Dear SDCCE Community,

As we head into Thanksgiving week, I would like to take a moment to acknowledge and share my gratitude to each and every one of you and the students we serve! Also, a special thank you to our Academic Senate, Classified Senate, and Executive President's Cabinet members. Thank you for your leadership, your dedication, and all you have contributed throughout the year.

Looking ahead to the spring semester, we’ll be updating the Governance Handbook and making additions to include our SPAA members in shared governance. A special thank you goes out to Dean Jessica Luedtke for leading the Governance Handbook updates, and to all committees, sub-committees, and task forces for the vital work you do to keep our college running every day.

Executive President’s Cabinet (EPC)

• Dr. Tina M. King, President
• Dr. Masahiro Omae, Vice President, Instruction
• Dr. Shakerra Carter, Vice President, Student Services
• Jacqueline Sabanos, Vice President, Administrative Services
• Brenna Leon Sandeford, Public Information Officer
• Dr. Tami Foy, Executive Director, Foundation

Academic Senate Executive Committee

• Dr. Richard Weinroth, President
• Dr. Kelly Metz-Matthews, Vice President
• Dr. Rachel Rose, Chair of Chairs
• Richard Gholson, Curriculum Chair
• Stacy Surwilo, Treasurer (not pictured)
• Brandi Bass, Secretary
• John Bromma, Past President

Classified Senate Executive Officers

• Dr. Esther Anthony-Thomas, President
• Trenton Romero, Vice President
• Mitza Lindsey, Treasurer
• Patricia Lopez, Secretary
• Neill Kovrig, Member-at-Large

Senators

• Jennifer Bennett
• Damella Abbott
• Carmen Martinez
• Cynthia Giammarinaro
• Stephanie McCrea
• Taya Selmon
• Ricardo Madueno Martinez
• Beatrice Cruz
• Danielle Williams
• Zuri Williams
• Floreniza Yumul

Enrollment Updates

Fall Update

SDCCE’s overall enrollment for fall stands at 28,166 (4% less than this time last year, and a 0.5% increase from last week), with a fill rate of 64%, which is less than last fall (73%). SDCCE’s overall headcount is currently 15,014, a decrease of 4% compared to this time last fall (15,682) and a 0.3% increase from last week (14,966). FTEF scheduled for the fall semester is 7% greater than last fall (185.50 to 198.52). View the enrollment report.

Happy Thanksgiving to you and your loved ones!

Note during the holiday break, there will be no classes and campus hours will be limited (November 24-28):

• CE Mesa: Open Nov. 24–26 (8:00–4:30), Closed Nov. 27–28
• CE Miramar: Open Nov. 24–26 (8:00–4:30), Closed Nov. 27–28
• Cesar Chavez: Closed
• ECC: Closed
• Mid-City: Open Nov. 24–25 (8:00–4:30), Closed Nov. 26–28
• North City: Closed
• West City: Open Nov. 24–25 (8:00–4:30), Closed Nov. 26–28

Spring 2026 Enrollment

Spring 2026 Enrollment is now open! Encourage students to enroll early and explore our wide range of tuition-free programs, flexible scheduling, and supportive services. We are ready to help every student start the new term with confidence.

Additionally, last week, Outreach and the affinity programs invited students to stop by, share what they were thankful for, get enrollment help, connect with others, and enjoy uplifting vibes (and treats). A big thank-you to Outreach and the affinity programs for making this event possible!

The SDCCE Apprenticeship Readiness Program (ARP) Graduation was filled with heartfelt stories, proud families, and unforgettable moments. As students earned their certificates, they celebrated not just an accomplishment, but the beginning of a new journey.

Relive the highlights from this powerful day—it’s only the start of what’s ahead.

See more photos on our SDCCE Flickr.

Last week, we hosted the 79th Assembly District Apprenticeship Fair led by Assemblymember Dr. LaShae Sharp-Collins and in partnership with the San Diego County Office of Education on Thursday, November 20, 2025, from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Mid-City Campus.

The Apprenticeship Fair featured a variety of local employers, trade unions, and training programs offering information about career pathways that combine education and paid on the job training. Thank you to the Mid-City Campus and College Operations Supervisor Karen King, Facilities and Operations, Communications and Creative Services, Outreach, our Apprenticeship Readiness Program, and SDCCD Board of Trustee Mariah Jameson for supporting the event. I look forward to continuing to work with Dr. LaShae Sharp-Collins on ways to strengthen pathways and opportunities to workforce training and apprenticeships in our local communities.

Read more about the event in the SDCCE News Room.

