Student Handbook to College
Statement of Nondiscrimination
San Diego City, Mesa and Miramar College and College of Continuing Education does not discriminate in its programs or activities on the basis of national origin, immigration status, religion, age, gender, gender identity, gender expression, race, ethnicity, color, medical condition, genetic information, ancestry, sexual orientation, marital status, physical or mental disability, pregnancy (or related condition), or military and veteran status, or because he/she/they is perceived to have one or more of the foregoing characteristics, or based on association with a person or group with one or more of these actual or perceived characteristics. Inquiries about Title IX, Title II, or Section 504 may be referred to:
Amber Eckert (she/her/hers), Title IX Coordinator, San Diego Community College District
3375 Camino del Rio South, Suite 385, San Diego, CA 92108-3883, phone number (619)-388-6504, email: aeckert@sdccd.edu
Marciano Perez, San Diego City College Title IX Deputy, San Diego City College (M-200), Dean of Student Affairs, phone number (619) 388-3981, email: mperez@sdccd.edu
Title II Coordinator [name or title, office address, telephone number, and email address],
Section 504 Coordinator [name or title, office address, telephone number, and email address],
or the U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Civil Rights.
For more information please consult Board Policy 3410 Nondiscrimination.
Welcome to the San Diego Community College District!
This guide references key information students need while attending San Diego City, Mesa, Miramar College, and the San Diego College of Continuing Education.
Each student is responsible for knowing the information provided in the college catalog and schedule of classes about student rights and responsibilities, instructional programs, enrollment, transfer and degree requirements, and the policies and procedures of the San Diego Community College District.
History
As one of the largest of California’s 73 community college districts, the San Diego Community College District serves more than 50,000 students annually at its three credit colleges, San Diego City College, Mesa College, and Miramar College, as well as seven campuses of San Diego College of Continuing Education.
The credit colleges offer associate degrees, while the credit colleges and College of Continuing Education offer career technical certificates, a top-ranked nursing program leading to good-paying careers that prepare students for transfer to universities and/or career pathways with higher paying jobs. In addition, Mesa College offers a bachelor’s degree in Health Information Management, City College recently was approved to offer a bachelor’s degree in Cyber Defense and Analysis, and Miramar College is offering a new bachelor’s degree in Public Safety Management. San Diego Community College District is the region’s largest provider of higher education and workforce training.
Admissions
Applications are open for Spring 2026.
San Diego City, Mesa and Miramar Colleges and the College of Continuing Education use CCCApply as a common application to college at: https://www.sdccd.edu/apply/
College Admissions Websites:
Admissions Requirements
Admission is open to anyone who meets one of the following criteria:
Persons 18 years of age or older or emancipated minors who do not possess a high school diploma or equivalent may be admitted by the college under provisional admission status.
Students under the age of 18 and have not completed their high school diploma (or equivalent) may be admitted as a special admit student (dual enrollment or CCAP). Note: Students under the age of 18 may not enroll at College of Continuing Education.
Relevant Policies:
BP 5010 - Admission of College Students
AP 5010 - Student Admission Status
AP 5012 - International Students
AP 5013 - Students in the Military
In accordance with §76038 of the California Education Code, students seeking admission who have been previously expelled from a California community college within the past five years, or who are currently in the process of a formal expulsion hearing for any offense listed in AP 5010, Student Admission Status, 2.a.1-7, are required to inform the District. Admission eligibility shall be determined in accordance with AP 5010, Student Admission Status. http://www.sdccd.edu/public/district/policies/
Refer to the Academic Calendar of the upcoming term for the Admission Application deadline.
The Academic Calendar is available at https://www.sdccd.edu/students/dates-and-deadlines/index.aspx
Students who apply by the deadline will register during open registration and will not receive priority for access to services.
Military Students
PROHIBITION OF HIGH-PRESSURE RECRUITMENT TACTICS
The San Diego Community College District prohibits the payment of any commission, bonus, or other incentive payment based directly or indirectly on securing enrollments or federal financial aid (including TA funds) to any persons or entities engaged in any student recruiting, admission activities, or making decisions regarding the award of student financial assistance, and:
The District prohibits high-pressure recruitment tactics such as making multiple unsolicited contacts (3 or more), including contacts by phone, email, or in-person, and engaging in same-day recruitment and registration for the purpose of securing Service member enrollments.
