Dear SDCCE Community,

I would like to acknowledge our LGBTQIA+ family and share my sincere condolences to the pain you are experiencing. I am deeply saddened by the senseless tragedy aimed at the LGBTQIA+ community that occurred on Saturday, November 19th, in Colorado Springs. There is no place for hate and discrimination at SDCCE; our institution is based on the principles of equal rights and acceptance. SDCCE prides ourselves as an inclusive and safe space for every student, every employee, and for all people who walk through our doors. SDCCE has plans to establish an on-campus pride center to house LGBTQIA+ resources and support, to host workshops, forums and trainings for students and employees. If you are in need of support right now, please reach out to Dr. Lisa Carulli, SDCCE's LGBTQIA Coordinator or Edith Quintero, SDCCE's Acting Associate Dean of Student Support Programs.

Thank you for being an ally for the LGBTQIA+ community and for empowering our students and employees to feel safe and proud of who they are!

Enrollment Updates

Enrollment continues to be strong for the fall semester. SDCCE’s overall enrollment stands at 26,466 (15% greater than this time last year, and a 2% increase from last week), with a fill rate of 80%, which is greater than the last fall (74%). SDCCE’s overall headcount is currently 13,817, an increase of 28% compared to this time last fall (10,784) and a 1% increase to last week (13,680). FTEF scheduled for the fall semester are 9% higher than last fall (172.98 to 158.35). We are currently discussing our spring offerings and the percentages regarding face-to-face and remote offerings. Please know that this decision is data-informed based on students' needs and an update for the spring semester will be released soon.

Campus Ready

Currently, wearing a face mask is a requirement and is still in effect at all district locations and district-sponsored events including SDCCE campuses. Effective December 19, 2022, the District will no longer require face coverings on district property. To learn more visit SDCCD's News Center. To learn more visit SDCCE’s Campus Ready web page.

Campus Updates

• SDCCE is joining the SDCCD and participating in Pack the Pantry. California Coast Credit Union and the San Diego Food Bank are hosting the fourth annual Pack the Pantry event to support local college students facing food insecurity throughout the month of November. Donate here.
• SDCCE is transitioning from student attendance cards to issuing SDCCD student IDs beginning spring semester, which will support students in their transition to a district college and allow them more access to public transportation and student discounts.
• Eligible students can apply for SDCCE's State Emergency Aid Grants to support with financial needs up to $500.00.
• The Sam Price Family Foundation has granted $10,000 to the SDCCE Foundation for SDCCE student scholarships and awards with a focus on English as a Second Language (ESL) students.
• Subaru made a generous donation to SDCCE’s Automotive certificate programs at the Educational Cultural Complex. The donations include a 2019 Subaru valued at about 28,000 dollars before tax, 2022 Subaru valued at about 38,000 dollars before tax and a factory Subaru tool to work on these vehicles valued at about 7,000 dollars. Watch video.
• SDCCE’s ESL program sponsored a "CATESOL Highlights Sharing Session" on Wednesday, November 2nd. SDCCE will host "A Bag of Love" Thanksgiving Food distribution event.
• Caron Lieber, Manager of ETi for the SDCCE Foundation had been chosen as the California Conservation Corps (CCC) navigator for the SDCCE Foundation because of the Utility Arborist Program which has created a strong partnership with the CCC locally. The SDCCE Foundation has been awarded a $15,000 grant for this partnership.
• SDCCE Foundation's Utility Arborist Program is featured in Giving Back Magazine: Read Article.
• California’s Department of Industrial Relations Division of Apprenticeship Standards authored formal approval of SDCCE Foundation’s Apprenticeship Readiness Program as a registered pre-apprenticeship with the State of California’s Division of Apprenticeship Standards. Woohoo!

Upcoming Events

• Today, November 21st at the Educational Cultural Complex (ECC), the basic needs team will distribute gift cards and Thanksgiving fixings to over 200 students. Thank you to all of our employees, Jessica Dekoekkoek, Valeria Ramirez, Michele Madrid Novak, Samantha Stanley, and Neill Kovrig for planning and executing such a wonderful event for our students.
• SDCCE will host its Historical Preservation Committee Meeting on Monday, November 28th at ECC. Attendees will learn more about SDCCE’s upcoming Coretta Scott King Gospel Luncheon in spring 2023, ECC’s Theater renovation update, and experience a photo timeline, Sam Kulani has created a wall-through photo gallery of vintage photos chronicling ECC's history from the mid 1970's.
• On November 29th, SDCCE’s Career Services will host an Amazon hiring day. The event will be held at ECC in the career center from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm. Amazon representatives will be on-site to provide on-the-spot interviews.
• On December 8th SDCCEs Office of Career and College Transition and the Child Development department will host “Rock Your Profile” a LinkedIn workshop at Ce-Mesa. Students can register here.

As Thanksgiving approaches, I want to express my gratitude and say thank you for all that each of you do, from the work that you do to the impact you make every day, you make SDCCE a wonderful place to work and to study. Our mission would not be possible without every single one of you. I hope that you take this time to reflect and to be proud of the impact we are making together. SDCCE will be closed November 24th through November 25, 2022. No classes will be held at SDCCE, November 21st through November 25th.

President Speaking Requests & Office Hours

With the holiday breaks coming up, I look forward to meeting with as many SDCCE team members as possible before 2022 comes to a close. The conversations about our institution and the work you are doing have been enriching and empowering. Please continue to sign up to connect.

President’s Office Hours are open for 1:1 meetings. Select a 20-minute time slot to meet with me.

Best,