Dear SDCCE Community,
As many may know, the federal government shutdown has now entered its 27th day, with no clear resolution in sight. While essential services continue, hundreds of thousands of federal employees remain furloughed or are working without pay, and many federal programs—including critical assistance programs like SNAP and WIC are beginning to feel the strain. The ongoing stalemate in Congress has left many individuals and families facing uncertainty as vital services and benefits hang in the balance.
At SDCCE, we recognize that moments like these can create stress and concern for members of our community, especially those who may be directly or indirectly affected. This is an important time to show empathy, lend support, and stay connected. Whether it’s checking in on a colleague or student, sharing local resources, or simply offering a kind word, small acts of care can make a difference.
Please remember to always support one another and demonstrate the resilience and compassion that define our SDCCE community.
Enrollment Updates
Fall Update
SDCCE’s overall enrollment for fall stands at 28,300 (2% 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 (76%). SDCCE’s overall headcount is currently 14,926, a decrease of 2% compared to this time last fall (15,281) and a 1% increase from last week (14,808). FTEF scheduled for the fall semester is 8% greater than last fall (184.55 to 198.46). 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.
Tomorrow is Giving Tuesday! Join SDCCE and the District in supporting the San Diego Promise, helping students pursue their educational dreams and achieve their goals. Your donation makes a real impact on students’ journeys, providing resources, opportunities, and support where it’s needed most. Contribute today: https://www.sdccd.edu/giving-day
Celebrating Filipino American History Month last week was filled with vibrant culture, delicious food, creative expression, and shared stories that connected us all. Special thanks to our panelists who shared their insights, including Counselor Karl Cameron, Dean Michele Madrid Novak, SDCCE student Vincent Balaoing, ESL Faculty Shiela Davis, and Senior Accounting Technician Floreniza Carla Yumul. Events like these remind us of the strength and richness found in our diversity, and how each community contributes to the beautiful mosaic that makes SDCCE so special.
I’m looking forward to the many celebrations ahead that honor the uniqueness of our communities. Each gathering reminds us of the importance of coming together, celebrating one another, and learning from the diverse voices that make SDCCE such a vibrant place to learn and grow. Check out more special moments on our SDCCE Flickr.
The SDCCD Campus Climate Survey is open through Nov. 14., administered by the independent RP Group. I invite you to share your experiences, honest feedback and help strengthen our commitment to equity, inclusion, and a supportive campus environment. Check your email from research@rpgroup.org or rpgroupsurvey@rpgroup.org for your survey link. I highly encourage everyone to participate in this survey. Please also encourage students that are enrolled in Fall 2025 to take this survey as well.
Reminder, enrollment for Spring 2026 courses begins on November 17—encourage students to save this date and get ready to enroll!
Single Sign-On is Here!
The Outreach Office is visiting campuses to assist with Single Sign-On until October 31, Monday through Friday, 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM, they will be tabling to assist students in connecting with essential college resources.
Encourage students to stop by to:
- Get help setting up Single Sign-On
- Learn about TimelyCare and other student services
- Grab some info (and maybe some swag!)
Pack the Pantry
This October, San Diego College of Continuing Education is proud to partner once again with Cal Coast Credit Union for the 7th Annual Pack the Pantry Virtual Food Drive.
Your support helps stock food pantries and nutrition centers across local community college campuses—directly benefiting students who face food insecurity. Every dollar makes a difference and helps ensure our students have access to the nourishment they need to thrive in their studies and beyond.
Donations can be made easily and securely at: https://bit.ly/virtual-food-drive-2025 and will support our CARES Marketplace.
Together, we can make a lasting impact—one meal at a time. There are only a few days left, give now through October 31.
At San Diego College of Continuing Education, learning has no age limit. Students like Filomena Alvarez and Josie Bhe Quiatchon are gaining practical skills, independence, and community through the free automotive career training program. Beyond learning car mechanics, the classes offer mental stimulation, social connections, and pathways to certifications, college credit, and careers. For Filomena and Josie, it’s about staying active, building friendships, and embracing lifelong learning.
Read more about how SDCCE’s Automotive program inspires students of all ages to grow, connect, and succeed in our SDCCE Newsroom.
Join me and the Executive President’s Cabinet during the upcoming campus visits for an opportunity to connect, share ideas, and hear the latest college updates—over coffee or ice cream. The next visit will be at Cesar Chavez from 2:30 to 3:30pm on October 30 over some ice cream. Please join us for any of the visits listed!
CE MediaFest 2025
The San Diego College of Continuing Education's Communications and Creative Services team is proud to present CE MediaFest 2025!
