Dear SDCCE Community,
As we move further into the spring term, there's a strong sense of momentum across our college community reflected in student achievements, engaging events, and continued progress toward our shared goals. Last week we celebrated the statewide, Black Student Success Week featuring inspiring daily webinars, workshops, guest speakers. We also had the Spring Emeritus Concert where our students and faculty showcased their talents on stage. Another standout highlight from last week was the Scholarships & Awards Celebration, where we proudly honored 124 students with $95,000 in scholarship funds—thanks to the generosity of our donors. I truly enjoyed celebrating with you all, our students, and their loved ones. I look forward to the next commemorative milestone - commencement!
With commencement and summer classes approaching quickly, this is an important time for all of us to help keep that momentum going.
We encourage employees to actively support and motivate students to plan ahead and explore course offerings, connect with counselors, and take the next step in their educational journey. Together, we can help ensure another successful season of learning, growth, and achievement.
Enrollment Updates
Spring Update
SDCCE's overall enrollment for spring stands at 27,312 (10% less than this time last year, and a 1% increase from last week), with a fill rate of 66%, which is less than last spring (73%). SDCCE's overall headcount is currently 14,447, a decrease of 8% compared to this time last spring (15,696) and a 0.4% increase from last week (14,389). FTEF scheduled for the spring semester is 9% greater than last spring (196.16 to 214.07). View report.
Summer Update
The summer class schedule is now live and students will be able to enroll in summer classes beginning May 4.
Connect with the President
I'm excited to continue offering the opportunity to Walk with the President! If you'd rather take a stroll around the Educational Cultural Complex instead of a Zoom meeting, join me for a refreshing walk as we continue to prioritize wellness. Don't forget to wear comfortable walking shoes!
Individual walks or zoom meetings will be 20 minutes and are available on a first come first-served basis. If you would like to schedule an appointment with me, please email sdccepresident@sdccd.edu for detailed information.
Lastly, you can utilize the anonymous sharing box. Your voice matters, and I look forward to continuing the conversation.
Commencement Information
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
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: Join the SDCCE community in wearing denim with a purpose as we stand in solidarity with sexual assault survivors and victims on Denim Day. Denim is worn this day to raise awareness about sexual assault, to help fight victim blaming, and to educate others about the sexual violence that people experience. In solidarity, join us for an hour of art therapy and art protest at the Denim Day Commemoration, led by Instructor Gina Grossini-Concha. Supplies, materials, and art samples will be provided. Location: Educational Cultural Complex, Room 179 from 3:00 PM to 4:00 PM
Additionally, if you participate in Denim Day and would like to be highlighted, please email your photos to our Communications and Creative Services team at sdccecomms@sdccd.edu on April 29.
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. You can also invite the Title IX Office to your classroom, student group, or department meeting to learn about consent, reporting options, and available resources.
At SDCCE, we are committed to fostering a campus culture where everyone feels safe, supported, and respected.
South West Asian and North African (SWANA) Celebration
Last week, our South West Asian and North African (SWANA) Celebration took over Mid-City Campus Lobby—an afternoon filled with culture, connection, and community.
Through powerful performances, poetry, storytelling, and lunch, attendees came together to honor the rich histories and vibrant traditions of SWANA communities. The event created a welcoming space to learn, reflect, and uplift the voices and stories that shape these diverse regions.
Thank you to everyone who joined us in celebrating heritage, fostering understanding, and building community.
View more photos on our SDCCE Flickr.
2026 Open House Scholarship and Award Celebration Recap
The Office of Student Affairs and the SDCCE Foundation proudly celebrated the 2026 Scholarship and Awards Program, recognizing an inspiring group of student honorees at this year's Open House Scholarship and Awards Celebration held on April 21 at the North City Campus.
With an impressive 321 applications received, 124 students were selected to receive scholarships of at least $500, highlighting their dedication to academic achievement, personal growth, and community service. The event brought together students, employees, and supporters to honor these accomplishments and celebrate the spirit of perseverance and excellence that defines the SDCCE community. I want to thank our Scholarship Committee and all the volunteers for putting together an exceptional event.
Check out more special moments on our SDCCE Flickr.
