Dear SDCCE Community,
Spring Break is here! There are no classes being held March 31 to April 4, 2025. Additionally, we proudly recognize César Chávez Day on March 31 in honor of his tireless advocacy for farm workers' rights and his commitment to equity—values we deeply cherish. In observance of this important day, all campuses will be closed on April 4, following Spring Break (March 31 – April 3).
We look forward to welcoming everyone back on Monday, April 7, recharged and ready to finish the semester strong.
Enrollment Updates
SDCCE’s overall enrollment for spring stands at 29,901 (0.1%
less than this time last year, and a
0.4% increase from last week), with a fill rate of 76%, which is greater than last spring (70%).
SDCCE’s overall headcount is currently 15,483, a decrease of 2% compared to this time last spring
(15,793) and a 1% increase from last week (15,326). FTEF scheduled for the spring semester is 3%
greater than last spring (190.68 to 195.74). View the
enrollment report.
Ashley Nell Tipton, Project Runway Season 14 winner and a trailblazer in plus-size fashion, is the newest instructor for SDCCE’s award-winning Clothing and Textiles Program. With her industry experience and passion for hands-on learning, she aims to inspire the next generation of designers. Her success as a designer and her journey on Project Runway provide invaluable insights, equipping students with the skills to thrive in fashion’s competitive landscape. We’re thrilled to welcome her to the team! Learn more about Ashley's story.
On March 31, the SDCCE Foundation received a $689,000 award from the Lucky Duck Foundation to support students in our Pathways Program. Ahead of the event, Program Coordinator, Samantha Stanley spoke with NBC 7 about the impact these funds will have for our students like Maria Ramirez and Melissa Mendoza. The generous $689,000 grant represents a shared commitment to empowering homeless individuals through education, supportive employment, innovative programming, and more.
Thank you to everyone who joined me and the leadership team for the Second Open Forum on Budget, Enrollment, and Staffing Q&A at Mid-City Campus on March 25. Your participation made for a great turnout, and the valuable discussions, questions, and feedback shared were greatly appreciated.
We remain committed to open dialogue and collaboration as we work together to develop strategies that move our college forward.
Coffee and Chat with the President is back this Spring, beginning on April 7, 2025 at César Chávez Campus, 12:00 -1:00PM. These coffee and chats will be platforms to continue conversations on Budget, Enrollment, and Staffing. Please join any of the sessions!
In collaboration with Miramar College, SDCCE proudly hosted the 5th SD Advance Symposium, bringing together 63+ district employees, including Presidents, VPs, Deans, Faculty, Counselors, Financial Aid Professionals, and Students.
The symposium focused on the SD Advance framework, reinforcing our commitment to:
- Respecting all students
- Building seamless pathways from noncredit to credit
- Aligning departments & governance
- Creating credit-worthy programs
- Removing barriers to student success
We highlighted key workforce programs like Healthcare, Automotive, Cybersecurity, Culinary Arts, Clothing & Textiles, and Child Development, while emphasizing the vital roles of outreach, counseling, and research in student success.
Thank you to all who attended! Together, we’re ensuring no student starts from ground zero in their educational journey.
As part of the SD Advance Initiative, we encourage students to further their education at any of our credit colleges within the District. City College will be hosting an upcoming Community Open House on Thursday, April 17. This is a great opportunity for our SDCCE students to explore their options and learn more.
Women’s History Month was a celebration of strength, resilience, and unity! From learning and connecting to empowering and prioritizing mental health, we honored women from all walks of life.
A huge thank you to everyone who made the series of events a success! Let’s keep the momentum going—recognizing excellence, uplifting voices, and giving flowers when deserved.
Missed SDCCE's New City Sinfonia? No worries! Here's a recap. Come out to the next Emeritus concert on Saturday, April 12 for an unforgettable evening of melodies from choirs, orchestras, and more!
Free admission—and donations are always welcomed.
Thank you to Professor Helena Wei for leading another successful concert.
Applications are open for Executive Officer positions with Associated Students of SDCCE. We encourage you to share with students.
Positions Available
- President/Student Trustee
- Vice President
- Secretary
- Treasurer
Eligibility
- Currently enrolled SDCCE student, continuing through 2025-2026.
- Maintain 4+ hours/week or 1 high school diploma course.
- Maintain satisfactory academic progress.
