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Career Pathways Series

Purpose

The Career Pathways Series is a professional learning initiative open to all City College employees. It provides opportunities to learn or enhance workplace skills while fostering collaboration and a sense of belonging across campus. Events aim to inspire and equip participants with the knowledge and motivation needed for career advancement and leadership roles within the campus community and beyond. 

Events

September

September 11 - 4th Annual Chicanx/Latinx Educator Network Panel from 3:30 PM - 5:30 PM in MS-140. Register  

September 15 - Campus Budget Forum from 2:30 PM - 4:00 PM in MS-162 (Flex# 35331). This forum will provide a high-level overview of San Diego City College’s budget for the 2026-2027 fiscal year, including state allocations and other funding sources that support college operations and priorities. Participants will have an opportunity to learn about the budget development process and ask questions regarding the college’s financial outlook and resource allocations.

September 18 -  Classified & NANCE Bootcamp: Building a Resume from 2:30 – 4:30 in BT-309. Must register in advance. Note: This is an AFT Guild Local 1931 event.

September 21 - Using Canva for Education: Design Made Simple from 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM on Zoom w/Saribel Morales-Rivera, Marley Rodriguez (Flex# 35610).

  • Create effective, professional, and accessible campus flyers using Canva’s built-in tools. This hands-on workshop covers simple design principles, layout, typography, color, imagery, and accessibility—no graphic design experience required. Participants will create a flyer for an event, program, announcement, or other campus communication.

September 25 - Restorative Justice: Communication 101 – Clear is Kind from 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM in BT-309. Must register in advance. Note: This is an AFT Guild Local 1931 event. 

September 30 - Abriendo Las Puertas: Consejos (Advice) on Interviewing from 5:00 PM - 6:30 PM in R-109 (Flex# 35604) Register (Flex# 30602).

  • A conversation with recently hired SD City College members as they share their consejos (advice) on effective strategies to prepare for the interview process and professional advancement. 
  • Panelists: Claudia Martinez (MESA Director), Melody Valencia (CARE Coordinator/Counselor), Saribel Morales-Rivera (Outreach Coordinator), Sal Guzman (Accounting Specialist, Supervisor) 

October

  • October 5 - Job Shadow with Executive Team (application open; closes December 20)

November

December 

  • December 20 - Job Shadow with Executive Team application closes

About

The Job Shadow program within Career Pathways provides employees with a behind the scenes look at college operations. Employees with an interest in California community college leadership will have an opportunity to learn from the executive team’s unique experiences and journey. The program will give employees a comprehensive understanding of the executive team’s role, responsibilities, and decision-making processes. Participants will come away from the experience with strategic knowledge on how to develop professionally in pursuit of future leadership roles.  

Outcomes

  1. Increase institutional knowledge
  2. Leadership development
  3. Relationship building

Apply

Open: October 5, 2026

Deadline: November 20, 2026

Note: Applications must include a completed Manager/Supervisor Approval Form

Resources

Submit

Financial Literacy Workshops

  • TBD - Your CalPERS and You - Benefits Basics on Zoom from 1:30 PM - 2:30 PM (Register)
  • TBD - CalSTRS My Retirement Decisions

Job Shadow Cohort (February-May) - Apply in the Fall

February 19, 2026 from 4:00 PM - 5:30 PM in R-109 - Claiming Space: Candid Advice for Community College Interviews from BIPOC Faculty Hiring Panel (Flex # 31581) - Register

February 27, 2026 from 1:00 PM - 2:30 PM in MS-123 - Classified & NANCE Bootcamp: Application Panel (AFT Event) - Register.

February, 27, 2026 from 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM in City Cafe - 4th Annual Black Educators Network Event - Register

March 6, 2026 from 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM at Grossmont College - The Application (AFT Event) - Register

March 13, 2026 from 9:00 AM - 3:30 PM in MS-123 - The Interview & Teaching Demo (AFT Event) - Register

March 15, 2026 (Deadline to apply) - SDICCCA Fellows Program  

March 18, 2026 from 4:30 PM - 6:00 PM in R-109 - So You Want to Be a Dean? Register. 

