Dear SDCCE Community,
Last week, I had the great honor of serving as the emcee for the swearing-in ceremony of District 1’s new County Supervisor, Paloma Aguirre. It was a beautiful and inspiring event that brought community members together in celebration of leadership, service, and progress; it was widely attended and featured on CBS8, NBC San Diego, and many other major news outlets.
At SDCCE, we look forward to continuing our work alongside elected officials to create opportunities, foster equity, and uplift our communities—especially during these challenging times. Let’s remain committed to becoming even more deeply invested in the communities we serve.
You can watch the full livestream provided by the County below or at the link provided: https://www.youtube.com/live/oSP-jexVtHk?feature=shared&t=2919
Enrollment Updates
Summer Update
SDCCE’s overall enrollment for summer stands at 14,213 (4% less than this time last year, and a 0.2% increase from last week), with a fill rate of 74%, which is less than last summer (83%). SDCCE’s overall headcount is currently 9,895, a decrease of 2% compared to this time last summer (10,064) and a 0.1% decrease from last week (9,905). FTEF scheduled for the summer semester is 11% greater than last summer (72.06 to 80.28). View the enrollment report.
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 sdccepresident@sdccd.edu for detailed information.
Lastly, you can utilize the anonymous sharing box. Your voice matters, and I look forward to continuing the conversation.
Show Your SDCCE Pride!
Explore our official online store for a wide selection of SDCCE swag and merchandise—from cozy hoodies, sweatshirts to bucket hats. For SDCCE swag and merch, visit the online store and start shopping today!
We’re refreshing our CE birthday list! If you’ve already signed up in the past, no need to do it again—we’ve got you covered! If you’d like to be included and receive a special message on your birthday, please fill out this quick form.
Save the date
Get ready for the Vision 2030 Noncredit Summit 2025—happening October 16–17 at Mt. San Antonio College! This transformative event will center equity and economic mobility, bringing key voices together to shape the future of noncredit education.
Stay tuned—registration details coming soon!
ECC Theatre Renovations
The ECC Theatre Renovation is underway! New signs have been placed around campus outlining the construction. There will be important upcoming construction activities to make note of:
Demolition and Loud Noise Activity – Now to August 6
Demolition is currently taking place, and will continue through Wednesday, August 6. Loud Noise Activity will impact the following areas, including:
- Ceramics (Room 48)
- South Wing Classrooms
- Student Lounge
Interior demolition work will take place from August 4 through August 13 in the North Lobby adjacent to Room 48 (Ceramics Classroom) between 7:00 AM and 3:30 PM.
Please be advised:
- Room 48 will be most impacted due to the shared wall.
- Noise may carry into surrounding areas during work hours.
Construction work will generally occur Monday through Friday, from 7:00 AM to 3:30 PM. Loud Noise Notice signage will be posted throughout the campus to ensure awareness. Visit the project webpage to learn more and stay up to date.
The CARES Marketplace is officially open and ready to support our students! During our transition, we’ll be operating from a temporary location in front of Room 132, continuing to provide essential food support for students attending classes.
Hours of operation:
Tuesday–Thursday | 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
We appreciate your ongoing support and patience during our theater renovation.
The Communications and Creative Services team enjoyed a productive retreat at the VEBA Center, filled with fellowship, energizing activities, and planning for the year ahead. Together, they explored strategic and creative approaches to developing content that truly resonates with students. The retreat also focused on making the college’s messaging more interactive and student-centered.
SDCCE counselors will be visiting all campuses from 10:30 AM to 12:00 PM throughout July to connect with students, offer mental health support, and provide valuable LGBTQIA+ resources — a chance for students to engage, ask questions, and build community!
Campus Visit Schedule:
- West City: July 31
Take a glimpse into our vibrant celebration of unity, love, and support at the Pride Parade—where we stood proudly in solidarity with the LGBTQIA+ community, advocating for equality and honoring the power of love in all its forms.
Also, don't forget to check out our feature in the California Community Colleges Chancellor, Sonya Christian's blog!
Safety, Inclusion, and Belonging (SIB) Task Force Updates
At San Diego College of Continuing Education, we are committed to maintaining a campus environment that fosters inclusivity, equity, and respect for all individuals, regardless of their background or immigration status. The SIB Task Force was created to develop actionable steps to enhance support for our students in the current social climate.
We encourage employees and students to stay informed with helpful resources on our newly developed Canvas Shell operated by the Immigrant Student Success Program. It contains program information, events, handouts, and videos in 7 different languages.
Also, new cards with ISSP information and resources have been developed and will be handed out as needed. If a student needs assistance or a safe place to ask questions, please direct them to: sdcceimmigrantsupport@sdccd.edu.
Our next meeting is scheduled for Thursday, July 31, where we’ll continue advancing these important conversations and taking next steps.
Our Immigrant Student Success Program hosted a workshop in partnership with Dr. Juan Carlos Reyna — providing an opportunity for employees to learn best ways to support students during these challenging times and to immerse themselves in the lived experiences, resources, and advocacy strategies that help foster a more inclusive and welcoming environment for all. Thank you to everyone who attended!
The UCSD Eye Mobile Clinic visited the Educational Cultural Complex last week, providing free eye exams to our students! We’re deeply grateful for this partnership that helps prioritize student wellness and academic success. A special thank-you to the UCSD Eye Mobile team for delivering quality care right to our campus!
Back to School Health Resource Fair
The Office of Assemblymember Dr. LaShae Sharp-Collins is hosting a Back to School Health Resource Fair on Saturday, August 2, from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM at New Creation Church (3115 Altadena Ave, San Diego) for a day of support, wellness, and preparation for the new school year.