Dates
- Apply by: April 11 (https://tinyurl.com/ExecutiveOfficerApp25)
- Candidate notifications: April 17
- Mandatory Meeting: April 18
- Elections: May 2025
Questions? Contact Student Affairs: sdccestudentaffairs@sdccd.edu | (619) 388-7332
The Office of Student Affairs would like to invite all faculty, classified professionals, and the College community to join us for the Scholarship & Awards Celebration on Tuesday, April 22 and for the Commencement Ceremony on Friday, June 6 by volunteering to support these wonderful events! Read below for details on the events and how to volunteer:
SCHOLARSHIP & AWARDS CELEBRATION - April 22, 4PM, ECC Front Lawn
Join us as we celebrate over 100 student-honorees, who will receive $110,000 in scholarships and awards this year! Volunteering opportunities will include:
- Ushers for the event to assist student-honorees, their guests, and VIPs in locating their assigned seating
- Check-in Assistants to distribute name cards and program information via QR code
- Check-out Assistants to distribute checks and certificates following the program
- Staging Assistants during the speakers/program
If you are interested in volunteering for this event, please let us know by reply e-mail - all volunteers are asked to set aside 2PM to 6:30PM the day of the event for assignment.
COMMENCEMENT CEREMONY - June 6, 5PM, Spreckels Organ Pavilion @ Balboa Park
This year's Commencement, celebrating 111 years of service to San Diego by the San Diego College of Continuing Education, will honor students completing their high school diplomas & equivalencies, vocational certificates, and advanced ESL program certificates alongside graduates supported by our partners at the San Diego Unified School District Adult High School Diploma Program!
Volunteering opportunities abound - visit https://tinyurl.com/2025CommencementVols to sign up! Volunteers are needed between 12 Noon and 7PM on the day of the event.
We’re excited to invite you to the Grand Opening of the Business Resource Center (BRC) on Wednesday, April 9, 2025, from 12:00 to 2:00PM at the San Diego College of Continuing Education Foundation – César E. Chávez Campus.
Come explore our new space, connect with the community, and discover the incredible resources available to support your business goals. Enjoy a welcoming event with exciting giveaways and light refreshments. RSVP here.
ACLU, "Know Your Rights" trainings are available to all College of Continuing Education students, employees, and community members. Sessions are virtual in both English and Spanish. Registration is now open for the ACLU Know Your Rights trainings.
Join us on April 11, 2025, at San Diego Mesa College for the Undocumented Student Conference: The Overcoming Arc Building a Better Future Together, a free district-wide event from 8:30AM to 1:30PM, featuring workshops, resources, and networking for undocumented students and allies. Enjoy a keynote by poet and activist Yosimar Reyes, plus workshops on UndocuAlly Training, Know Your Rights, Income Opportunities, and Self-Care—free lunch with RSVP!
For disability services, contact Dean Lillian A. Garcia (lgarcia002@sdccd.edu) at least five business days in advance.
Remember tutoring is available for students, see the details below for enrollment support in available courses:
CRN: 85664 (ECC)
ECC- Room 76
Mon & Wed 12 to 6PM
The following Fridays 8AM to 1PM:
April 18th
May 2nd, 16th, & 30th
CRN: 85665 (Mid City)
MCC - Room 317
Tue & Thur 12:30 to 5:30PM
The following Fridays 8AM to 1PM:
April 11th & 25th
May 9th & 23rd
Check out the upcoming Be Well CCE support group opportunities to boost your well-being this semester!Be Well CCE
Life in Living Color (LGBTQIA+)
Come join our bilingual support group twice a month to meet others, discuss relevant topics, and
learn about resources for LGBTQIA+ students.
This group meets *BI-WEEKLY* on Mondays in person at the Cesar Chavez campus in room 205 or via
Zoom.
Dates: 4/7/25, 4/21/25, 5/5/25, 5/19/25, 6/2/25, 6/16/25
Meeting ID: 867 6916 7653
https://sdccd-edu.zoom.us/j/86769167653
Real Relations Support Group
BeWell CCE wants to support you and your goals as you navigate the various interpersonal
relationships in life. Some of the topics are included but not limited to: Communication,
Boundaries, Self-Esteem, Core Beliefs/Values, Healthy/Unhealthy Relationship Traits, Positive
Parenting/Discipline techniques and more.
The last Monday of the month is students only at 12:30PM.
Dates: 4/28/25, 5/19/25, 6/23/25
Meeting ID: 847 4447 3305
https://sdccd-edu.zoom.us/j/84744473305
Weekly Student Support Group
“This Thing Called Life” is hosted on Wednesdays for students only at 12:30PM.
Meeting ID: 884 0608 7923
https://sdccd-edu.zoom.us/j/88406087923
Weekly Employee Support Group
“Think it Through Thursdays” is hosted on Thursdays for employees only at 12:30PM.
Flex Credit Available
Meeting ID: 879 8336 9490
https://sdccd-edu.zoom.us/j/87983369490
For SDCCE Budget and Fund Managers, please note General Fund
Unrestricted (GFU) purchase requisitions
must be submitted to the Administrative Services department no later than Monday, April 7, and all
Restricted Fund purchase requisitions be submitted no later than Monday, May 5. Thank you for your
attention to this important deadline.
