Dear SDCCE Community,

Thank you all for showing up and truly showing out at last Friday’s Holiday Celebration. The evening was filled with warmth, connection, dancing, and a wonderful sense of community that reflects the very best of SDCCE. Your spirit and enthusiasm made it a celebration to remember.

As we wrap up the year, I wish each of you a restful, joyful, and well-deserved break. Enjoy this time to recharge.

Take a look at some special moments from the event from our photobooth and Flickr.

Additionally, please note that campuses will be closed for the holiday period from December 23 through February 5. Upon our return, the 36-hour work week pilot will be implemented from January 5 through April 3.

Have a safe and restful holiday and I look forward to seeing you all in the new year!

Enrollment Updates

Fall Update

SDCCE’s overall enrollment for fall stands at 28,031 (5% less than this time last year, and a 0.3% decrease from last week), with a fill rate of 63%, which is less than last fall (72%). SDCCE’s overall headcount is currently 14,977, a decrease of 5% compared to this time last fall (15,734) and a 0.1% decrease from last week (14,985). FTEF scheduled for the fall semester is 7% greater than last fall (186.35 to 198.53). View the Enrollment Report.

Spring Update

As we look ahead to spring, enrollment trends are already showing strong momentum. On December 1, 2025, enrollment stood at 12,394; by December 8, 2025, it had grown to 14,499—an increase of 17% in just one week. This also represents nearly a 34% increase compared to the same time last year, when enrollment was 10,844 on December 9, 2024.

Among our instructional programs, ESL shows the highest enrollment for Spring 2026 with a current fill rate of 68%, closely followed by Emeritus at 67%.

ABC 10News San Diego recently highlighted our programs and their impact on advancing adult literacy across the region. I was joined for the interview by one of our alumni, Monica Moysen, who completed her GED through SDCCE and is now enrolled at San Diego State University. Together, we shared how our programs create meaningful pathways to education and opportunity.

Spring 2026 Enrollment

Spring 2026 Enrollment is open! Encourage students to enroll early and explore our wide range of tuition-free programs, flexible scheduling, and supportive services. We are ready to help every student start the new term with confidence.

Mailers will be delivered to campuses and homes this week.

You can access a digital copy online via the website.

The Associated Students of the College of Continuing Education are proud to present the 2nd Annual Winter Wonderland Event, sponsored by the Campus Councils! Join students across our campuses for holiday fun, including games, contests, refreshments, and so much more! Please see below for the dates and times for each event:

• CE Miramar: December 17, 10:00AM, North Entrance
• Mid-City: Wednesday, December 17, 10:30AM, Student Lounge
• ECC: Thursday, December 18, 12 Noon, Front Lawn

PRIE at the 2025 CAIR Conference held in San Diego

Recently, members of the Planning, Research, and Institutional Effectiveness (PRIE) team attended the 2025 California Association for Institutional Research (CAIR) Conference held in San Diego, the premier professional development event for institutional research professionals in California. The team participated in sessions focused on artificial intelligence in IR, assessment and program review, data visualization and storytelling, equity-minded research, and collaborative leadership.

As part of the conference, CTE research expert Michael Gracia presented on data coaching practices at SDCCE, while Associate Dean of PRIE Jesus Rivas served as part of the conference’s organizing leadership in his role as a CAIR Board member.

Thank you for your participation in Annual Integrated Planning

As we conclude this year’s Program Review and Strategic Planning updates, we want to thank all departments for their thoughtful engagement in this work. This work was made possible through strong partnership and coordination, and we want to recognize Ildifonso Carrillo, our Program Review and Planning Coordinator, for the leadership and support he provided to departments throughout the cycle. Ildi worked closely with instructional and administrative areas to ensure departments had the information, guidance, and space needed to engage meaningfully in both self-reflection and planning updates.

Beginning in January, this collective work will continue as Ildi leads updates to our institution-wide Strategic Master Plan using the insights shared by departments. Thank you all for your continued commitment to continuous improvement at SDCCE.

Family Day at SDCCE was truly a heartwarming celebration of community, connection, and togetherness. As we gathered for one last campus-wide event before the holiday break, students, families, and SDCCE team members came together to enjoy fun-filled activities, a picnic-style lunch, and the opportunity to connect with our amazing community partners. The day was filled with laughter, meaningful conversations, and plenty of excitement—especially during the opportunity drawings for exclusive SDCCE merch.

