Dear SDCCE Community,

I hope you had a restful and refreshing Spring Break! Now, it’s time to help our students stay on track and provide the support and instruction they need to succeed. We have much in store for the week ahead.

April is National Minority Health Month, a time to recognize the unique health challenges faced by minority communities and promote equitable access to care. As we observe this important month, let’s unite to raise awareness, foster inclusivity, and support efforts to improve both mental and physical health for all. I encourage each of you to remember our theme of Be Well This Spring and remember to check in on one another and our students.

Additionally, April is National Welding Month, recognizing the skilled professionals in the welding industry and the vital contributions they make to our economy and infrastructure. Welding plays an important role in shaping a sustainable future, and we’re proud to support students in our award-winning welding program pursue careers in this field.

Enrollment Updates

SDCCE’s overall enrollment for spring stands at 29,932 (2% less than this time last year, and a 0.1% increase from last week), with a fill rate of 76%, which is greater than last spring (71%). SDCCE’s overall headcount is currently 15,525, a decrease of 3% compared to this time last spring (16,019) and a 0.3% increase from last week (15,483). FTEF scheduled for the spring semester is 2% greater than last spring (191.34 to 195.74). View the enrollment report.

The San Diego College of Continuing Education Foundation has received a $689,000 grant from the Lucky Duck Foundation to support the Pathways Program for homeless students. Running from January 1, 2025, to December 31, 2026, the grant will fund critical resources for this retention-focused program, offering intensive support services to help homeless students succeed in their education. Read more in our News Room.

Monica Moysen entered the San Diego College of Continuing Education’s High School Diploma/Equivalency Program and discovered a world of possibility. With determination and support, she’s now thriving as a junior majoring in communications at San Diego State University and on track to pursue a postgraduate degree to become a college professor. Monica’s story proves it’s never too late to rewrite your future!

Visit our News Room to learn more about her inspiring journey.

Today we hosted the first Coffee and Chat in April, our next one will be on April 16, 2025 at CE Mesa Campus, 11:30AM - 12:30PM. These coffee and chats will be platforms to continue conversations on Budget, Enrollment, and Staffing. Please join any of the sessions!

Administrative Services is offering drop-in online open office hours. During these sessions, we’ll be available to answer questions about budget, human resources, travel processes, and the resource request process.

Join the next session on April10 from 2 to 3:00 p.m. on Zoom.

Join us for the 7th Annual CCC LGBTQ+ Summit Watch Party on April 15 & 16, from 9:00AM to 2:30PM at the Educational Cultural Complex (ECC), Room 169.

Be part of the LGBTQ+ CCC Revolution as we learn, connect, and celebrate together.

All are welcome!

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.

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.

Registration is NOW OPEN for the Black Student Success Week statewide webinar series, taking place April 21-25, 2025, from 12pm-1pm daily. This year’s theme is “Lift Up, Level Up: The Rise of Black Serving Institutions.”

Register at www.blkstudentsuccess.com.

Summer enrollment is just around the corner! Let’s help our students get ready by reminding them of these important dates:

• Summer schedule available: April 14
• Summer enrollment begins: May 12
• Summer classes start: June 9

Encourage students to plan ahead and secure their spot for an exciting summer semester!

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

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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 today.

Learn more about the creation of this new space in the SDCCE News Room.

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. *NEW! Beginning this week, we’ve added morning hours on Wednesdays from 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM at ECC to better accommodate student schedules.

Course: ABED 445
CRN: 85664 (ECC)
ECC- Room 76
Mon & Wed 12 to 6PM
The following Fridays 8AM to 1PM:
April 18th
May 2nd, 16th, & 30th

Course: ABED 445
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: 4/21/25, 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

The Counseling Department is offering a workshop to help students understand the importance of having an Educational (Ed) Plan!

Date: Wednesday, April 16
Time: 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Location: Mid City, Room 117

Topics Covered:

• The importance of an Ed Plan
• How to read and access your Ed Plan
• Who can update it

Please share this opportunity with students to help them achieve their educational goals.

Faculty Spotlight

This week's Faculty Spotlight shines on Chefs Megan Leppert and Nikki Austria, who led the our student culinary team to a Bronze Medal at the ACF Western Region Competition in Las Vegas. Through their exceptional leadership, and culinary expertise these two have demonstrated unparalleled dedication and skill, helping our students achieve this impressive recognition.

We are truly fortunate to have such talented and inspiring faculty at our college!

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!

President's Updates

I am pleased to congratulate Alonzo Pishyar as the new Director of College Technology Services at San Diego College of Continuing Education, starting April 14, 2025. In this role, Alonzo will lead the charge in enhancing our technology planning, infrastructure, and support services across all campuses. This marks a significant milestone as it is the first time our college will have a dedicated Director overseeing IT, and I am truly thrilled to have Alonzo's leadership in this vital position.

Tomorrow, I'll be heading to Sacramento, CA to advocate for AB1433, working to ensure that noncredit students receive the support and resources they need to succeed. I’m excited to join others in pushing for positive change that will have a lasting impact on our student community! I encourage you to continue submitting letters of support directly to the Legislature via The California Legislature Position Letter Portal at https://calegislation.lc.ca.gov/Advocates/. The letter template can be found via Sharepoint.

I had the incredible opportunity to attend and present at The Council for the Study of Community Colleges (CSCC) conference from April 3-5, 2025, in Detroit, Michigan on "Cultivating Strategies for Supporting College Men of Color." It was inspiring to connect with a vibrant community of advocates, leaders, and researchers, all passionate about shaping the future of community colleges.

The Research Corner

This week, we invite you to explore the report Examining the Racialized Discourse of Guided Pathways. This report from the University of Southern California discusses the ways in which the Guided Pathways methodology fails to correct inequity along racial lines, and what changes could be made to policy in order to overcome these shortcomings. You can read the full article at the following link: Examining the Racialized Discourse of Guided Pathways. 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,