The SDCCE Faculty Equity Institute was a transformative experience, led by Denise Munoz, Sany Ramirez, and Dr. Veleka Iwuaba. Their leadership sparked meaningful discussions on equity and inclusion, equipping faculty with valuable insights and strategies to better support our diverse students.
Thank you for an impactful institute!
In the Spring 2025 Classified Leadership Development Academy, our VPI, Dr. Omae joined fellow district leaders as a panelist, offering valuable perspectives on leadership and professional growth. Thank you, Dr. Omae, for your guidance and for sharing your insights to inspire the next generation of leaders.
VPSS, Dr. Shakerra Carter represented SDCCE at the COABE 2025 National Adult Education Conference in Dallas, Texas. She presented on, "Future-Ready: Harnessing Collaboration to Enhance Students' Earning Potential." Well done, Dr. Carter!
It is time to elect three new officers to fill vacant positions on the Academic Senate Executive Committee. The Academic Senate is a faculty organization that forms and implements academic and professional policies for the College of Continuing Education.
Positions & Terms
- President (2-year term) – Only contract faculty are eligible.
- Vice President (1-year term) – Only contract faculty are eligible.
- Treasurer (2-year term) – Any faculty member (contract or adjunct) can be nominated; however, it is highly recommended and preferred that contract faculty fill Academic Senate officer positions.
These positions will take effect for the 2025-2027 term, beginning in the Fall Semester of the 2025/2026 school year.
Eligibility & Participation
The Executive Committee meets twice a month, once for an Executive Meeting and once for a general Academic Senate meeting. If you are interested in running for one of these positions or know someone who would represent faculty well, we encourage you to participate in the nomination process.
Important Nomination Requirement
Before submitting a nomination, please ensure that the person you are nominating has agreed to serve and has obtained authorization from their Dean.
How to Nominate
- Submit Your Nomination Here: 2025-2027 SDCCE Academic Senate Request for Nomination
- Deadline: April 7, 2025, by noon.
Elections will be held online at the end of April using Election Buddy. Your voice matters—please consider participating in this important process! If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to the Academic Senate Elections Committee Chair, Ildifonso Carrillo.
Thank you to our Black Student Success Program (BSSP) for hosting an informative Immigration Workshop on Friday, March 28, in collaboration with Alliance San Diego. The workshop provided invaluable insights and guidance on understanding Temporary Protected Status and navigating immigration challenges in uncertain times for our Haitian and Black Immigrant student community.
Please remind and encourage students to take the student equity success survey sent to their student emails. The survey is open until April 20, 2025.
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.
For SDCCE professional development opportunities, visit the professional development web page for upcoming workshops.
For
SDCCE swag and merch visit the online
store and start shopping today!
Faculty Spotlight
Congratulations to our Faculty Spotlight, Dr. Rachel Rose who has been an invaluable member of our college community, serving in a variety of roles throughout her tenure. From her work as both faculty and program chair in Child Development to her leadership as Chair of Chairs and Interim Dean, Rachel has consistently demonstrated unwavering dedication and visionary leadership.
Her contributions have been pivotal in advancing key initiatives, particularly her ongoing leadership with the San Diego Advance Initiative. We’re fortunate to have you at SDCCE!
President's Updates
I had a great time walking for a good cause in support of Brain Injury Awareness Month, enjoy this recap.
Take an inside look into our time at the San Diego Brain Injury Foundation's 18th Annual Survive HeadSTRONG Fundraiser.
Thank you to the faculty who have joined me for Walks with the President! So far this semester, we've covered about four miles, and I’ve truly enjoyed our conversations while getting some fresh air. Looking forward to more walks ahead!
I had the honor of attending the MANA de San Diego Legacy Luncheon, where I was recognized as the first woman and first Afro-Latina to serve as President of San Diego College of Continuing Education. It was a proud moment to celebrate representation and leadership in our community.
The Research Corner
This week, we invite you to explore the report 2023 Effective Practices for Student Success, Retention, and Completion Report. This report from Ruffalo Noel Levitz analyzes the methods and practices used by public 4-year colleges and universities to improve student retention and completion. You can read the full article at the following link: 2023 Effective Practices for Student Success, Retention, and Completion: Four-Year Public. Please take a minute to review this resource and email jsalcedo001@sdccd.edu if you have any questions.
Walk with the President / President's Office Hours
This semester, I'm excited to offer a new 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 this spring. 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 serve basis. If you would like to schedule an appointment with me, please email sdccepresident@sdccd.edu for detailed information.
Best,
