Dear SDCCE Community,

What an incredible celebration at Convocation today! It was truly inspiring to come together as a community to recognize the hard work, dedication, and accomplishments of our students and college over the past year. From launching innovative programs and expanding services to fostering collaboration across departments, there's so much to be proud of. As we look ahead, I hope everyone feels energized, motivated, and ready to continue making a meaningful impact in the lives of our students.

One example of that impact is our Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) program and our valuable partnership with San Diego Unified School District, specifically Kearny High School. This collaboration has created meaningful opportunities for students and reflects the kind of forward-thinking, community-driven work that defines our mission.

Enrollment Updates

Fall Update

SDCCE's overall enrollment for fall stands at 22,728 (0.1% less than this time last year, and a 7% increase from last week), with a fill rate of 68%, which is less than last fall (70%). SDCCE's overall headcount is currently 12,767, a decrease of 2% compared to this time last fall (13,019) and a 7% increase from last week (11,911). FTEF scheduled for the fall semester is 4% greater than last fall (181.57 to 189.59). View the enrollment report.

Summer Update

SDCCE's overall enrollment for summer stands at 13,618 (5% less than this time last year, and a 1% decrease from last week), with a fill rate of 69%, which is less than last summer (78%). SDCCE's overall headcount is currently 9,622, a decrease of 3% compared to this time last summer (9,888) and a 0.3% decrease from last week (9,653). FTEF scheduled for the summer semester is 11% greater than last summer (72.13 to 80.09).

Today, SDCCE gathered at the San Diego Central Library for Fall Convocation, a celebration of the collaboration, shared vision, and collective strength that make our college unique. Our community was inspired by remarks from college leadership, the Chancellor, and Board of Trustees, and energized by keynote speaker Tim Wise, who shared powerful insights on perspective, power, and institutional culture. The event provided a meaningful moment to reflect on our achievements, draw motivation for the year ahead, and reaffirm our commitment to supporting the students we serve. Please be on the lookout for recap video and photos from the day!

Fall 2025 Enrollment

Fall classes begin August 28, and enrollment is climbing. We look forward to welcoming both new and returning students as they take advantage of our online and hybrid certificate programs, along with the wide range of support services available to set our students on the path to success.

The Office of Admissions and Records transitioned to a new office at ECC (C-120) in May, and we're excited to share that furniture and equipment installation will be completed this week. During this process, services and hours will be modified as we pack, relocate, and move back in. From August 26 - 29, the office will temporarily operate out of ECC Room 121 with limited in-person services but full access to phones and email. The office will be closed September 2 for move-in day and will reopen after setup is complete.

For assistance, please email:

• Admissions & Records: SDCCEAdmissionsRecords@sdccd.edu
• Credit by Exam: SDCCECreditbyExam@sdccd.edu
• Veteran Services: SDCCEVeteranServices@sdccd.edu

Welcome Week

The Outreach team is preparing to host Welcome Week at the ECC Welcome Center for two full days dedicated to all things enrollment.

Location: Educational Cultural Complex – Room 128

Dates & Times:

• Thursday, August 28 | 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
• Friday, August 29 | 8:00 AM – 2:00 PM

Encourage students to:

• Get help with registration
• Ask questions and get one-on-one support

*Also, please remind students to show the outreach team that they are registered for a 2025 course to receive FREE CE-branded swag!

Southeastern Connect microtransit pilot has recently launched! This new community-designed service—free for the first three months—provides zero-emission, on-demand rides, making it easier for residents to travel affordably, safely, and sustainably within our neighborhoods.

Southeastern Connect is a new on-demand mobility option that will connect students and families to key destinations within Mt. Hope, Chollas View, Emerald Hills, and more.

ECC Theatre Renovation

The ECC Theatre Renovation is underway! Signs have been placed around campus outlining the construction. Below are some recent updates:

• Heavy demolition of the east side main entrance stairs was completed this week to make way for new stairs and a future open concept lobby. In addition, the cinder block wall next to the kiln in the ceramics area has also been removed to make way for the new outdoor patio area for the Phase 2 community room.
• Progress is being made as to the safety of the security of the campus and construction areas. New temporary fencing will be installed by the first week of September. Along the westside fence line new security cameras and lighting will be installed to keep employees, students and community safe.
• 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. No construction activities will be taking place on Labor Day, Monday, September 1, 2025.

PCL is doing their best to minimize and manage any disruptions to college operations, especially as we are approaching the start of the fall semester.

Visit the project webpage to learn more and stay up to date.

Additionally, the Educational Cultural Complex steel beam sign was donated to the Welding Department and will be used as a valuable training resource for students to practice hands-on techniques, strengthen their welding skills, and apply classroom knowledge to real-world projects.

Safety, Inclusion, and Belonging (SIB) Task Force Updates

The Safety, Inclusion, and Belonging (SIB) Task Force met last week to further our conversations on continuing to implement 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 and cards were distributed at fall convocation. These resources are designed to guide employees on the steps for reporting. We are also implementing more support for employees who are assisting students during these situations. These efforts aim to provide space for reflection, support, and continued access to critical resources. Other items that are on our list is the development of mock trainings to deescalate tense matters and active training scenarios around navigating through challenging situations with ICE. I look forward to our next meeting to further these important conversations.

Additionally, the next Know Your Rights Event is approaching soon!

Date: August 26, 2025
Time: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Title: Immigration Legal Consults at SDCCE, Mid-City Campus (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.

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.

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

The Outreach team has made a great impact, connecting with more than 40,000 students and community members through innovative programming that not only supports student success but also greatly expands SDCCE's reach. Many thanks to the outreach team for all of their consistent hard work!

• 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 will now take place in Spring 2026. Be on the lookout for more updated information!

President's Updates

Last week, we gave a warm welcome to Ksenia Cavo, the new Administrative V in the President's Office! With her extensive administrative experience, Ksenia brings leadership, dedication, and expertise that will be a great asset to our team and the students we serve. We're excited to have her on board and look forward to the impact she will make at SDCCE!

I'm excited to visit all seven campuses this Thursday with the leadership team as we kick off the fall semester by delivering welcome baskets and celebrating the start of a new season.

The Research Corner

This week we invite you to explore the report Military to Civilian Employment: Opportunities in the San Diego & Imperial Region. This report details how well the skill sets of San Diego's and Imperial County's veterans translate to the respective regions' job markets. This breakdown is done using federally-defined mappings between Military Occupational Classification codes and Standard Occupational Classification codes, and comparing the number of military exits per MOC code with the demand within the associated SOC code. For MOC codes with an SOC code that have either a disproportionately low demand or give critically low pay, the report provides information on positions with greater demand and pay that, while not directly relating to the original MOC code, still retains significant compatibility. This document may be accessed here: Military to Civilian Employment: Opportunities in the San Diego & Imperial Region. Please take a minute to review this resource and email jsalcedo001@sdccd.edu if you have any questions.