San Diego College of Continuing Education (SDCCE) has made history as being the only noncredit, higher education institution in the state to have its associated student government officially recognized by the Student Senate for California Community Colleges (SSCCC).

“SDCCE’s student government now has a seat at the table and a platform where they can have a voice and a greater impact at the state level,” said SSCCC President Ivan Hernandez. The seat at the table, Hernandez said, means being privy to and being heard on developments pertaining to California’s community colleges.

Officially known as the Associated Students of the College of Continuing Education (ASCCE), SDCCE’s student government was honored during a Sept. 13 convening of the statewide Student Senate at SDCCE’s North City Campus in Serra Mesa. 

“We are incredibly proud the Associated Students of the College of Continuing Education is now officially recognized as the only noncredit associated student government to be part of the Student Senate for California Community Colleges,” said SDCCE Vice President of Student Services Dr. Shakerra Carter. “SDCCE serves some of the most marginalized and underrepresented students, making it crucial for their voices, experiences, and challenges to be heard at both the local and state levels. By having a seat at the SSCCC table, we can ensure that the unique issues faced by noncredit students are recognized and addressed, creating a more inclusive and equitable dialogue within the community college system.”

Said ASCCE President Haydee Zuniga: “This is a big step that presents a lot of opportunities for our college and our students.”

The SSCCC now represents 117 community college student government organizations in the state. Its mission: “to enrich the collegiate experience for all California community college students by pursuing policies aimed at improving student access and success while engaging and empowering local student leaders, as well as honoring equity and diversity.” Legislative priorities in 2023-24 included efforts addressing college affordability, basic needs, diverse and underrepresented students, student enfranchisement, and student success. Among its annual highlights is the March in March and SSCCC Advocacy Day in Sacramento, the latter of which includes lobbying visits with select legislators.

“We are grateful to the SSCCC for officially recognizing our students as a student government body,” said SDCCE President Dr. Tina M. King. “This recognition is a testament to our progress and leadership in adult education and workforce development. It underscores how our student leaders are not merely participants but pivotal drivers of innovation in noncredit education. Their active involvement and leadership at this level are essential to our ongoing success and growth as a prominent institution.”

While SDCCE has for years had an elected associated student government, it was not until recent changes in Title V regulations to include disabled and noncredit ESL students that made the move possible. SDCCE is among the oldest and largest noncredit institutions in the nation and serves as the noncredit arm of the San Diego Community College District.