Come celebrate with us as we ring in the holiday season at our Season of Unity event! Join colleagues, friends, and our campus community for an afternoon filled with festive cheer, meaningful connection, and the spirit of togetherness. This special gathering is a chance to unwind, share in the joy of the season, and recognize the incredible work we’ve accomplished across the year. We hope to see you there as we kick off the holidays with warmth, unity, and celebration! Fill out the form to let us know your attendance.

The holiday season is here—and so is our opportunity to make a meaningful difference for students across all seven SDCCE campuses. The SDCCE Foundation is proud to launch a Holiday Toiletry & Non-Perishable Food Drive now through Thursday, December 11, to ensure our students have essential items before winter break. We invite all SDCCE employees to join us in this collegewide effort to give back and spread some warmth this season. The campus with the most donations will receive a lunch provided by the SDCCE Foundation!

Donation Period

Monday, November 17 – Thursday, December 11

What We’re Collecting

Toiletries and non-perishable food items, including:

• Toothbrushes & toothpaste
• Deodorant & soap
• Rice
• Unopened, unexpired canned goods
• Other staple items students may need

Who Can Donate

SDCCE employees only (this is an internal community drive).

Donation Bin Locations

Bins are located inside Student Services on each campus, accessible to employees but not the public.

Thank you to everyone who supported the 34th Annual Ceramics Fall Fundraiser at the Educational Cultural Complex! I also want to thank Professor Pamela Kozminska and all of our ceramics students for their hard work in creating beautiful pieces.

Join me and the Executive President’s Cabinet during the upcoming campus visits for an opportunity to connect, share ideas, and hear the latest college updates—over coffee or ice cream. The next visit will be at the ECC Campus from 2:30 to 3:30pm on Monday, December 1 over some ice cream. Please join us for any of the visits listed!

In the midst of so much happening across the country, it is essential that we remain mindful of how we can best support one another. We invite you to share and join the relevant weekly Mental Health Resource Support Group for students and constituents — see details below:

• This Thing Called Life, Wednesdays at 12:30 PM; this session is specifically for students, please encourage them to email Be Well CCE for the Zoom link.
• Think it Through Thursdays, specifically for faculty and classified professionals to express, de-stress, and re-fuel beginning at 12:30 PM. Join the session at the Zoom link; Meeting ID: 868 0187 2407

Counseling Services and Workshops

We have several services available to share with students to contribute to student success at SDCCE, please view the complete list here.

Rising Scholars

Throughout the Fall 2025 semester, The Rising Scholars program will be tabling at all seven of our campuses from 10:45am to 12:00pm, providing students and colleagues the opportunity to learn more about Rising Scholars, ask questions, and explore ways to engage, support, and collaborate. The next stop will be at North City on December 2. We encourage you to bring students and colleagues or share the flyer with anyone who could benefit from the resources and support Rising Scholars offers.

Speaking of Rising Scholars, thank you to our Counselor Nathan Klein who recently partnered with the San Diego Workforce Partnership to host a Opportunity Connect Career & Resource Fair at the Cesar E. Chavez Campus. The event connected our students with meaningful employment, training, and community resources while also highlighting the incredible programs and services that SDCCE has to offer.

ECC Theatre Renovation

The ECC Theatre Renovation continues to make progress! Here is the latest update:

• Major demo will take place after the Thanksgiving break with the removal of the second floor balcony. Loud noise notifications will be issued in the weeks to come.
• There is a planned domestic water shutdown of the theatre building on Monday, November 24 - 26. Normal water operations will resume on Thursday, November 27.
• Construction will be paused in observance of the Thanksgiving break on Thursday, November 27 and Friday, November 28. Thank you all for your patience and understanding as we work through these projects. The construction site is active Monday - Friday, 7am - 3:30pm.

Visit the project webpage to learn more and stay up to date with the progress via livestream.

Thank you to our Theatre Director, Silvia Nogales, for playing a pivotal role in the theatre renovation and for keeping us informed on its progress. You can now follow the theatre on Facebook and Instagram @Educational Cultural Complex Theatre & Community Room.

Bond Projects Update

Below is an update of the current Measure HH Bond projects for our college. We have also developed a current projects page with updates on each project.

ECC Building Trades (Welding Renovation)

• Planning with the building consultants is ongoing. Schematic Design is underway.
• Discussions exploring different swing space considerations are underway.
• Cost estimates for expansion and enclosure of the existing canopy space are in progress.
• Leadership approved program refinement for additional 3,000 SF state-of-the-art automation/robotics labs.

ECC Ceramics

• Design is ongoing, with Construction Documents underway.
• Discussions exploring different swing space considerations are underway.
• Targeting December 2025 for DSA (Division of the State Architect) submittal.

ECC Community Room Renovation

• Design is ongoing, with Construction Documents underway.
• Project schedule is trailing behind the ECC Ceramics project as construction of the new Community Room is tied to the completion of the new Ceramics space.
• Preliminary plans for the new office space were reviewed with the Foundation Director last week.
• Targeting June 2026 for DSA (Division of the State Architect) submittal.

