Dear SDCCE Community,
Spring semester is here, and with it comes a renewed sense of possibility and momentum across our campuses. As we begin this new term, we are excited to support students as they work toward their goals through personalized guidance, comprehensive resources, and services designed to help every learner succeed. We encourage students to stop by an enrollment workshop or resource fair at a campus near them—these opportunities are a great way to get connected, stay informed, and start the semester strong.
Enrollment Updates
Spring Update
SDCCE’s overall enrollment for spring stands at 23,050 (7% less than this time last year, and a 6% increase from last week), with a fill rate of 69%, which is less than last spring (73%). SDCCE’s overall headcount is currently 12,657, a decrease of 5% compared to this time last spring (13,313) and a 5% increase from last week (12,049). FTEF scheduled for the spring semester is 9% greater than last spring (191.00 to 207.78).View report.
Fall Update
SDCCE’s overall enrollment for fall stands at 27,265 (7% less than this time last year, and a 1% decrease from last week), with a fill rate of 59%, which is less than last fall (70%). SDCCE’s overall headcount is currently 14,821, a decrease of 6% compared to this time last fall (15,732) and a 0.3% decrease from last week (14,864). FTEF scheduled for the fall semester is 6% greater than last fall (186.78 to 198.31).
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
We are still reflecting on the incredible representation at the 44th Annual MLK Parade, honoring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s enduring vision of justice, dignity, and community—a powerful reflection of this year’s theme, “Hope in Action: A Dream Still Unfolding.” We extend heartfelt appreciation to faculty member Mike Bradbury and our talented welding students, whose craftsmanship and creativity brought that vision to life through an outstanding parade float. View more special moments in our SDCCE Flickr.
Welcome Week Activities
Welcome week activities are still rolling! There will be Enrollment Workshops hosted by Outreach, Resource Fairs, and Exclusive CE Swag. Dates and times of the activities are listed below:
- 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
New Year, New Skills – Welcome Back Event
Student Support Services is excited to welcome students back after winter break with the New Year, New Skills Welcome Back Event, a fun and engaging opportunity to reconnect, recharge, and start the new year feeling inspired.
Date: Wednesday, January 28, 2026
Time: 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM
Location: ECC Front Lawn
Students can enjoy food, entertainment, and meaningful fellowship while participating in games, journaling, and vision board activities. The event will also feature program tabling from Immigrant Student Support, Pathway, LGBTQIA+, Black Student Success, and ElevateU, giving students a chance to learn about valuable campus resources.
To add to the fun, students can take part in a passport stamp system—visiting different program tables earns entries into opportunity drawings.
New Year, New Mission: A Goal-Setting Workshop for Veteran Students & Dependents
This interactive workshop is designed to empower Veteran students and dependents to create meaningful personal, academic, and career goals through an equity-minded lens. Guided by a counselor and in community with peers, participants will reflect on their individual journeys, identify barriers, and develop actionable steps toward success.
Date: Wednesday, January 28
Time: 12:30 p.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Location: Educational Cultural Complex, Room 85
For more information or special accommodations: [email protected]
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.
Our DSPS Office at ECC has been upgraded with new screens to better share information and important updates with students. We’re excited to continue enhancing technology across our campuses to improve communication and support student success.
ECC Theatre Renovation
The ECC Theatre Renovation continues to make progress!
- 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.
ECC Building Trades (Welding Renovation)
- Final Programming Meeting to review final concept with Project Stakeholders is scheduled for this week.
- Final Programming Report to be submitted to Leadership by 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.
- Swing space discussions are underway.
- Targeting November 2026 to start Construction Phase.
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.
- Additional interior space and courtyard options are being reviewed with Project Stakeholders.
- Live Archive discussions are ongoing.
- 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).
- 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.
- Materials testing is underway and expected to be completed by February 2026. Temporary patchwork to follow.
- Results will determine seismic upgrade requirements throughout the Main Building.
ECC Theater Renovation
- Scheduled electrical and domestic water shutdowns to the Main Building were completed last week.
- Scheduled partial re-striping of the north parking lot was completed last week.
- Foundation work, underground utilities, and waterproofing installation are ongoing.
