Educational Services

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Dr. Susan TophamThe Educational Services Division at the San Diego Community College District (SDCCD) supports the four colleges, San Diego City College, San Diego Mesa College, San Diego Miramar College, and the San Diego College of Continuing Education, in advancing instructional and student support practices to maximize student access, learning, and success. Under the leadership of Dr. Susan Topham, Vice Chancellor for Educational Services, the division facilitates districtwide educational planning, including student services and instructional programs across the colleges. Dr. Topham's commitment lies in breaking down barriers to student success through collaboration with faculty, staff, and students. 

The division fosters alignment, provides clear communication, ensures compliance, and supports quality instruction, student support, retention, and completion. With a focus on student success and well-being, the division aims to strengthen community collaborations, remove barriers for all students, enhance marketing efforts, and provide additional support services for students' social, emotional, and financial needs. 

In pursuit of academic excellence, the Educational Services Division focuses on streamlining curriculum development processes, supporting faculty in developing certificates and degrees and implementing legislative requirements to ensure compliance. The division also actively engages in workforce development by partnering with regional businesses, increasing employment rates for Career Technical Education (CTE) participants, and supporting the development of apprenticeship programs. Lastly, the division prioritizes financial health by maximizing access to enrollment and ensuring equitable student success amid economic uncertainty. 

Organizational Chart
Newsletter

Vice Chancellor's office

Susan Topham, Ed.D., Vice Chancellor
Jessica Lee, Executive Assistant to the Vice Chancellor
Jovineth Vergara-Abbott, Administrative Technician
Margarita Murray, Student Services Analyst
Megan Soto, Student Services Analyst
David Spence, Student Services Analyst

Educational Services Leadership

Amertah Perman, Dean, Career Education & Workforce Development
Lillian Garcia, Dean, Equity & Special Funded Programs
Shelly Hess, Ed.D., Dean, Instructional Services
Brian Weston, Dean, Online & Distributed Learning
Andrew "Luke" Menchaca, Dean, Outreach & Student Affairs
Victor DeVore, Dean, Student Services
Poppy Fitch, Dean, Wellness, Safety, and Disability Support Programs & Services (DSPS)

 

A student holds a binder for the health information management program

Students

Whether you are a future student, current student, non-credit student, or a high school student interested in dual enrollment we want to help you navigate your educational path. 

A dance instructor and her dance classes look in a mirror while dancing.

Instruction

Instructional Services supports accreditation, articulation, curriculum, instructional research, international education, online learning, strategic planning, and workforce & economic development.

 

Disability Support Programs and Services (DSPS)

The District's Disability Support Programs and Services provide services and courses to support students with disabilities in the achievement of their academic and vocational goals. This program promotes equal participation in mainstream academic programs through preparatory and skill maintenance courses, and offers courses for personal growth.

Three people at a table for DSPS at City College Welcome Week
A student and an instructor sit at a table. The student is wearing a bright red sweatshirt and typing on a tablet

Online Learning Pathways

Online Learning is where students can complete quality courses developed and taught online by instructors from the San Diego City, Mesa, and Miramar colleges and College of Continuing Education. Our goal is to provide the best support and assistance for our students and faculty as they explore the world of online education. We have provided the following guides, tutorials, and resources that will help you on your journey.

San Diego Promise

The San Diego Promise provides qualified students at San Diego City, Mesa, and Miramar colleges with a free community college education, offers grants to those who demonstrate financial need to offset the cost of textbooks and instructional supplies, and engages all students in a learning community promoting academic success.

 

A group of students hold up letters spelling promise
A student and an instructor sit at a table. The student is wearing a bright red sweatshirt and typing on a tablet

Career Education & Workforce development

The Career Education and Workforce Development (CEWD) department provides districtwide coordination, across San Diego City College, Mesa College, Miramar College, and College of Continuing Education, for career education pathways, programs, and partnerships, and state contract compliance for three Child Development and Learning Lab Centers. Reports to Vice Chancellor of Educational Services. 

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