Introduction
Dear SDCCE Community,
This summer has been full of meaningful progress and community engagement—from theatre renovations and the launch of our new Rising Scholars Program, featured in Times of San Diego, KUSI, and ABC10, to our talented SDCCE family representing at the San Diego County Fair and proudly participating in Pride events. I’m inspired by the dedication of our talented faculty, classified professionals, administrators, and students, and I look forward to the momentum carrying into the fall semester as we continue to support both new and returning students on their educational journeys.
Take a glimpse at the news coverage highlighting our Rising Scholars Program.
Enrollment Updates
Summer Update
SDCCE’s overall enrollment for summer stands at 14,116 (5% less than this time last year, and a 1% increase from last week), with a fill rate of 77%, which is less than last summer (86%). SDCCE’s overall headcount is currently 9,879, a decrease of 2% compared to this time last summer (10,080) and a 0.5% increase from last week (9,832). FTEF scheduled for the summer semester is 12% greater than last summer (71.88 to 80.30). View the enrollment report .
Save the date
Get ready for the Vision 2030 Noncredit Summit 2025—happening October 16–17 at Mt. San Antonio College! This transformative event will center equity and economic mobility, bringing key voices together to shape the future of noncredit education.
Stay tuned—registration details coming soon!
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
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, 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.
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.
Welcome
We’re excited to welcome Silvia Nogales as the new Theatre Director at SDCCE’s Educational Cultural Complex!
With 25+ years of experience, Silvia will lead ECC Theatre operations, productions, and performing arts programs. A seasoned arts professional and passionate student advocate, she brings creativity, collaboration, and vision to this new chapter.
Join us in giving her a warm welcome!
Black Women's Resilience Project
Watch Dr. Vangie Akridge speak on the challenges Black women face in the Black Women’s Resilience Project.
Dr. Vangie Akridge, Dean of Disability Support Programs and Services/Emeritus, joined the Black Women's Resilience Project to address the systemic barriers Black women face in striving to make ends meet. This project was developed with many individuals from the community we directly serve.
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.
Congratulations to SDCCE Digital Media student Jessi Noreault, whose design was selected for this year’s San Diego Pride t-shirt! Jessi’s artwork will proudly represent SDCCD in the 2025 San Diego Pride Parade on Saturday, July 19 at 10:00 AM—celebrating diversity, inclusion, and community across the district. Learn more .
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
- CE Mesa: July 17
- North City: July 22
- CE Miramar: July 24
- West City: July 31
SDCCE Culinary students are gearing up for the upcoming Knowledge Bowl later this month—an exciting opportunity to demonstrate their culinary expertise, teamwork, and all they've gained through hands-on learning in both the classroom and kitchen. Special kudos to Chefs Megan and Nikki for supporting our students in the competition!
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!
Date
: July 15, 2025
Time
: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Title
: Immigration Legal Consults at SDCCE Mid-City (Room 117)
Event Information
: 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
.
Workshop: Humanizing Diverse Immigrant Student Populations
Join Dr. Juan Carlos Reyna for an interactive, FLEX-eligible session focused on supporting immigrant students through inclusive, equity-centered practices.
Session 1
- César Chávez Campus, Room 103
- Wed, July 23 | 9 AM–1 PM | Light breakfast
Session 2
- North City Campus, Room 101
- Thu, July 24 | 1–5 PM | Light lunch
Register
https://forms.office.com/r/qdQA7tejLzLet’s ensure immigrant students feel seen, supported, and valued.
Back to School Health Resource Fair
The Office of Assemblymember Dr. LaShae Sharp-Collins is hosting a Back to School Health Resource Fair on Saturday, August 2, from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM at New Creation Church (3115 Altadena Ave, San Diego) for a day of support, wellness, and preparation for the new school year.
Give aways include 1,500 free backpacks with supplies for TK–12 students, along with free health screenings and access to community resources.
Register to reserve a backpack : https://form.jotform.com/251726560691158
Sign up to volunteer : https://tinyurl.com/BackToSchoolAD79
Please share this information with students and their families and to start the new school year off strong.
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
Classified Professional Spotlight
This week’s Classified Professional Spotlight shines on Beatriz Cruz, who has an inspiring journey from SDCCE student to employee. After earning her GED and learning English at SDCCE, she went on to graduate from SDSU receiving a bachelor’s degree in Spanish and Child Development.
Today, she supports students at SDCCE’s North City Campus, helping them earn certificates and pursue their goals. She helps with student inquiries, validates, and processes certificates of achievements and does it will exceptional grace and professionalism. She is an integral part of the team at North City and her story is a powerful reminder that education can change lives.
Faculty Spotlight
This week’s Faculty Spotlight shines on Parenting Ed Adjunct, Terry Washington—a dedicated educator with over 30 years of experience in early childhood education. From her beginnings in preschool and Head Start to her current role at SDCCE, Terry has consistently championed the importance of supporting both children and their families.
Since 2001, she has taught a variety of parenting and childcare classes, and now leads courses like Foundations of Childcare, Introduction to Childcare, and Infant Development. Terry holds degrees in Human Behavior, Interdisciplinary Studies, and Child Development.
Outside the classroom, she enjoys time with her family, walking her dogs, practicing yoga, and discovering new adventures. Her passion for teaching and uplifting others continues to leave a lasting impact on the SDCCE community.
- 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 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!
- The San Diego College of Continuing Education Foundation’s ElevateU Program has been awarded a $50,000 grant through the 2025 Community Grant Program, generously funded by the San Diego County District Attorney’s Office. This recognition highlights our continued dedication to empowering individuals through education, career growth, and personal development. With this support, ElevateU will expand its high-impact services—uplifting our community and creating new pathways to opportunity.
- The Historic Preservation Committee met on July 7 to outline its priorities and areas of focus for the upcoming year.
President's Updates
- I’m honored to join the Board of Directors at United Way of San Diego County and excited to support a mission dedicated to strengthening and uplifting our communities!
- This week, I am teaching in the doctoral program in Community College Leadership at SDSU—engaging with community college leaders and practitioners who are committed to advancing equity, innovation, and student success in higher education. The doctoral students will be visiting several of our campuses this week to understand how our college impacts the communities we serve.
The Research Corner
This week we invite you to explore the research paper Improving Community College Completion Rates by Addressing Structural and Botivational Barriers. This paper explains that the way community colleges offer and teach classes often confuses and demoralizes students and elaborates on the policy and methodology changes that would ameliorate these issues and improve student success. The paper may be accessed here: Improving Community College Completion Rates by Addressing Structural and Motivational Barriers . 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. 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.