Giveaways include 1,500 free backpacks with supplies for TK–12 students, along with free health screenings and access to community resources.
Register to reserve a backpack:
https://form.jotform.com/251726560691158
Sign up to volunteer:
https://tinyurl.com/BackToSchoolAD79
Please share this information with students and their families and to start the new school year off strong.
The Regional Basic Needs Summit was recently held at the César E. Chávez Campus, showcasing SDCCE’s CARES program and our continued commitment to meeting students’ essential needs.
I had the honor to provide welcoming remarks at the event that was well-attended by our regional colleges and partners. Special thanks to Basic Needs Coordinator Jessica Dekoekkoek, Dean Michele Madrid Novak, VPSS Dr. Carter, and Dr. Tami Foy for their dedicated leadership in promoting student well-being and success.
Congratulations to 11 of our Instructional Programs that will be highlighted at the upcoming CAEP Summit and featured on the Advancing CA Adult Education website under Model Programs.
This is a powerful reminder that Program Review is not just a compliance exercise—it is a strategic tool that helps us document, showcase, and advance the incredible work happening across our college. The recognitions we receive, the stories we get to share, and the resources we can pursue all stem from the strength of what departments include in their annual reviews.
Congrats to the following programs:
- Automotive – Revving Up Equity and Innovation: SDCCE’s Reimagined Automotive Program
- Business & Accounting – Empowering Pathways: The Business, Accounting, and Entrepreneurship (BAE) Program at SDCCE
- Child Development - Credit-by-Exam-Enhanced Child Development Pathways for Diverse and Underserved Populations
- Clothing and Textiles - Digital Transformation Initiative: Building 21st Century Workforce Pathways
- Culinary & Hospitality Arts – Expanding Access through Modular Training and Industry-Driven Curriculum
- DSPS – Rebuilding Capacity and Increasing Access for Students with Disabilities in Post-Pandemic Recovery
- ESL - Meeting the Demand: An Inclusive and Expanding ESL Program at SDCCE
- Healthcare - ELL Inclusive Instructional Strategies for Nurse Assistant Training
- High School Diploma / Equivalency - Reinvigorating Secondary Education Access and Completion: SDCCE’s High School Diploma/Equivalency and Basic Skills Program
- IT - Equitable Access to Industry-Aligned IT Training and Certification
- Skilled & Technical Trades – Career Pathways in Welding, HVAC, Electronics, and Plumbing
Be Well CCE
Check out the upcoming Be Well CCE support group opportunities to boost your well-being this semester!
Weekly Student Support Group
“This Thing Called Life” is hosted on Wednesdays for students only at 12:30PM.
Meeting ID: 884 0608 7923
https://sdccd-edu.zoom.us/j/88406087923
Weekly Employee Support Group
“Think it Through Thursdays” is hosted on Thursdays for employees only at 12:30PM.
Flex Credit Available
Meeting ID: 879 8336 9490
https://sdccd-edu.zoom.us/j/87983369490
Thank you to everyone who came out to give a warm welcome to our new Theatre Director, Silvia Nogales.
We’re excited for the talent, vision, and expertise she brings to the college and look forward to the creative energy she’ll bring to the theatre and performing arts community.
Classified Professional Spotlight
This week’s Classified Spotlight shines on our CalWORKs Job Developer Placement Specialist, Zuri Williams, who goes above and beyond to support our students with care, dedication, and heart.
Zuri wears many hats including serving as a Classified Senate Senator and is always stepping up to ensure students receive the resources and encouragement they need to succeed. We’re especially grateful for her recent participation in the Haitian Community Collaborative meeting, where she gathered valuable insights and materials to benefit the SDCCE community. Thank you, Zuri, for continually showing up, advocating for our students, and being a steady force in uncertain times.
Faculty Spotlight
This week’s Faculty Spotlight highlights Plumbing Instructor Akhaphone (Pete) Phounsavath, who brings over a decade of experience in the field and whose dedication to student success is evident in everything he does.
Pete goes the extra mile to provide individualized support—whether students are brand new to the trade or returning to sharpen their skills. His commitment to hands-on learning and mentorship creates a valuable foundation for students to thrive in their careers. We’re grateful for the positive impact he continues to make at San Diego College of Continuing Education.
- 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.
SDCCE Foundation News
SDCCE Foundation's Hoop Hysteria Fundraiser is happening this upcoming October 11 & 12—uniting community members, students, and employees for a high-energy basketball event aimed at raising funds for student scholarships and programs. Learn more details on how to have fun for a good cause!
The SDCCE Foundation hosted it's second VAPA meeting today, July 28, to discuss the future of visual and performing arts within the community.
President's Updates
I enjoyed a great breakfast meeting at the Mental Bar with counselor Noora Al Saegh—an incredible addition to our college community. Beyond her impactful work with students, Noora also serves as President of the San Diego Chapter of the American Association of Women in Community Colleges. We’re thankful to have such a passionate leader supporting student success and employee success within our dynamic SDCCE team!
The Research Corner
This week we invite you to explore the article "Turning Experience Into Degrees: Credit for Prior Learning (CPL) Is Advancing Career Pathways For San Diego's Military and Greater Workforce. This brief article from The Consortium Connection, explains the importance of Credit for Prior Learning in our region and how colleges can use this program to create more affordable and equitable pathways for students that are not traditional learners. The article may be accessed here: Turning Experience Into Degrees: Credit for Prior Learning (CPL) Is Advancing Career Pathways For San Diego's Military and Greater Workforce. Please take a minute to review this resource and email jsalcedo001@sdccd.edu if you have any questions.
Best,
