Dear SDCCE Community,
I'm pleased to share important news about AB 1433, a bill authored by Assemblymember Dr. LaShae Sharp-Collins (79th Assembly District) that will enhance funding for essential student support programs at noncredit colleges and centers. If approved, under this legislation, the Board of Governors will allocate base funding for designated categorical programs, ensuring greater resources for disabled student programs and services, mental health services, veteran resource centers, basic needs, and the Student Equity and Achievement Program.
To qualify for this funding, noncredit colleges and centers must have coordinators, directors, or deans overseeing these programs, which here at SDCCE we do. Additionally, the Board of Governors has the flexibility to expand funding categories as needed and will determine the methodology for distribution.
This is a significant step forward in our advocacy efforts for noncredit students and ensuring equitable access to vital services. Stay tuned for further updates!
Additionally, on
Tuesday, March 4th, Neill, SDCCE Student Services Technician and students Natalya,
Siem, and Zahra proudly represented SDCCE at Advocacy Day (March in March) at the state capitol.
During the legislative visit, they had the opportunity to meet with a staffer from Assembly Member La-Shae Sharp Collins' office. It was an incredible moment for our students to shine as they passionately advocated for noncredit education.
Enrollment Updates
SDCCE’s overall enrollment for spring stands at 28,754 (2% more than this time last year, and a 2% increase from last week), with a fill rate of 76%, which is greater than last spring (68%). SDCCE’s overall headcount is currently 14,903, a decrease of 2% compared to this time last spring (15,235) and a 1% increase from last week (14,733). FTEF scheduled for the spring semester is 2% greater than last spring (190.20 to 194.76).
Thank you for
attending last week’s Chancellor’s Forum, where we discussed concerns about the current
political climate, ways to support our students, funding, and how we can help students navigate
through their academic journeys. Your engagement and commitment are truly appreciated.
Building on discussions from the recent Budget and Enrollment Management Symposium and the Chancellor's Forum, join myself and the Leadership Team for a follow-up Q&A session on the college-wide budget, enrollment, and staffing on March 18th from 3:00 PM to 4:00 PM at Mid-City in the Main Lobby (in-person). This is an opportunity to come together for open dialogue.
IT Student Tania Melendez pursued a certificate to become a Desktop Technician with the ultimate goal of becoming a Cybersecurity Analyst. Learn more about her journey. #WomensHistoryMonthFeature
Women's History Month kicked off last week with our Affirmations Table, where the SDCCE community came together to share inspiring messages, create uplifting affirmations, and take home a beautiful flower. Let’s keep the celebration going—join us for more joy and empowerment at one of the many activities on our event calendar!
Join SDCCE's Team ABI 2025!
We're proud to participate in the SurviveHEADSTRONG Walk & Health Fair, supporting brain injury awareness and recovery. For the second year in a row, I am proud to sponsor students for this event—let’s walk and roll together for a great cause!
Employees can donate & register with Team ABI: sdbif.org/teamabi
Thank you to Counselor and ABI Program Coordinator, Brandi Bass, and Dean of DSPS and Emeritus, Dr. Vangie Akridge, for their leadership and support of Team ABI this year.
We’re excited to invite you to the Grand Opening of the Business Resource Center (BRC) on Wednesday, April 9, 2025, from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM at the San Diego College of Continuing Education Foundation – César E. Chávez Campus.
Come explore our new space, connect with the community, and discover the incredible resources available to support your business goals. Enjoy a welcoming event with exciting giveaways and light refreshments. RSVP here.
SDCCE's Black Student Success Program proudly participated in this year’s A2MEND Summit, where our students experienced an inspiring and transformative conference that will shape their academic and personal growth. We deeply appreciate our dedicated BSSP team and counselors for their commitment to student success and for creating meaningful opportunities that our students can partake in.
ACLU, "Know Your Rights" trainings are available to all College of Continuing Education students, employees, and community members. Sessions are virtual in both English and Spanish. Registration is now open for the ACLU Know Your Rights trainings .
San Diego Mesa College invites students to "Jumpstart Your Success" on Saturday, March 22, 2025, from 8:30 AM to 12:30 PM. SDCCE students and alumni attending will have the chance to win a $500 scholarship for Mesa College!
At Jumpstart, students will experience Mesa’s offerings, learn about the San Diego Promise Free Tuition Program, the transfer process, and attend helpful workshops.
This event is free! There will be free lunch, prizes, and more. Please encourage students to reserve a spot: Prospective Student Registration Form.
The launch of the new District logo and visual identity has provided an opportunity to reassess the design, information, organization, and request process for District business cards. Based on valuable feedback from stakeholders, there were updates to better reflect workforce diversity and inclusivity on the business cards.
New business cards are now available! Please complete the request form and submit it to your manager for review: https://www.sdccd.edu/docs/District/BusinessCardRequest.pdf
Remember tutoring is available for students, see the details below for enrollment support in available courses:
-
Course: ABED 445
CRN: 85664 (ECC)
ECC- Room 76
Mon & Wed 12 to 6 pm
The following Fridays 8 am to 1 pm:
March 21st
April 18th
May 2nd, 16th, & 30th -
Course: ABED 445
CRN: 85665 (Mid City)
MCC - Room 317
Tue & Thur 12:30 to 5:30 PM
The following Fridays 8 am to 1 pm:
March 14th & 28th
April 11th & 25th
May 9th & 23rd
The Tutoring and Learning Center (TLC) is hosting two workshops to support students in career exploration and digital literacy:
Reading and Understanding Careers
Monday, March 24
1:30 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. (Registration at 1:15 p.m.)
Educational Cultural Complex, Room 76
Students will learn how to explore careers related to their academic goals and develop effective job
search strategies.
