Dear SDCCE Community,
Fall classes begin August 24! As a reminder, this Friday will be our last Friday closure with the 32-hour pilot for the summer. Beginning next week, our campuses will return to normal Monday through Friday operations.
As we get ready to welcome our students for the fall semester, we're reminded of the incredible stories and journeys that bring them to SDCCE. We are ready to serve and support even more students as they pursue their goals, build new possibilities, and create brighter futures.
This beautiful video featuring Naomi Garcia, our 2026 commencement student speaker is a wonderful reminder that every student has a story, and every journey is worth celebrating. Behind each student's success is an employee who encouraged them, supported them, taught them, guided them, or simply believed in them.
Thank you to each and every one of our SDCCE employees for the difference you make in the lives of our students. As we begin another semester, let's carry that spirit of care, connection, and possibility forward and continue helping even more students reach their goals.
Naomi Garcia, 2026 Commencement Student Speaker
Enrollment Updates
Summer Update
SDCCE's overall enrollment for summer stands at 9,488 with a fill rate of 63%. SDCCE's overall headcount is currently 6,676. FTEF scheduled for the summer semester is 14% greater than last summer (80.09 to 91.51). View report.
Fall Update
SDCCE's overall enrollment for fall stands at 17,568 with a fill rate of 56%. SDCCE's overall headcount is currently 9,583 an 8% increase from last week (8,834). FTEF scheduled for the fall semester is 12% greater than last fall (188.97 to 212.25).
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.
2026 Fall Convocation
Today is the final day to RSVP for our 2026 Fall Convocation on Wednesday, August 19, from 9:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Town & Country Resort. We have opened up seating to accommodate up to 400 attendees!
This year's theme, Connected in Purpose, reflects the strength of our college community and the powerful connections that unite us in service to our students.
If you plan to attend Fall Convocation, an RSVP is required to receive complimentary parking validation at check-in, along with exclusive, limited-edition Convocation swag. We strongly encourage carpooling or ride-sharing whenever possible and recommend arriving early. Doors will open at 7:30 a.m., and the program will begin promptly at 9:00 a.m. As a reminder, all campuses will be closed due to Convocation, please remind students.
For more details, including additional FAQs, please visit the registration page.
Please confirm your attendance with your supervisor and submit your RSVP by August 10, 2026.
Holly Fund Scholarship Supports Digital Design Students
The Holly Fund Scholarship awarded a total of $4,250 to nine Digital Design students this summer. Managed by the San Diego Foundation, the fund recognizes scholarship recipients with a celebratory lunch and a day at the San Diego Zoo.
The photo, taken at the Zoo in July, features Digital Design instructors Jill Hollingsworth and Paul Richard alongside the scholarship recipients.
New Healthcare Career Courses
This fall semester, we are excited to offer new Optical Technician and Ophthalmic Assistant courses in Healthcare Careers!
The Optical Technician program prepares participants for entry-level positions in the optical field as Optical Technicians or Dispensing Opticians, fitting and dispensing eyeglasses and contact lenses.
The Ophthalmic Assistant program prepares participants for entry-level positions supporting eye care professionals in ophthalmology clinics, hospitals, and private practices. Students learn to perform basic eye examinations, operate specialized ophthalmic equipment, and assist with diagnostic procedures.
Please share these new course offerings with students and prospective students!
Tutoring & Learning Center Fall Enrollment
The Tutoring & Learning Center launched its online fall 2026 tutoring enrollment help sessions which runs through September 4th where students will receive assistance in enrolling in the Tutoring course at SDCCE. Please inform students to take advantage of this opportunity. Please note that enrolled SDCCE students can learn all about our FREE tutoring services, explore the TLCs at ECC, MCC, and Harbor View, AND enroll in a fall tutoring class, all in just 15 minutes!
Session Details
- When: Monday–Thursday, 9 AM to 5 PM; Fridays 8:30 AM - 12 PM (Aug 21st & 24th; September 4th)
- Dates: Now - Sep 4th
- Where: Online via Zoom
- What: Online "walk-in" enrollment support for SDCCE tutoring classes (ABE445)
Our dedicated tutors will be standing by to help summer students self-enroll quickly and easily. *Please note: these sessions are specifically for tutoring course enrollment, not general enrollment or student services.
A.L.I.C.E. Training
Employees are encouraged to register for ALICE (Alert. Lockdown. Inform. Counter. Evacuate.) Training held Thursday, August 20 from 8am to 12pm at West City Campus to build confidence and preparedness through comprehensive active shooter response and safety training. The session includes an instructor-led PowerPoint presentation followed by hands-on drills and real-world scenarios designed to strengthen emergency response skills.
A minimum of 15 participants is required for the training to take place. This training is open to SDCCE employees only.
For questions, please contact Jasmine Duran at [email protected].
Summer 2026 Career Readiness Series
Please, encourage students to participate in the Summer 2026 Career Readiness Series, offered through Career Transition Services.
These hands-on workshops are designed to support students at any stage of their career journey — whether they're just starting out or making a transition. Sessions cover:
- Resume Writing – Crafting the Perfect Resume & Creating a Winning Resume (Traditional and AI-Powered Strategies)
- Interview Prep – 3 Easy Steps to Ace Your Interview
- Career Exploration – Career Exploration via LinkedIn & Your Best Career Fit
- Foreign Degree Evaluation
- Career Coach (Find out your Basic Skills)
Workshops are held June through August 2026, in hybrid and in-person formats across Harbor View and ECC campuses.
