Dear SDCCE Community,
As we continue to navigate the recent incidents involving ICE near campus, I want to reaffirm our commitment to ensuring our students feel safe, supported, and connected to the resources available to them. I also want to remind our students that support for their mental well-being is available through Be Well, and to take part in the upcoming Undocumented Student Success Week, where we recognize, celebrate, and uplift our undocumented students and remind them that they are seen, valued, and an important part of our SDCCE community. At SDCCE, we remain committed to creating learning environments where every student can pursue their goals with dignity, care, and a strong sense of belonging.
Enrollment Updates
Fall Update
SDCCE's overall enrollment for fall stands at 24,039 (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 12,649, (a 1% increase from last week (12,543).) FTEF scheduled for the fall semester is 9% greater than last fall (197.56 to 215.28). 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.
Passport to Success
We officially kicked off this year's Passport to Success (P2S) Onboarding program, celebrating our newly hired SDCCE faculty, classified professionals, supervisors and managers! Passport to Success is a monthly onboarding and professional development program designed to help new employees navigate the college system, build meaningful connections, and explore pathways for future growth and leadership.
A heartfelt thank-you to our wonderful co-coordinators, Professor Helena Wei and Dr. Veleka Iwuaba, and to everyone who volunteered to serve as a mentor to this year's cohort. Your time, guidance, and commitment help create a welcoming and supportive environment where our newest team members can learn, connect, and succeed.
SDCCE National Coming Out Day Video
In recognition of National Coming Out Day, which was on October 11, 2026, SDCCE employees and students were invited to share their reflections on what this day means to them through a special video campaign.
Organized by Carol Basilio, lead of the ESL LGBTQIA+ Focus Group, and Esteban Alvarado, Chair of the DEIAA Committee, the campaign provides an opportunity to uplift LGBTQIA+ voices, celebrate authenticity, and recognize the importance of creating a welcoming and inclusive college community where everyone feels seen, valued, and supported.
Thank you to everyone who participated and shared their journeys and perspectives to help foster greater understanding, connection, and belonging across SDCCE! Also, check out the ESL LGBTQIA+ Focus Group SharePoint for more details and resources.
Indigenous Peoples' Day
In recognition of Indigenous Peoples' Day, our community came together on Monday, October 12, for a special screening of Frybread Face and Me at the Mid-City Campus. The event offered an opportunity to honor Indigenous histories, cultures, and contributions through film and storytelling.
Attendees enjoyed the screening, popcorn, and the opportunity to earn a sticker for their "Culture Lives Here" booklet as part of our yearlong celebration of culture and community.
Thank you to everyone who joined us in celebrating Indigenous cultures and the power of storytelling!
Undocumented Student Success Week
Undocumented Student Success Week is taking place October 19-23rd, and we're creating space to connect, learn, and remind our undocumented students that they are seen, valued, and supported at SDCCE. Students can take part in opportunities throughout the week to learn about transfer pathways, understand their rights, and connect with community advocates and resources.
Monday, October 19 | Transfer Resources Webinar
Hear from UC and CSU representatives about university resources, transfer options, and next steps. Representatives will also answer questions and provide guidance to help students navigate their transfer journey.
Tuesday, October 20 | Know Your Rights Through Improv – Uprise Theater
This bilingual Spanish/English interactive performance brings together attorneys, community advocates, and improvisers to explore real-life scenarios and help participants better understand their rights and how to support one another.
Wednesday, October 28 | Legally Brown: A Queer Chicana's Take on the Law
This presentation explores the law as a catalyst for social justice through a marginalized perspective, centering leadership and activism while inspiring students and community members to create meaningful change.
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.
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.
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. 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.
Campus Built Together: Harbor View Renaming
Thank you to everyone who participated in the Harbor View Campus (formerly César E. Chávez Campus) renaming process. We are grateful for the time, thought, and perspectives our community shared throughout this important process.
The Restorative Renaming Circles provided opportunities for reflection, dialogue, listening, and connection as community members came together to consider the history and future of Harbor View Campus. We also appreciate everyone who took the time to complete the Renaming Survey and share their feedback. We will share more details in the coming weeks as we progress through next steps in identifying the new permanent name.
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 kicked off 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
SDCCE Safety Series
Join us for the SDCCE Safety Series, a collection of trainings designed to strengthen safety, preparedness, and awareness across our campuses. Registration is required, and Flex credit is available.
Upcoming trainings:
The Great California ShakeOut — October 15 at 10:15 a.m.
Practice "Drop, Cover, and Hold On" and learn more about earthquake preparedness. No building evacuations are required, and no audible alarms will sound. The District will send TEST emergency notifications.
Hands-Only CPR & AED Training — October 14, 19 & 28
Learn basic CPR, how to respond to cardiac emergencies, and how to use an AED.
College Police Dispatch Workshop — October 20
Learn what to expect when contacting campus police, including how to use panic buttons, emergency call boxes, and the SDCCD Safe app.
Responding to ICE on Campus — Coming soon
Details will be announced as they become available.
