Dear SDCCE Community,
As we continue to celebrate Hispanic and Latinx Heritage Month, I am grateful for the opportunities we have to come together, recognize the cultures and experiences that enrich our college, and strengthen our connections across the SDCCE community. Thank you to everyone who joined us for our recent celebration at Harbor View Campus and helped make it a meaningful afternoon of learning, culture, and community.
That same spirit of connection and shared voice continues through the Harbor View Campus renaming process. Our Restorative Renaming Circles provide students, employees, and community members with an opportunity to share their perspectives and help shape the future of the campus. As additional sessions continue, I encourage you to participate and make your voice part of this important process.
Thank you for continuing to stay engaged and for all you do to help build a welcoming and connected SDCCE community.
Enrollment Updates:
Fall Update
SDCCE's overall enrollment for fall stands at 23,380 (a 1% increase from last week), with a fill rate of 68%, which is equal to last fall (68%). SDCCE's overall headcount is currently 12,381, a 0.3% increase from last week (12,346). FTEF scheduled for the fall semester is 9% greater than last fall (196.63 to 214.87). 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.
Join the next Know Your Rights & Emergency Preparedness Workshop for Undocumented Families
Taller de Preparación de Emergencias y Derechos de Inmigrantes
Konnen Dwa ou yo ak Atelye Preparasyon pou Ijans pou Fanmi san Papye Aprann
Join us on Zoom / Acompáñenos en Zoom / Join nou sou Zoom: https://sdccd-edu.zoom.us/j/84797687743
Learn about immigrant rights and family safety planning. Facilitated by SDCCD's Equity & Special Funded Programs and presented by Higher Education Legal Services. This educational workshop is open to all allies. The presentation will be spoken in English with live translation services in Arabic, Dari, Haitian Creole, Somali, and Spanish. FLEX Available!
The next fall 2026 workshops will be held on October 21, 2026, November 18, 2026, and December 16, 2026. Each workshop starts at 6:30 p.m. and ends at 7:30 p.m.
For accessibility accommodations, contact Dean Lillian Garcia at [email protected].
In addition our Immigrant Student Success Program (ISSP) is here to listen to student concerns, assess their needs, and help connect them with appropriate campus and community resources. ISSP can be contacted at [email protected] or by phone at 619-388-1933.
ISSP Center Hours are Tuesdays: 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. and Thursdays: 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
CCCStart Implementation Update
The transition to CCCStart has been a success, streamlining the student application process and aligning it with the California Community Colleges system for a more consistent experience statewide.
As of September 28, our college has successfully received 141 student applications through the new CCCStart application and loaded into Campus Solutions, demonstrating continued engagement from prospective students and a smooth transition to the updated process. We are pleased with the progress made during this implementation and will continue to monitor application activity and provide support to students as they navigate the new system.
A special thank you to our Admissions and Records department and our Student Services teams for their dedication and commitment to supporting students throughout this transition. Their assistance has been instrumental in helping students successfully navigate the new application and ensuring they have the guidance and resources they need to begin their educational journey at our college.
Vision 2030 Noncredit Summit
I look forward to attending and presenting at the Vision 2030 Noncredit Summit, bringing SDCCE's perspective to conversations shaping the future of noncredit education across California.
The summit will bring together noncredit leaders from across the state for inspiring sessions, innovative ideas, and practical strategies focused on strengthening student success, workforce pathways, and the future of noncredit education.
We look forward to learning, sharing, and continuing to move forward together in support of California's noncredit students. Registration for the summit in Newport Beach is now open at noncreditsummit.org.
Hispanic and Latinx Heritage Month Celebration
Our Hispanic and Latinx Heritage Month Celebration was a great success, thank you to our Cultural Events Planning Committee and everyone involved in making this event possible! Culture Lives Here at SDCCE, and I'm grateful for opportunities like this that bring us together to celebrate culture, belonging, and community.
