Dear SDCCE Community,
We are two weeks away from Fall Convocation on August 25 and the start of a new academic year! As we gear up to welcome students for the fall semester on August 28, our focus is on ensuring that both current and incoming students have the resources, support, and community they need to thrive from day one. This collective effort reflects our commitment to creating a culture and environment where every student can achieve their goals and feel a true sense of belonging at SDCCE!
Enrollment Updates
Fall Update
SDCCE’s overall enrollment for fall stands at 19,979 (1% less than this time last year, and a 9% increase from last week), with a fill rate of 61%, which is less than last fall (63%). SDCCE’s overall headcount is currently 11,213, a decrease of 3% compared to this time last fall (11,586) and an 8% increase from last week (10,414). FTEF scheduled for the fall semester is 4% greater than last fall (181.20 to 188.97).
Summer Update
SDCCE’s overall enrollment for summer stands at 13,952 (3% less than this time last year, and a 1% decrease from last week), with a fill rate of 71%, which is less than last summer (79%). SDCCE’s overall headcount is currently 9,722, a decrease of 2% compared to this time last summer (9,930) and a 1% decrease from last week (9,772). FTEF scheduled for the summer semester is 11% greater than last summer (72.13 to 80.09). View the enrollment 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 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.
Save the Date for Fall Convocation
Join us for Fall Convocation on Monday August 25, 2025, 9:00 AM at the San Diego Central Library for a day celebrating the collaboration, shared purpose, and collective strength that define SDCCE. Hear from our Chancellor, Board of Trustees, Vice Presidents, and honored guests as we reflect, find inspiration, and look ahead to the future of our college and the students we serve.
Please confirm your attendance with your supervisor and submit your RSVP by August 20, 2025.
If you plan to attend the Fall Convocation, RSVP is required to receive complimentary parking validation at check-in, along with exclusive limited-edition convocation swag. We strongly encourage carpooling, ride-sharing, and using public transportation whenever possible and recommend arriving early, as doors will open at 7:30 a.m., with the program starting promptly at 9:00 a.m.
Parking for the event will be available at two locations: San Diego Central Library Underground Parking (330 Park Blvd., San Diego, CA 92101) open on a first come first served basis and designated for special guests, those with a handicap placard or individuals needing special assistance or across the street at the Padres Parkade (440 11th Ave, San Diego, CA 92101).
To enhance your convenience, a complimentary shuttle service will be available for employees from the César E. Chávez Campus National Ave. parking structure. Two morning departure times will be available at 7:15 a.m. and 7:45 a.m. with drop off times in the afternoon at 1:30 p.m. and 2:00 p.m. For more details, including additional parking FAQs, please visit the registration page.
I look forward to coming together on August 25th!
Show Your SDCCE Pride!
Explore our official online store for a wide selection of SDCCE swag and merchandise—from cozy hoodies, sweatshirts to bucket hats. For SDCCE swag and merch, visit the online store and start shopping today!
We’re refreshing our CE birthday list! If you’ve already signed up in the past, no need to do it again—we’ve got you covered! If you’d like to be included and receive a special message on your birthday, please fill out this quick form.
ECC Theatre Renovations
The ECC Theatre Renovation is underway! New signs have been placed around campus outlining the construction. There will be important upcoming construction activities to make note of.
Interior demolition work will take place now through August 13 in the North Lobby adjacent to Room 48 (Ceramics Classroom) between 7:00 AM and 3:30 PM.
Please be advised
- Room 48 will be most impacted due to the shared wall.
- Noise may carry into surrounding areas during work hours.
Construction work will generally occur Monday through Friday, from 7:00 AM to 3:30 PM.
Loud Noise Notice signage will be posted throughout the campus to ensure awareness.
Visit the project webpage to learn more and stay up to date.