AP 5013 – Students in the Military
Notice of Nondiscrimination
The District is committed to equal opportunity in educational programs, employment, and all access to institutional programs and activities.
The District, and each individual who represents the District, shall provide access to its services, classes, and programs without regard to national origin, immigration status, religion, age, gender, gender identity, gender expression, race, ethnicity, color, medical condition, genetic information, ancestry, sexual orientation, marital status, physical or mental disability, pregnancy, or military and veteran status, or because he/she/they is perceived to have one or more of the foregoing characteristics, or based on association with a person or group with one or more of these actual or perceived characteristics.
Any student or employee, who believes that they have been discriminated against or who believes another has been discriminated against in violation of Board Policy 3410 Nondiscrimination, should immediately report the incidents by going to: https://www.sdccd.edu/students/complaint-process/index.aspx
High School Students:
San Diego City, Mesa and Miramar Colleges offer eligible high school students the opportunity to earn college credit that can be applied towards associate degrees, certificates, and/or transfer requirements to a four-year college/university. Concurrent enrollment is when a high school student enrolls in college classes (either online or on campus or at their High School) in addition to their high school studies. High school students must complete the online form: Supplemental Application for High School Students in order to attend college classes. Instructions are located online at: https://www.sdccd.edu/future-students/high-school-students.aspx
High school students requesting concurrent enrollment may be admitted as “special part-time” students subject to the following criteria:
Students must have completed the 10th grade.
Students may enroll in fewer than 12 units and have their enrollment fees waived.
Students will be assessed ALL enrollment fees if enrolled in 12 or more units for classes taught on college campus.
All holds must be cleared before registration.
Residency
California state law requires that each student enrolled in or applying for admission to a California community college provide information and evidence to determine his/her residence classification for tuition purposes. The statutes regarding residence determination are found in Section 68000 of the CA Education Code and Title 5, Sections 54000-54072 of the California Administrative Code. These regulations are available in the Admissions Office and are subject to interpretation by the college.
Exceptions to Residency Requirements
Several exceptions to the residency rules apply. They include, but are not limited, to the following:
Active duty military personnel and their dependents stationed in California
Active military and dependents previously stationed in California, who are currently enrolled, and subsequently receive orders to change their duty station to out-of-state
Certain minors who remained in California when their parents moved
Self-supporting minors
Full-time employees of the college or a state agency, or a child or spouse of the full-time employee.
Welcome to College
Steps to Student Success
Apply for Admissions and submit an application for Financial Aid
Create an OpenCCC account using a personal email (or login if you already have an account) and fill out the online application for any of the SDCCD colleges. https://apply.sdccd.edu
Next, submit your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa or a California Dream Act Application (CADAA) at https://dream.csac.ca.gov/landing
Be sure to reference the college’s school code when applying:
San Diego City College - 001273
San Diego Mesa College - 001275
San Diego Miramar College - 014172
New student orientation gives you important information to help you succeed in college.
Orientation gives new students a strong start to college by providing planning, support, and guidance. Learn about important forms and tasks you need to complete before you start classes.
Create an Educational Plan with a Counselor
Students looking to earn a degree or certificate, or transfer to a four-year insitution, are highly recommended to meet with a counselor to develop and educaiton plan. Your education plan is your roadmap to complete your educational objective.
Even if you're not sure what you want to do, Counseling is there to help you find the right path for you.
Register for Classes
You can enroll in classes online via mySDCCD during or after your enrollment appointment window.
For more information on registration, visit our registration information page. Navigating Enrollment in mySDCCD
Student Success and Support Programs (SSSP)
The goals of the Student Success and Support Program (SSSP) are to ensure that all students complete their college courses, persist to the next academic term, and achieve their educational objectives through admissions, orientation, assessment, educational planning with a counselor, and student follow-up.
