Dear SDCCE Community,
I hope you all had a wonderful Mother's Day! Thank you to everyone who joined us for the groundbreaking ceremony of the Educational Cultural Complex Theatre last Thursday!
I'm deeply grateful to the more than 150 attendees—including students, employees, community leaders, partners, and elected officials—who came together to celebrate this legacy and envision a vibrant future for the arts in our community.
So much time, dedication, thoughtful planning, and hard work brought us to this moment. With your continued support, the ECC Theatre is poised to once again thrive as a vibrant cultural cornerstone—a place where creativity is cultivated, stories come to life, and community grows stronger. Here’s to the next generation of voices, performances, and endless possibilities!
Also, thank you to Dr. Sonya Christian, California Community Colleges Chancellor for highlighting our event in her May blog, as well as KUSI News, Times of San Diego, and the San Diego Voice and Viewpointk.
Photos from the day are available to download and share.
Please also remember to visit the ECC Theatre Renovation webpage for the latest updates on plans, timelines, and phases as we head into construction!
Enrollment Updates
SDCCE’s overall enrollment for spring stands at 30,253 (2% less than this time last year, and a 0.2% decrease from last week), with a fill rate of 72%, which is greater than last spring (68%). SDCCE’s overall headcount is currently 15,719, a decrease of 5% compared to this time last spring (16,568) and a 0.1% decrease from last week (15,739). FTEF scheduled for the spring semester is 2% greater than last spring (191.39 to 196.17). View the enrollment report.
Summer enrollment began today, May 12!
Encourage students to plan ahead and secure their spot for an exciting summer semester!
Outreach will also be offering Enrollment Workshops and Resource Fairs at the following dates and times:
May 12:
- 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM | Mid-City Campus – 3792 Fairmount Avenue
- 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM | West City Campus – 3249 Fordham Street
May 13:
- 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM | CE Mesa Campus – 7350 Armstrong Place
- 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM | César Chávez Campus – 1901 Main Street
May 14:
- 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM | North City Campus – 8355 Aero Drive
May 15:
- 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM | Educational Cultural Complex – 4343 Ocean View Boulevard
- 11:30 AM – 2:30 PM | CE Miramar Campus – 10440 Black Mountain Road
On May 8th, we hosted a beautiful kick-off event for Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Month. The event was a wonderful opportunity to reflect on and celebrate the invaluable contributions of Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander communities, while also acknowledging their rich and diverse cultures, with food, music, and traditional dances. It was truly heartwarming to see people from all walks of life come together in joy and solidarity to honor the AANHPI community and its talented performers.
May is also Jewish American Heritage Month. We honor the rich history, diverse culture, and remarkable contributions of the Jewish community and extraordinary achievements of our Jewish faculty, staff, admin, and students at SDCCE.
We also recognize May as Mental Health Awareness Month—a crucial time to raise awareness, reduce stigma, and support one another in prioritizing mental well-being.
As we continue to celebrate these important months, we recognize that every culture and identity contributes to the rich tapestry of experiences and perspectives that make our college community so special. We encourage everyone to join in these celebrations and upcoming events and foster an inclusive environment where all voices are heard and valued.
If you have any questions regarding any of the cultural affinity month celebrations and events, please feel free to reach out to the Cultural Events Task Force at sdcce_cec@sdccd.edu. For questions, events, and resources related to mental health, please contact our Be Well Mental Health Team at bewellsdcce@sdccd.edu.
Thank you for your continued support in making our campus a place where diversity and inclusivity are celebrated year-round and I look forward to the opportunity to see you at an upcoming event!
In celebration of Mexican Mother’s Day, Counselor Sany Ramirez joined the KNSJ Al Chile Show to share an empowering message with mothers in the community.
She highlighted the opportunities available through SDCCE, where moms can access free career training and classes to pursue their passions, continue their education, and build better futures for themselves and their families. Her message served as a reminder that it’s never too late to follow your dreams.
Safety, Inclusion, and Belonging (SIB) Task Force Updates
At San Diego College of Continuing Education, we are committed to maintaining a campus environment that fosters inclusivity, equity, and respect for all individuals, regardless of their background or immigration status. The SIB Task Force was created to develop actionable steps to enhance support for our students in the current social climate. As a Task Force we are working on the current initiatives:
- We’re Here to Stay Program – A new effort focused on supporting students facing immigration-related challenges.
- Immigration Resources – Centralized access to information and tools addressing a wide range of immigration needs.
- Informational Events – A series of sessions hosted by SIB sub-committees to help students navigate immigration systems.
- Campus-Wide Resource List – A comprehensive guide to services, including asylum, parole, and legal support.
- Legal Consultations – One-on-one legal guidance, with $150 provided for the first session and discounted rates for ongoing representation.
I look forward to our next meeting to further important conversations in achieving these goals.
I enjoyed the latest Coffee & Chat Q&A sessions at the North City campus. The next Coffee & Chat will be at CE Miramar on May 15 at 12:15 p.m. These coffee & chats are platforms to continue conversations on budget, enrollment, staffing, and unique campus needs. Thank you to everyone who has attended!
Save the Date: SDCCE Commencement Ceremony will be held - June 6, 2025 at 5 p.m., Spreckels Organ Pavilion at Balboa Park
This year's Commencement, celebrating 111 years of service to San Diego by the San Diego College of Continuing Education, will honor students completing their high school diplomas & equivalencies, vocational certificates, and advanced ESL program certificates alongside graduates supported by our partners at the San Diego Unified School District Adult High School Diploma Program!
