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New Hires Institute

Purpose

The New Hires Institute (NHI) is a year-long program that introduces new contract employees to the City College culture, fosters group connection, and provides timely information to help new employees feel comfortable and successful in their new role. NHI is includes support for new faculty, classified professionals, supervisors, managers, and administrators.

Goals

Upon successful completion of the NHI program participants will be able to: 

  1. Describe the social justice and equity ethos of San Diego City College, what it means to them, and be able to apply it in their role on campus. 
  2. Develop positive and collegial relationships with members of the cohort and college at-large. 
  3. Increase self-efficacy by knowing how to leverage employee resources and relationships.  

Program Description

The NHI program consists of ten (10) sessions over the course of two semesters. New employees are invited to join their cohort in either the Fall or Spring semesters. At the conclusion of the program, all cohort members who attended at least eight sessions receive a certificate of completion. 

  • NHI typically meets on the third Friday of the month in the Elva Salinas Professional Learning Center (room R-109)
  • Sessions run from 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM and have either lunch or refreshments provided for participants
  • All sessions are shared via an Outlook invite with new hires and their managers. Reminders are sent out the week of each event. 

On behalf of Professional Learning, I am excited to welcome you to San Diego City College in your new role! The New Hires Institute (NHI) is a two-semester program designed to welcome you to campus life and assist with your successful transition in your role at City. During NHI you can expect to:

  • Engage with your fellow new hires and build community 
  • Gain insights into City’s campus culture, values, and mission 
  • Learn about our various departments, programs, and events contribute to student success and employee well-being
  • Receive important information about our policies, benefits, and resources 

NHI is an important part of City’s welcome to new employees. If you have a time conflict, you may notify me, Marco Anzures, Professional Learning Coordinator, at [email protected] or through Microsoft Teams chat. This will allow us to share that session’s information with you in advance.

All sessions in R-109 unless otherwise noted in the Outlook calendar invite.

Fall 2026

  • August 17 from 10:00am – 12:00pm: You Belong Here: Meet college leadership, connect with fellow new hires, and explore what it means to create a culture of belonging at City. Through interactive activities and discussion, participants will reflect on how everyday actions help students and colleagues feel welcomed, valued, and supported.
  • September 18 from 10:00am – 12:00pm: Get to Know City: Learn about the history, traditions, and mission of City while exploring the campus through a guided tour and interactive scavenger hunt. This session is designed to help new hires build familiarity with campus spaces, resources, and the people who make up the college community.
  • October 9 from 10:00am – 12:00pm: Discover Your Strengths: Participants will complete a strengths-based personality assessment and explore how their unique talents contribute to their work and interactions on campus. Through reflection and conversation, attendees will identify ways to use their strengths to support collaboration, communication, and student success.
  • November 13 from 10:00am – 12:00pm: Culturally Sustaining Practices: This session introduces the foundations of culturally sustaining and responsive practices in higher education. Participants will engage in discussions and scenarios that encourage reflection on how everyday interactions can foster inclusion, equity, and respect for diverse experiences and identities. 
  • December 11 from 10:00am – 12:00pm: We Are Leaders: Explore your leadership potential through a short leadership assessment and connect those results to your previously identified Gallup strengths. Participants will reflect on how leadership can be demonstrated in any role and identify strategies for leading with authenticity, collaboration, and purpose. 

Spring 2027

  • January 25 from 10:00am – 12:00pm: What is Your Why? 
  • February 19 from 10:00am – 12:00pm: Social Justice at City 
  • March 12 from 10:00am – 12:00pm: Leading with Your Strengths 
  • April 16 from 10:00am – 12:00pm: Knowing Our Community  
  • May 14 from 10:00am – 12:00pm: Dream Big