Dear SDCCE Community,
The first week of classes is officially in the books, and it has been wonderful to see our campuses come alive with the energy of a new semester. Welcome Week brought that energy to life as employees across our campuses connected with students, shared valuable resources, and helped create a welcoming and encouraging start to the fall semester. I am grateful for the enthusiasm and dedication our employees continue to bring to their work and for the many ways they help our students feel supported, connected, and ready to take their next steps. As we move forward into the semester, I look forward to all we will accomplish together in support of our students and our shared mission. In celebration of having a successful fall semester, the full live recording of Convocation is now available for those interested in viewing.
Enrollment Updates:
Fall Update
SDCCE's overall enrollment for fall stands at 21,975 (a 9% increase from last week), with a fill rate of 68%. SDCCE's overall headcount is currently 11,892, a 7% increase from last week (11,139). FTEF scheduled for the fall semester is 11% greater than last fall (191.79 to 213.80). View report.
Summer Update
SDCCE's overall enrollment for summer stands at 9,272 with a fill rate of 60%. SDCCE's overall headcount is currently 6,616. FTEF scheduled for the summer semester is 15% greater than last summer (80.09 to 91.74).
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.
Harbor View Restorative Renaming Circles
SDCCE employees, students, and community members are invited to share their voices and help shape the future name of Harbor View Campus through the Harbor View Restorative Renaming Circles on Thursday, September 3 held in the afternoon from 2 to 4pm and the evening from 6 to 8pm.
Participants will have an opportunity to share their thoughts, submit name suggestions, and take part in a restorative community process.
Please note the following below:
- No RSVP is required.
- Additional circles will be held in late September and early October.
- Additional sessions will take place at Harbor View Campus, Mid-City Campus, and via Zoom.
- Those unable to attend a full session can provide feedback through a paper form or online survey.
Labor Day
In observance of Labor Day, please kindly note that all SDCCE campuses will be closed on Monday, September 7.
Regular campus operations will resume on Tuesday, September 8.
Welcome Week
Welcome Week kicked off with great energy across our campuses! Employees came together to connect with students, share important resources, and help set a positive tone for the new semester. We are keeping the momentum going as we continue creating opportunities for students to connect, access support, and feel confident as they begin their journey at SDCCE. Take a look at our schedule below. Also, Take a moment and visit our SDCCE Flickr to view more photos captured during Welcome Week so far!
- September 1st 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm - North City - Lobby
- September 2nd 8:45 am - 10:45 am - CE - Mesa - Room 118/120 (Multipurpose Room) for the Resource Fair and Room 116 for the Enrollment Workshop.
Online Enrollment in Tutoring for Students
The Tutoring & Learning Center launched its online fall 2026 tutoring enrollment help sessions which runs through September 4th where students will receive assistance in enrolling in the Tutoring course at SDCCE. Please inform students to take advantage of this opportunity.
Please note that enrolled SDCCE students can learn all about our FREE tutoring services, explore the TLCs at ECC, MCC, and Harbor View, AND enroll in a fall tutoring class, all in just 15 minutes!
Session Details:
- When: Monday–Thursday, 9 AM to 5 PM; Fridays 8:30 AM - 12 PM (September 4th)
- Dates: Now - Sep 4th
- Where: Online via Zoom
- What: Online "walk-in" enrollment support for SDCCE tutoring classes (ABE445)
Our dedicated tutors will be standing by to help summer students self-enroll quickly and easily. *Please note: these sessions are specifically for tutoring course enrollment, not general enrollment or student services.
Health & Healing Summerfest
SDCCE was proud to welcome the community to the fifth annual Health & Healing Summerfest, hosted by Project New Village on August 29 at the Educational Cultural Complex!
Dr. Omae provided welcome remarks as attendees gathered for a day centered on health, wellness, and community connection. SDCCE's Outreach team and Ceramics program were also on hand, showcasing resources and student creativity while connecting with community members.
Be Well Support
The Administrative Services Accounting Team showed their support for Be Well CCE Mental Health Services by proudly wearing their Be Well T-shirts, helping raise awareness of the mental health resources available to the SDCCE community.
Professional Development
Employees are encouraged to attend the upcoming Professional Development sessions. Please see sessions below:
Suicide Prevention Training
Wednesday, September 2, 2026
West City Room 203
12:15 PM – 1:30PM
Flex ID 40141
Think It Through Staff Support Group
Thursday, September 3, 2026
12:30 PM – 1:30 PM
Flex ID 40137
Join the Think It Through Staff Support Group
Harbor View Restorative Renaming Circles
Thursday, September 3, 2026
Harbor View Multipurpose Room
2:00 - 4:00 PM, 6:00 - 8:00 PM
Flex ID 40208, 40209
For more information, please contact Carla Grossini-Concha at [email protected].
