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Campus Announcements & Updates

Message to the Community: Police Activity Near San Diego Mesa College

08/06/2024, 11:47 a.m.

Dear Mesa College Community,

The San Diego Police Department is responding to activity at the corner of Genesee and Marlesta. Helicopters were deployed as they were looking for a suspect. Please note that the suspect has been apprehended, and that the campus is safe.

Best,

Ashanti 

Ashanti Hands, Ed.D.
President | San Diego Mesa College

Message to the Community: Incident Alert

07/31/2024, 7:08 p.m.

Note: This alert contains information that may be upsetting. Its purpose is to inform you of a reported campus incident, so you can take any necessary precautions. Resources and support for those impacted by this news can found at the following sites Student Health Services and Employee Assistance Program (Access Code: Veba)  

Hello Mesa College Community,

We were informed today about an incident that occurred on the evening of Thursday, July 25, 2024, after campus had closed. An individual walking in Parking Lot 1 on the San Diego Mesa College campus was struck by several objects, which may have included a frozen egg, thrown from a vehicle. It was reported that someone in the vehicle shouted a racial slur before driving away. The victim later reported the incident to College Police. Fortunately, they did not report any serious physical injuries. It is currently unclear if any individuals involved are connected to Mesa College. College Police are investigating the matter as a potential assault with a deadly weapon and hate crime.  

I am deeply disturbed by this incident as it goes against our core values of equity and excellence. There is absolutely no place for violence, harassment, or racism in our community. Let’s remain diligent in creating a safe, inclusive, and supportive environment for everyone. If you see something, say something. If you are impacted by this news, please seek support within our community. For questions, concerns, or additional information about this incident or crime prevention, please contact College Police Dispatch at (619) 388-6405, available 24 hours a day. 

Best,

Ashanti 

Ashanti Hands, Ed.D.
President | San Diego Mesa College

Message to the Community

05/07/2024, 4:22 p.m.

Hello Mesa College Community,

Your Mental Health Matters Flyer LinkAt the beginning of the semester, we commemorated our 60th Anniversary while also grappling with the aftermath of an historic storm and flooding that deeply affected our community. As we prepare for the culmination of the semester, we continue to navigate this balance between celebratory milestones and the weight of local and global tragedies. Despite these challenges, our leadership remains committed to fostering spaces for celebration and healing, prioritizing the well-being and safety of our community.

I am deeply grateful to witness the myriad ways each of you upholds our shared values of Access, Accountability, Diversity, Equity, Excellence, Freedom of Expression, Integrity, and Respect daily. Your commitment to these principles serves as a beacon of hope and resilience during these difficult times.

Amidst the busyness of life, it's essential to remember that Mesa Cares and to prioritize self-care and compassion for one another. As May marks Mental Health Awareness Month, I encourage you to explore the various activities and resources available to support your well-being and that of your colleagues, peers and students.

Please remember that you are not alone, and reaching out for support is a sign of strength. Together, let's continue to nurture a community where everyone feels seen, valued, supported, and empowered.

Best,

Ashanti 

Ashanti Hands, Ed.D.
President | San Diego Mesa College

Message to the Community: Loss of Life at San Diego Mesa College

04/25/2024, 4:13 p.m.

Mesa College Community,

It is with a heavy heart that I share the tragic loss of life that occurred on campus today, outside of the Math and Science Building. Our deepest condolences go out to the family and all those impacted.

The loss of life on a college campus can be challenging, as the close bonds formed within our community are deeply impacted by such events. These bonds remind us of the importance of coming together as a community in times of such profound sadness. Please be reminded that Mesa College has multiple avenues of support for both students and employees. No matter the need, the campus community can receive assistance. We encourage those who may need additional support to connect as follows:

Students:

  • Mesa College Health Center offers Crisis counseling
  • The Health Center is located on the 2nd floor of the Student Services Building, I4-209.
  • Hours: Monday-Thursday: 8:00am-5:00pm, and Friday: 8:00am-12:00pm
  • Students can visit in person or make an appointment to speak with a counselor
  • To schedule an appointment, call 619-388-2774

 

Employees:

  • San Diego Community College District EAP (Employee Assistance Plan) program, which is available toll-free, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
  • All services are CONFIDENTIAL and available to all household and dependent family members
  • Phone: 888-625-4809, TDD/TTY: 888-842-9489
  • Website: www.liveandworkwell.com, Access code: VEBA

 

Community Resource

  • San Diego Access and Crisis Line: 1-888-724-7240
  • Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: 9-8-8

 

We stand together as a campus community, ready to support each and every member. Please, do not hesitate to reach out and seek the support you need.

