Dear SDCCE Community,
We have concluded our first full week of the spring semester and are officially stepping into a new month filled with opportunities for learning, reflection, and celebration.
February is Black History Month—a time to honor the enduring legacy, resilience, and contributions of Black leaders, educators, innovators, and communities whose impact continues to shape our nation and SDCCE. Black history is lived every day through the voices, achievements, and leadership of our students, faculty, classified professionals, administrators, and alumni. This month invites us to both celebrate Black excellence and reaffirm our commitment to equity, access, and opportunity for all.
We will also recognize Lunar New Year beginning February 17, welcoming the Year of the Horse. Observed across many cultures, Lunar New Year symbolizes renewal and new beginnings. The Year of the Horse represents energy, perseverance, and forward momentum—values that reflect our shared dedication to student success and lifelong learning.
Additionally, February is National Career Technical Education (CTE) Month, an opportunity to recognize the vital role CTE plays in providing high-quality, workforce-aligned pathways. Through hands-on learning and strong industry partnerships, CTE at SDCCE prepares students for meaningful careers while strengthening our regional workforce and communities.
Enrollment Updates
Spring Update
SDCCE’s overall enrollment for spring stands at 24,320 (8% less than this time last year, and a 6% increase from last week), with a fill rate of 71%, which is less than last spring (76%). SDCCE’s overall headcount is currently 13,160, a decrease of 6% compared to this time last spring (13,990) and a 4% increase from last week (12,657). FTEF scheduled for the spring semester is 9% greater than last spring (193.43 to 210.44). View the enrollment report.
Fall Update
SDCCE’s overall enrollment for fall stands at 27,258 (4% less than this time last year), with a fill rate of 59%, which is less than last fall (67%). SDCCE’s overall headcount is currently 14,823, a decrease of 5% compared to this time last fall (15,651). 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.
Congratulations to Kenny Parker, Faculty and Program Chair of Healthcare Careers at SDCCE, on being named the 2026 Black Educator Excellence (BEE) Awards honoree for Full-Time Instructional Faculty of the Year. A proud veteran and deeply equity-minded educator, Kenny continues to expand access to healthcare careers through innovative dual enrollment pathways and meaningful mentorship that support both high school students and adult learners —especially immigrants, refugees, and asylum seekers rebuilding their careers. Read more about his impact.
Black History Month — One Hundred Years of Celebration
Celebrate Black History Month with us, “One Hundred Years of Celebration,” on the ECC front lawn on Thursday, February 12, from 12:00 pm to 1:30 pm. Enjoy inspiring poetry by Selah Blak Sol, storytelling by Yolanda Marie Franklin, a performance by Erisa Nicole, and a delicious lunch provided by Chef Budda Blasian Soul Food LLC. We look forward to honoring a century of Black history, culture, and achievement together.
Welcome Week was a resounding success! Thanks to the dedication and support of SDCCE colleagues, students were encouraged to come out, connect, and take advantage of the many resources available to them. Throughout the week, students participated in enrollment workshops, explored campus services, and engaged with outreach which set a strong foundation for a successful start to the semester.
Last week, students kicked off the semester at the Welcome Back event hosted by Student Support Services! The space was buzzing with energy as students connected with one another, created vision boards, jumped into games and opportunity drawings, and enjoyed plenty of good food. It was a fun, feel-good way to build community and start the semester on a high note.
Scholarship Applications Now Open
The scholarship application for students is 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 and RSVP to attend.
Encourage students to sign up and use Handshake to create a free profile and access jobs, internships, and career event alerts. Please visit the SDCCD Handshake Webpage to learn more. Career Counselors and Job Developers are also available to assist students and alumni throughout the semester for career and employment support.
Questions, Please Contact: [email protected]
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.
