San Diego Community College District

The latest edition of With Excellence magazine addresses returning to campus and the many ways we are striving as a District.

Campuses within the San Diego Community College District started opening up more in fall 2021 with plans to fully reopen in spring 2022. We have been able to work together to make this transition possible and make more in-person classes available to students. The fall edition of WE magazine explores how students and professors alike are thriving, innovating, and learning while navigating the return to the classroom. Here are more stories from fall 2021 at the SDCCD:

Chancellor's Message: The SDCCD welcomed a new Chancellor, Carlos O. Turner Cortez, Ph.D., in July. The Chancellor addresses a districtwide strategic planning process that will begin in early 2022 with a focus on "How do we get better?" 

Meet the Chancellor: Dr. Cortez opens up about his greatest influences, his background, and goals for the District. "If you believe in what you’re doing, and can clearly make your case, there are enlightened leaders in the community who will support you."

Governor signs historic legislation: In October, California Governor Gavin Newsom signed historic legislation that expands and makes permanent the state’s pilot program allowing community colleges to offer bachelor’s degrees in specific workforce fields not offered by the University of California or California State University. Assembly Bill 927 eliminates the 2026 sunset date on 15 existing baccalaureate degree programs and opens the door to as many as 30 new bachelor’s programs per year at any of the state’s 116 community colleges. 

City College professor showcases film during local festival: Professor Cy Kuckenbaker showed his film “Tiger Oak + Echo,” which was nominated for Best Short in the Local Film Showcase, during the 2021 GI Film Festival San Diego. 

Mesa College psychology professor goes viral on TikTok: San Diego Mesa College psychology Professor Inna Kanevsky can now add social media influencer to her résumé: she has reached 1 million followers with more than 25 million likes on her 1,400 videos that debunk misinformation and specifically focus on the field she
has grown passionate about after 20 years teaching at San Diego community colleges

Miramar student gives new meaning to "soccer mom": At age 45, Brandi Mitchell is the newest member of the Miramar College women’s soccer team, as well as being the mother of two grown children. A quarter-century removed from her high school playing days, Mitchell is giving college athletics another chance. 

Supporting our veterans at home: The SDCCD serves approximately 6,000 students who are active duty military, veterans, and in military families. Learn more about the SDCCD programs and support services that help military members prepare for civilian life.

ALSO IN THE FALL 2021 WE:

Art Adaptation: Remote courses in the arts posed challenges — and yielded new opportunities to be creative
National tutor of the year
San Diego Promise exceeds $2 million in fundraising
Historic theater gets $35 million for renovation
Exploring the cost of college
Supporting our nurses
A team effort to strengthen student support
Emeritus programs keep students connected
Student profile: Jahloni Mitchell