March 20, 2026 from 1:30 PM - 4:30 PM in BT-309 - Restorative Justice: Courageous Conversations (AFT Event) Register.

March 27, 2026 from 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM at Mesa G101 - The 2nd Interview Tenture Track (AFT Event) - Register

April 17, 2026 from 1:30 PM - 3:30 PM at Mesa G101 - Classified & NANCE Bootcamp: The Interview (AFT Event) - Register

April 17, 2026 from 8:45 AM - 3:00 PM in R-114/115 (Flex #31928) - Reclaiming Joy: Human-First Teaching in the AI Era - Register; Agenda

May 13, 2026 from 3:00 PM - 4:30 PM in R-109 - How the College Budget Works: Connecting Enrollment, Strategy, and Spending (Flex# 31934)

June 9, 2026 from 2:30 PM - 3:30 PM in R-109 - Leading the College: Reflections from the Executive Team

TBD

Resources

Select any of the resources below to upgrade your accessibility and inclusion skills for email, Canvas design, flyers, events, and more!

Need Support? Contact Tucker Grimshaw, Accessibility Mentor, [email protected]

Design

  • Canva Design School: Learn how to design in Canva with free resources and certified courses.
  • Canva Design Made Simple presented by Saribel Morales-Rivera (Outreach Coordinator) and Marley Rodriguez (Outreach Librarian)

Microsoft

Microsoft Learn has a multitude of free online trainings, certificates, and modules on Microsoft tools we use every day. Explore their offerings and login to your account to create a personalized plan. Here are some initial offerings to explore:

Coursera (FREE)

A.I. 

  • Professional Advancement Committee (Faculty)
  • Tenure Track Evaluation and Mentor & Mentee Info Session (9/12/25) - All new contract faculty are invited to learn about the tenure-track evaluation process from the Faculty Evaluations Chair. The session will also include an introduction to the unions (AFT) Mentor & Mentee program that pairs experienced faculty with new faculty to support them in their first year at City. Please accept the Outlook invite to RSVP. Flyer. 
  • SDCCD Leadership Academies - The Academies offer participants the opportunity to learn new skills, examine current management philosophy, network with fellow colleagues and leadership professionals, and enhance their knowledge of the District's policies and procedures, mission, vision, and strategic planning goals. Academies are organized in cohorts for faculty, classified professionals, supervisors, and managers on a rotating schedule. 
  • SDICCCA Fellows Program - The SDICCCA Regional Fellowship Program is a cooperative initiative between the San Diego and Imperial County Community College Association (SDICCCA) and San Diego State University (SDSU). The purpose of the program is to identify, recruit, train, mentor and support prospective community college educators including classroom, library, and counseling faculty in their pursuit of faculty positions at community colleges in the region. Two application periods in the Fall and Spring. 
  • Association of California Community College Administrators - The Association of California Community College Administrators is the foremost member-supported professional organization for administrators and managers of California’s community college campuses.
  • COLEGAS - Values cultura as a source of knowledge, power, and belonging. We center the lived experiences, ancestral wisdom, and cultural practices of our comunidad Latina, grounded in respect, dignity, and corazón. Visit for career support and professional development. 
  • Instructional Design Certificate - Offered by Mesa College, this 19-unit certificate program gives hands-on experience applying foundational theories to design inclusive learning experiences using a variety of e-learning tools, artificial intelligence (AI), and multimedia. Learn to design human-centered accessible learning spaces that invite connection and caring. Come away with a comprehensive portfolio demonstrating skills in instructional design, tools, and teamwork. 
  • Harvard Online ($209) - Exercising Leadership Foundational Principles

Retirement

CalSTRS and CalPERS offer members free webinars and member resources. You can access those on their respective websites:

Financial Literacy

Other organizations offer free financial literacy resources you and your family can access. Try some of these: