About The SDICCCA Fellows Program

The SDICCCA Fellows 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. The partnership includes the ten community colleges in San Diego and Imperial Counties.  The SDICCCA Fellows Program was formed in 1963 as a model of cooperation among public institutions of higher education. The aim of the SDICCCA Fellows Program is to identify issues of concern and to implement mutually beneficial programs and projects in the region. The support of the SDICCCA Presidents has been invaluable in contributing to the success of this fellowship program.

The program is managed by a Steering Committee comprised of one campus coordinator from each of the participating colleges. A San Diego State University Project Coordinator leads the Steering Committee, oversees group training sessions for fellows, and works with both mentors and fellows to confirm a positive learning experience takes place for them. The Steering Committee provides input to the Project Coordinator on the content of each of the learning experiences and the processes for selecting fellows.

Program Goals & Outcomes

• The SDICCCA Fellows Program strives to:
  • Introduce industry professionals, graduate students, and students recently completing their Master's degree, to the community college work environment and student population.
  • Arrange successful mentoring relationships that support the development of fellows and mentors as master counseling, Library, or classroom faculty members.
  • Provide training for fellows emphasizing assessment of student learning outcomes, strategies for providing students with basic skills, and strategies to engage a diverse population of adult learners in the learning process.
  • Describe job search techniques as well as address important issues regarding community college policy and decision-making.
  • Nurture the highest levels of integrity and ethics in every aspect of the fellow's professional life
  • Evaluate the program and disseminate information about the program to interested parties.

• SDICCCA Faculty Fellowship: Fellow Learning Outcomes
  Each SDSU Continuing Education course includes specific student learning outcomes. On a broader spectrum, at the end of this program fellows will be able to:
  • Articulate their strengths and areas needing development in order to be successful as a part-time or full-time counseling, library, or classroom faculty member.
  • Network professionally among the local community colleges.
  • Garner working, professional relationships with faculty and staff in the SDICCCA region.
  • Create a realistic, five-year professional plan for counseling, librarianship, or classroom teaching.

Program Commitment & Expectations

The SDICCCA Fellows Program is a 10-month professional development commitment designed to provide Fellows with meaningful, hands-on experience in the community college environment. Applicants should carefully consider the time commitment required before applying.

Throughout the program, Fellows are expected to:

• Complete required field practicum hours with their assigned mentor and participate in additional activities at their placement college.
• Attend required in-person workshops held monthly on Fridays throughout the fellowship.
• Enroll in and successfully complete the required ED 997 online course through San Diego State University Global Campus.
• Actively participate in mentoring, professional development, networking, and other fellowship activities throughout the 10-month program.

Fellows are responsible for managing their professional, academic, and personal schedules to meet the requirements of the program. Applicants should ensure they are able to make this commitment before accepting a fellowship placement.

The SDICCCA Fellows Program is intended to provide professional development, mentorship, and experience within the community college system. Successful completion of the fellowship does not guarantee part-time or full-time employment at a participating college or within the SDICCCA region.