SDCCE Emergency Notification Drill
The SDCCE Emergency Notification Drill will take place at the Mid City Campus on Wednesday, February 4, 2026, at 11:00 AM. This drill tests our emergency notification systems, communication protocols, and classroom response procedures and is for preparedness only. During the drill, two test notifications will be sent via the RAVE Mobile Safety ALERT system to all employees, clearly labeled as TEST with an all-clear to follow. Police Dispatch calls and whistles will also be used. Signage will be posted, and staff will go door-to-door to inform faculty and students. After the drill, all departments and classes should complete the Emergency Notification Drill – Classroom Data Sheet to evaluate alert effectiveness. A debrief will be held via Zoom on Thursday, February 5 at 11:00 AM to review results and plan improvements for other campuses.
Classified Professional Weekly Spotlight
This week’s Classified Professional Spotlight shines on our Steel Fabrication Instructional Assistant, Byron Cowart.
Byron finds purpose in helping students master welding and experience those meaningful “aha” moments—especially when a "thank you" from a student entering the workforce affirms the impact of his work. Inspired by his father, a tool and die machinist, Byron developed a passion for hands-on trades that shaped his career path.
Before joining SDCCD in 2019, he welded shipping containers into homes and commercial spaces, work that originally drew him to the trade. A lifelong innovator, Byron also holds a U.S. patent in the solar energy field. Outside of work, he enjoys camping, traveling, and spending time in nature.
Faculty Weekly Spotlight
This week’s Faculty Spotlight shines on Carol Goldstein, who dedicated 46 years to teaching Advanced High 7 and officially retired on February 1, 2026. Born in Buffalo, New York, and living in San Diego since 1978, Carol holds a Master’s in Education specializing in French and has shared her passion for classical piano, studying with five concert pianists, since she was 17. She taught online from June 2020 through January 2026 and, beyond the classroom, has been an Argentine tango dancer for 20 years, performing six times and dreaming of dancing at 100. Carol is the proud mother of Nancy and Drew and grandmother to Lucas, a UCLA freshman studying cognitive science, and she looks forward to celebrating her remarkable career at her retirement party on February 22 and embarking on new adventures, including a Viking Cruise on the Rhine with her daughter this May. We truly appreciate her decades of dedication, passion, and service to our students and the SDCCE community. We wish her a wonderful retirement!
SPAA Spotlight
This month’s SPAA Spotlight shines on Patricia Gil, known as Trila around SDCCE. Trila serves as the Curriculum Analyst for the President’s Office, where she plays a key role in supporting academic programs, ensuring curriculum alignment, and facilitating smooth processes that advance student success. Known for her attention to detail, collaborative spirit, and commitment to excellence, Trila is a trusted resource for faculty, staff, and administrators alike. Beyond her professional expertise, she is valued for the positivity and energy she brings to the SDCCE community every day.
- A new issue of the ESL Newsletter is now available, featuring updates and highlights from across the program.
- The SDCCE Work-Based Learning Newsletter is here, with program updates and highlights. Read it here.
- 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.
- We invite you to please complete the Spring 2026 Institution Day and Flex Survey if you have not yet done so. If you have already completed the survey, thank you for your input and time! The survey will remain open through February 5, 2026.
President's Updates
- I was honored to join colleagues from across the San Diego region, including VC Jack Beresford, at the District 79 Education Advisory Board Meeting for meaningful conversations and updates on key education and higher education legislation.
- Last week, the Executive President’s Cabinet and I attended the Academic Senate meeting to strengthen our partnership, share updates, engage in conversations, and reaffirm our shared governance and collective commitment to student success.
- I want to give a big congratulations to our very own Faculty Kenny Parker on being named Full Time Instructional Faculty of the Year at the 2026 Black Educator Excellence (BEE Awards). Congratulations as well to Trustee Mariah Jameson on her well-deserved recognition as Trustee of the Year. Both honors were presented at the African American California Community College Trustees and Administrators' (AACCCTA) Annual Leadership Awards Ceremony, recognizing their leadership, excellence, and unwavering commitment to uplifting our students and community.
The Research Corner
This week we invite you to explore the report, K12 Strong Workforce Program. What started as program intended to enhance career technical education (CTE) among community colleges has been expanded to grades 7-12, designed to support intersegmental partnerships between K-12 schools, community colleges, and industry. This document may be accessed here: K12 Strong Workforce Program. Please take a minute to review this resource and email [email protected] if you have any questions.
Best,