These services have been designed especially for students who intend to earn a certificate or degree or to transfer to a four-year college or university. However, the services are available to all students admitted to the college, and all students are encouraged to participate in the various services of the program.
The three components of the Student Success and Support Programs include:
Self-Guided Placement
Orientation
College Education Planning
Self-Guided Placement (Assessment)
Assessment is a process that is designed to assist students in determining which English, math or English Language Acquisition (ELAC) courses they should start with, specifically identifying milestones in these areas. Assessment also helps students in meeting course prerequisites. Students may also meet course prerequisites based on other factors such as English and math course completion and high school performance.
Assessment via College Application (CCCApply)
Students who have graduated from a U.S. high school, or equivalent, will receive placement levels in English and math based upon high school performance information that is provided on the application for admission. Students will report cumulative, unweighted high school GPA, courses completed, and grades received in English and math courses.
Assessment via Placement Assistant
Students who have not graduated from a U.S. high school, completed the GED, or HiSet exam are eligible for this Self-Guided Placement Tool. The Placement Assistant will identify courses that students can enroll in using prior academic history. Students will report cumulative, unweighted high school GPA, courses completed, and grades received in English and math courses. Based on the information reported, students will receive an English and math placement milestone.
Students who graduated from a foreign high school should contact the Assessment Center for guidance.
English Language Acquisition (ELAC)
The ELAC placement process is designed for students primarily educated outside of the United States in a language other than English. Students who feel they may benefit from taking an ELAC class before a college-level English class are eligible for assessment via placement assistant. The ELAC self-guided placement tool will identify courses that students can enroll in. Based on the information reported students will receive an ELAC placement milestone.
More information is available at the campus assessment/testing office or by contacting:
City: cityassessment@sdccd.edu
Mesa: testing@sdccd.edu
Miramar: miratesting@sdccd.edu
Placement results are available through mySDCCD at http://my.sdccd.edu . Once logged in, click on the College Student Dashboard tile. Then on the left side of the screen select My Academics>View Milestone/Skill Level.
Orientation
Orientation provides important information to students about the programs and services available at the college as well as strategies for student success. Orientation includes program planning. Non-Exempt students who have been admitted to the college are expected to attend an orientation session before registering for classes. Additional information is available in the Testing Office on campus.
City 619-388-3540
Mesa 619-388-2718
Miramar 619-388-7379 | 858-536-7379
Student Identification Number (Student ID)
To protect the privacy of student records, all students are assigned a 10 digit Student Identification number. This number will be required to access student records, all web services that currently require a student ID, AND to conduct other college business on campus.
CAUTION: If you are uncertain that you already have a student ID number, DO NOT create a new application for admission. Duplicate records will cause significant delays in financial aid, transcripts, and other important business processes.
Returning students who have missed more than one consecutive year (excluding summer session), or first-time students applying to San Diego City, Mesa or Miramar Colleges, will receive their Student ID number once their application to the college has been accepted.
Picture Student ID cards will be issued to new and returning students who have not received a Student ID card (at no charge) in the college Admissions Office upon verification of enrollment and payment of fees. Continuing students who have not previously had their picture taken must do so in the college Admissions Office to receive a picture Student ID card.
mySDCCD
The online services offered in http://my.sdccd.edu include:
Enrollment – add, drop & withdraw from classes
Student’s current class schedule and waitlisted classes
Pay fees and view payment records
Enroll in a Payment Plan
Purchase a parking permit or bus and trolley pass
Purchase an Associated Students Membership
Wait List activities – adding, dropping and view
Wait List status
Pass/No Pass grading options
View Financial Aid
View attendance hours for tracking classes
View Milestones
Academic deadlines and calendar
Grade information
Academic history
Petitions to graduate
Ordering transcripts
View 1098-T tax information
📝Registration
Registration for all students (excluding current High School students) occurs online at: http://my.sdccd.edu. By using the online class schedule and the online registration system (mySDCCD), a student can enroll in any available course offered at ECC, City, Mesa, or Miramar Colleges. Instructions for the class schedule and online registration are available on campus and online at: https://www.sdccd.edu/students/class-search/search.html .