- New trailers for temporary pantry have been delivered. Temporary infrastructure to energize trailers is ongoing.
CE Mesa Campus Building Envelope Improvements
- Feasibility Report of the exterior building was completed.
- Budgetary cost and schedule estimates are ongoing.
- Design Kick-Off Meeting to be scheduled with the Project Stakeholders upon Notice to Proceed.
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 Programming Meeting to review scope options with Project Stakeholders is scheduled for this week.
- Final Report with budgetary cost estimate to be submitted to Leadership in February 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 team to incorporate final presentation comments from Project Stakeholders into Final Report.
- Budgetary cost and schedule estimates are ongoing.
- Final Report to be submitted to Leadership in February 2026.
- Targeting February 2026 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.
We have a dedicated webpage with Know Your Rights Information, District protocols, resources, and more curated by our Safety, Inclusion, and Belonging Task Force.
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.
Additionally, new posters and stickers were passed out at Institution Day along with the emergency whistles. If you would like these resources, please contact us. We still have posters and whistles available for those who did not receive one.
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.
Your safety is our top priority
Please take a moment to verify and update your cellphone number in the MySDCCD portal. Our RAVE Alert System depends on accurate contact information in PeopleSoft to quickly reach you during an emergency. For step-by-step instructions, visit the Administrative Services intranet located here: https://sdccd0.sharepoint.com/sites/SDCCESafetyResources. Stay prepared—stay informed.
Classified Professional Weekly Spotlight
This week’s Classified Professional Spotlight shines on Karah Seaboldt, Senior Student Services Assistant, whose dedication and care make a meaningful difference for students every day. Karah supports student success through thoughtful guidance, coordination, and a welcoming presence.
Karah began her career with the San Diego Community College District in 1994 at Mesa College and has since served across multiple campuses, including Miramar, West City, and North City. In July 2025, she transitioned to the Educational Cultural Complex, where she now serves as a Senior Student Services Assistant.
With decades of experience, deep institutional knowledge, and a strong commitment to service, Karah exemplifies the heart of our SDCCE community.
Faculty Weekly Spotlight
This week’s Faculty Spotlight shines on Elizabeth Scanland, our ESL instructor whose dedication and passion help students build confidence, improve communication skills, and reach their academic and personal goals. Elizabeth brings a supportive and engaging approach to the classroom, creating a welcoming environment where learners feel empowered to grow.
Before joining SDCCE, Elizabeth began her career in the merchant marine, working on research ships, and later taught ESL in Morocco and Massachusetts. She moved to California 10 years ago and has continued to bring her global experience and enthusiasm for language learning into her teaching.
Outside the classroom, Elizabeth enjoys simple joys that reflect her love of nature and curiosity. Today she plans to eat a chocolate croissant and release 750 ladybugs into her yard. We are grateful for her commitment to student success and the meaningful impact she makes across our 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.
President's Updates
- Lifelong learning truly never stops—I recently visited the Emeritus Ikebana class, where the oldest student is an inspiring 92 years young!
- The Executive President's Cabinet and I enjoyed visiting all seven campuses on the first day of spring classes, connecting with students and employees, and experiencing the energy and excitement that mark the start of a new semester.
- I am currently attending the CCLC Legislative Advocacy Conference in Sacramento, CA with our District and our student trustee, Yahir Melendez who presented to the senate earlier today. This is a significant opportunity to make the case on why community colleges matter and how our transformational work with students positively impacts local communities, the state, and indeed, the globe. I am proud of Yahir for joining a panel with the Superintendent/President and Trustee from Southwestern College and District 17 Senator John Laird and Diego Lopez for the Senate Committee on Budget and Fiscal Review.
The Research Corner
This week we invite you to explore the NextUp Foster Youth Program 2024 Legislative Report. NextUp serves eligible foster youth students at every community college in California serving 5,007 students in the 2023-24 academic year. They argue for proactive outreach, consistent support, and access to critical resources to help foster youth students achieve their educational goals. This document may be accessed here: NextUp Foster Youth Program 2024 Legislative Report. Please take a minute to review this resource and email [email protected] if you have any questions.
Best,
