Dear SDCCE Community,
Spring Institution Day was an energizing and affirming reminder of the shared purpose that drives our work at SDCCE. The “heart work” our faculty and classified professionals bring to our campuses each day is reflected in the meaningful progress we continue to make in support of student success. Our accomplishments speak volumes when we go above and beyond—putting students first in every decision, from campus safety and student support services to academic excellence and innovation. Thank you to everyone who attended and contributed to the day’s conversations, collaboration, and collective vision. Together, we are building learning environments rooted in care, equity, and opportunity, ensuring every student has the support they need to thrive.
Enrollment Updates
Fall Update
SDCCE’s overall enrollment for fall stands at 27,678 (6% less than this time last year, and a 1.2% decrease from last week), with a fill rate of 60%, which is less than last fall (71%). SDCCE’s overall headcount is currently 14,864, a decrease of 6% compared to this time last fall (15,800) and a 0.6% increase from last week (14,946). FTEF scheduled for the fall semester is 6% greater than last fall (186.78 to 198.31). View the enrollment report.
Spring Update
SDCCE’s overall enrollment for spring stands at 21,836 (6% less than this time last year, and a 9% increase from last week), with a fill rate of 66%, which is less than last spring (70%). SDCCE’s overall headcount is currently 12,049, a decrease of 4% compared to this time last spring (12,607) and an 8% increase from last week (11,132). FTEF scheduled for the spring semester is 9% greater than last spring (190.92 to 208.15).
Connect with the President
I'm excited to continue offering the 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 [email protected] for detailed information.
Lastly, you can utilize the anonymous sharing box. Your voice matters, and I look forward to continuing the conversation.
MLK Parade 2026
Thank you to everyone who joined us in the 44th Annual MLK Parade to honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s vision of justice, dignity, and community— a true reflection of this year’s theme, “Hope in Action: A Dream Still Unfolding.” A heartfelt thank you to our Faculty member, Mike Bradbury and our welding students, whose craftsmanship and creativity brought that vision to life through the parade float. View more photos on the SDCCD Flickr. Read more in our SDCCE News Room.
Also, for the first time, we successfully had two charter buses bringing community members from the Educational Cultural Complex; we had over 180 total participants at this year's parade!
Spring 2026 Enrollment
Spring 2026 Enrollment is still open! Encourage students to enroll 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.
You can access a digital copy online via the website.
Welcome Week Activities
Welcome week activities kick off this week! There will be Enrollment Workshops hosted by Outreach, Resource Fairs, and Exclusive CE Swag. Dates and times of the activities are listed below:
- CE Miramar - Thursday, 1/22 9:30 AM to 12:30 PM
- Cesar Chavez - Thursday, 1/22 from 4 PM to 7 PM
- ECC - Monday, 1/26 from 9 AM to 11 AM
- CE Mesa - Tuesday, 1/27 from 10:30 AM to 12:30 PM
- North City - Tuesday, 1/27 from 4 PM to 6 PM
- West City - Wednesday, 1/28 from 9:30 AM to 12:30 PM
- Mid-City - Thursday, 1/29 9:30 AM to 12:30 PM
Generational Change Through Education
This semester, an inspiring student success story has emerged from our ESL and CNA programs—one that speaks to perseverance, family, and generational change. Atta Mohammed and Sakeena have been dedicated members of the ESL Level 2 morning class, consistently arriving on time and fully engaged in their learning. For Sakeena, this marks a particularly powerful milestone: she is attending school for the first time in her life and is learning to read and write in English, building literacy skills from the ground up with remarkable determination.
Originally from Afghanistan, Atta Mohammed and Sakeena speak Dari and Pashto and are deeply committed to creating new opportunities for their family through education. Their daughter, Maryam who is one of five children recently celebrated a major achievement of her own by graduating from the Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) program, as recognized during the CNA pinning ceremony. Maryam will continue her educational journey at one of our sister colleges in Spring 2026, a step that fills her family with immense pride and hope for the future.
This family’s story is a powerful example of what is possible when access, support, and opportunity come together. It reflects the heart of our ESL and healthcare pathway programs and the transformative, generational impact SDCCE is known for. Stories like these remind us why we do this work and why it matters so deeply. Thank you to ESL Instructor, Ryan Willis, for sharing this amazing highlight with us!
Scholarship Applications Now Open
The scholarship application for students is now open through February 6, 2026. Please encourage students to review the eligibility criteria, gather required materials, and submit their application early.
Application assistance is available through the Tutoring and Learning Center, contact [email protected] for more information.
The application can be accessed at: https://tinyurl.com/2026ScholarshipApp
Join Goodwill San Diego & our Clothing & Textiles Program for The Unwanted to the Unbelievable Event on Saturday, February 7, 2026, from 11 am to 2 pm, at the West City Campus.
The Unwanted to the Unbelievable Event is a student design challenge that transforms ordinary,
donated textiles into extraordinary, purposeful products. Learn more on the event webpage.
ECC Theatre Renovation
The ECC Theatre Renovation continues to make progress! Here is the latest update:
- Construction was paused in observance of Christmas and New Year holidays. Thank you all for your patience and understanding as we work through these projects. The construction site is active Monday - Friday, 7am - 3:30pm.
- Check out the demolition of the second level deck on the live stream link: ECC Theatre Renovation
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.
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ECC Building Trades (Welding Renovation)
- Individual Focus Group Meetings are ongoing.
- Design Team is refining conceptual layouts to review with Project Stakeholders.