Computers are also available for use at the Admissions Office and other campus locations. Students must have an ‘Active Application’ from CCCApply https://www.sdccd.edu/apply/ on file as of the admission application deadline to be assigned a registration date and time (students can enroll on or after this date and time at mySDCCD) Student applying after the deadline will be able to register during open registration.
Intersession is considered part of the Spring semester.
Password Self-Service
After your application to City, Mesa and Miramar College has been processed through CCCApply, you will receive a welcome email with instructions on where to go (https://sdpss.sdccd.edu/enroll/) and how to set-up your mySDCCD account.
On this page, you will be prompted to enter your ID number, date of birth, and email address.
User ID: This is your 10-digit User ID that was printed on your welcome email.
Date of Birth: This is the date of birth we have on file. Please type this in the MM/DD/YYYY format. (e.g. June 01, 2000 would be 06/01/2000).
Email Address: This is the same email address we sent the invite email to.
This process will change when we go live with Single Sign On (SSO) during Fall 2024.
Your password must include a combination of three of the four character types:
One uppercase letter (A - Z)
One lowercase letter (a - z)
One number (0 - 9)
One special character (! $ @ # * %)
Next you will be asked to select three security questions from the drop down menus and enter the answer into the fields below.
Answers must be at least 4 characters in length.
The answers to the three security questions cannot be the same.
Note: These answers cannot be the same, and you should keep these answers somewhere safe in case you need to reset your password.
Students with a disability and require assistance with registration, should contact the Disability Support Programs and Services (DSPS) Office on campus:
City: (619) 388-3513
Mesa: (619) 388-2780 or (858) 627-2780
Miramar: (619) 388-7312 or (858) 536-7212
CLASS CANCELLATION/CHANGE POLICY
The San Diego Community College District reserves the right to change or cancel any course listed in the schedule in which enrollment is below the minimum. In the event of cancellation, the college will make every effort to move students to another section of the course.
MESSAGES FOR STUDENTS
The college will not interrupt classroom instruction to deliver messages except in an extreme emergency.
NONATTENDANCE/FIRST CLASS
The instructor may drop students who do not attend the first class meeting. Students who cannot attend because of illness, religious observation, or a serious problem should notify the instructor. Students who miss the first class meeting and do not plan to attend must log on to mySDCCD to drop the class to avoid receiving an "F" grade.
It is ultimately the student's responsibility to drop by the published deadlines.
OFF-CAMPUS CLASSES
City, Mesa and Miramar Colleges offer classes at off-campus sites throughout the community using facilities such as public schools, churches, hospitals, and offices. Classes are held primarily in the evening to afford students the best access in terms of time and location. Classes carry full college credit.
ONLINE COURSES
Students planning to transfer should ensure that courses completed online are accepted by the transfer institution.
ONLINE CLASS RESTRICTIONS
In accordance with federal regulations, City, Mesa and Miramar colleges may not permit students residing outside of California to enroll in online classes without approval of the state where the student resides. Students residing in a non-approved state/territory are not permitted to enroll in online classes and will be dropped. Go to https://www.sdccd.edu/docs/StudentServices/Online StatesNotPermitted.pdf for an up to date list of restricted states and territories.
OPEN ENTRY/OPEN EXIT CLASSES
Classes listed as Open Entry/Open Exit may be added throughout the semester. Students should contact the Admissions Office for specific add/drop deadlines.
Financial Aid and Fees
Money shouldn’t get in the way of getting a college education
Steps to Apply | Submit your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa or a California Dream Act Application (CADAA) at https://dream.csac.ca.gov/landing Be sure to reference the college’s school code when applying:
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Resources |
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FINANCIAL AID
On a yearly basis, all financial aid applicants must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), or a California Dream Act application for all financial aid, including the California College Promise Grant (CCPG). To complete your FAFSA, go to https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa . To complete a California Dream Act application, use https://dream.csac.ca.gov
FAFSA and California Dream Act Application materials are available on October 1st for the following academic year.