Visit the SDCCE Campus Safety Page for registration, training details, and additional safety resources. Please email Anthony Vargas or Jasmine Duran with any questions or call 619-388-4915.
Chancellor's Fall Forum
Join us for an open conversation with Chancellor Smith about the issues that matter to you and our District.
Monday, October 26, 2026
3 to 5 p.m.
North City Campus, Room 101
Flex credit is available: #40203
Bring your questions, perspectives, and ideas as we come together for meaningful conversation and community dialogue.
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 Measure HH, SDCCE, architects, and construction teams met to discuss ECC Theatre construction updates, upcoming construction schedules, and shared progress photos.
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 Spotlight shine on Joshlynn Sturgeon. Joshlynn's journey with SDCCE began as a student, where she earned her GED. From there, she became an hourly employee before serving as an administrative assistant for many years. Now, after 10 years with SDCCE, she continues to find joy in helping students navigate registration, connect with resources and access the support they need.
For Joshlynn, knowing she made a difference in someone's day is one of the most rewarding parts of her work. Her passion for helping others also extends beyond SDCCE. She spent five years working with preschoolers and later supported students with moderate to severe needs, learning new techniques and approaches to help them thrive.
Outside of work, Joshlynn enjoys spending time with her children and mom, reading, trying new foods, watching crime dramas, getting her nails done and learning new things. Above all, she says she truly enjoys being part of the SDCCE community and is grateful for the opportunity to support students along their journeys.
Faculty Spotlight
This week's Faculty Spotlight shines on Clothing & Textile Arts Adjunct Instructor, Gail Iliria Lau!
With a background in education as both a teacher and counselor, Gail is passionate about creating an encouraging and engaging learning environment where students of all experience levels can develop new skills and explore their creativity.
Gail first joined the college as a Project Assistant for the Clothing & Textile Arts department and quickly fell in love with SDCCE's welcoming culture and strong sense of community. Today, she enjoys helping students discover the creativity and possibilities found in textiles, sustainability and sewing construction.
Outside of work, Gail enjoys volunteering, baking, reading, and watching TV shows and films. Through her passion for teaching and lifelong learning, she hopes to inspire her students to explore their own potential and make a lasting impact in their learning journeys.
SPAA Spotlight
This week's SPAA Spotlight shines on College Operations Supervisor, Dr. Cindy Ybarra!
Dr. Ybarra has dedicated 26 years to the San Diego Community College District, serving in a variety of roles including NANCE in the Student Affairs Office at City College, Student Services Assistant in the Transfer/Career Center at City College, Senior Student Services Assistant, and Senior Secretary for the School of Engineering Technologies, Mathematics, Sciences and Nursing. She joined SDCCE in February 2018.
As a first-generation student who did not complete high school through a traditional pathway, Dr. Ybarra's own educational journey shaped her passion for helping others. The barriers and challenges she experienced inspired her to help make education more attainable and ensure students have the support they need to navigate their own paths to success.
Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with family, watching her son play baseball, attending concerts and cheering on her favorite teams at sporting events.
Dr. Ybarra recently reached an exciting milestone of her own, earning her doctorate in Education with an emphasis in Community College Leadership. Her journey is a testament to the power of education, perseverance and a commitment to helping others achieve their goals.
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.
- 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
- At the Vision 2030 Noncredit Summit, I was honored to represent SDCCE and join California Community Colleges Chancellor Dr. Sonya Christian and fellow college leaders in discussing the future of noncredit education. Together, we highlighted our shared commitment to expanding opportunity, supporting adult learners, and creating pathways to economic mobility through the powerful work of noncredit programs. Chancellor Christian also featured the Noncredit Summit in her weekly blog.
- I am excited to participate in UC Davis Wheelhouse's Community of Leadership Practice on AI. I am one of 20 CEOs selected for this yearlong experience, which will provide opportunities to learn alongside colleagues and strengthen our leadership around AI and its implications for our colleges and students within the California Community Colleges.
- Members of our SDCCE team had the privilege of attending two meaningful events that reflect the heart of the communities we are honored to serve. Chicano Park Museum and Cultural Center's First Annual Fundraiser, La Convivencia: Of the Four Directions. A beautiful celebration of culture, history, art, and community. This important fundraiser supports the museum's mission to preserve and share the rich cultural legacy of Chicano Park through education, exhibitions, and community engagement. Also, the County of San Diego Black Chamber of Commerce 2026 Annual Gala, "Built for This: United in Purpose!" An inspiring evening celebrating Black excellence, entrepreneurship, leadership, and economic empowerment. I am grateful for our incredible SDCCE team members who continue to show up, build relationships, and demonstrate what it means to be a true community partner.
The Research Corner
This week, we invite you to read a report "How Workers Use, or Don't Use, their Skills in the Workplacet" which drawing on the latest OECD Survey of Adult Skills (PIAAC), provides new evidence of a broken link between skills proficiency and skills use, revealing that many highly skilled workers have limited opportunities to deploy their talents. By linking skills use to wages, productivity, inequality and job satisfaction, the report demonstrates why effective skills use matters for both economic performance and worker well-being. The study 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,