Sincerely,

Ashanti Hands
President

From the County of San Diego : Storm Preparedness and Resources


02/05/2024, 9:00 a.m.

www.alertsandiego.org

The National Weather Service is predicting heavy rains for San Diego County on Monday, February 5 and Tuesday, February 6, 2024. In order to assist citizens, the storm shelter is set up for flood victims at the City of San Diego Municipal Gym at Balboa Park. The gym is located at 2111 Pan American Plaza, San Diego, CA 92101. The  phone  number is (619) 525-8262. Last night (02/04/24), the shelter hosted 63 guests and 4 pets.

The City of San Diego is issuing an Evacuation Warning for low-lying, flood prone areas of City of San Diego neighborhoods of Southcrest, Mountain View, Encanto, San Ysidro, Sorrento Valley, and Mission Valley. All residents are urged to take precautions and prepare for potential flooding in low-lying areas.

The City of San Diego opened a Local Assistance Center at the Mountain View Community Recreation Center, 641 South Boundary St., from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 3, through Friday, Feb. 9. However, the Local Assistance Center is closed Monday because of the risk of severe weather.  The situation will be re-evaluated before Tuesday.

People who still need services can call 2-1-1 for referrals.

People who still need services can call 2-1-1 for referrals.

Register yourself and other family members’ cellphones with AlertSanDiego so that you will all be notified of an emergency affecting your neighborhood. This is especially important if you no longer have a landline at your home. And download the  SDEmergency App to receive updates. Sandbags are available for free at locations throughout the County. You can get more information on availability here.

The Emergency Services recovery webpage is continually updated with new information for people cleaning up homes. Direct users to AlertSanDiego.org and click on the Recovery tab for help. Governor Gavin Newsom proclaimed a state of emergency for eight counties in Southern California including San Diego. The move comes as a series of winter storms begins impacting much of the state with high winds, damaging rain, and heavy snowfall. For more information on the Proclamation, visit County News Center.

Presidents Special Mesa College Update: Preparing for Significant Weather

2/5/2024, 7:00 a.m.

Hello Mesa College Community, 

This Spring, we've had numerous occasions for joy and unity, from Flex Week to Convocation, Welcome Week, and our 60th Anniversary Kick-off Events, however, amidst these celebrations, the recent and impending historic storm and flooding have also stirred feelings of anxiety, fear, and, for some among us, profound devastation and loss. 

It's crucial to recognize that while we're all navigating these events, the impact is not uniform for everyone. Some within our community are grappling with physical and mental health challenges, food and housing instability, childcare and family responsibilities, transportation hurdles, and technological limitations. These experiences may impact our ability to show up, how we show up, and our capacity to contribute and learn. For some, our campus remains a vital refuge, while others may need to prioritize different spaces during this period. Let's open our hearts and foster an environment that acknowledges the complexity of these unprecedented and dynamic times. 

I urge us all to embrace the following as we embark on this semester together, infusing our time with hope, care, respect, and a commitment to overcome and succeed. 

  • Check in with one another. 
  • Extend grace and support when and where you can. 
  • Ask for support when needed and create space for others to do the same. 
  • Embrace the opportunity to be the change you wish to see. If you find certain developments lacking, collaborate with your colleagues, peers, supervisors, and managers to cultivate the necessary conditions for this moment.  
  • Refer and utilize campus, District, and community resources. Below are a few that we recommend: 

 

Students 

Employees 

All 

 
For more information on flood recovery resources, please click here  

Want to do more?  

For those of you who are called to act further, consider giving to the Mesa 2024 Flood Relief Fund or Resiliency Fund. These funds are managed in a partnership between the Basic Needs Center and the San Diego Mesa College Foundation, a 501(c)(3) charity organization. All donations are tax-deductible. 

As highlighted in our heartwarming 60th Anniversary video, Mesa College embodies a spirit of care, responsiveness, and communal support. Let’s carry forward our cherished tradition with the start of this new semester. 

Sawubona 

We see you. We respect you. We value you. 