- Final Report to be submitted to Leadership in January 2026.
- Targeting February 2026 for approval of conceptual design in order to kick-off Schematic Design.
ECC Ceramics
- Construction Documents were submitted to DSA (Division of the State Architect) in December 2025.
- Anticipating DSA Approval & Permit by July 2026.
- Targeting November 2026 to start Construction Phase.
ECC Community Room Renovation
- Design is ongoing, with Design Development 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.
- Interior space options were reviewed with the Project Stakeholders last week.
- Live Archive discussion with the Foundation Director is scheduled for this week.
- Targeting May 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).
- All testing to be scheduled on Fridays, Saturdays, and observed holidays to minimize campus impacts. Testing results will determine seismic upgrade requirements.
- Seismic improvements to be implemented in phases and captured in current ECC projects to minimize campus impacts. Any remaining areas of the facility will become it's own standalone project.
ECC Theater Renovation
- Scheduled electrical, domestic water, fire sprinkler, and sewer shutdowns to the Main Building were completed during Winter Session.
- Foundation work, underground utilities, and waterproofing installation are ongoing.
- New trailers for temporary pantry have been delivered. Temporary infrastructure to energize trailers is ongoing.
- Updated Furniture, Fixtures, and Equipment (FF&E) package was submitted to the Project Stakeholders for additional comments.
CE Mesa Campus Building Envelope Improvements
- Feasibility Report of the exterior building was completed.
- Budgetary cost and schedule estimates have been submitted.
- Design Kick-Off Meeting to be scheduled with the Project Stakeholders upon Notice to Proceed.
- Targeting May 2026 for DSA (Division of the State Architect) submittal.
Mid-City Expansion
- Final Report with budgetary cost estimate to be submitted to Leadership in January 2026.
- Targeting February 2026 for approval of conceptual design.
- RFQP to be issued for Design-Build Services in March 2026.
Mid-City Renovation
- Final Report with budgetary cost estimate to be submitted to Leadership in January 2026.
- Targeting February 2026 for approval of conceptual design.
- Leadership to review and discuss project phasing upon approval of conceptual design.
West-City Expansion
- Design-Build Team toured Mesa College's Culinary Arts facility last week.
- Design-Build Team is refining conceptual layouts to review with Project Stakeholders this week.
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.
Please take a moment to review the safety cards for navigating ICE incidents on campus. These resources are designed to guide employees on the steps for reporting.
SDCCD Safe
Enhance your safety on and off campus with the SDCCDSafe app, available in the Apple App Store and Google Play. It is the official safety app of San Diego Community College District. The app features emergency contacts, crisis alerts, location services features, in-app tip reporting, and much more! The app also lets you stay connected by inviting a trusted friend or family member to virtually accompany you through a safety walk—so you’re never truly alone, even when they’re not nearby.
Ahead of the spring semester, Child Development Faculty member, Dr. Rachel Rose had the chance to highlight our program on KUSI and our partnership with Kearny High School.
Classified Professional Weekly Spotlight
Our Classified Professional Spotlight shines on our Senior Student Services Assistant, Marquest Glover who is a proud graduate of ECC’s High School Diploma Program and a dedicated member of the campus community since 2007. He began as an Instructional Aide supporting ABE/BSI classes and later served as an Administrative Assistant I for City College’s Off-Campus Programs. In 2015, he joined the CalWORKS Department as a Student Services Assistant, expanding his work to support Veterans Services, Outreach, LGBTQIA+ initiatives, Black Student Success, Basic Needs, and Student Services. Inspired by a teacher who changed the course of his life, Marquest is deeply committed to meeting students where they are, breaking down barriers, and advocating for policies and practices that positively impact the student experience.
Faculty Weekly Spotlight
Our Faculty Spotlight shines on Emeritus Instructor, Ronald Franklin who is an accomplished musician and educator who has taught Guitar and Ukulele for the SDCCE Emeritus Program since 2018. He holds a Master of Music in Guitar Performance and directs the Guitar/Ukulele Ensemble, which performs annually at the Emeritus concert. An Emmy Award–winning video producer, Ronald also serves as Video Producer and Editor for the Annual Emeritus Music Concert and records performances for New City Sinfonia, the college orchestra. In addition to performing at college events throughout the year, he will appear this April as guitar soloist with New City Sinfonia, performing Vivaldi’s Guitar Concerto in D major.
- All ESL faculty should refer to the Spring Updates, Key Dates, and Opportunities email for important communications.
- The ASCCC OERI January 2026 Newsletter is available via email and includes all current updates.
- 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
- Last week provided a meaningful moment to honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Alongside SDCCE colleagues, I attended the USS Midway Museum’s 12th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Dinner, an evening of reflection, history, and renewed purpose.
- SDCCE colleagues and I joined the Jackie Robinson YMCA MLK Breakfast, an experience that grounded us in service, unity, and shared purpose.
The Research Corner
This week we invite you to explore the blog post, New Data on College Completion Shows Room for Improvement. The Public Policy Institute of California investigates the stark difference between 72% of high school graduates that earn their bachelor's degree at a UC or CSU versus the 16% of California Community College students who earn their bachelor's from a UC or CSU. To increase number of college graduates, PPIC suggests improvement in college preparation for highschools that serve historically underrepresented students, such as low-income. This document may be accessed here: New Data on College Completion Shows Room for Improvement. Please take a minute to review this resource and email [email protected] if you have any questions.
Best,
