Dear SDCCE Community,
October is a month filled with opportunities to celebrate, recognize, and learn. As we celebrate Filipino American History Month and look forward to honoring the rich cultures, traditions, histories, and contributions of our Filipino community, we also recognize several important observances that call attention to experiences and issues that impact our communities.
October is also Breast Cancer Awareness Month, National Disability Employment Awareness Month, Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and LGBTQ+ History Month. Each observance offers an opportunity to bring greater awareness to important stories, recognize the experiences and contributions of others, and continue creating spaces where our students, employees, and communities feel seen, supported, and valued.
With so much to acknowledge this month, I look forward to the ways we will come together to celebrate our diversity, elevate important conversations, and continue learning from one another. These moments are a great reminder of the importance of building a community grounded in understanding, inclusion, and opportunity for all.
Enrollment Updates
Fall Update
SDCCE's overall enrollment for fall stands at 23,785 (a 2% increase from last week), with a fill rate of 68%, which is equal to last fall (68%). SDCCE's overall headcount is currently 12,543, (a 1% increase from last week (12,381).) FTEF scheduled for the fall semester is 9% greater than last fall (196.58 to 215.06). View report.
Adult Learner Success Initiative Kick-off Event
Last week SDCCE attended the Adult Learner Success Initiative Kick-off Event, the Adult Learner Success Initiative is a regional professional development program designed to help community colleges strengthen practices, policies, and systems that support adult learners; hosted by the San Diego & Imperial Regional Consortium. This event was the kickoff of a 7-month initiative with the Enrollment Management Committee to better understand the needs and challenges of adult learners at the institution. The Office of Planning, Research and Institutional Effectiveness (PRIE) wants to extend a heartfelt thanks to the SDCCE attendees, engaging in discussion and facilitating amazing discussions that will be furthered in the upcoming months as the initiative continues: Bradley Dorschel (Associate Dean of Career Technical Education), Karl Cameron (Counseling Program Chair), Diana Vera-Alba (ESL Program Chair), Travaris Franklin (Associate Dean of Outreach), Andrei Lucas (Dean of Automotive, Skilled & Technical Trades), Dr. Masahiro Omae (VP of Instructional Services), Dr. Marne Foster (SLO, Accreditation Coordinator), Jessica Luedtke (Dean of Planning, Research, and Institutional Effectiveness), Jesus Rivas (Associate Dean, Research, Planning, and Innovation), and Juan Salcedo (Research and Planning Analyst).
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.
Domestic Violence Awareness Month
October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, an opportunity to raise awareness, promote healthy relationships, and connect students with resources and support. This month, students can participate in activities focused on wellness, healthy relationships, and recognizing the signs of unhealthy or harmful behaviors.
Upcoming Activities:
Know the Signs Workshop: Recognizing Healthy and Unhealthy Relationships
Starting October 6
12:15–1:30 p.m.
ECC, Room 85
Sound Bath Meditation Series
October 21
12:15–1:30 p.m.
ECC, Room 85
Students are encouraged to participate, learn more, and connect with resources that support their well-being.
Community Health & Resource Fair
The SDCCE community is invited to attend the Community Health & Resource Fair, held on the first Wednesday of each month. The October fair will recognize Breast Cancer Awareness Month and provide free health screenings, resources, and information.
Upcoming Resource Fair:
October 7
10 a.m.–3 p.m.
Jackie Robinson YMCA: 151 YMCA Way, San Diego, CA 92102
Free resources will include:
- Breast exams
- Mobile mammography services
- Additional health and wellness resources
Free shuttle transportation will also be available to and from the ECC campus, making it easier for students and employees to attend.
CalFresh Workshops
SDCCE CARES Basic Needs is hosting CalFresh Workshops throughout October to help students learn about CalFresh eligibility, ask questions, and receive support with the application process. Free snacks will be provided!
Wednesdays | 3 to 4:30 p.m.
- Oct. 7: Mid-City Campus, Room 308
- Oct. 14: ECC Campus, Room 122
- Oct. 21: Mid-City Campus, Room 308
- Oct. 28: Harbor View Campus, Room 208
Space is limited to 35 participants per workshop. RSVP using the QR code on the flyer. Walk-ins are welcome based on availability.