A huge thank-you and shout-out to our SDCCE Student Trustee, Yahir Melendez, whose dedication and leadership brought this wonderful event to life along with the Outreach team. Family Day perfectly captured what makes SDCCE so special: a welcoming environment where everyone belongs. We’re grateful to everyone who joined us and helped make the day such a memorable celebration of what it truly means to be part of the SDCCE family.

Spring Institution Day will be here before you know it! Be sure to mark your calendars for January 20, 2026. We’ll gather at the San Diego Central Library as we bring back the inspiring Sustained in Unity theme.

More information on registering is coming soon!

Scholarship Applications Now Open

The scholarship application for students is now open through February 6, 2026. This opportunity supports learners across SDCCE in advancing their educational and career goals. Please encourage students to review the eligibility criteria, gather required materials, and submit their application early.

Application assistance is available through the Tutoring and Learning Center, contact CETutoring@sdccd.edu for more information.

The application can be accessed at: https://tinyurl.com/2026ScholarshipApp

Students at the West City Campus came together for a Winter Festival that was a wonderful celebration of creativity and community. The event drew an impressive turnout, with displays and activities thoughtfully designed and led by the students themselves. A heartfelt thank-you to the faculty and students whose creativity, collaboration, and dedication made this event such a memorable success.

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.

As the holiday season approaches, many students may experience grief, stress, sleep challenges, or anxiety. Please remind them that support is available anytime through TimelyCare, a free 24/7 virtual health and well-being platform offering:

• Self-care tools for test anxiety, sleep, and time management
• On-demand yoga and meditation sessions
• Peer and professional support for stress and anxiety
• 24/7 access to care, even late at night before exams

Encourage students to take advantage of these resources to stay balanced and supported throughout the semester and the holiday season.

ECC Theatre Renovation

The ECC Theatre Renovation continues to make progress! Here is the latest update:

• Major demolition of the second-floor elevated deck/balcony was completed without any issues the first week of December. The attached photo depict the new open lobby entrance which will allow for more natural light.
• There are a number of planned shutdowns during the Winter Break when the campus is closed. PCL will be conducting one day shutdowns for plumbing, sewer, electrical and fire alarms for installation of new steel beams, moving electrical panels and installing new plumbing lines. All utility operations will resume the following day.
• Construction will be paused in observance of Christmas and New Year holidays. Thank you all for your patience and understanding as we work through these projects. The construction site is active Monday - Friday, 7am - 3:30pm.
• Check out the demolition of the second level deck on the live stream link: ECC Theatre Renovation

Thank you all for your patience and understanding as we work through these projects. The construction site is active Monday - Friday, 7am - 3:30pm.

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.

Bond Projects Update

Below is an update of the current Measure HH Bond projects for our college. We have also developed a current projects page with updates on each project.

ECC Building Trades (Welding Renovation)

• Design Kick-Off Meeting with Project Stakeholders scheduled this week to initiate user group discussions.
• Discussions exploring different swing space considerations are underway.
• Cost estimates for expansion and enclosure of the existing canopy space are in progress.
• Targeting August 2026 for DSA (Division of the State Architect) submittal.

ECC Ceramics

• Design team is finalizing Construction Documents.
• Targeting December 2025 for DSA (Division of the State Architect) submittal.
• Anticipating DSA Approval & Permit by July 2026.

ECC Community Room Renovation

• Design is ongoing, with Construction Documents underway.
• Project schedule is trailing behind the ECC Ceramics project as construction of the new Community Room is tied to the completion of the new Ceramics space.
• Final plans for the new office space were reviewed with the Foundation Director last week.
• Targeting May 2026 for DSA (Division of the State Architect) submittal.

ECC Seismic Upgrades

• Design Team is performing a seismic evaluation of the main building as part of a standard procedure required by DSA (Division of the State Architect).
• Site walk was held with the project stakeholders to review and mark out the specified locations for material testing & exploratory assessment.
• All testing to be scheduled on Fridays, Saturdays, and observed holidays to minimize campus impacts. Testing results will determine seismic upgrade requirements.
• Seismic improvements to be implemented in phases and captured in current ECC projects to minimize campus impacts. Any remaining areas of the facility will become it's own standalone project.