ECC Seismic Upgrades

• Design Team is performing a seismic evaluation of the main building as part of a standard procedure required by DSA (Division of the State Architect).
• Site walk was held with the project stakeholders to review and mark out the specified locations for material testing & exploratory assessment.
• All testing to be scheduled on Fridays, Saturdays, and observed holidays to minimize campus impacts.

CE Mesa Campus Building Envelope Improvements

• Feasibility Report of the exterior building was completed.
• Cost estimates for the full enclosure of the existing stairwells have been submitted.
• Design Kick-Off Meeting to be scheduled with the Project Stakeholders upon Notice to Proceed.

Mid-City Expansion

• Individual Focus Group Meetings have been completed.
• Design Team is refining conceptual layouts to review with Project Stakeholders.
• Final Report to be submitted to Leadership in December 2025.
• Targeting January 2026 for approval of conceptual design.
• RFQP to be issued for Design-Build Services in March 2026.

Mid-City Renovation

• Individual Focus Group Meetings have been completed.
• Design Team is refining conceptual layouts to review with Project Stakeholders.
• Final Report to be submitted to Leadership in December 2025.
• Targeting January 2026 for approval of conceptual design.
• Leadership to review and discuss project phasing upon approval of conceptual design.

West-City Expansion

• Individual Focus Group Meetings are ongoing.
• Design Team is refining conceptual layouts to review with Project Stakeholders in December 2025.
• Targeting December 2025 for approval of conceptual design in order to kick-off Schematic Design.

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

The Safety, Inclusion, and Belonging (SIB) Task Force meets monthly to further our conversations on continuing to implement proactive strategies for tracking students who are facing immigration challenges, as well as the importance of reporting any sightings of ICE on campus to the Chancellor or District General Counsel. Reports of ICE near campus (off campus) should first be directed to the COS, who, in collaboration with the Deans, will take appropriate and informed next steps to address the situation.

In our meeting last week, we covered cultivating safety and belonging for students, staying grounded in the work, reviewed resources, fundraising opportunities, and marketing materials such as posters, new buttons, and stickers that will be shared soon.

Please take a moment to review the safety cards for navigating ICE incidents on campus, which were distributed during Convocation. These resources are designed to guide employees on the steps for reporting.

I want to take a moment to highlight our associated students and the advocacy they have been displaying. A Resolution to Ensure Equitable Access to School Resources for Non-Credit Students will be brought to the ASCCE by the Region X Vice-Chair at the December 15 meeting.

• Kudos to Neill Kovrig, our Student Services Technician, for actively advocating for increasing the student government budget, emphasizing the need for stronger resources to support student programs and engagement. Thanks to his efforts, the budget was increased by $30,000, creating new opportunities to better serve the student body.
• Thank you to Jessica Dekoekkoek, our Basic Needs Coordinator, for her leadership and support in securing gift cards from the San Diego Food Bank. Her efforts will help ensure that our students have access to a Thanksgiving meal and feel supported during the holiday season.
• 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.

President's Updates

• I had the privilege of attending the Community College League of California (CCLC) 2025 Annual Convention, where this year’s theme—Focus—served as a powerful reminder to center our work on the mission, on equity, and on our students. In a hyperconnected and often uncertain world, our attention is easily scattered by endless to-do lists, constant notifications, and the pace of everyday demands. The convention invited us to reflect: What would our lives look like if we could fully direct our attention to what truly matters? How much greater could our impact be if we were empowered to do one thing—and do it well? With focus, we serve with deeper intention, lead with clearer purpose, and move forward with renewed direction.
• I am honored to receive the Community Activist of the Year Award from the Blue Heart Foundation. The Blue Heart Foundation, established in 2013, is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit youth organization dedicated to supporting underserved African American male youth.
• I appreciated having HGA Architects join the recent Executive President's Cabinet meeting to review finishes, designs, updates, and materials for ECC campus spaces associated with the Bond Projects.
• Please note that my President’s Message, Social Media Edition, will resume next week after the Thanksgiving holiday. I encourage each of you to take this time to rest, recharge, and enjoy moments with friends, family, and loved ones. Wishing you a season filled with gratitude!

The Research Corner

This week we invite you to explore the report Real College California: Basic Needs Among California Community College Students in 2025. This report which is a collaboration between the RP Group and the Community College League of California’s CEO Affordability, Food & Housing Access Taskforce, surveyed around 77,000 students from 102 different colleges in California to look into housing and food needs of California Community College students. This document may be accessed here: Real College California: Basic Needs Among California Community College Students in 2025. Please take a minute to review this resource and email jsalcedo001@sdccd.edu if you have any questions.