SDCCD Email and Navigating the Internet
Wednesday, March 26
1:30 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. (Registration at 1:15 p.m.)
Educational Cultural Complex, Room 76
This workshop covers how to access and use SDCCD email, connect to Wi-Fi, and navigate the Internet
for academic success.
Please encourage students to attend!
SDCCD’s Open Education Week (March 3-7) was a resounding success, offering engaging webinars and interactive sessions on Open Educational Resources (OER). This week also marks the ongoing AccessAbility Professional Development—see the details below:
SDICCA AccessAbility Week
Monday, March 10 through Friday, March 16
- As listed on the event website, "Accessibility is not just an obligation; it’s a shared responsibility—one that each of us plays a crucial role in fulfilling.
- By participating in this week of learning and collaboration, you’ll gain practical skills, inspiration, and actionable steps to make our collective goal a reality: a learning environment where every student and employee, regardless of ability, can thrive."
- To learn more about the sessions and register for Zoom links, please visit SDICCA AccessAbility Week Sessions and Registrations
- CE Flex is available for these sessions.
Check out the upcoming Be Well CCE support group opportunities to boost your well-being this semester!Be Well CCE
Life in Living Color (LGBTQIA+)
Come join our bilingual support group twice a month to meet others, discuss relevant topics, and
learn
about resources for LGBTQIA+ students.
This group meets *BI-WEEKLY* on Mondays in person at the Cesar Chavez campus in room 205 or via
Zoom.
Dates: 3/17/25, 4/7/25, 4/21/25, 5/5/25, 5/19/25, 6/2/25, 6/16/25
Meeting ID: 867 6916 7653
https://sdccd-edu.zoom.us/j/86769167653
Real Relations Support Group
BeWell CCE wants to support you and your goals as you navigate the various interpersonal
relationships in life. Some of the topics are included but not limited to: Communication,
Boundaries, Self-Esteem, Core Beliefs/Values, Healthy/Unhealthy Relationship Traits, Positive
Parenting/Discipline techniques and more.
The last Monday of the month is students only at 12:30 p.m.
Dates: 3/24/25, 4/28/25, 5/19/25, 6/23/25
Meeting ID: 847 4447 3305
https://sdccd-edu.zoom.us/j/84744473305
Weekly Student Support Group
“This Thing Called Life” is hosted on Wednesdays for students only at 12:30 p.m.
Meeting ID: 884 0608 7923
https://sdccd-edu.zoom.us/j/88406087923
Weekly Employee Support Group
“Think it Through Thursdays” is hosted on Thursdays for employees only at 12:30 p.m.
Flex Credit Available
Meeting ID: 879 8336 9490
https://sdccd-edu.zoom.us/j/87983369490
Thank you to everyone who took part in the Gratitude Challenge! We hope it inspired you to reflect on gratitude and experience its lasting benefits. A special thank you to Carla Grossini-Concha for her leadership and dedication in guiding this initiative.
May the spirit of gratitude continue well beyond these 30 days!
Ramadan, began on March 1, 2025 and many of our Muslim students and employees partake in a month of fasting, reflection, and spiritual renewal. From dawn to dusk, they will abstain from food and drink, balancing their daily responsibilities with the physical and spiritual commitments of this special time. I want to acknowledge the many ESL students, students at our Mid-City campus in the City Heights community and others who observe Ramadan. Please continue to check in and support one another during this time.
Additionally, thank you to City College for sharing this event, Iftar Night on March 11 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. in honor of Ramadan. This event is open to all, including children. RSVP here.
Help us assess the college's tools and tactics to communicate with internal stakeholders about campus activities, including future construction projects. This will help ensure clear, consistent, and effective communication. Take the survey.
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.
For SDCCE swag and merch visit the online store and start shopping today!
Faculty Spotlight
This week, I am thrilled to spotlight two faculty members:
Carolina Gonzalez,
Counseling Chair, and
Reem Putrus, Assistant Chair. Both play a pivotal role in supporting the Dean and
counseling team
and driving key initiatives forward.
They have supported and assisted the counseling team to achieve significant milestones, here are few initiatives:
- Transitioning from program-specific counseling to a general counseling model.
- Assisting in the hiring, training, and evaluation of contract and adjunct counselors.
- Supporting the implementation of the Counseling Institute action plans, including new student intake and various workshops to support students success.
- Helping with new state mandate VAR data reporting.
President's Updates
I am deeply honored and humbled to receive the Proclamation and Recognition from the County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday, March 11th, in celebration of Women's History Month. This recognition is a heartfelt reminder of the collective support of those around me, including the remarkable women of the past, those who inspire us today, and the future leaders who will continue to shape our world. I am truly grateful for this acknowledgment and look forward to continuing my commitment to serving and contributing to the progress of our community.
I hosted the first meeting of the Safety, Inclusion, and Belonging Task Force, where we discussed proactive strategies to better support SDCCE students. Exciting developments are ahead—stay tuned for updates, including the launch of our Know Your Rights webpage next week.
The Research Corner
This week, we invite you to explore the report Building Apprenticeship Capacity. This report from the Center of Excellence looks at the importance of building apprenticeship growth to meet the state and regional goals. The report states that current work has not been enough and suggests for colleges to design an apprenticeship lead to guarantee the success of building the apprenticeship programs in our region. You can read the full article at the following link: Building Apprenticeship Capacity - Centers of Excellence for Labor Market Research. Please take a minute to review this resource and email jsalcedo001@sdccd.edu if you have any questions.
Walk with the President / President's Office Hours
This semester, I'm excited to offer a new 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 this spring. 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 serve basis. If you would like to schedule an appointment with me, please email sdccepresident@sdccd.edu for detailed information.
Best,