CE Mesa Campus Building Envelope Improvements

• Feasibility Report of the exterior building was completed.
• Cost and schedule estimates for full enclosure of the existing stairwells are ongoing.
• Design Kick-Off Meeting to be scheduled with the Project Stakeholders upon Notice to Proceed.
• Targeting May 2026 for DSA (Division of the State Architect) submittal.

Mid-City Expansion

• Individual Focus Group Meetings have been completed.
• Design Team is finalizing conceptual layouts to review with Project Stakeholders.
• Final Report to be submitted to Leadership in January 2026.
• Targeting February 2026 for approval of conceptual design.
• RFQP to be issued for Design-Build Services in March 2026.

Mid-City Renovation

• Individual Focus Group Meetings have been completed.
• Design Team is finalizing conceptual layouts to review with Project Stakeholders.
• Final Report to be submitted to Leadership in January 2026.
• Targeting February 2026 for approval of conceptual design.
• Leadership to review and discuss project phasing upon approval of conceptual design.

West-City Expansion

• Individual Focus Group Meetings are ongoing.
• Design Team is refining conceptual layouts to review with Project Stakeholders.
• Final Report to be submitted to Leadership in January 2026.
• Targeting February 2026 for approval of conceptual design in order to kick-off Schematic Design.

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.

In our last meeting, we covered cultivating safety and belonging for students, staying grounded in the work, reviewed resources, fundraising opportunities, and marketing materials such as posters, new buttons, and stickers that will be shared soon. We look forward to resuming our meetings in the Spring.

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.

SDCCD Safe

Enhance your safety on and off campus with the SDCCDSafe app, available in the Apple App Store and Google Play. It is the official safety app of San Diego Community College District. The app features emergency contacts, crisis alerts, location services features, in-app tip reporting, and much more! The app also lets you stay connected by inviting a trusted friend or family member to virtually accompany you through a safety walk—so you’re never truly alone, even when they’re not nearby.

Your safety is our top priority.

Please take a moment to verify and update your cellphone number in the MySDCCD portal. Our RAVE Alert System depends on accurate contact information in PeopleSoft to quickly reach you during an emergency. Stay prepared—stay informed. Please visit SDCCE Administrative Services Intranet for all safety resources:

https://sdccd0.sharepoint.com/sites/SDCEAdministration

You’re invited to join us in next year’s MLK Parade on January 18, 2026, with the theme “Hope in Action, A Dream Still Unfolding." March with us as a college and district alongside our beautiful, student-created welding float. MLK shirts will be available on a first-come, first-served basis. Join us as we come together to celebrate community, creativity, and the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

• Student Services recently released their first Quarterly Newsletter, designed to keep you informed about upcoming events, initiatives, and activities across student services.
• 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 SD Urban League Gala alongside SDCCE and Foundation colleagues. It was an honor to celebrate alongside our dedicated SDCCE team and recognize the meaningful, transformative work happening throughout our community.
• I am deeply honored to receive the 2025 Blue Heart Community Activist of the Year award, a recognition I share with all who work to uplift and advocate for our communities. I truly appreciate the Blue Heart Foundation and my SDCCE colleagues for celebrating this moment with me!
• My heart was full closing out the semester teaching ARP 610 master’s students Educational Leadership. This class became more than a course—it was a space to challenge assumptions, broaden perspectives, and support one another’s growth. I’m excited to see where their leadership takes them next.
• I enjoyed participating in the Citizens' Bond Oversight Committee (CBOC) tour of the Educational Cultural Complex Theatre, gaining firsthand insight into the facility’s features, operations, and the impactful role it plays in supporting the college’s educational and cultural programs.

The Research Corner

This week we invite you to explore the 2024-2025 LGBTQ+ Program Legislative Report. This report from the RP Group investigates Senate Bill 108, which directed $10 million from the Governor and State Legislature to support LGBTQ+ students in academic settings through evidence-based practice. It examines what this funding looks like across different California community colleges and how the funds are allocated to specifics like mental health or LGBTQ+ centers. This document may be accessed here: 2024-2025 LGBTQ+ Program Legislative Report. Please take a minute to review this resource and email jsalcedo001@sdccd.edu if you have any questions.