The tour was held today at CE Miramar which was a hit! Their next visit will be at Mid-City Campus Wednesday, Room 117 from 1 to 3pm. Don't miss out on getting your free headshots, program interviews, video promotions, exclusive swag items, and more!
The SDCCD has partnered with TimelyCare to expand access to high-quality mental health support for enrolled students. Through this partnership, students can connect with licensed counselors virtually, access 24/7 on-demand support, and explore wellness tools designed to meet their unique needs. The goal is to provide timely, flexible, and efficient care that helps students manage stress, maintain balance, and stay focused on their academic and personal success. Encourage students to get started and register with their SDCCD.edu student email to access services. View our new landing page with more details on TimelyCare.
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. We invite you to share and join the relevant weekly Mental Health Resource Support Group for students and constituents — see details below:
- This Thing Called Life, Wednesdays at 12:30 PM; this session is specifically for students, please encourage them to email Be Well CCE for the Zoom link.
- Think it Through Thursdays, specifically for faculty and classified professionals to express, de-stress, and re-fuel beginning at 12:30 PM. Join the session at the Zoom link; Meeting ID: 868 0187 2407
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.
Rising Scholars
Throughout the Fall 2025 semester, The Rising Scholars program will be tabling at all seven of our campuses from 10:45am to 12:00pm, providing students and colleagues the opportunity to learn more about Rising Scholars, ask questions, and explore ways to engage, support, and collaborate. The next stop will be at West City tomorrow. We encourage you to bring students and colleagues or share the flyer with anyone who could benefit from the resources and support Rising Scholars offers.
ECC Theatre Renovation
The ECC Theatre Renovation continues to make progress! Signs have been placed around campus outlining the construction.
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.
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.
I look forward to our next meeting in November to further these important conversations.
Please take a moment to review the 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.
We were proud to join the Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony for Saronic’s new 80,000+ sq. ft. San Diego facility—a milestone in advancing autonomous maritime technology.
This aligns with our A.I.R. (Automation, Innovation, and Robotics) initiatives and our commitment to innovation and collaboration.
SDCCE was represented by VPI Masa Omae, Dean Andrei Lucas, Interim Manager Brad Dorschel, and Faculty Member Aaron Iffland, with special thanks to Mayor Todd Gloria for celebrating this milestone.
San Diego College of Continuing Education is a proud supporter of MANA de San Diego, an organization dedicated to empowering Latinas through education, leadership development, community service, and advocacy. Together, we share a commitment to creating pathways for success and advancing equity and opportunity across our region.
Classified Professional Weekly Spotlight
This week’s Classified Professional Spotlight shines on Samantha Stanley, SDCCE’s dedicated Pathways Program Coordinator, housed under the Foundation. For the past four years, Samantha has played a vital role in supporting students experiencing homelessness—helping them complete their educational programs, secure meaningful employment, and improve their housing stability. Her compassionate approach and commitment to student success make her an invaluable part of the SDCCE community.
Beyond her work with the Pathways program, Samantha enjoys collaborating with colleagues as a member of the Cultural Events Committee and is currently a trainee in the Classified Professionals Equity Certificate Program, a new initiative launching this week.
Outside of work, Samantha finds joy in being near the water, gardening, and exploring her creativity through crafting. Most of all, she loves spending time with the people—and pets—who bring her happiness, including her dog, "Little Onion," pictured here.
Faculty Weekly Spotlight
This week’s Faculty Spotlight highlights Jo Hart-Lloyd, one of our dedicated counselors at ECC. Jo’s mission is to empower students, broaden their horizons, and inspire them to explore life’s limitless possibilities. Through her guidance, mentorship, and advocacy, she has helped countless students navigate challenges, access resources, and achieve their educational goals. Her commitment not only transforms the lives of individual students but also strengthens our college community by fostering inclusion, opportunity, and a culture of support.
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.
President's Updates
I enjoyed attending the 2025 Association of Community College Trustees (ACCT) Conference, which offered valuable insights into how institutions nationwide are advancing workforce, noncredit, and adult education programs. It was also wonderful to reconnect with colleagues who continue to lead impactful work within our community college systems.
The Research Corner
This week we invite you to explore the research article Cross-Border Community College Students: A Headcount Estimate. This article examines students who commute from Mexico to a community college district to understand the headcount of this group of students to help with college policies and institutional planning. This document may be accessed here: Cross-Border Community College Students: A Headcount Estimate. Please take a minute to review this resource and email jsalcedo001@sdccd.edu if you have any questions.
Best,