The event featured an engaging presentation by Monica Delgadillo Hernandez, exciting performances by Somos La Voz, poetry by Julie Corrales, and delicious food by SALUD! Our event was also featured by California Community Colleges Chancellor Sonya Christian in her weekly blog. What a wonderful way to celebrate and share the spirit of our community!
Campus Built Together: Harbor View Renaming
The Harbor View Campus renaming process is officially underway, and we're grateful to everyone who is taking the time to participate and share their perspective. The renaming survey has officially launched, and students and employees have received an email with the link to provide their feedback and recommendations.
Participation is open to the entire community. If you have not yet had an opportunity to complete the survey, you can visit the Harbor View landing page to access the survey and share your input. Every perspective is valuable, and your participation will help shape this important process.
As we continue this work, I encourage our community to remain engaged and take advantage of the multiple opportunities to participate. In addition to the survey, we invite everyone to attend the next Restorative Renaming Circles. RSVP is required so we may plan accordingly with our facilitators.
- Tuesday, September 29th | 12:30 - 2:30 pm | Mid-City Campus, Room 203
- Tuesday, September 29th | 3:30 - 5:30 pm | Mid-City Campus, Room 203
- Monday, October 5, 2026 | 5 - 7 pm | Zoom (Link sent upon RSVP)
- Thursday, October 8, 2026 | 5 - 7 pm | Zoom (Link sent upon RSVP)
These gatherings will provide an opportunity for deeper reflection, dialogue, listening, and connection as we collectively consider the history and future of Harbor View.
Renaming a campus is a significant undertaking, and this process is an opportunity to come together as a community and thoughtfully consider the name that will represent our shared values and vision moving forward. Your voice matters, and I encourage everyone to participate in whichever way feels most meaningful to you.
Thank you for your continued engagement, thoughtful participation, and commitment to helping build our campus together.
CE Media Fest
The Office of Communications & Creative Services is proud to present their second annual employee-focused event: CE MediaFest 2026! To cultivate culture amongst all 7 of our campuses and celebrate the hard work of all our faculty, classified professionals, administrators, and NANCE they will be providing free headshots, program promotional videos, opportunity drawings, social media FAQ, and more!
Please see the following lineup for when they will visit each campus:
- West City Campus - October 19th - 10:00AM to 12:00PM - Room 124B
- Mid-City Campus - October 21st - 4:00PM to 6:00pm - Room 117
- Harbor View Campus - October 27th - 12:00PM to 2:00PM - MPR
- North City Campus - October 28th - 4:00PM to 6:00PM - MPR
- CE Mesa Campus - November 3rd - 12:30PM to 2:30PM - Room 118/120
- ECC Campus - November 4th - 10:00AM - 12:00PM - Room 76
- CE Miramar - November 5th - 12:30PM - 2:30PM - Room A115
For any questions, details, or inquiries, please email Brenna Leon Sandeford at [email protected] & Michael Escalona at [email protected], or call us at 619-388-4833
Let's Talk About College
Please encourage students to join Let's Talk About College, a welcoming drop-in space to ask questions about college and explore their next steps. Students can connect with the SD Advance Counselor and receive personalized guidance on topics such as admissions, financial aid, residency requirements, San Diego Promise, Credit by Exam, educational planning, and more.
When: Every Thursday
Time: 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Location: Zoom Drop-In Session
Who Should Attend: SDCCE students interested in attending City, Mesa, or Miramar College.
CalWORKs Cafecito with the Counselors
Our recent CalWORKs Cafecito with the Counselors was a great success!
The event provided a welcoming space for students to connect with our counselors, build community, and learn more about the support and resources available to help them succeed at SDCCE.
Thank you to our counseling team and everyone who helped make this meaningful opportunity possible. We look forward to more opportunities to connect, engage, and support our students throughout the semester!
All African Diaspora Education Summit
SDCCE is proud to have five employees representing our institution at the All African Diaspora Education Summit in Ghana from September 24 through October 3, 2026. This meaningful international gathering brings together educators, leaders, students, and professionals from across the African Diaspora to share knowledge, build connections, and explore opportunities to strengthen education and community engagement. Thank you to our district for supporting the following individuals to attend: Mitza Lindsey, Nathan Klein, Damella Abbott, Myesha Jackson, and Dr. Kirsten Lollis. We wish them safe travels and a wonderful experience in Ghana.
