mission to find the best ice cream spots around.

SPAA Spotlight

This month's SPAA Spotlight shines on Business Office Support Supervisor, Rocio Lopez.

Rocio began her journey with the Administrative Services department in 2019 as a Project Assistant. She transitioned into a full-time Administrative Technician role in 2021 and was promoted to Business Office Support Supervisor in 2023. Over the past seven years, she has built a strong foundation of experience and leadership in support of the college's operations.

She is deeply passionate about education and the opportunities it creates for individuals and families. Her work is also personal—her parents and family members took ESL classes at the ECC campus, an experience that inspired her to pursue a career with SDCCE. Seeing students succeed continues to motivate her and fuels her commitment to the college's mission.

Outside of work, Rocio enjoys spending time with family and friends, hiking, crafting, and exploring new foods. She's also a dedicated Raiders fan and loves attending football games with her husband during the season.

Administrative Services Updates

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.

Communications Department Reminder

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.

Professional Development Opportunities

For SDCCE professional development opportunities, visit the professional development web page for upcoming workshops.

President's Updates:

I recently joined the SDCCE team at the 2026 SD Advance Symposium at Mesa College, where we focused on expanding opportunities for students transitioning from noncredit to credit programs which connects them with key resources like counseling, Credit by Exam support, and step-by-step guidance to help them continue their journey at City, Mesa, and Miramar Colleges. I love that our colleagues are collaborating across colleges and programs to move this work forward!

The Research Corner:

This week, we invite you to read a report "Poverty in the United States: 2024" by the US Census Bureau. According to the repor, the official poverty rate fell to 10.6 percent in 2024, down from 11.1 percent in 2023 while Supplemental Poverty Measure (SPM) rates increased for those 65 years and older and for Black individuals. The report may be found on the following link: https://www2.census.gov/library/publications/2025/demo/p60-287.pdf. Please take a minute to review this resource and email jsalcedo001@sdccd.edu if you have any questions.