Dear SDCCE Community,

Each year, from September 15 to October 15, we observe National Hispanic Heritage Month—also recognized as Latinx Heritage Month! This celebration honors the cultures, histories, and contributions of those with roots from Spain, Latin America, Mexico, the Caribbean, Central and South America.

We also acknowledge and celebrate the diversity within the Latinx and Hispanic communities—including our Afro-Latinx, mixed Latinx, those with indigenous ancestry, and members of our LGBTQIA+ and disability communities. Your stories and identities enrich our campus and help define who we are. This month is an opportunity to recognize the vital role these individuals have played—not only on our campus but throughout our shared history.

At the same time, we acknowledge that many in our community are experiencing heightened stress, uncertainty, and threats to their well-being and safety due to recent national and local developments. These include:

Immigration enforcement actions across the country and within our region

The U.S. Department of Education’s announcement regarding the termination of several federal grant programs, including those designated for minority-serving institutions such as Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs). I encourage everyone to read Chancellor Smith’s recent message regarding this matter.

We are acutely aware that such developments—compounded by ongoing anti-immigration rhetoric—can foster environments where members of our campus community feel uneasy. These conditions directly affect personal well-being, academic and professional success, and the ability to fully engage in the spaces where we learn, work, and grow together. Given this, we as a college, have expanded resources and support systems for all members of our campus, with specific attention to our Hispanic, Latinx, and immigrant communities. These efforts include:

Access to Know Your Rights information and guidance

Counseling and mental health services for students and employees

Referrals to legal aid services offering support for immigration-related concerns and representation

Increased support in the Immigrant Student Success Program

At SDCCE we remain committed to the safety, inclusion, and well-being of every student and employee. As we reflect on and celebrate the rich contributions of our Hispanic and Latinx community, we stand in solidarity and with care, this month and yearlong.

Thank you to everyone who filled out the Convocation survey. We are looking forward to seeing your feedback. Check out the Fall Convocation recap to relive some of the special moments from last month’s gathering.

Enrollment Updates

Fall Update

SDCCE’s overall enrollment for fall stands at 25,526 (0.5% less than this time last year, and a 1% increase from last week), with a fill rate of 69%, which is less than last fall (75%). SDCCE’s overall headcount is currently 13,841, a decrease of 2% compared to this time last fall (14,190) and a 0.1% increase from last week (13,827). FTEF scheduled for the fall semester is 7% greater than last fall (182.90 to 196.00). View the enrollment report.

Our Automotive and Plumbing programs were featured on KNSD News in a segment called "DIY or Call the Pros," which encouraged viewers to either seek proper training or hire a professional when addressing common repair issues. Thank you to our program experts for sharing their knowledge. View the coverage below.

Join Us for the Chancellor’s Forum

You’re invited to connect with colleagues at an upcoming presentation and open forum with the Chancellor to discuss key federal and state updates and priorities for the 2025–2026 academic year.

• Monday, September 22, 2025 | Cesar Chavez Campus – MPR Room 101/103 | 2:30 – 4:00 p.m.

FLEX credit is available—sign up for Workshop 38043 – Chancellor’s Forum.

If accommodations are needed, please contact DeeDee Redulla.

Save the Date: SDCCD Town Hall

The SDCCD Town Hall has been rescheduled for Wednesday, November 5, from 2:30–4:00 p.m. at SDCCE’s North City Campus. This is a valuable opportunity to hear important district updates, ask questions, and engage in conversations that shape the future of our college community.

Hispanic & Latinx Heritage Month

Save the date for our Hispanic & Latinx Heritage Month Celebration Event on Wednesday, September 24 at the Cesar E. Chavez campus from 12 to 1:30 p.m. Enjoy cultural performances, music and lunch will be provided. Everyone is welcome!

Stay tuned for more events and celebrations throughout the month and year ahead!

Questions? Contact the Cultural Events Planning Committee at sdcce_cec@sdccd.edu

While September marks National Suicide Prevention Month, it also offers us an important reminder of the power of care, connection, and resilience. In the midst of so much happening across the country, it is essential that we remain mindful of how we can best support one another. Healing begins when we come together, acknowledge challenges, and lean on the resources available to us. I encourage you to make use of the services offered through our Be Well Mental Health Center and to seek out opportunities—both big and small—to show up for one another. By doing so, we can carry this semester forward with strength, compassion, and hope.

Please keep in mind of the weekly Mental Health Resource Support Group to share with students — see details below:

• Wednesdays at 12:30 PM
• Encourage students to email Be Well CCE for the Zoom link

Counseling Services and Workshops

We have several services available to share with students to contribute to student success at SDCCE, please view the complete list here.