Celebrating Dolly Parton
On September 25, SDCCE celebrated the life and legacy of music pioneer and humanitarian Dolly Parton! Special shout out to CE Miramar for sharing these fun photos.
Throughout the day, students and employees honored Dolly's commitment to kindness, service, and early childhood literacy, including through activities highlighting Dolly Parton's Imagination Library.
Thank you to everyone who joined the celebration and helped recognize the many ways we can make a positive difference through education, service, creativity, and kindness.
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 Assistant District Architect, ECC Theatre Director, Measure HH (Region 1) team, Measure HH Liaison (Regions 1 & 3) and Facilities team met with HGA to discuss Phase 2 of the ECC Theatre Renovation Project and briefly discussed the Ceramics Renovation project. They discussed the multipurpose room layout in the ECC Theatre, its double-door and window configurations, curtains, and materials needed. Additionally, they discussed the conference room layout and privacy shade needs for windows.
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.
- A new Miramar College Measure HH project will begin in November impacting the CE Miramar Campus, A1 building. The project involves improvements to the fire land surrounding the area around the Aviation and Continuing Education (A1) buildings. Alternate routes of travel and parking have been identified and more signage will be posted in the area notifying students, employees, and visitors.
- As a secondary impact improvement project to the ECC Building Trades Training Center, to provide more space to the welding project, the grounds team and facilities office will be relocated to a new location at ECC, at the corner of Elizabeth and Ocean view Blvd.
- The Assistant District Architect, College Facilities & Operations Director, Measure HH (Region 1) team, Measure HH Liaison (Regions 1 & 3), Facilities and Grounds teams met at the ECC Campus with SGPA Architecture and Planning, McParlane & Associates, Inc., and Align Builders, Inc., to discuss the ECC Facilities Building, which is a subproject of the Trades Training Center project. They discussed the programming and feasibility of the project, and the layouts of the facilities building, yard, grounds, and receiving and loading areas. They also discussed wayfinding, accessibility, and sound mitigation. Additionally, they discussed office, storage, utilities, parking, restrooms, and washout station needs. Lastly, they discussed power management systems, access control, and panic button needs.
- A districtwide sidewalk assessment was recently completed at the ECC campus as part of the district's ongoing commitment to campus safety and accessibility. The assessment revealed several areas in the South Lawn which need correction. Concrete removal, root mitigation and concrete replacement are currently scheduled for October 13 - October 22 to improve pedestrian safety and restore accessible pathways throughout the campus. Small sections of the sidewalk will be temporarily closed during construction for safety reasons and can be identified by enclosed orange safety mesh fencing. Pedestrian access will remain open during construction; however, individuals requiring an accessible route should plan to use the perimeter sidewalks surrounding the campus while repair work is underway. Signage will be posted throughout the affected areas, and pedestrians should use caution while traveling near active construction areas.
Making Our Campus Shine
A big shout-out to our Facilities and Grounds crew for the incredible work they've been putting in over the past few weeks, especially while working through the heat! Day after day, they continue to show up, work hard, and take pride in making our campus a welcoming, clean, and beautiful place for everyone.
Their dedication often happens behind the scenes, but the impact is felt across campus by our students, employees, and visitors. From maintaining our grounds to keeping our shared spaces clean and refreshed, their work plays an important role in creating an environment where everyone can learn, work, relax, and feel proud of our campus.
A special thank-you to Freddy (Alfred) Gazca for the power-washing work at ECC! The difference a clean and refreshed space makes is noticeable, and our employees and students truly appreciate having a clean, comfortable place to enjoy during their breaks.
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.
IT students had the opportunity to speak one-on-one with IT directors about the latest industry trends, hiring practices, and skills employers are looking for across the San Diego region. They took notes from these conversations and brought their insights back to share with classmates, extending the learning beyond the event and into the classroom.
