Dear SDCCE Community,
Today, we joined the California Community College System in supporting Black Student Success Week (April 21-25) with a lineup of interactive webinars and in-person activities designed to celebrate, empower, and support our Black student community in their academic and personal growth. You’ll find more details about this exciting weeklong event below and SDCCE events on the flyer.
2025 Black Student Success Week - Vision Resource Center
This month, SDCCE also participated in the Districtwide Undocumented Student Conference and the Statewide Annual CCC LGBTQ+ Summit. Looking ahead, summer enrollment begins on May 12, and we have many exciting events to look forward to, including our annual Scholarship and Awards Ceremony, the BIG MAKE at West City, Arab American Heritage Month events and celebrations, the ECC Theatre Groundbreaking, Commencement, and so much more. Thank you for making SDCCE such a special place to be!
Enrollment Updates
SDCCE’s overall enrollment for spring stands at 30,188 (2% less than this time last year, and a 1% increase from last week), with a fill rate of 76%, which is greater than last spring (71%). SDCCE’s overall headcount is currently 15,605, a decrease of 4% compared to this time last spring (16,174) and a 1% increase from last week (15,525). FTEF scheduled for the spring semester is 3% greater than last spring (191.12 to 196.10). View the enrollment report.
Safety, Inclusion, and Belonging (SIB) Task Force Updates
At San Diego College of Continuing Education, we are committed to maintaining a campus environment that fosters inclusivity, equity, and respect for all individuals, regardless of their background or immigration status. The SIB Task Force was created to develop actionable steps to enhance support for our students in the current social climate. As a Task Force we are working on the following:
- Maintaining an FAQs section on the Know Your Rights Webpage to provide comprehensive information on immigration.
- Engaging in cross-departmental collaboration, enhancing overall efficiency for our efforts and events.
- Ensuring mental health support both virtually and in-person for those who may need it.
- Working to identify essential legal services for students.
The statewide 7th Annual CCC LGBTQ+ Summit was a great success. The event brought energy, meaningful stories, and strong connections. It was a wonderful opportunity to celebrate identity, build community, and leave feeling empowered. Thanks to everyone who participated in our watch party at ECC.
Additionally, Finnley Armacost, Research Assistant 3, and Jesus Rivas, Associate Dean of Research from the Planning, Research, and Institutional Effectiveness Office, presented at last week's LGBTQ+ Summit. Their session, titled "Illuminating Intersectional Experiences: Inclusive Survey Methodologies and Data-Informed Strategies for Advancing Equity," showcased innovative approaches to inclusive data collection and analysis, emphasizing how institutions can better support LGBTQIA+ and intersectionally-marginalized student populations.
The Cultural Events Task Force proudly recognizes Arab American Heritage Month and National Stress Awareness Month by offering a series of Anxiety Workshops, providing safe and supportive spaces amidst the current social climate. To encourage relaxation and enjoyment, we’ll host Trivia Games where students can take a break and have some fun during their busy day. Additionally, we’ll be screening the movie Ameerka, highlighting the challenges immigrants face, while offering a hopeful and inspiring perspective on overcoming adversity and achieving success.
Please encourage students to show up and enjoy the festivities.
Thank you to those who joined me in our Coffee and Chat session last week at CE Mesa and today at the Educational Cultural Complex. Our next one will be, May 1, 2025 at the West City Campus, 3 to 4 p.m., Room 206. These coffee and chats will be platforms to continue conversations on Budget, Enrollment, and Staffing. Please join any of the sessions!
Join us for the Groundbreaking Ceremony of the historic Educational Cultural Complex Theatre renovation on Thursday, May 8 from 10:00–11:30 a.m.
Celebrate the start of this exciting project with special guests, inspiring remarks, and a look at the future of this vital community space.
RSVP at SDCCEGroundBreaking.eventbrite.com.
We invite the SDCCE community to join us for the BIG MAKE 2025: Threads of Change on Saturday, April 26, from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the West City Campus. This free event celebrates textiles, storytelling, and sustainability, featuring artist Liberty Worth. Open to all ages 16 and older.
As part of the SD Advance Initiative, SDCCE students had the opportunity to visit City College for the Community Open House on April 17. It was a chance for students to explore their educational options and learn more about the programs offered at one of our District’s credit colleges. The event was a great success, providing valuable insights for those considering the next steps in their academic journey.
Thank you to Outreach and ESL faculty for helping ensure our students had an exciting day.
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!
I'm excited for our Annual Scholarship & Awards Celebration happening tomorrow, Tuesday, April 22, 2025, from 4 to 6 p.m. at the Educational Cultural Complex where we will honor 115 students! A total of $110,000 in scholarships and awards will be given to our students in alignment with our 110-year history. Notable recipients include Colin Geaghan, an Emerging Leader Scholarship winner who is pursuing a culinary arts certificate, and other distinguished honorees such as Daniel Long, Veronica Maya, and Ana Julia Marquetti Narino.