Deadline to apply: The Central Processing System (CPS) must receive your application by your last day of classes for the term or June 30th whichever date comes first.
A current Admission’s Application to the College must be on file before we can process your FAFSA or California Dream Act application. Complete the application at https://www.sdccd.edu/apply/ using your personal information as it appears on your Social Security card or our office will not be able to process your financial aid.
For Financial Aid Purposes, the following is used to calculate your financial aid eligibility:
Credit Hours | Enrollment Load (Old) | Enrollment Intensity (2024-2025) |
|---|---|---|
12 (or more) | Full-Time | 100% |
11 | Three-Quarter Time | 92% |
10 | 83% | |
9 | 75% | |
8 | Half-Time | 67% |
7 | 58% | |
6 | 50% | |
5 | Less Than Half-Time | 42% |
4 | 33% | |
3 | 25% | |
2 | 17% | |
1 | 8% |
Direct Deposit
Direct deposit is available for students receiving Financial Aid. Students are encouraged to sign up for Direct Deposit in mySDCCD at: https://myportal.sdccd.edu and click on the link in “My Financial Aid”. Make sure your address is up to date in mySDCCD as your financial aid check will be sent to your mailing address on file. If you wish to pick up your financial aid check on campus, you must contact the Financial Aid office to have this delivery option set up.
Many types of financial aid are available to students who qualify. Students needing financial assistance must apply to receive consideration for federal grants and the work-study program. Federal Work Study is offered on a first-come, first-served basis since college funds are limited. For more information, students should contact the Financial Aid Office on campus.
Students with extenuating circumstances, who cannot complete a FAFSA, should visit their campus Financial Aid Office.
The outline of fees paid by financial aid is available for students online in the mySDCCD student portal at: http://my.sdccd.edu. Additional fees are the responsibility of the student.
Students can view their financial aid in the mySDCCD student portal at: http://my.sdccd.edu in the “My Financial Aid” section.
Students should apply their financial aid in the Portal by clicking “Update Charges” or “Make a Payment” under “My Finances” after they have registered in classes.
Additionally, students must pay their health fees or they may be dropped from their classes.
Students awarded financial aid after paying their fees should contact the Accounting Office regarding any potential refund.
Financial Aid is disbursed to Student Accounting on Thursdays; Subsequently Student Accounting processes Financial Aid refunds to students.
Refunds will be issued in the form of a check or Direct Deposit.
For questions about financial aid, contact the college Financial Aid Office immediately.
Enrollment Fee Assistance: California College Promise Grant (CCPG):
State law requires that students attending the college pay an enrollment fee. Students enrolled in credit classes are currently required to pay $46.00 per unit. The college offers the California College Promise Grant (CCPG), a state-funded program which will waive the enrollment fee for all eligible applicants. Students who are eligible for a California College
Promise Grant (CCPG) will be required to pay the health fee. The health fee will no longer be waived for students who are eligible for a CCPG other than students who are eligible for a CCPGA (TANF/ CalWORKs, SSI/SSP, or General Assistance).
Students may apply for the CCPG one of two ways:
Submit a FAFSA (https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa ) or a California Dream Act Application (https://dream.csac.ca.gov), or
Apply for the CCPG via a paper application at the Financial Aid office or by clicking on the CCPG links below:
CCPG Eligibility
If you are a California resident or have been designated an AB-540 student, you may qualify for a CCPG if any ONE of the following statements applies to your current status:
You have already qualified for financial aid, such as a Federal Pell Grant or a Cal Grant, which demonstrates that you have need as determined by Federal Methodology or California DREAM Act application. You must have at least $1,104 on “unmet” need to qualify.
You, or your parents in the case of a dependent student, are receiving TANF (Temporary Aid for Needy Families, SSI (Supplemental Security Income), or General Assistance/General Relief as main source of income at the time of enrollment.
You have a letter from the Department of Veterans Affairs certifying that you meet the eligibility requirements of “certain disabled veterans, dependents of certain deceased or disabled veterans.”
You are a dependent of a deceased or disabled veteran of the California National Guard. You must submit a letter of certification from the California National Guard Adjutant General’s Office.
