Anchored in Stability: Welcome to Fall 2025

As summer winds down and we prepare to welcome a new cohort on August?26, I’m grateful and optimistic. Over the past year, we’ve continued strengthening our foundation in every way while keeping our mission unwavering: supporting every Jaguar’s pathway to success.

Southwestern College enters Fall 2025 on solid financial footing. With an unrestricted general fund balance of $22.9?million, we maintain robust reserves to manage economic uncertainty, even amid projected state funding fluctuations. Through transparent, data-informed budgeting processes and diverse revenue streams, our financial approach prioritizes prudence and preparedness to ensure long-term sustainability for our students, faculty and staff. To foster efficiency and shared investment in our students’ future we are excited California State San Marcos joins our ever growing list of collaborative partnerships with UC San Diego, San Diego State, Arizona State, Point Loma Nazarene, and National University in the pursuit of academic excellence.

Across our five campuses from Chula Vista to Coronado, we continue to emphasize diversity and belonging for all Jaguars. Through inclusive programming, equity initiatives, and cultural celebrations like Juneteenth Jubilee and last month’s Disability Pride flag raising, we remain focused on cultural vibrancy. Southwestern provides resources for basic needs through SWC Cares, the Dreamer Center for undocumented students, and Men of Color Success and Excellence programs. Our various Learning Communities like BAYAN, CHEL, Puente, UMOJA and Sangam provide supportive environments for specific student populations that continue to grow including additional support for foster youth, LGBTQIA+, and veterans. This fall, we’re excited to welcome students from Options Middle College High School, where they’ll have the unique opportunity to earn their high school diplomas while simultaneously working toward associate degrees or professional certificates.

Our physical infrastructure improvements are progressing. From the newly built planetarium and University Center Complex, upgrades in amenities enhance the holistic student experience. In fact, we are looking forward to the ribbon cutting ceremony of our new Student Union on September 18, 2025 at noon. This two story structure is set to become the heart of campus and will be home to our Food Hall, Learning Communities, Veterans’ Resource Center, the SWC Cares programs, Culinary Arts kitchens and ballroom/conference space. We hope you will join us for the ribbon cutting to celebrate this significant milestone in our physical transformation.

As we embark on another vibrant semester, know that Southwestern College is steadfast in its mission to shape educational and economic futures in the community of South County and beyond. Here’s to a transformational 2025?26 academic year!

Mark Sanchez, Ed.D. is Superintendent/President of Southwestern College.