Questions or accommodations: [email protected]
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.
Administrative Services Drop-In Hours
Join us online for Administrative Services Drop-In Hours, an opportunity to connect with our team and get answers to your questions about budget, human resources, travel, administrative processes, and the resource request process. Bring your questions and connect with the team for guidance, clarification, and support.
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.
Campus Built Together: Harbor View Renaming
The Harbor View Campus renaming process is still taking place this week, and we're grateful to everyone who is taking the time to participate and share their perspective. The renaming survey is still open and will close this Friday, October 9.
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.
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.
Help Us Pack the Pantry!
Did you know nearly 1 in 2 college students face food insecurity? We're on a mission to change that. October 1 marks the kickoff of the 8th Annual Pack the Pantry Food Drive!
We've partnered with Cal Coast Credit Union and the San Diego Food Bank to provide healthy, nutritious meals to students who need them most. Every $1 donated = 2 meals for a student in need. Let's come together to fight hunger and fuel futures.
Make a difference today, visit our virtual pantry to donate.
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.
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.
- SDCCD, SDCCE, and construction teams discussed ECC Theatre room layouts, key needs, and turnaround timelines.
- The SDCCE, Measure HH, and construction teams discussed the progress of the ECC Theatre Renovation Project, including office layouts, materials and finishes, kitchenette backsplash options, and carpet tile flooring.
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 building location at ECC, at the corner of Elizabeth and Ocean view Blvd.
- 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.
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.
Classified Professional Spotlight
This week's Classified Professional Spotlight shines on our ESL Instructional Assistant, Oscar Castro Urias!
Oscar's journey at SDCCE is especially meaningful because he began as a student at the Mid-City Campus. Since joining SDCCE in 2022, he has supported ESL students with registration, placement, and connecting with resources, drawing from his own experience as a student to help others feel welcomed and supported.
Before joining SDCCE, Oscar taught English in his community in Mexico, an experience that continues to shape how he connects with students and understands the challenges of learning a new language.
What he enjoys most is seeing students gain confidence, overcome challenges, and continue moving forward in their education. Outside of work, Oscar enjoys spending time with his dogs, visiting family in Mexico, and continuing his own education as he looks for opportunities to learn and grow.
Faculty Spotlight
This week's Faculty Spotlight shines on our BIT Associate Professor, Zak Ruvalcaba!
With more than 26 years at SDCCE, Zak brings a unique combination of web development, teaching, and technical writing to his work. Since beginning his career in 1995, he has developed websites and applications for organizations ranging from small businesses to Fortune 500 companies, authored web development books, and taught at multiple colleges.
What sparked his passion for the field is the opportunity to combine design and programming to create useful, intuitive digital experiences, and to share that knowledge with students. He is especially passionate about accessibility in education and making websites, digital tools, and learning materials more inclusive for all students.
Outside of work, Zak enjoys traveling, CrossFit, soccer, spending time with family and friends, mid-century modern design, and collecting vinyl records and vintage hi-fi equipment.
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.
- 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 hosting Trustee Milgrim at ECC on September 30 for a tour showcasing our CTE programs and the opportunity for him to connect with employees and students.
- I was delighted to welcome President Denise Whisenhunt and Dean Deborah Lewis from Fresno City College to SDCCE. I always appreciate opportunities to connect with fellow community college leaders, exchange ideas, and learn from one another.
- I also enjoyed participating in the 4th Annual Nandi Conference, where I have the honor of serving as a Board member. For two powerful days, the conference brought us together under this year's inspiring theme, "Somebody's Gotta Do It: Transformative Action as Radical Resistance." Attendees came together to connect, grow, and uplift one another while advancing opportunities for Black women professionals and students across the California Community Colleges. I was especially proud to see SDCCE so well represented at this year's conference!
The Research Corner:
This week, we invite you to read a study "Perkins V Comprehensive Regional Needs Assessment" which summarizes the needs of special populations using data from student surveys and community forums across the San Diego & Imperial region between 2024 and 2025. SThe study may be found at the link. Please take a minute to review this resource and email [email protected] if you have any questions.
Best,