You are a recipient of the Congressional Medal of Honor or a child of a recipient. You must submit documentation from the Department of Veterans Affairs.
You are a dependent of a victim of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attack. Must submit documentation from the CA Victim Compensation and Government Claims Board.
You are dependent of a deceased law enforcement/fire suppression personnel killed in the line of duty. You must submit documentation from the public agency employer of record.
You have been exonerated of a crime by writ of habeas corpus or pardon. You must submit documentation from the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation.
You meet the low-income standards or other special classifications fee waivers.
Eligibility requirements for the CCPG, in addition to income and residency requirements, students must maintain academic and progress standards to maintain California College Promise Grant (CCPG) eligibility.
VETERANS BENEFITS
Veterans’ benefits are available to all students who qualify. Veteran students may file for deferment at the time of enrollment to defer payment until their benefits arrive. For information, contact the Veteran Affairs Office on campus.
FEES AND TUITION INFORMATION
All fees must be paid in full by the date indicated on mySDCCD or students may be dropped for nonpayment. Fees may be paid by credit or debit card, check, money order, cashier’s check.
A cancelled check or credit/debit card statement will serve as receipt.
If paying by check, or credit card, students may be administratively dropped if payment is not cleared by the bank; however, this will not relieve the student’s financial liability to the college.
If fees are being paid by a third party, (i.e., tuition assistance, State Department of Rehabilitation, employer sponsorship programs, scholarships, etc.), the student must contact the college Accounting Office to process paperwork and complete registration prior to the due date provided at the time of registration.
A $25 fee will be assessed for any returned check(s).
The college reserves the right to revoke check writing privileges.
Payment Plans are available in mySDCCD at: https://myportal.sdccd.edu , select “Make a Payment” and follow prompts to see options. Eligible students who owe $150 or more can choose to pay their fees through monthly installments. A down payment and a nonrefundable $25 payment plan fee are due at sign up. Plans are offered through Nelnet Campus Commerce. Payment Plan Information.
Mandatory Fees
The enrollment fee is $46.00 per unit. Exemptions from the enrollment fee are available to students who qualify for the California College Promise Grant CCPG (see above)
Health Fee
ALL students, including CCPG recipients, are assessed a mandatory fee for health services (Mental and Physical Health) and accident insurance, whether or not they choose to use the health services or have their own private insurance.
The student health services fee is currently $23.00 per semester for Fall and Spring semesters, and $17.00 for the Summer Session. The student health services fee is not charged to students enrolled only in Intersession.
Note: All students, including CCPG recipients, who do NOT pay the mandatory Student Health Services fee may be dropped for non-payment.
The following students are exempt from the Health fee:
Students who meet the income requirements for the California College Promise Grant (CCPG-A only). Contact the Financial Aid Office for eligibility determination.
Students attending under an approved apprenticeship program, enrolled in only apprenticeship courses.
Students who depend on prayer for healing, in accordance with the teachings of a bona fide religious sect, denomination or organization may petition to have the fees waived. To apply for an exemption contact the Admissions Office.
Non-Resident Tuition
In addition to the enrollment and health fees, $369.00 per unit tuition is charged to students who are not residents of California for tuition purposes.
Baccalaureate Degree Program Fee:
A baccalaureate degree program fee is charged for all upper division coursework of $84.00 per unit. This charge is assessed in addition to the current enrollment fee of $46.00 per unit. Non-resident bachelor’s degree students are charged additional non-resident tuition of $369.00 per unit.
Student Representation Fee
All students are assessed a mandatory $2.00 student representation fee per semester. This fee is expended equally to support the: (1) Student Senate of California Community Colleges (SSCCC) and (2) colleges for the purpose of student advocacy efforts to Federal, State and Local governments. Students have the right to refuse to pay the fee for religious, moral, political, or financial reasons. This fee may be cancelled through mySDCCD. For additional information regarding this fee, students should contact their Student Affairs Office on campus.
Optional Fees
Current Optional Fees
Automobile permits (Fall/Spring): $40.00
Automobile permits (Summer): $29.00