Dear SDCCE Community,
As we prepare to welcome students back for the fall semester, I want to thank you for your participation in this year's 32-hour summer workweek pilot. The pilot concludes on Friday, August 14, and we will return to our regular 40-hour workweek on Monday, August 17.
With enrollment continuing to grow and our campuses becoming busier, returning to our regular schedule will help ensure we continue providing the exceptional service and support our students deserve. Thank you for your flexibility, dedication, and commitment throughout the summer. I look forward to another successful semester as we welcome our students back to SDCCE.
Enrollment Updates
Summer Update
SDCCE's overall enrollment for summer stands at 9,591 with a fill rate of 65%. FTEF scheduled for the summer semester is 14% greater than last summer (80.28 to 91.36). 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.
2026 Fall Convocation
As we prepare to embark on another academic year, I am delighted to invite you to our 2026 Fall Convocation on Wednesday, August 19, from 9:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Town & Country Resort. This new venue offers expanded capacity, greater parking convenience, and increased scheduling flexibility to better accommodate our growing college community while our beloved ECC Theatre undergoes an exciting renovation.
This year's theme, Connected in Purpose, reflects the strength of our college community and the powerful connections that unite us in service to our students.
If you plan to attend Fall Convocation, an RSVP is required to receive complimentary parking validation at check-in, along with exclusive, limited-edition Convocation swag. We strongly encourage carpooling or ride-sharing whenever possible and recommend arriving early. Doors will open at 7:30 a.m., and the program will begin promptly at 9:00 a.m.
For more details, including additional FAQs, please visit the registration page .
Please confirm your attendance with your supervisor and submit your RSVP by August 10, 2026.
Stay tuned for more details about the event, the full Fall 2026 Flex Week schedule, and program meeting locations.
Digital Textile Experience Day
Spread the word about SDCCE's Digital Textile Experience Day on Wednesday, July 29 at the West City Campus. Students can choose from two sessions: 11:00 a.m.–1:30 p.m. or 4:00–6:30 p.m.
This free, hands-on event introduces students to careers in digital textile arts through interactive activities, including textile printing, industrial embroidery, and digital sewing pattern design. Participants will also have the opportunity to connect with faculty and industry professionals while exploring how technology is shaping the future of sustainable textiles.
Whether students are exploring a new career path or looking to expand their creative skills, this is a great opportunity to discover what's possible in the world of digital textiles.
Prospective and current students can also sign up to attend on Eventbrite .
Tutoring & Learning Center at SDCCE
Help set our students up for success by encouraging them to take advantage of the free academic support and resources available through SDCCE's Tutoring and Learning Center (TLC). To learn more about the services and support the TLC offers, check out this new video!
The TLC at ECC has extended its hours through August 5 on Tuesdays and Wednesdays until 6:30 pm the following dates:
Extended Hours (9:00 a.m. – 6:30 p.m.):
- Tuesdays: July 22, July 29, and August 4
- Wednesdays: July 23, July 30, and August 5
Online tutoring is also available for the same hours as our TLC at ECC is open.
Students must enroll in tutoring to schedule an online tutoring appointment. For more information and to learn more, students can visit any TLC, email [email protected] , or call (619) 388-4611.
Summer 2026 Career Readiness Series
Please, encourage students to participate in the Summer 2026 Career Readiness Series, offered through Career Transition Services.
These hands-on workshops are designed to support students at any stage of their career journey — whether they're just starting out or making a transition. Sessions cover:
- Resume Writing – Crafting the Perfect Resume & Creating a Winning Resume (Traditional and AI-Powered Strategies)
- Interview Prep – 3 Easy Steps to Ace Your Interview
- Career Exploration – Career Exploration via LinkedIn & Your Best Career Fit
- Foreign Degree Evaluation
- Career Coach (Find out your Basic Skills)
Workshops are held June through August 2026, in hybrid and in-person formats across Harbor View and ECC campuses.
How to Register:
Students can sign up on Handshake under Events & Fairs. Zoom links will be sent upon registration.
Please feel free to share this information in your classes, on Canvas, or through any communication channels you use with students. Every connection counts!
Thank you for your continued support of student success.
Classified Professional Speaker Series: AI Tools as Your Personal Assistant
Join the Classified Professional Speaker Series: Insights on Using AI Tools as Your Personal Assistant at Work featuring Hector Santana-Tea from the College of Continuing Education. The session is facilitated by II&E Faculty Specialists: Mohammed Al Ani from City College and Dr. Ingrid Greenberg from the College of Continuing Education.
Tuesday, 07/28/2026 from 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm
Zoom Registration Link: https://bit.ly/4fcX3YG
In-Person Location: North City Campus, Multipurpose Room: 8355 Aero Dr. San Diego, CA 92123
Become a Passport to Success Mentor (2026–2027)
SDCCE is seeking experienced Classified Professionals, Supervisors, and Managers to serve as mentors for the 2026–2027 Passport to Success (P2S) program. Mentors play a key role in welcoming and supporting newly hired employees by sharing institutional knowledge, fostering connections, and helping them successfully navigate the college community.