Ashanti 

Ashanti Hands, Ed.D.
President | San Diego Mesa College

Mesa College To Resume Regular Operations on Tuesday August 22, 2023

8/21/2023 - 12:45 p.m.

Mesa Emergency Exec Team

Team Representatives: President's Office, Instruction, Student Services, Administrative Services, Events and Operations, Office of Communications, Facilities, College Police, District

Hello Mesa College Community,

I hope that you and your families safely endured Hurricane Hilary.

Our Mesa College team has been on site, checking the campus to ensure that our spaces are safe for our campus community! While there are areas of concern associated with typical rainfall, we are responding to those areas and will be ready for everyone tomorrow.  As Acting Chancellor Smith has shared, we will fully resume all classes, services, and operations on Tuesday, August 22nd.

I appreciate everyone’s support and patience throughout this process and would like to extend a special shout-out to everyone who came to campus early, was on standby, and helped remotely, both today and over the weekend to make sure we are ready for Fall 2023!

Please be safe, and we are excited to see everyone tomorrow!

Best,

Ashanti

Ashanti Hands, Ed.D.
President | San Diego Mesa College

Chancellor's Message:
SDCCD to Resume Regular Operations - TUESDAY, AUGUST 22, 2023

8/21/2023 - 12:19 p.m.

Good Afternoon SDCCD Community,

Over the course of the morning, we have inspected all college and district facilities and assessed the impact of the storm. While we lost several trees and had water damage due to leaks in some buildings, we appear to have avoided any significant damage. Repairs to the impacted areas are being scheduled and completed and we are taking steps to ensure we do not have any mold or other residual effects from the storm.

At this time, I can announce we will resume all classes, services, and operations tomorrow, August 22nd.

Thank you again for your flexibility and patience.

Greg

Gregory Smith
Acting Chancellor /
Vice Chancellor, People, Culture, and Technology Services

Campus Closed: Monday, August 21st

8/20/2023 - 5:43 p.m.

Good Afternoon SDCCD Community,

I hope this email finds you safe and well.

Due to the ongoing and developing impacts of the tropical storm, the San Diego Community College District will be closed on Monday, August 21st. All four colleges and most district services will be closed. Faculty, classified professionals, and NANC employees will not be expected to perform work, in-person or remote, with the exception of Operations, Enterprise Services, and Facilities personnel needed for public safety and to assess and address impacts of the storm on our facilities. In accordance with our policies, collective bargaining agreements, and handbooks, employees will not be required to use vacation or sick leave tomorrow. Managers and supervisors may be required to report to work or perform remote work and will receive follow up communications from the appropriate President, Vice President, or Vice Chancellor with more specific directions. Managers and supervisors who do not receive any communication are not expected to work.

Currently, we expect to fully resume all classes, services, and operations on Tuesday, August 22nd. I will send a follow up email confirming this or providing alternative direction by 4:00 PM tomorrow afternoon.

Thank you for your patience as we assessed the impacts of the developing storm over the weekend. I urge everyone to continue to be cautious, avoid unnecessary travel, and be prepared for possible power outages and flooding this evening.

Greg

Gregory Smith
Acting Chancellor /
Vice Chancellor, People, Culture, and Technology Services

Campus Announcement:
Potential Tropical Storm Watch - August 18-21, 2023

8/18/2023 - 1:02 p.m.

Dear Mesa College students, administrators, faculty and classified professionals,

The Mesa College team, along with the District and College Police, is closely monitoring Hurricane Hilary (currently classified as a tropical storm) that is anticipated to reach San Diego this coming weekend. Please be assured that the safety and well-being of our campus community is our first priority.

On campus, we are currently taking precautions to secure any and all areas in the event of excessive rain and wind. If you are on campus today, we kindly ask that you assist with this effort by closing office windows, moving A-frames inside, etc.

At this time, we are planning for the campus to be open on Monday, August 21, and for classes to be held as planned. For those of you participating in Welcome Week activities on Monday, in an abundance of caution, those activities will be moved to the inside of the Student Services building (I-400).

Please be on alert on Sunday and Monday, and monitoring your District email, the Mesa College website, social media, and local news channels for additional updates. We will be providing additional messaging as needed. If you experience any personal impacts as a result of the storm, please alert your Manager or Supervisor immediately.

Thank you so much,

Dr. Ashanti T. Hands
President | San Diego Mesa College