Classified Professional Spotlight
This week's Classified Professional Spotlight shines on Senior Student Services Assistant and SDCCE Classified Senate President, Dr. Esther M. Anthony-Thomas.
With nearly 28 years of service at SDCCE, Dr. Anthony-Thomas has dedicated her career to supporting students, serving others, and demonstrating the power of lifelong learning. Most recently, she earned her Doctor of Psychology in Christian Psychology, graduating as valedictorian of her class. She also recently passed the National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Examination (NCMHCE), an important milestone toward receiving her California licensure as a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor.
In addition to her work at SDCCE, Dr. Anthony-Thomas has served as a lecturer at San Diego State University and as an Associate Professional Clinical Counselor. Her work and academic research reflect a deep commitment to education, counseling, healing, and service to others.
Her journey is also a powerful reminder that there is no expiration date on learning or pursuing new goals. Through nearly three decades of service to the SDCCE community, Dr. Anthony-Thomas continues to lead by example and encourage others to recognize that another chapter, and another opportunity to grow is always possible. When reflecting on this achievement she shared, "Age is not the enemy of academic achievement. It can become one of its greatest instruments. We do not arrive at the classroom empty-handed as we grow older. We arrive carrying experience, questions, scars, wisdom, faith, and a life that has finally taught us what is worth studying."
Congratulations, Dr. Anthony-Thomas, on this remarkable achievement, and thank you for your continued dedication to SDCCE and our students!
Faculty Spotlight
This week's Faculty Spotlight shines on our High School Diploma/Equivalency Instructor and Student Learning Outcomes Coordinator, Dr. Marne Foster!
Dr. Foster has been part of the SDCCE community for more than 25 years, teaching in ESL, High School Diploma/High School Equivalency, and College and Career Readiness. She previously served as Program Review Coordinator and currently serves as an Academic Senate delegate, member of the AFT Local 1931 Executive Board, and recently appointed member of the Data and Research Committee for the Academic Senate for California Community Colleges.
A San Diego native, Dr. Foster earned her Ph.D. in Education for Social Justice from the University of San Diego and holds a Restorative Justice Facilitation Certification. She is passionate about equity, restorative practices, student voice, and helping students recognize new possibilities for themselves.
Before entering education, Dr. Foster worked in marketing for the Discovery Channel and United Way of America. Outside of work, she enjoys hot yoga, comedy, line dancing, theater, live jazz and R&B, and spending time with family and friends. She has also lived and performed in Sweden, studied as an exchange student in Mexico, and even danced on the ECC stage!
We appreciate Dr. Foster's more than 25 years of service and the positive impact she continues to make across SDCCE.
Resources 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.
- Visit the Administrative Services Intranet to access campus safety resources and stay informed with the latest updates.
- Visit the Student Resource Newsletter for information about resources and support available to help students navigate college, connect with services, and stay informed.
- The Fall 2026 edition of the Student Services Connection is now available, highlighting the work across the Student Services Division. This issue features updates on the CCCStart transition, 2026–2027 division priorities, efforts to strengthen the student experience, upcoming events and important dates, and colleagues serving in new roles.
- 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:
It was a pleasure to join members of our team in supporting the Miramar College Foundation's Invest in Success Dinner. Events like this are an important reminder of what we can accomplish when we come together across our District and community in support of students. The Miramar College Foundation's commitment to addressing basic needs, removing barriers, and creating opportunities for students reflects the shared mission that connects all of us throughout the San Diego Community College District. Congratulations to the Miramar College Foundation and everyone who helped make Invest in Success such a meaningful event.
The Research Corner:
This week, we invite you to read a guide "Unlocking Opportunity: Eight Strategies for Community Colleges to Improve Post-Completion Outcomes" which aims to inform reforms that improve graduates' wages and transfer/bachelor's attainment rates. It offers concrete guidance on eight strategies that the initial 10 Unlocking Opportunity colleges have used to improve these outcomes for thousands of students. The guide may be found on the following link. Please take a minute to review this resource and email [email protected] if you have any questions.
Best,
