Dear SDCCE Community,

There are a lot of exciting things in store as we head into the new year! We’re already hard at work preparing for a variety of initiatives that will shape the semester ahead. Welcome Week will be here soon, bringing a vibrant slate of activities to kick off the new year with energy and connection for students. We’re also regrouping in our shared governance committees, ensuring that we continue to work collaboratively on important decisions and initiatives that impact our campus and student experience. In addition, we continue to promote and support Spring 2025 enrollment, as the first day of classes approaches on January 29. I want to thank you for your commitment in helping students find the resources they need to succeed, whether they're returning or just beginning their educational journey with us.

Enrollment Updates

SDCCE’s overall enrollment for spring stands at 21,063 (5% more than this time last year, and a 14% increase from last week), with a fill rate of 64%, which is greater than last spring (57%). SDCCE’s overall headcount is currently 11,564, an increase of 3% compared to this time last spring (11,194) and a 10% increase from last week (10,466). FTEF scheduled for the spring semester is 2% greater than last spring (184.94 to 187.81).

SDCCE’s overall enrollment for fall stands at 29,542 (0.2% less than this time last year, and a 0.02% increase from last week), with a fill rate of 71%, which is greater than last fall (68%). SDCCE’s overall headcount is currently 15,790, a decrease of 1% compared to this time last fall (15,924) and a 0.3% increase from last week (15,740). FTEF scheduled for the fall semester is 1% less than last fall (188.91 to 186.74). View the enrollment report.

Please join me in marching in the 43rd Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day Parade, on Sunday, January 19, at 10:00 a.m., where this year's powerful theme is "The Time is Now!” The parade will take place on Harbor Drive (Between Grape and Ash), View Parade Route.

Additionally, all SDCCE campuses will be closed on Monday, January 20 in observance of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day. We will reopen on Tuesday, January 21.

Spring 2025 Institution Day registration is now live! Institution Day will take place on Monday, January 27th at the Educational Cultural Complex. A formal email invitation has gone out. Don't wait, RSVP today !

Congrats to our SDCCE employees who participated in the Management Leadership Development Academy (MLDA). This professional development opportunity provided tools to participants in the areas of leadership, organizational management, collegiality, and DEIA. The graduates from SDCCE were Jared Osornio, Kelly Metz-Matthews, Roberta Krauss, Debi King, Sandy Hamel, Letrent Catchings, Richard Weinroth, and Akhaphone Phounsavath.

The 2025 Scholarship and Awards Program application and information page is now available! Visit www.sdcce.edu/scholarships to learn more about this year's offerings, link to the Scholarship application and the application for the AFT Guild 1931 Larry Schwartz Memorial Scholarship, and more!

This year, the application has adapted the short answer questions from previous years into a "personal statement" - the personal statement prompts can be found on the Scholarship website. In addition, guidance on how to craft a personal statement and other assistance with the application is available through the Tutoring and Learning Center:

ECC, Room 76
Monday & Wednesday 11:00AM - 5:00PM
Tuesday 7:00AM - 12 Noon
Thursday 8:00AM - 11:00AM

Mid-City, Room 317
Tuesday & Thursday 12:30PM - 5:30PM

If you are interested in offering a scholarship or award to honor the legacy of a loved one or colleague, or make a donation to the support of our College Scholarships and Awards, contact Mariya Anton at the SDCCE Foundation at manton@sdccd.edu

Applications will be open until 5:00PM on Friday, February 7, 2025! Share the attached flyer with your students - the QR Code links directly to the application.

Exciting news at SDCCE! We welcome three new leaders:

• Myesha Jackson, Dean of Culinary Arts and Hospitality, Clothing and Textiles, and Child Development
• Armin Rashvand, Dean of Adult Basic Education, High School Diploma/Equivalency, and CAEP Consortium Director
• Dr. Evangeline Akridge, Dean of Emeritus and Disability Support Programs and Services (DSPS)

We are excited for them each to bring a wealth of knowledge, industry experience, and an equity-focused lens to their roles!

The Grand Opening and Open House for our new Tutoring & Learning Center (TLC) at the Educational Cultural Complex is this Tuesday, January 14, 2025, at 12:30 p.m. The TLC offers tutoring for enrolled SDCCE students and is now open for High School Equivalency (HSE) testing. I encourage you to extend the invitation with colleagues, students, and your academic and student services teams.

SDCCE's ESL Go Green Committee Team meeting was held virtually today, January 13 from 3:00 to 4:00 p.m. on Zoom. All are welcome. For more information contact, Co-Chairs Diana Larsen at dlarsen@sdccd.edu, Diana Vera-Alba at dveraalb@sdccd.edu and Elissa Claar at eclaar@sdccd.edu.

BeWell CCE is hosting a healing circle for those affected by the recent loss of our students and fellow CE community members. The healing circle is taking place Monday, January 13 from 4:30 - 5:30 p.m. at the Mid-City Campus Room 117.

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

Over the break, I had the incredible opportunity to visit Haiti and Dominican Republic, an experience that was deeply meaningful to me for many reasons. This trip held special significance, especially given that our college is home to a large Haitian student community. It was truly enlightening to immerse myself in the rich culture and history of Haiti, gaining a deeper understanding of the heritage that so many of our students come from. I had the chance to meet many locals and learn about the love for fishing and art in Haiti.

The Research Corner

This week we invite you to check the Priority Jobs and Programs: Addressing Equity Gaps for a Diverse Workforce from the Center of Excellence. This report highlights the current labor market and postsecondary education data in San Diego County to identify priority jobs and programs, assess equity gaps, and see how these gaps have evolved in these areas in the region. Take a minute to review this resource and email jsalcedo001@sdccd.edu if you have any questions.

President's Office Hours

President's Office Hours are back! Individual zoom meetings will be 20 minutes and are available on a first come first serve basis. If you would like to schedule a virtual appointment with me, please email sdccepresident@sdccd.edu for detailed information.

Best,