Dear SDCCE Community,
Happy New Year and welcome back! I hope you enjoyed a well-deserved break and are feeling refreshed and ready for an inspiring year ahead.
As we begin 2026, let’s move forward with purpose, hope, and intention—embracing new beginnings and the possibilities before us. At SDCCE, our mission remains clear: to elevate student's lives through access, opportunity, and high-quality education that empowers every learner to achieve their goals.
Additionally, please note that the 36-hour work week pilot will be implemented from now through April 3.
Thank you for your continued dedication to our students and our shared vision. Here’s to a year of growth, achievement, and meaningful impact. Wishing you a successful and fulfilling New Year!
Enrollment Updates
Fall Update (Jan. 5, 2026)
SDCCE’s overall enrollment for fall stands at 27,999 (5% less than this time last year, and a 0.01% decrease from last week), with a fill rate of 62%, which is less than last fall (71%). SDCCE’s overall headcount is currently 14,945, a decrease of 5% compared to this time last fall (15,740) and a 0.01% decrease from last week (14,946). FTEF scheduled for the fall semester is 6% greater than last fall (186.62 to 198.54).
Spring Update (Jan. 5, 2026)
SDCCE’s overall enrollment for spring stands at 18,147 (1.7% less than this time last year, and a 3% increase from last week), with a fill rate of 59%, which is equal to last spring (59%). SDCCE’s overall headcount is currently 10,190, a decrease of 3% compared to this time last spring (10,466) and a 3% increase from last week (9,887). FTEF scheduled for the spring semester is 10% greater than last spring (187.59 to 205.67). 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.
Share your winter break highlights with the Office of Communications & Creative Services. Whether it’s time spent with family and friends, travel memories, campus moments, or ways you recharged and reflected, your stories help us celebrate our community and the people behind the work we do every day.
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 have been delivered to campuses and homes throughout San Diego.
You can access a digital copy online via the website.
Congratulations to our amazing CNA graduates who completed their program just before winter break! We celebrate their hard work, resilience, and dedication to a career grounded in care and compassion. Their excitement for the future is a powerful reminder of why this work matters—and of the meaningful impact they're about to make in the lives of others.
Take a look at more special moments on our SDCCE Flickr!
We’re excited to share that the District 2025–26 Administrative and Governance Handbook is now available in a convenient digital format! In support of our District’s sustainability goals and paper-conservation efforts, the handbook is offered as a digital-only publication.
You can also find it on sdccd.edu under the Leadership section in the left-hand navigation. If you have any questions or updates to include, please contact the Marketing, Communications & Public Affairs Department at mcpa@sdccd.edu.
Last month, the Associated Students wrapped up our 2nd Annual Winter Wonderland—sponsored by the Campus Councils—with a flurry of fun! From bingo and contests to sweet treats and festive cheer, students truly showed up and showed out, making it a holiday celebration to remember. Check out more highlights on our SDCCE Flickr.
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.
Please RSVP to attend: https://bit.ly/45sMP24
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
ECC Theatre Renovation
The ECC Theatre Renovation continues to make progress! Here is the latest update:
- Construction was 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
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.
Please take a moment to review the safety cards for navigating ICE incidents on campus. 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:
Please join me in marching in the 44th Annual MLK Parade on January 18, 2026, with the theme “Hope in Action, A Dream Still Unfolding." SDCCE 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.
ABOUT THE PARADE
Date | Sunday, January 18, 2026
Arrive Time For Marchers | 9:30 to 10:30 a.m.
Parade Time | 11 a.m.
Route Length | 1.2 Miles
Staging Area | Harbor Drive (Between Grape and Ash)
What if it rains? | The MLK parade will happen rain or shine
Additionally, all SDCCE campuses will be closed on Monday, January 19 in observance of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day. We will reopen on Tuesday, January 20.
Classified Professional Weekly Spotlight
This week’s Classified Professional Weekly Spotlight shines on Maureen Gallegos, our dedicated Administrative Assistant V to the Vice President of Instructional Services.
Maureen plays a vital role in supporting instructional leadership, bringing professionalism, organization, and a collaborative spirit to everything she does. Known for her attention to detail and commitment to service, she helps ensure day-to-day operations run smoothly while supporting the college’s mission and the success of our students and colleagues. We’re grateful for Maureen’s hard work and the positive impact she makes behind the scenes every day.
Faculty Weekly Spotlight
This week’s Faculty Spotlight shines on David Giles, our Faculty in Clothing and Textiles, who blends creativity and technology to prepare students for today’s fashion industry.
David developed courses such as 3D Digital Patternmaking, 3D Printing and Laser Etching on Textiles, and Advanced Digital Textile Printing, giving students hands-on experience with digital avatars, industry software, and advanced production techniques. He also teaches Introduction to Digital Printing on Textiles, covering direct-to-textile printing, dye sublimation, and heat transfer vinyl. Drawing from his background creating custom rhinestone-encrusted bodysuits, David brings real-world insight into the classroom. Outside of teaching, he enjoys beach time with his rescue pups, Rita and Rocky.
SPAA Spotlight
This week’s SPAA Spotlight shines on our Stock Room Supervisor, Sal Mendez, whose behind-the-scenes leadership plays a vital role in keeping SDCCE campuses running smoothly. Sal oversees the coordination, organization, and distribution of essential supplies, ensuring colleagues have the resources they need to support student learning and daily operations. His attention to detail, reliability, and problem-solving skills help streamline processes and maintain efficiency across the college. Known for his collaborative spirit and commitment to service, Sal’s work has a meaningful impact on the SDCCE community, supporting a positive environment where students, colleagues, and programs can thrive.
- 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 attended the United Taxi Workers Open House, where we engaged in thoughtful discussions about the future of the industry, including the impact of emerging technologies and the importance of supporting drivers who rely on this work to support themselves and their families.
- I enjoyed a restful and joyful holiday season and hope you did as well. I’m feeling energized and grateful for our SDCCE community, and I look forward to all that we will accomplish together in the months ahead. While I am on vacation this week, I’m excited to return and kick off a strong and impactful 2026 with all of you.
The Research Corner
This week we invite you to explore Visibility Guide: An Examination of Aggregation and Suppression Practices in Race and Ethnicity Datas. The RP Group delves deeper in their own data collection criticizing how aggregation of Asian ethnicities creates an illusion of a homogeneic and monolithic experience. It also explores the supression of data for Native Americans, and how the asterik representing a smaller sample size hinders advocacy for such communities. This document may be accessed here: Visibility Guide: An Examination of Aggregation and Suppression Practices in Race and Ethnicity Datas. Please take a minute to review this resource and email jsalcedo001@sdccd.edu if you have any questions.
Best,