Thank you to the Office of Student Affairs and the Foundation for supporting this year's event, along with all of our donors, volunteers, employees, Chancellor, and Board of Trustees who will be present to celebrate! Read more in the SDCCE News Room.
Save the Date: SDCCE Commencement Ceremony will be held - June 6, 2025 at 5 p.m., Spreckels Organ Pavilion at 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!
Students should sign up to participate by May 9. Visit the commencement webpage for more details.
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.
Remember tutoring is available for students, see the details below for enrollment support in available courses. Additionally, we’ve added morning hours on Wednesdays from 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM at ECC to better accommodate student schedules.
CRN: 85664 (ECC)
ECC- Room 76
Mon & Wed 12 to 6PM
The following Fridays 8AM to 1PM:
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 25th
May 9th & 23rd
We're proud to introduce our Mamava Lactation Pods—private, comfortable spaces designed to support students who need a dedicated place to nurse or pump while on campus. These pods are now available at our ECC, Mid-City, and Chavez campuses.
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: 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: May 1
Time: 12:30 PM – 1:30 PM
Location: Virtual/ Zoom
About this workshop:
Explore the wide range of programs available at SDCCE.
Please share this opportunity with students to help them achieve their educational goals.
Last month, SDCCE completed the Faculty Equity Institute 2.0, part of the Culturally Responsive Pedagogy and Practices (CRPP) Grant from the California Community Colleges. This year the institute was facilitated by: Veleka Iwuaba, Denise Munoz, and Sany Ramirez. The Office of Planning, Research, and Institutional Effectiveness (PRIE) extends heartfelt thanks to the 11 instructional and counseling faculty members who participated in our second cohort, engaging in data-informed and courageous conversations about Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Anti-racism, and Accessibility.
Special recognition goes to the guest speakers and researchers that shared their valuable expertise and insights to these dialogues: Esteban Alvarado (DEIAA Initiatives), Franklin Garrett (Student Support Services), Johanna Gleason (Accessibility), Jeremy Garcia & Liz Barajas (Self Care in Equity Work), Jaime Sykes (Qualitative Data), Juan Salcedo (Quantitative Data), Semei Coronado (Success Metrics Data), Aly Pascua (Success Metrics Data Support), and Margaret Braun (Accessibility Data).
On April 21, Jesus Rivas, Associate Dean of Research from the Planning, Research, and Institutional Effectiveness Office participated in Ethnographer Extravaganza at Mesa College, where he focused on three topics: 1) his educational and career journey as a researcher, 2) tips and tricks to grow social capital, and 3) latest result of binational student study.
Faculty Spotlight
We’re excited to shine the faculty spotlight on Dr. Terry Sivers. As the Black Student Success Program (BSSP) Counselor and Coordinator, Dr. Sivers meets with Black and African American students one on one to make an academic plan and additionally supports them with basic needs, resources and advocacy. Dr. Sivers also serves on the Safety, Inclusion, and Belonging Task Force. Thank you, Dr. Sivers for all that you do for SDCCE!
There’s still time! Please encourage students to complete the Student Equity Success Survey, which has been sent to their student emails.
Join us for the HyFlex 2.0 hands-on professional development training at ECC on Tuesday, April 22, 2025, from 1 to 2:30 PM in Room 188. This workshop will help both new and experienced instructors adapt to the updated HyFlex teaching workflow with the addition of a designated laptop to the Teacher Podium. View the workshop description.
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 had the honor of attending the Reality Changers Gala alongside the SDCCE Foundation—an inspiring evening celebrating student success.
I also enjoyed the Districtwide Black Student Success Summit on April 18, 2025, where Dr. Carter and I served as the keynotes. We spoke about the Five Keys to Success and shared our personal journeys with the attendees. It was a truly memorable experience.
I’m heading back to Sacramento to advocate for AB1433 and ensure noncredit students get the support they need to thrive at the Military and Veterans Affairs Committee on April 29. I'm excited to join others in driving meaningful, lasting change for our student community. You can keep the momentum going by submitting a support letter through the California Legislature Position Letter Portal due by noon this Thursday 4/25: https://calegislation.lc.ca.gov/Advocates/ — a template is available on SharePoint.
The Research Corner
This week, we invite you to explore the report Fostering Faculty Growth Culture Practices in California Community Colleges: Summary Report. A Report on how a culture of growth is effective in helping students succeed and decreasing inequity, and how a college staff community of practice can cultivate a culture of growth. You can read the full article at the following link: Fostering Faculty Growth Culture Practices in California Community Colleges. 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,
