Dear SDCCE Community,
With Commencement taking place tomorrow, there is a special sense of excitement and pride across our campuses as we prepare to award 11,112 certificates and diplomas to students across a wide range of programs in collaboration with San Diego Unified School District. This celebration serves as a powerful reminder of the resilience, determination, and hope that define our students.
As a reminder, Student Services and Administrative Services at all SDCCE campuses will conclude operations at 12:00 p.m. on June 2, 2026, to allow employees the opportunity to participate in and support the ceremony. All volunteers should check in tomorrow, June 2, at 1:30 p.m. Scheduled classes will continue as planned and will not be impacted.
Employees who have questions or would like to discuss operational needs are encouraged to connect with their supervisor.
For those unable to attend in person, the ceremony will be live-streamed via our YouTube Channel. Visit the commencement webpage for more details. We look forward to celebrating our graduates, along with their families and loved ones, at the Town and Country Resort for what promises to be a memorable and inspiring evening honoring student achievement and the transformative power of education.
The Planning Committee looks forward to seeing you at Commencement 2026!
Summer Schedule
As we close out the spring semester, we are also looking ahead to the opportunities that summer will bring for our students, employees, and campus community. Friendly reminder that our 4/10 summer schedule begins this week and continue through August 7, 2026.
Enrollment Updates
Summer Update
SDCCE's overall enrollment for summer stands at 7,959 (39% less than this time last year, and an 11% increase from last week), with a fill rate of 66%, which is less than last summer (78%). SDCCE's overall headcount is currently 5,748, a decrease of 37% compared to this time last summer (9,147) and a 10% increase from last week (5,210). FTEF scheduled for the summer semester is 9% greater than last summer (80.94 to 88.55).
Spring Update
SDCCE's overall enrollment for spring stands at 27,043 (11% less than this time last year, and a 0.4% decrease from last week), with a fill rate of 64%, which is less than last spring (71%). SDCCE's overall headcount is currently 14,387, a decrease of 9% compared to this time last spring (15,733) and a 0.1% decrease from last week (14,396). FTEF scheduled for the spring semester is 9% greater than last spring (195.94 to 213.99).
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 [email protected] for detailed information.
Lastly, you can utilize the anonymous sharing box. Your voice matters, and I look forward to continuing the conversation.
Don't forget to voice your vote!
Tuesday, June 2 is California's 2026 Primary Election Day. Make your voice heard by casting your ballot and participating in the democratic process. Several important offices are on the ballot, making this a critical opportunity to help shape the future of our communities and state.
STAR Conference 2026
The annual STAR Conference for Classified Professionals returns on Thursday, June 11, from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at Harbor View Campus. This special day of professional development, networking, and recognition is designed to celebrate the invaluable contributions of our classified professionals while providing opportunities for growth, learning, and connection with colleagues across the college.
Attendees will enjoy a full day of engaging sessions, along with complimentary breakfast and lunch. We look forward to coming together to recognize and celebrate the dedication, excellence, and impact of our classified professionals.
Please RSVP and select your preferred session by Monday, June 8, to confirm your attendance.
Apprenticeship Fair
SDCCE was proud to partner with Assemblymember Dr. LaShae Sharp-Collins in hosting the 79th Assembly District Apprenticeship Fair at the Educational Cultural Complex. The event connected students and community members with valuable training, apprenticeship, and mentorship opportunities designed to support career growth and workforce development. Attendees had the opportunity to network with industry professionals, explore career pathways, and take meaningful steps toward their future goals.
Cooking with Courage
Students and employees gathered for "Cooking with Courage: A Budget-Friendly Meal," a hands-on workshop hosted in partnership with SDCCE CARES Marketplace, Career Services, and the Hospitality and Culinary Arts Department. Led by Chef Megan and Chef Lee, participants learned practical tips for preparing healthy, affordable meals, explored creative ways to use budget-friendly ingredients, and gained insight into career opportunities within Hospitality and Culinary Arts. The workshop also created a welcoming space for connection, collaboration, and community building among attendees.
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.
June is Pride Month!
Join us on Tuesday, June 9 at the Educational Cultural Complex Front Lawn from 12:00 PM to 1:30 PM for our Pride Celebration! This special event will feature a keynote speaker and live performances as we come together to honor and celebrate Pride. Lunch will be provided, and all members of our community are invited to attend. For accommodations, please contact: [email protected]
Pride Flag Raising
This morning SDCCE proudly held the Third Annual Progressive Pride Flag Raising Ceremony hosted by the LGBTQIA+ Student Success Program. Held at the Educational Cultural Complex, the gathering marked the beginning of Pride Month with a meaningful celebration of visibility, inclusion, belonging, and solidarity across our campuses highlighting SDCCE's continued commitment to fostering a supportive and welcoming environment for the LGBTQIA+ community.