Visit the commencement webpage for more details.
If you are interested in volunteering at Commencement please sign up: https://forms.gle/j4PLohbLndDxgSh7A
Join us for the Classified Professional Service Awards on May 19 from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Educational Cultural Complex as we honor and recognize our outstanding classified professionals and their years of service.
For accommodations please contact, Desiree Redulla, at dredulla@sdccd.edu
Remember tutoring is available for students, see the details below for enrollment support in available courses. Additionally, we’ve added morning hours on Wednesdays from 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM at ECC to better accommodate student schedules.
Course: ABED 445
CRN: 85664 (ECC)
ECC- Room 76
Mon & Wed 12 to 6PM
The following Fridays
8AM to 1PM:
May 16th & 30th
Course: ABED 445
CRN: 85665 (Mid City)
MCC - Room 317
Tue & Thur 12:30 to 5:30PM
The following Fridays
8AM to 1PM:
May 23rd
On Tuesday, May 13, from 5:30 to 7 p.m. we will host the Lavender celebration recognizing our resilient LGBTQ+ student grant recipients.
At SDCCE, we stand with them in joyful resistance through action, solidarity, and love.
The new reception desk is now in place at the Mid-City campus, giving the space a refreshed look. Additionally, at the ECC campus, the desk for the new Tech Hub has also been installed—an exciting step forward as we continue building out the space. While some additional equipment is still on the way, having the desk in place marks a major milestone in getting the Tech Hub up and running.
Administrative Services is now offering drop-in online open office hours. During these sessions, our team will be available to answer your questions on topics such as budgeting, human resources, travel procedures, and the resource request process.
Join us for the Be Well CCE Mental Health Fair — a community celebration promoting wellness, connection, and support!
Taking place on May 15, 2025, from 12:30 to 3:00 PM on the ECC outdoor patio (between Buildings B & C), this vibrant event features a fun “Cookout” theme and brings together community partners, resources, and activities centered around mental health and well-being.
Guests can enjoy:
- Delicious food
- Interactive workshops
- Informative mental health discussions
- Opportunity drawings with exciting prizes
Bring your family and friends for an afternoon of learning, connection, and fun. Together, we can foster a healthier, more supportive community.
For more information, contact BeWellSDCCE@sdccd.edu.
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: 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 12:30PM.
Dates: 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 12:30PM.
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 12:30PM.
Flex Credit Available
Meeting ID: 879 8336 9490
https://sdccd-edu.zoom.us/j/87983369490
Classified Professional Spotlight
I would like to extend my appreciation to Damella Abbott for her outstanding leadership as Chair of the Cultural Events Taskforce. Her can-do attitude, unwavering commitment, and ability to turn ideas into action have been inspiring.
Damella consistently goes above and beyond, playing a pivotal role in the successful execution of events that celebrate the rich diversity and promote inclusion within our community.
Your dedication has not gone unnoticed, and we are grateful for the energy and vision you bring. Thank you for your invaluable contributions and exemplary leadership.
Faculty Spotlight
This week, we proudly spotlight one of our many dedicated and hardworking faculty members, Dr. Claudia Tornsaufer, Program Chair of the Emeritus Department. Claudia’s leadership—from innovative course design to strategic planning—continues to make a meaningful impact. Thank you for your commitment and the contributions you make to our community.
- SDCCE students received the May 2025 student news.
- The 2025 Emeritus Spring Concert recording is available to watch.
- A new Student Lounge pilot is being offered at CE Mesa, Room 116, Monday–Friday from 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. for the rest of the spring semester. Printer support is available from the Student Success Specialist on Monday–Wednesday, 10:30 a.m.–1:00 p.m. Please share this information with students as needed.
- 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!
President's Updates
Thank you to ESL Faculty member, Henry Nguyen for the beautiful flowers during our meeting last week! It was the perfect way to start off Mother's Day weekend!
Over the weekend, I had the honor of participating in the Women of Color ROAR Leadership Academy’s “Higher Heights in Education” Leadership Panel, featuring dynamic executives in the education field. It was inspiring to share space with so many great leaders who are shaping the future.
I also had the privilege of joining the Graduation Ceremony for the Class of 2025 Apprenticeship Readiness Program. These graduates are on an exciting path forward, and I can’t wait to see all they will accomplish. A heartfelt thank you to the SDCCE Foundation, San Diego Workforce Partnership, and the San Diego County Building Trades Union for bringing this impactful program to our college and community.
I enjoyed hosting a special year-end luncheon with the Associated Students at North City Campus, celebrating their dedication, leadership, and impact throughout the year. Student leaders play a vital role in shaping the student experience, building community, and driving positive change across the college — and this gathering was a heartfelt thank-you for their service and commitment.
The Research Corner
This week, we invite you to explore the research study Data and Technology in Action: Community Colleges Advancing Economic Mobility. A research study that takes a look at a handful of community colleges that have adopted new technologies, information gathering techniques, and administrative methodologies, and whether or not these changes have successfully improved the workforce preparedness of students. You can read the full article at the following link: Data and Technology in Action: Community Colleges Advancing Economic Mobility. 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,
