Dear SDCCE Community,
A new season of opportunity is here—Fall enrollment is officially open today, June 30!
Let’s come together to support our students as they take the next step toward their goals, whether it’s earning a diploma, learning a new skill, or starting a new career path. Every conversation, encouragement, and shared resource can make a difference.
Also, please note, this Friday is Independence Day, commonly known as the Fourth of July. I hope you catch some fireworks, enjoy summer fun, or time with loved ones.
Enrollment Updates
Summer Update
SDCCE’s overall enrollment for summer stands at 13,943 (5% less than this time last year, and a 5% decrease from last week), with a fill rate of 78%, which is less than last summer (87%). SDCCE’s overall headcount is currently 9,810, a decrease of 2% compared to this time last summer (10,010) and a 4% decrease from last week (10,172). FTEF scheduled for the summer semester is 12% greater than last summer (71.88 to 80.25). View the enrollment report.
Take a moment to revisit our inspiring 2025 Commencement student speaker, Francisco Contreras as he shares his journey of overcoming barriers and achieving success.
The Cultural Events Taskforce came together for a productive summer retreat—celebrating past achievements, generating new ideas, and setting a strong foundation for a year of inclusive and impactful programming. Through collaboration and creativity, the team is shaping events that reflect and uplift our diverse community. The group was also featured in the California Community Colleges Chancellor, Sonya Christian's Blog.
Our BIT, Digital Media, and Programming students and faculty made an exciting appearance at the San Diego County Fair! Alongside outreach tabling, they showcased student-created digital design projects and gave live demonstrations—including an eye-opening cybersecurity demo. It was a powerful display of creativity, innovation, and real-world tech skills in action. Special thanks to instructor Paul Richard for covering digital design and outreach for covering programs at the fair.
All are welcome to march with SDCCE and the SDCCD at the annual Pride Parade on Saturday, July 19th. Register to walk in the Pride parade using this form.
SDCCE counselors will be visiting all campuses from 10:30 AM to 12:00 PM throughout July to connect with students, offer mental health support, and provide valuable LGBTQIA+ resources — a chance for students to engage, ask questions, and build community!
Campus Visit Schedule:
- ECC: July 1
- Mid-City: July 3
- Cesar Chavez: July 8
- CE Mesa: July 17
- North City: July 22
- CE Miramar: July 24
- West City: July 31
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 we wrapped up our June 30th meeting, we encourage employees and students to stay informed with helpful resources on our newly developed Canvas Shell operated by the Immigrant Student Success Program. It contains program information, events, handouts, and videos in 7 different languages.
Also, new cards with ISSP information and resources have been developed and will be handed out as needed. If a student needs assistance or a safe place to ask questions, please direct them to: sdcceimmigrantsupport@sdccd.edu.
Additionally, the next Know Your Rights Event is happening tomorrow!
Date: July 1, 2025
Time: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Title: Immigration Legal Consults at SDCCE Mid-City (Room 117)
Event Information:
Jewish Family Service’s Higher Education Legal Services (HELS) will be on campus offering free, brief one-on-one immigration legal consultations for California Community College students, staff, and faculty. Registration is required in advance. Haitian Creole interpretation available. Register for a consultation here.
A heartfelt thank you to the Task Force for your continued support, to the dedicated ISSP Team, and counselor Fatima Mota for your ongoing efforts to ensure our students have access to the resources and care they need—especially during these challenging times.
Please be advised that an electrical shutdown is scheduled at ECC on Friday, July 11. This shutdown will not affect the Skills Center, which will remain fully operational. Plan accordingly and stay tuned for any updates.
In the coming weeks, the San Diego Community College District will launch SDCCDsafe, a free app that turns your smartphone into a safety tool. Safety at all SDCCD campuses and facilities is a top priority, and this new app will provide students and employees with another way to protect themselves with such features as:
- Placing a direct call to College Police or the 9-8-8 Crisis Lifeline
- Setting up a virtual “Friend Walk” so a friend or family member can make sure you arrive at your destination safely – whether to a classroom, a parking lot, or even somewhere off campus
- Reporting an anonymous tip
The app will be available for download from the Apple App or Google Play stores in mid- to late-June. A notice will be sent out when the app is live.
More details about the app and other District safety services are available at sdccd.edu/safety.
Be Well CCE
Check out the upcoming Be Well CCE support group opportunities to boost your well-being this semester!
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
Classified Professional Spotlight
This week, we proudly recognize Nadia Mohammed Abdi in our Classified Professional Spotlight for her dedication, professionalism, and unwavering commitment to student success. Nadia consistently goes above and beyond in her role, providing vital support that helps create a welcoming and efficient environment for students. Her contributions have not gone unnoticed, and we’re excited to share that she was recently reclassified as a Senior Student Services Assistant—a well-earned recognition of her hard work and growth. Thank you, Nadia, for being a valued part of the SDCCE community and for the positive impact you make every day.
Faculty Spotlight
This week's spotlight shines on Helena Wei, Music Faculty, Assistant Program Chair of the Emeritus Program, and Co-Coordinator of Passport to Success. Wei began playing piano at age five in Taiwan. After training at The Royal Conservatory and UBC, she overcame a fear of performing through the guidance of a mentor. She joined SDCCE in 2015 and has since built a thriving piano program. Wei now teaches six levels of piano and blends music with visual art to enrich student expression. Her classes regularly perform in the community and at the annual benefit concert. Thank you, Professor Wei for all that you do!
- The ECC Theatre Renovation is underway! Visit the project webpage to learn more and stay up to date.
- 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 privilege of participating in an immersive San Diego Workforce Partnership Retreat—an inspiring and productive experience focused on shaping the future of our region’s economy. As a proud board member, I’m honored to contribute to strategic conversations and initiatives that strengthen San Diego County’s workforce, expand access to opportunity, and support economic mobility for all.
- It was an honor to represent SDCCE alongside Counselor Sany Ramirez in celebrating and championing education for the MANA de San Diego Latina Upward Mobility Program graduation. We were inspired by the incredible group of mothers pursuing career pathways and creating brighter futures for themselves and their families.
- I enjoyed a lunch meeting with Sandi Duraid, one of our newest contract counselors who is working at the Mid-City Campus. Sandi was born in Baghdad, Iraq and immigrated to the U.S. as a refugee and has since dedicated her career to supporting students and individuals in need.
The Research Corner
This week, we invite you to explore the report "Which Community College Awards Are Likely to Prepare Students for Post-Completion Success?" This report looks at the community college credentials obtained by students and compares their post-completion outcomes by type of credential. While the potential outcomes considered vary by credential, the main outcome studied across each is graduates securing a job with a livable wage. You may review the report at Which Community College Awards Are Likely to Prepare Students for Success? 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. 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 sdccepresident@sdccd.edu for detailed information.
Lastly, you can utilize the anonymous sharing box. Your voice matters, and I look forward to continuing the conversation.
Best,