The mentoring term runs from October 2026 through May 2027. Eligible applicants must have at least two years of SDCCE experience and supervisor approval before applying. Past mentors are encouraged to apply.
Application deadline: Thursday, July 30, 2026. Submit the application to Professional Development/FLEX Coordinator Carla Grossini-Concha at [email protected] .
Make a lasting impact by helping new colleagues thrive while developing your own leadership skills.
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 .
- The PIO office, theatre director, facilities team and architect met and discussed notes for finalizing the signage for the ECC Theatre to improve wayfinding and accessibility efforts.
- The architect and theatre director met and discussed updates on construction efforts after the completion of the terrazzo flooring in the South Wing.
- East Wing construction phasing remains unchanged. Phase 2 – Level 2 is scheduled for July 6, 2026, through August 14, 2026; see logistics plan for details. 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.
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.
Measure HH - Contractor and Subcontractor Outreach Event (North City):
The Measure HH and Capital Renovation team, along with the Cumming Group, held an informational outreach and networking event at the North City Campus to help underrepresented community contractors and subcontractors learn about repair work happening throughout the district, project scopes, where projects will be advertised, bidding, registration and prequalification basics, and ways to stay informed about upcoming capital renovation opportunities. Our new Bond Communications Coordinator, Khalid Elfaki attended the event and connected with many groups.
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.
BAPACSD Civic Engagement Workshop
Every strong community is built and sustained through informed, active civic participation. Join BAPACSD to learn the basics of City of San Diego government and the Mayor's climate and housing/development goals. Learn tools, techniques and talking points to participate in City decision-making.
All are welcome! Workshop II is especially designed for youth and emerging advocates.
Space is limited! Scan the QR code or visit www.bapacsandiego.org to RSVP today.
Manager Spotlight
Our Manager Spotlight shines on our Director of Admissions and Records, Libbier Bakit.
With more than 22 years of experience within the District, including nearly 17 years at SDCCE, Libbier has built a diverse career spanning credit and noncredit education. Her journey has included roles as a student worker, hourly employee, classified professional, supervisor, and administrator across administrative, instructional, and student services areas.
Throughout her time at SDCCE, Libbier has served in various roles, including Administrative Technician for the Instructional and Student Services Office, Student Services Technician, Senior Office Manager for the North City, CE Mesa, and CE Miramar campuses, Acting Student Services Supervisor II, and Instructional Support Analyst before stepping into her current role as Director of Admissions and Records.
Libbier's passion for this work is rooted in her own experiences as an immigrant and former community college student. She is committed to expanding access to high-quality education and supporting the diverse communities SDCCE serves.
Outside of work, Libbier enjoys spending time with her family and embracing her "Sports Momma Era." She also currently serves her second year as a Coach for the California Community Colleges Chancellor's Office Strategic Enrollment Management (SEM) Program.
Faculty Spotlight
This week's Faculty Spotlight shines on CalWORKs Counselor, Yasmine Mena.
Before joining SDCCE, Yasmine spent six years in the nonprofit sector helping low-income families access subsidized childcare so they could pursue their educational and career goals. She joined the college in 2023 as a Project Assistant in the CalWORKs Department, later serving as an Affinity Counselor before stepping into her current role as a CalWORKs Work-Study Counselor.
Yasmine is passionate about promoting upward mobility and creating a two-generation impact. She finds the greatest reward in supporting students as they work toward their educational and career goals while seeing the positive ripple effect education has on their children and families.
Outside of work, Yasmine enjoys taking long walks with her Schnauzer, Luna, attending Orangetheory Fitness classes, serving in the young adults ministry at her church, and spending quality time with family and friends.
Announcements and Reminders
- Do you know an employee making a difference at SDCCE? Help us recognize those outstanding contributions by submitting an Employee Spotlight ! Selected spotlights will be featured in future editions of the weekly President's Message and other college communications as we celebrate the people who make SDCCE an exceptional place to learn and work.
- As we update our CE Birthday List, employees who would like to receive a birthday greeting from President King are invited to complete the Birthday List Form ; if you've already signed up, no further action is needed.
- 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.
President's Updates
This week, I had the privilege of teaching the final summer residency for the SDSU Ed.D. Community College Leadership (CCLEAD) program. We combined classroom learning with a field experience at SDCCE, where our guest lecturers showcased the college's outstanding career education programs and operations, followed by a visit to Chicano Park to explore the connections between community, culture, history, and the role of community colleges. It was inspiring to witness this cohort's commitment to learning, collaboration, and supporting one another as they prepare to become the next generation of community college leaders.
The Research Corner
This week, we invite you to read an article on Gen Z being the 'Most Investment-Savvy Generation' published in UC San Diego Today based on research by Cooper, Z. "Beyond the paycheck: why upwardly mobile Gen Zs invest." Gen Z is very worried about their financial futures and do not trust employers or the government to support them in times of financial need. The article may be found on the following link: https://today.ucsd.edu/story/gen-z-is-the-most-investment-savvy-generation-what . Please take a minute to review this resource and email [email protected] if you have any questions.
Best,
