Dear SDCCE Community,
Today marks the start of fall enrollment at SDCCE, and we're excited to welcome both new and returning students as they take the next step toward their educational and career goals. I encourage each of you to continue helping students discover opportunities, navigate resources, and feel supported from enrollment through completion.
Whether you're assisting students directly or working behind the scenes, your dedication makes a lasting impact on student success. Thank you for all you do to help our students thrive.
Enrollment Updates:
Summer Update
SDCCE's overall enrollment for summer stands at 9,381 with a fill rate of 69%, which is less than last summer (78%). SDCCE's overall headcount is currently 6,637. FTEF scheduled for the summer semester is 13% greater than last summer (80.25 to 90.46). View report.
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.
Automotive Program Receives $20,000 Award
The SDCCE Automotive Program and SDCCE Outreach welcomed Carvana Cares and Legacy Motor Club for a special visit at the Educational Cultural Complex to learn more about our program, the opportunities we provide, and our long-standing history in supporting veterans pursuing careers in the automotive industry.
During the visit, Professor Bryan Perrin and the Automotive Program were awarded $20,000 to support student success and enhance program resources, further strengthening opportunities for current and future students.
Paid Student Content Creator Opportunity
3fold, the agency partner for the San Diego Community College District, is seeking currently enrolled San Diego College of Continuing Education students to participate as paid student content creators for the district's upcoming marketing campaign.
Selected students will film short-form video content documenting their real student experience for use across official San Diego College of Continuing Education platforms.
Ideal Candidates:
- Currently enrolled student in Summer 2026 or returning student in Fall 2026
- Comfortable filming, creating and/or appearing in short-form video content
- Represents the diverse student community
- Large social media following not required, but interested in social media content creation is a plus
Please share with any students who would be interested in this unique opportunity. This opportunity includes:
- Compensation for content creation
- Real-world portfolio experience
- Exposure across a major regional college district's platforms
To apply or learn more: bit.ly/sdccd-content-creator
Deadline to apply: 07/15
Contact: [email protected]
Community Health & Resource Fair
The Community Health & Resource Fair takes place this week on July 1 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Jackie Robinson YMCA, (151 YMCA Way, San Diego, CA 92102). The SDCCE community is encouraged to take advantage of available offerings, including free sports physicals for all ages, health resources, and more. Free shuttles are made available to and from ECC and the Health Fair.
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
- Terrazzo flooring is now complete, and the South Wing—Levels 1 and 2—is officially back online and open to students, staff, and faculty beginning today.
- East Wing construction phasing remains unchanged. Phase 2 – Level 2 is scheduled for July 6, 2026, through August 14, 2026. During this time, portions of the East Wing (green areas) will be inaccessible, while remaining areas will be accessible via exterior doors. The schedule outlines higher-noise periods as well.
- Signage, pathways, and accommodations will be provided to minimize disruption and support operations.
- 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.
SDCCE to Participate in San Diego Pride Parade
SDCCE is proud to join the San Diego Community College District in participating once again in the San Diego Pride Parade on Saturday, July 18, 2026. Employees, students, and community members are encouraged to show their support by walking with the SDCCD team in one of the region's largest celebrations of diversity, inclusion, and belonging.
The parade begins at the Hillcrest Pride Flag at University Avenue and Normal Street and continues 1.5 miles to Quince Drive in Balboa Park.
Those interested in participating can learn more about the day's activities and sign up to walk with the SDCCD team.
California Community Colleges Veterans Summit
Sofia Montano and Libbier Bakit recently attended the 2026 California Community Colleges Veterans Summit, Desert Muster: Refresh, Realign, Reimagine, gaining valuable insights and connecting with colleagues across institutions to exchange best practices. They look forward to strengthening SDCCE's veteran services, supporting veterans in their educational journeys, and expanding access to instructional programs eligible for enrollment certification.
Classified Professional Spotlight
This week's Classified Professional Spotlight shines on Instructional Assistant, Tetiana Lynnyk.
Tetiana first joined SDCCE as an ESL student in 2018 and later became part of the ESL team as a Project Assistant in 2023. Inspired by the support she received as a student, she now serves as an Instructional Assistant, helping create a welcoming and supportive learning environment for both instructors and students.
Tetiana's favorite part of her work is connecting students with opportunities and helping them achieve their goals. Outside of work, she enjoys traveling and learning about different cultures.
Faculty Spotlight
This week's Faculty Spotlight shines on Counselor, Lizbeth Alvarez Leyva.
Lizbeth joined SDCCE in April 2022 as an Outreach Ambassador/Project Assistant while earning her master's degree in counseling at Point Loma Nazarene University. After completing the SDICCCA program, she returned to CE as an adjunct counselor, where she now supports students.
As a first-generation Mexican American, Lizbeth is passionate about helping students feel supported, confident, and empowered to achieve their goals. Her own educational journey inspires her commitment to making a meaningful difference in the lives of others.
Outside of work, Lizbeth enjoys spending time with her family, visiting the beach, parks, the San Diego Zoo Safari Park, and SeaWorld. She is also a proud boy mom.
Reminders
- A reminder that all San Diego College of Continuing Education campuses are closed on Fridays for the summer. Campuses will resume normal Monday to Friday operations after August 14.
- 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 was grateful to join community college leaders from across California at the 2026 California Community Colleges Black CEO Retreat in Sacramento. The retreat provided an opportunity to reconnect with colleagues, exchange innovative ideas, strengthen partnerships, and reaffirm our shared commitment to advancing equity, access, student success, and institutional excellence. It was also a privilege to celebrate this year's Black CEO retirees. My sincere gratitude goes to Dr. Luke Wood, the California State University, Sacramento team, and this year's retreat planners for hosting such an inspiring and meaningful gathering.
- I was grateful for the opportunity to attend the San Diego Workforce Partnership Board Retreat over the past two days with fellow members of the Policy Board and Workforce Development Board. Now in my second year of service on the Board, I remain committed to advancing workforce development, expanding economic opportunity, and strengthening pathways that help individuals and communities thrive. It is an honor to collaborate with leaders dedicated to building a stronger workforce and a more prosperous future for our region.
The Research Corner:
This week, we invite you to check out research "Investing in Our Nation's Future: Advancing Educational Opportunity for Underserved Students," by The Civil Rights Project. The research affirms economic and social benefits of investment in public education, it challenges conservative education policies, asserts investments in effective education policies strengthen educational opportunities for all students and deliver benefits to the nation that far exceed their cost. The press release may be found on the following link: https://civilrightsproject.ucla.edu/press-releases/new-study-affirms-economic-and-social-benefits-of-investment-in-public-education/?utm_source=chatgpt.com. Please take a minute to review this resource and email [email protected] if you have any questions.
Best,