How to Register: Students can sign up on Handshake under Events & Fairs. Zoom links will be sent upon registration.
Please feel free to share this information in your classes, on Canvas, or through any communication channels you use with students. Every connection counts!
Thank you for your continued support of student success.
Health & Healing Summerfest Returns August 29
SDCCE is proud to be the host site for Project New Village's fifth annual Health & Healing Summerfest on August 29 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Educational Cultural Complex. This free community event will connect attendees with health resources and traditional pathways to wellness, featuring resource vendors, presentations, movement workshops, music and more. Our very own ceramics program will be participating in the event.
The first 200 registered attendees will receive a complimentary lunch and wellness swag bag with wellness products and resource materials. Advance registration is required.
ECC Theatre Renovation
The ECC Theatre Renovation continues to make progress!
- The construction site is active Monday - Friday, 7am - 3:30pm.
- The East Wing terrazzo flooring construction is almost complete and set to reopen today. Thank you for your patience as we finalize this work and look to reopen.
- The ECC Theatre Director and Facilities Team met with PCL, HGA, and the J.E. Moore Company at the ECC campus to discuss soundproofing progress, construction updates, and the upcoming power shutdown scheduled for the weekend of Friday, August 14, through Sunday, August 16. Please note the power will be off at ECC during this time.
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
The current Measure HH Bond projects for our college continue to make progress. We have also developed a current projects page with updates on each project and the SDCCD Measure HH webpage has further updates.
- The Mid-City and North City administrative teams, the College Technology Director, and the Facilities Team met with Carrier Johnson and Hensel Phelps at the North City Campus to discuss layout improvements for the new Mid-City Campus, including the loading dock and surrounding exterior areas, as well as wayfinding and accessibility improvements.
- The Facilities Team and Measure HH Bond Team held a bid meeting and job walk for the Ceramics construction project at the ECC Campus. They met with general contractors and discussed the project scope and bidding process.
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 immigration and safety 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.
SDCCE Outreach at Hope in Action Community Job Fair
The SDCCE Outreach team recently participated in the Hope in Action Community Job Fair, connecting with community members to share information about SDCCE programs and resources, discuss career and employment opportunities, and build connections that help expand access to education and workforce opportunities.
Faculty Spotlight
This week's Faculty Spotlight shines on one of our professors of Adult Basic/Secondary Education, Dr. Holly Rodriquez!
Dr. Rodriquez has taught High School Diploma and High School Equivalency courses since 2008 and has served as an Accelerated High School Program Coordinator and Department Chair. Before entering education, she served with AmeriCorps, an experience that shaped her commitment to educational access and equity.
As a first-generation college graduate, Dr. Rodriquez is especially proud of co-creating the Accelerated High School Diploma Program and supporting students as they transition into higher education. Many of her former students have gone on to complete college and earn graduate degrees.
Dr. Rodriquez holds master's degrees in American History and Instructional Design and an Ed.D. in Educational Leadership with an emphasis in Social Justice. Her research focuses on student belonging, agency and persistence, as well as American history and government. Through her teaching, she strives to connect course content to students' everyday lives and inspire them to see what is possible.
SPAA Spotlight
This week's SPAA Spotlight shines on our Outreach Coordinator, Andrea Gastelum!
Andrea's journey with the District began as a student at SDCCE, where she earned her high school diploma. She continued her education at San Diego City College while beginning her career in the Outreach Office. Over nearly six years, she has grown through several roles before returning to SDCCE as Outreach Coordinator.
Andrea's passion for supporting students is rooted in her own educational journey. As a first-generation college graduate who navigated challenges including homelessness and food insecurity, she understands the barriers students may face while pursuing their goals. Today, she draws from those experiences to connect students with resources, provide support and help remove barriers to education.
Outside of work, Andrea enjoys writing poetry and short stories, reading, spending time at the beach and making memories with family and friends.
Announcements and Reminders
- Do you know an employee making a difference at SDCCE? Help us recognize those outstanding contributions by submitting an Employee Spotlight ! Selected spotlights will be featured in future editions of the weekly President's Message and other college communications as we celebrate the people who make SDCCE an exceptional place to learn and work.
- Visit the Administrative Services Intranet to access campus safety resources and stay informed with the latest 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.
President's Updates
I'm excited to host the Executive President's Cabinet and President's Cabinet retreats this week. It's always a great opportunity to come together, reconnect, and prepare for the year ahead. I'm looking forward to the conversations, collaboration, and energy that come with kicking off a new year together.
The Research Corner
This week, we invite you to read an article on San Diego Workforce Partnership to support supportive services for new behavioral health apprenticeship network which will recruit, enroll, place, and support 700 apprentices in registered apprenticeship programs across the county by June 30, 2029. The article may be found on the following link: https://workforce.org/news/san-diego-workforce-partnership-to-support-supportive-services-for-new-behavioral-health-apprenticeship-network/?utm_source=chatgpt.com. Please take a minute to review this resource and email [email protected] if you have any questions.
Best,