Classified Professional Spotlight
This week's Classified Professional Spotlight shines on our Senior Student Services Assistant, Maribel Acosta De Hernandez!
Since joining SDCCE in December 2021 as a Project Assistant in the ESL Department at Mid-City, Maribel has been dedicated to supporting students from diverse backgrounds and helping them access opportunities for success. Inspired by the resilience and determination of the students she serves, she has built her career around creating welcoming, supportive environments where every student feels valued.
Maribel's journey has taken her from Mid-City to CE Mesa and back before transitioning to ECC Campus in 2025. She enjoys her current role because it allows her to make a meaningful impact on students' educational journeys by connecting them with resources, helping them navigate challenges, and celebrating their successes.
Outside of work, Maribel enjoys caring for plants, hiking, and dancing. She also volunteers in Baja California, Mexico, where she helps support families through home-building projects, food assistance, and educational outreach. Her commitment to service both on and off campus reflects her passion for helping others and strengthening the communities she serves.
Faculty Spotlight
This week's Faculty Spotlight shines on our Healthcare Instructor, John Alba.
John has been preparing future healthcare professionals at SDCCE's Harbor View Campus since Fall 2023, teaching Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), Home Health Aide (HHA), Medical Terminology, and Health Unit Secretary courses.
With more than 27 years of healthcare experience, John brings valuable real-world expertise to the classroom. His background includes serving as a nurse at Scripps Mercy Hospital, teaching at San Ysidro Adult School, and working as a school nurse with Chula Vista Elementary.
Outside of work, John enjoys spending time with his family, caring for his three cats, and watching Padres baseball. He is also an active community volunteer and currently serves as a freshman football coach at Eastlake High School.
Thank you, John, for your dedication to student success and healthcare education.
Manager Spotlight
This week's Manager Spotlight shines on our Dean of Culinary Arts and Hospitality, Clothing and Textiles, and Child Development, Myesha Jackson. With more than 14 years of experience in community college education, workforce development, and grant-funded programming, Myesha brings a collaborative leadership style focused on student success, innovation, and community impact.
Before joining SDCCE as Dean in January 2025, Myesha served in several higher education roles, including Director of Continuing Education at Southwestern College, adjunct faculty member, SDCCE Foundation Special Projects Manager, and positions at Mt. San Jacinto College. Her passion for continuing education grew from witnessing firsthand how tuition-free programs can transform lives and create meaningful opportunities for students and families.
Outside of work, Myesha enjoys designing handmade jewelry and growing her small business while continuing to foster spaces where students and communities feel connected, supported, and inspired.
- The latest Emeritus Newsletter is now available, featuring highlights, updates, and inspiring stories from across the program.
- The SDCCE 2025–2026 Student Learning Outcomes (SLO) End-of-Year Report has been released and is now available for review.
- The Spring 2026 edition of The Speedy SLO newsletter is now available, highlighting student success stories, innovative faculty practices, SLO Assessment Week 2026, and SDCCE's ongoing commitment to assessment and continuous improvement.
- We are excited to share the first edition of Inside Instructional Services, a newsletter designed to keep faculty and staff informed, connected, and engaged with the latest news, accomplishments, resources, and events across Instructional Services. In this issue, you'll find a message from Vice President Dr. Masahiro Omae, department highlights, faculty recognitions, important resources, upcoming events, and celebrations of the outstanding work across our programs.
- Visit the Administrative Services Intranet to access campus safety resources and stay informed with the latest updates.
- 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 recently had the opportunity to connect with Tina Gov during one of my Walks with the President. Our conversation highlighted the importance of collaboration, visibility, and creating meaningful connections that support both student and employee success across our college community. I look forward to more walks with our amazing team members!
Myself and VP Carter had the pleasure of joining students from the Black Student Success Program for lunch and meaningful conversation. The gathering provided an opportunity to connect with students, hear about their educational experiences, celebrate their achievements, and learn more about the ways we can continue fostering a supportive and inclusive environment that promotes student success.
The Research Corner
This week, we invite you to check out Employment projections for San Diego region published by State of California Employment Development Department. Employment Projections estimate the changes in industry and occupational employment over time resulting from industry growth, technological change, and other factors. Included are tables for 2022-2032 Occupations with the Most Job Openings and 2022-2032 Fastest Growing Occupations. The projections may be found on the following link: https://labormarketinfo.edd.ca.gov/data/employment-projections.html#Long. Please take a minute to review this resource and email [email protected] if you have any questions.
Best,