You may also visit the Professional Development webpage for additional opportunities.
Top 10 Community Colleges & Trade Schools
SDCCE has been recognized among the Top 10 Community Colleges & Trade Schools in the San Diego Business Journal, highlighting the college's continued commitment to accessible education, workforce training, and student success.
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 District Team, Facilities Team, College Technology Director, and Measure HH Liaison (Regions 1 & 3) met with HGA and PCL at the construction trailer and discussed construction and schedule progress, reviewed progress photos, and discussed the addition of motion sensors and cameras for security at the construction site.
- 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.
- The West City COS, Dean of Culinary Arts and Hospitality, Clothing and Textiles, and Child Development, Facilities Team, ECC Theatre Technician, Clothing and Textiles Instruction Team, and Measure HH Liaison (Regions 1 & 3) met remotely with DPR and HGW for a focus group. They discussed equipment needs, layout, accessibility, and projector/presentation formats.
- The San Diego College of Continuing Education Vice President of Instructional Services, Dr. Masahiro Omae, and Vice President of Administrative Services, Jacqueline Sabanos, along with the District Team, Facilities Team, College Facilities & Operations Director, College Technology Director, West City COS, Dean of DSPS & Emeritus Programs, Dean of Culinary Arts and Hospitality, Clothing and Textiles, and Child Development, West City Instruction Team, and Measure HH Liaison (Regions 1 & 3), met remotely with HGW, DPR, and GroundLevel. They discussed equipment needs for the multipurpose room, room layout, accessibility, adaptability for multiple class configurations, and audiovisual (AV) projection options. Additionally, they discussed the courtyard layout, seating, fencing and security, landscaping and plant selection, communal and event spaces, storage, bike racks, and solar-powered charging opportunities.
Safety, Inclusion, and Belonging (SIB) Task Force Updates:
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.
Faculty Spotlight
This week's Faculty Spotlight shines on our Adjunct ESL Faculty and Professional Learning Community Coordinator, Isabel Cortes. Isabel joined the District in June 2023 and brings more than a decade of adult ESL instruction and international teaching experience to SDCCE. She has also served as an Associated Students Advisor at the CE Mesa and Mid-City campuses and supported various curriculum alignment projects.
Passionate about empowering adult learners from diverse backgrounds, Isabel is committed to creating inclusive, student-centered learning experiences and building supportive pathways through leadership and digital accessibility.
Outside of work, she enjoys studying the Italian language and culture, staying active through hiking and the gym, traveling, and spending time with family.
SPAA Spotlight
This week's SPAA Spotlight shines on ECC's College Operations Supervisor, Julia Sanchez. Julia began her journey with the District as a NANCE in 2019 with the Parking Department in College Police before serving as an Administrative Assistant I with Miramar College Police. She joined SDCCE at North City as Administrative Assistant III in 2022 and transitioned into her current role as College Operations Supervisor that December.
Inspired by a family rooted in education and service, Julia has always been passionate about making a difference. Her own educational journey included studying abroad in International Affairs, Conflict Resolution, and Marine Archaeology before earning her B.A. and M.A. in Negotiation, Conflict Resolution, and Peacebuilding, along with a second degree in Marine Archaeology.
Her connection to CE is especially meaningful: when she told her parents she had joined the college, they shared that they had actually met through CE after both taking ESL classes. For Julia, it was a beautiful full-circle moment. Today, she sees her journey as a reflection of what CE represents: opportunity, perseverance, and moving forward together.
Outside of work, Julia enjoys hiking, traveling, volunteering, and spending time with family and friends.
Announcements and Reminders
- The second issue of the Administrative Services Safety Newsletter is now available to read, featuring timely updates, resources, and guidance to help keep our college community informed, prepared, and supported on matters related to campus safety and emergency preparedness.
- 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.
- 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:
President King welcomed the Black Leadership Alliance to SDCCE's Business Resource Center at Harbor View Campus, highlighting the space's work to support business and entrepreneurship in the Barrio Logan community. The visit also featured a Girl Scouts Emerging Leader, highlighting opportunities for the next generation of young women to learn, lead, and engage in their community.
The Research Corner:
This week, we invite you to read an article "Women Ascend the Corporate Ladder More Slowly Than Men" published in the UC San Diego Magazine, where the author, a Rady School of Management researcher, examines why women still lag behind men in earnings and positions. The article may be found on the following link: https://rady.ucsd.edu/why/news/2025/06-06-women-ascend-the-corporate-ladder-more-slowly-than-men.html. Please take a minute to review this resource and email [email protected] if you have any questions.
Best,