ECC Theatre Renovation

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

• Demolition activities of both interior and exterior spaces continue throughout the month of September.
• Four new disabled parking spaces are now added on the east side of campus. The district will finalize additional spaces as needed.
• 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.

PCL is doing their best to minimize and manage any disruptions to college operations.

Visit the project webpage to learn more and stay up to date with the progress via livestream.

Thank you to our Theatre Director, Silvia Nogales, for playing a pivotal role in the theatre renovation and for keeping us informed on its progress. You can now follow the theatre on Facebook and Instagram @Educational Cultural Complex Theatre & Community Room.

As a reminder, students can sign on to myportal.sdccd.edu and purchase a virtual parking permit using a credit card.

• No more waiting in long lines!
• No need to print or pick up a permit!
• No need to display a permit in your car’s window!

Permit pricing: $29 for summer; $40 each for fall and spring; $25 for students who qualify for a reduced price.

*Cash purchases can still be made at the College Police Office, cash permit stations, or the Cashier's window on campuses. More information is available at sdccd.edu/parking

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

The Safety, Inclusion, and Belonging (SIB) Task Force meets monthly 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.

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.

Please take a moment to review the new safety cards for navigating ICE incidents on campus, which were distributed during Convocation. These resources are designed to guide employees on the steps for reporting.

Stop by a Tech Hub for Single Sign On Support!

Need help with the new Single-Sign On (SSO) system or general tech assistance? Stop by a Tech Hub at our ECC or Mid-City campuses!

Starting October 13, the District will expand Single Sign-On (SSO) to include mySDCCD Login. You’ll be able to securely access these systems with your SDCCD email credentials—no more separate logins for each application.

The Tech Hub is designed to provide walk-up technology services to our students, faculty, and staff. Tech Bars are open at the following locations:

• Educational Cultural Complex from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Monday through Friday
• Mid-City Campus from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., & 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday

Last Thursday, our Apprenticeship Readiness Program was showcased at the San Diego Workforce Development Board meeting. Student John and Program Manager, Noah Howard represented the program, highlighting the experiences and success of the program. Our apprenticeship is recognized as a state-wide model program, demonstrating how hands-on training and industry partnerships prepare students for meaningful careers.

Join us for the Constitution Day Civic Engagement Fair on Tuesday, September 16, at the César Chávez Campus Main Lobby and Wednesday, September 17 at the Mid-City Campus, both from 10 AM to 1 PM. Learn how to get involved in decision-making, connect with community groups like the League of Women Voters, and dive into student clubs focused on service.

For questions contact the Office of Student Affairs at sdccestudentaffairs@sdccd.edu

• 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.
• All current students and employees are invited to share their perspectives on AI in a survey open through September 30. Whether you use AI or not, your voice matters. Take the survey today at bit.ly/sdccdaisurvey2025.

SDCCE Foundation News

• Some of the SDCCE team came together to celebrate Dr. Foy’s birthday—sharing laughs, showing our appreciation, and enjoying time together.
• SDCCE Foundation's Hoop Hysteria Fundraiser will now take place in Spring 2026. Be on the lookout for more updated information!
• ABC 10 News highlighted the Foundation’s Apprenticeship Readiness Program, where Program Manager Noah Howard, current student Adrian Baker King, and former student Lewis Davis discussed the rising interest in the construction field. View the full coverage here.

President's Updates

I attended the college wide Counseling Retreat at the César Chávez Campus, where we focused on college goals and student success, connected with department counselors, and shared personal stories through the “Rivers of Life” activity. Thank you to Dr. Carter for creating this space and extending the invite to join.

I enjoyed bonding with my EPO team. They are the backbone of the President's Office and keep things moving.

I was honored at the Black Tech Link Health & STEM Fest this past Saturday at ECC. This event happens annually at our college. The event brought the community together to celebrate health, science, entrepreneurship, and more—right in the heart of Southeastern San Diego.

I had the pleasure of attending the California Latino School Boards Association (CLSBA) Unity Conference, hosted this year in San Diego. Thank you to Superintendent Dr. Martha Garcia for the invitation, and I’m grateful to Trustee Maria Nieto Senour for joining us. We enjoyed an inspiring panel of community college leaders and trustees!

The Research Corner

This week we invite you to explore the tool San Diego & Imperial Sector Maps. This tool provides data on yearly employment, yearly average wage, and yearly number of firms depending on sector of industry and zip code. It also allows one to see the relationship between these values with regional population densities. This tool may be accessed here: San Diego & Imperial Sector Maps. Please take a minute to review this resource and email jsalcedo001@sdccd.edu if you have any questions.