Introduction

Dear SDCCE Community,

I hope you enjoyed your Fourth of July and were able to catch some beautiful fireworks and spend time with loved ones!

As we gear up for the fall term and enrollment continues, let’s come together to support our students with care and intention. In particular, during these challenging times for many of our student communities, your outreach, resource-sharing, and compassion make all the difference.

Thank you for all that you do to create a welcoming and empowering environment at SDCCE. Let’s continue moving forward together—and let’s show that spirit of inclusion loud and proud by marching in this year’s SDCCD Pride Parade! We invite you to join us in celebrating visibility, equity, and community.

Enrollment Updates

Summer Update

SDCCE’s overall enrollment for summer stands at 13,994 (5% less than this time last year, and a 0.4% increase from last week), with a fill rate of 78%, which is less than last summer (88%). SDCCE’s overall headcount is currently 9,832, a decrease of 2% compared to this time last summer (10,052) and a 0.2% increase from last week (9,810). FTEF scheduled for the summer semester is 12% greater than last summer (71.88 to 80.30). View report.

ECC Theatre Renovations

The ECC Theatre Renovation is underway! New signs have been placed around campus outlining the construction. There will be important upcoming construction activities to make note of:

CARES Marketplace Temporarily Closed Until July 15

The CARES Marketplace will be temporarily closed while we prepare to serve you from a new temporary location in the west end of the parking lot at ECC. We’re working hard to reopen by July 15th, and we truly appreciate your patience and support during this time of transition. While the marketplace relocates, you can continue to connect with CARES for other services and support and reach out to Dean Michele Madrid Novak for urgent inquiries.

Scheduled Power Shutdown – July 11

There will be a full power shutdown affecting the Main Building and South Wing on Friday, July 11.

• Please ensure that all monitors, printers, and computers are completely shut down before this date. Be mindful of any food stored in staff refrigerators, as refrigeration will be unavailable. The purpose of this shutdown is to disconnect the electrical from construction area and the rest of the campus and prevent any unexpected service interruptions.

Demolition and Loud Noise Activity – July 14 to August 6

Demolition is scheduled to begin on Monday, July 14, and continue through Wednesday, August 6. Loud Noise Activity will impact the following areas, including:

• Ceramics (Room 48)
• South Wing Classrooms
• Student Lounge

Construction work will generally occur Monday through Friday, from 7:00 AM to 3:30 PM. Loud Noise Notice signage will be posted throughout the campus to ensure awareness. Visit the project webpage to learn more and stay up to date.

Pride Parade

All are welcome to march with SDCCE and the SDCCD at the annual Pride Parade on Saturday, July 19th. Register to walk in the Pride parade using this form.

Counseling

SDCCE counselors will be visiting all campuses from 10:30 AM to 12:00 PM throughout July to connect with students, offer mental health support, and provide valuable LGBTQIA+ resources — a chance for students to engage, ask questions, and build community!

Campus Visit Schedule

• Cesar Chavez: July 8
• CE Mesa: July 17
• North City: July 22
• CE Miramar: July 24
• West City: July 31

Student Success

Culinary Arts student Isaac Espinoza, along with three of culinary peers from SDCCE, were awarded the Lucky Wong Memorial Scholarship—recognizing their talent, dedication, and potential in the culinary arts. Read more on NBC7.

Congratulations DSPS Art Students

Congratulations to our incredible DSPS Art students! Thanks to the dedicated guidance and encouragement of faculty member Gina Grossini-Concha, several of their art pieces earned First Place honors at the San Diego County Fair. Kudos to all our talented students for their outstanding achievements!

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.

We encourage employees and students to stay informed with helpful resources on our newly developed Canvas Shell operated by the Immigrant Student Success Program. It contains program information, events, handouts, and videos in 7 different languages.

Also, new cards with ISSP information and resources have been developed and will be handed out as needed. If a student needs assistance or a safe place to ask questions, please direct them to: sdcceimmigrantsupport@sdccd.edu.

Additionally, the next Know Your Rights Event is approaching soon!

Event Information

Date: July 9, 2025
Time: 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Title: Immigration Legal Consults at SDCCE Mid-City (Room 117)
Jewish Family Service’s Higher Education Legal Services (HELS) will be on campus offering free, brief one-on-one immigration legal consultations for California Community College students, staff, and faculty. Registration is required in advance. Haitian Creole interpretation available. Register Here.

A heartfelt thank you to the Task Force for your continued support, to the dedicated ISSP Team, and counselor Fatima Mota for your ongoing efforts to ensure our students have access to the resources and care they need—especially during these challenging times.

Important Update

Please be advised that an electrical shutdown is scheduled at ECC on Friday, July 11. This shutdown will not affect the Skills Center, which will remain fully operational. Plan accordingly and stay tuned for any updates.

SDCCDsafe

In the coming weeks, the San Diego Community College District will launch SDCCDsafe, a free app that turns your smartphone into a safety tool. Safety at all SDCCD campuses and facilities is a top priority, and this new app will provide students and employees with another way to protect themselves with such features as:

• Placing a direct call to College Police or the 9-8-8 Crisis Lifeline
• Setting up a virtual “Friend Walk” so a friend or family member can make sure you arrive at your destination safely – whether to a classroom, a parking lot, or even somewhere off campus
• Reporting an anonymous tip

The app will be available for download from the Apple App or Google Play stores in mid- to late-June. A notice will be sent out when the app is live.

More details about the app and other District safety services are available at sdccd.edu/safety.

Be Well CCE

Check out the upcoming Be Well CCE support group opportunities to boost your well-being this semester!Be Well CCE

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

Random Notes

• 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!

SDCCE Foundation News

• SDCCE Deans have been participating in a Grants 101 Bootcamp, offered by the Foundation, which provides mentorship and hands-on strategies for writing and applying for grants. Throughout the program, each dean is tasked with submitting four grant proposals, with the goal of securing at least two. Those who complete the bootcamp receive $2,000 to support their program area.
• SDCCE Foundation's Hoop Hysteria Fundraiser is happening this upcoming October 11 & 12—uniting community members, students, and employees for a high-energy basketball event aimed at raising funds for student scholarships and programs. Learn more details on how to have fun for a good cause!

President's Updates

• VP Carter, VP Omae, and I had the chance to attend President Denise Whisenhunt’s farewell celebration from Grossmont College— a time to recognize all the incredible work she’s done and to wish her well on her next chapter as President at Fresno City College.
• I enjoyed a lunch meeting with Fatima Mota, our new Immigrant Student Success Program (ISSP) Counselor who is working at the Cesar E. Chavez campus. As a dedicated advocate for social services, Fatima has committed her career to empowering students through academic advising, career counseling, and resource coordination. She specializes in trauma-informed care and resilience-building strategies that foster student success. Her experience and passion for student advocacy will further strengthen our commitment to supporting immigrant and refugee students.
• I want to thank all of the individuals who have signed up for Walks with the President recently. I am now up to 9 miles. I look forward to more walks and more conversions with all of you!

The Research Corner

This week we invite you to explore the report Investing in Student Success at Community Colleges from the Community College Research Center. This report analyzes the Guided Pathways approach to student counseling and support services, as well as its effectiveness at improving student success. The report may be accessed here: Investing in Student Success at Community Colleges. Please take a minute to review this resource and email jsalcedo001@sdccd.edu if you have any questions.