Safety, Inclusion, and Belonging (SIB) Task Force Updates
In our meeting last week, we discussed proactive strategies for tracking students who are facing immigration challenges, as well as the importance of reporting any sightings of ICE on campus to the Chancellor or District General Counsel. Reports of ICE near campus (off campus) should first be directed to the COS, who, in collaboration with the Deans, will take appropriate and informed next steps to address the situation. Helpful handouts are being developed by the District and will be distributed for the start of the fall semester. These resources are designed to guide employees on the steps for reporting. We are also implementing more support for employees who are supporting students during these situations. These efforts aim to provide space for reflection, support, and continued access to critical resources.
Additionally, the next Know Your Rights Event is approaching soon!
Date: August 12, 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 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.
As we gear up for the new academic year, ECC hosted a Campus Community Emergency Response Team (C-CERT) Training Refresher to keep our emergency skills sharp and our campus prepared. The training covered updated safety procedures, effective communication in crisis situations, and hands-on practice for real-world scenarios. With refreshed skills and a united team, we’re ready to respond quickly and keep our campus community safe.
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
I love seeing our employees come together to celebrate milestones and build meaningful connections—it’s all part of fostering a culture of belonging. Here’s a great moment from our Luau-themed celebration in honor of our Student Services Technician, Neill Kovrig’s birthday, as we continue to strengthen community and culture at the CE Miramar campus.
Classified Professional Spotlight
This week's classified professional spotlight shines on Jennifer Bennett, our Instructional Assistant for ESL at CE Miramar and senator for the Classified Senate. For over 20 years, Jennifer has played a key role in supporting students on their language-learning journey, providing resources, encouragement, and guidance every step of the way. Her leadership in the Classified Senate helps strengthen communication and collaboration across our campus community, making a lasting impact both inside and outside the classroom.
Faculty Spotlight
This week’s faculty spotlight shines on Shirley Pierson, an award-winning costume designer, educator, and program leader with over 30 years of experience in clothing, textiles, and theatrical design. As Instructional Chair of the Clothing and Textile Arts Department at SDCCE, she leads innovative, equity-driven programs that champion sustainability, inclusive design, and workforce readiness. Since joining SDCCE in 2014, she has developed cutting-edge curriculum, launched the Fiber Technology Lab, and founded the annual BIG MAKE event celebrating sustainability and storytelling through textiles. Her designs for theatres across San Diego have earned critical acclaim, multiple Craig Noel Awards, and recognition for their cultural and artistic impact. Thank you, Shirley, for making a lasting difference and positively impacting our students.
- 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.
SDCCE Foundation News
- SDCCE Foundation's Hoop Hysteria Fundraiser is happening this upcoming October 11 & 12—uniting community members, students, and employees for a high-energy basketball event aimed at raising funds for student scholarships and programs. Learn more details on how to have fun for a good cause!
- On August 11, the Foundation hosted a meeting with the Historic Preservation Committee to introduce our new theatre director and discuss upcoming plans and directions of the committee.
President's Updates
- I enjoyed leading and spending time with the Executive President’s Cabinet, President’s Cabinet, and Executive Governance Council in retreats last week, “Laying the Foundation: Building Our Future Together.” We set annual goals, strengthened connections, enjoyed sound healing, built a culture of care across our seven campuses, and—most importantly—laughed, danced, and shared meals together. I’m grateful to our facilitators, Ric and Dee, from R&D Facilitation for also joining and look forward to another great academic year ahead!
- I also enjoyed attending the Board Retreat and sharing our plans with the Board of Trustees.
The Research Corner
This week we invite you to explore the paper AB 705: Long-Term Impact on Student Completion of Transfer-Level Requirements and Education Goals. This paper looks at how AB 705, a reform that is working to have colleges move away from standardized placement tests for student placement in math and English, and dives into how this reform has affected students in their journey to transfer to a four year university as well as completing the transfer-level requirements. The paper may be accessed here: AB 705: Long-Term Impact on Student Completion of Transfer-Level Requirements and Education Goals. Please take a minute to review this resource and email jsalcedo001@sdccd.edu if you have any questions.
Best,
