Dear SDCCE Community,

It is officially August, which means the start of the fall semester is just around the corner—classes begin August 28! As we prepare for a new academic year, a strong sense of pride and excitement fills the air at San Diego College of Continuing Education. I am especially excited to welcome new students into the SDCCE family and to support our continuing students as they return with renewed purpose to pursue their goals. As we begin the fall semester, let’s carry this energy forward and make it a season to remember!

Enrollment Updates

Summer Update

SDCCE’s overall enrollment for summer stands at 14,034 (4% less than this time last year, and a 1% decrease from last week), with a fill rate of 73%, which is less than last summer (81%). SDCCE’s overall headcount is currently 9,772, a decrease of 2% compared to this time last summer (9,966) and a 1% decrease from last week (9,895). FTEF scheduled for the summer semester is 11% greater than last summer (72.15 to 80.09). View report.

We’re refreshing our CE birthday list! If you’ve already signed up in the past, no need to do it again—we’ve got you covered! If you’d like to be included and receive a special message on your birthday, please fill out this quick form.

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:

Demolition and Loud Noise Activity – Now to August 6

Demolition is currently taking place, and will continue through Wednesday, August 6. Loud Noise Activity will impact the following areas, including:

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

Interior demolition work will take place now through August 13 in the North Lobby adjacent to Room 48 (Ceramics Classroom) between 7:00 AM and 3:30 PM.

Please be advised:

• Room 48 will be most impacted due to the shared wall.
• Noise may carry into surrounding areas during work hours.

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.

Congratulations to our SDCCE Culinary Arts students who traveled to Las Vegas, Nevada, for the ACF Knowledge Bowl. The team earned second place and took home a silver medal—an outstanding achievement that highlights their talent, teamwork, and dedication. Special thanks to instructors Chef Megan Leppert and Chef Nikki Austria for their exceptional leadership and guidance in supporting our students on their path to success. Well done, team!

Safety, Inclusion, and Belonging (SIB) Task Force Updates

In our meeting last week, we discussed proactive strategies for tracking students who are facing immigration challenges, as well as the importance of reporting any sightings of ICE on campus. All reports should first be directed to the COS, who, in collaboration with the Deans, will take appropriate and informed next steps to address the situation. Helpful handouts are being developed by the District and will be distributed for the start of the fall semester. These resources are designed to guide employees on the steps for reporting. We are also implementing more support for employees who are supporting students during these situations. These efforts aim to provide space for reflection, support, and continued access to critical resources.

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

Date: August 12, 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. 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.

Be Well CCE

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

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 Jesus Laguna, our Custodial Crew Leader whose hard work and attention to detail help keep our campus clean, safe, and welcoming for all. In addition to his daily responsibilities, Jesus recently played a key role in ensuring our campus was secure and properly locked down during recent safety concerns—demonstrating his commitment to the well-being of our entire college community. His reliability, positive attitude, and pride in his work make a lasting impact every day. We’re truly grateful for his continued service and dedication to SDCCE!

Faculty Spotlight

This week's Faculty Spotlight shines a special light on our amazing Associated Students Faculty Advisors, who play a vital role in empowering student leadership and fostering a sense of community across our campuses. These dedicated faculty members go above and beyond—guiding students through meaningful experiences in advocacy, civic engagement, and personal development. Their mentorship helps students build confidence, strengthen their voices, and navigate their educational journey with purpose. We deeply appreciate their commitment to shaping future leaders and being such impactful guides along the way. Round of applause to the following faculty:

• Megan Albrant (CE Mesa)
• Isabel Corters (Mid-City)
• Jeffrey Inocencio (ECC)
• Chinazom Iwuaba (West City)
• Liz Scanland (Chavez)
• Ryane Willis (North City)
• Matt Zobin (CE Miramar)

• 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.

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!

President's Updates

I had the pleasure of attending Assemblymember Dr. Lashae Sharp-Collins’ inaugural Back to School Health Resource Fair—a powerful community event focused on uplifting students and ensuring they’re equipped with the supplies and support needed for a successful school year. A beautiful example of collaboration in action!

It was an honor to support Asian Solidarity Collective’s Back to School Drive at Hoover High School—a meaningful community event rooted in love, connection, and purpose. Grateful for the incredible work of our Outreach team in making it all happen!

This week I am excited to host 3 days of retreats with the Executive President's Cabinet, President's Cabinet, and Executive Governance Council as we come together ahead of a new academic year to plan and build community with one another.

The Research Corner

This week we invite you to explore the article "Students of color experiencing barriers in the financial aid process at an urban community college: A critical race policy analysis." This study examines the challenges students of color encounter when navigating the financial aid process beyond just submitting the FAFSA. It emphasizes communication gaps and structural barriers within financial aid systems that block fair access for marginalized students. The article may be accessed here: Students of color experiencing barriers in the financial aid process at an urban community college: A critical race policy analysis. Please take a minute to review this resource and email jsalcedo001@sdccd.edu if you have any questions.