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:
- 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)
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
2026 Former Foster Youth Program Overview
Join SDCCD's 2026 Former Foster Youth Program Overview. A Districtwide virtual workshop for faculty, classified professionals, hourly workers, and administrators. Learn about the resources available for our former foster youth at each of our colleges. A student panel will be featured. (FLEX available: 31927 credit; 38855 noncredit.)
When:
Tuesday, May, 5, 2026 from 11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Where:
Zoom - the Zoom link and calendar invite will be sent shortly after receipt of your
registration form.
Register:
Please register at https://forms.cloud.microsoft/r/BeC78C3Kax
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.
- 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 immigration and safety 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.
Annual Lavender Celebration
Join us for the Annual Lavender Celebration as we honor the accomplishments and contributions of our LGBTQIA+ students. From academic milestones to scholarship and grant recognitions, this special evening is all about uplifting student success. Register for the event which will be held:
Tuesday, May 12
5:30–7:00 PM
Harbor View Campus, Room 103
Dinner will be provided for registered attendees and their guests. Come celebrate, connect, and be inspired—we can't wait to see you there! For additional questions and accommodations please contact Dr. Lisa Carulli at lcarulli@sdccd.edu.
Sixth Annual Emeritus Festival
The Sixth Annual Emeritus Festival, "Music You Will Love!," brought the community together for a joyful afternoon of live music last Saturday at Fletcher Hills Presbyterian Church. Guests enjoyed a vibrant program of memorable performances, with two intermissions that offered time for connection and reflection.
The event showcased the power of music to inspire and unite while supporting a meaningful cause. Proceeds from the concert will directly benefit the Emeritus Program, which provides free classes for adults in the community—reinforcing the college's commitment to lifelong learning.
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 Technician, Debi King, a dedicated professional who had over two decades of experience serving in classified management roles across K–12 education in Riverside and San Diego counties. For the past 10 years at SDCCE, Debi has brought that depth of experience to her role, driven by a passion for being even a small part of changing lives through education.
Originally from Los Angeles, Debi brings warmth and humor to everything she does. Outside of work, she enjoys crafting, reading, cooking, and making people happy. She's a fan of 70s–80s R&B and says that her favorite place in the world is Japan.
Faculty Spotlight
This week's Faculty Spotlight shines on our Culinary Instructor, Chef Lee Blackmore, a Northern California native who has called San Diego home since 1999. A graduate of the California Culinary Academy, Chef Lee holds degrees in Culinary Arts and Business, along with multiple certificates in food service and culinary technology.
With a career spanning top-tier hospitality and retail, he has worked with renowned names like the Ritz-Carlton, Mr. A's, Whole Foods Market, and Vons. He's also brought his entrepreneurial vision to life by opening four restaurants and bakeries, including several in San Diego. He has also volunteered for many years with the local chapter of the American Culinary Federation – Chefs de Cuisine Association of San Diego, which nominated him Chef Educator of the Year in 2014.
For more than 23 years, Chef Lee has been a dedicated educator at SDCCE, inspiring the next generation of culinary professionals. As an Associate Professor in the Culinary Arts Program, he takes pride in seeing former students thrive across the region's food industry. In his free time, he enjoys gardening, hiking, and restoring and collecting antiques.
Announcements
- 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.
- 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 wonderful opportunity to participate in a statewide Black Student Success Week video project, showcasing the impactful work happening at SDCCE and across California to advance Black student success.
- I was honored to receive the Community Advocate Award from PhatCamp Org. I am immensely grateful for the support from Cuban Meme and the organization. At SDCCE, we remain committed to serving not only our students, but the community. The award was heavy, just like the responsibility we carry.
The Research Corner
This week, we invite you to check out a table of 30 fastest growing occupations in the US, 2024 and projected 2034 (Employment in thousands) published on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The table shows the fastest-growing occupations by percentage increase in employment. Unlike numeric job growth, which counts the number of jobs added, percentage growth measures how rapidly an occupation is expanding relative to its current workforce. The table may be found on the following link: https://www.bls.gov/emp/tables/fastest-growing-occupations.htm?utm_source=chatgpt.com. Please take a minute to review this resource and email jsalcedo001@sdccd.edu if you have any questions.
Best,
