Southwestern College welcomed more than 18,000 students this week as the Spring 2026 semester got underway, marking a lively and energized return to campus. Students filled classrooms, walkways, and common spaces as two major new facilities — the Student Union and the Instructional and Discovery Complex — opened to full capacity for the first time.
The $101 million Student Union now serves as a central hub for student life, housing student organizations, SWC Cares, and the Veterans Resource Center. The facility also offers flexible meeting spaces, lounges, and indoor?and outdoor dining.
A highlight for many students and visitors is the expanded Culinary Arts program, which now includes two state-of-the-art kitchens designed to mirror professional culinary environments.
“The energy was incredible,” said Jennifer Lewis, dean of the School of Applied Technology & Hospitality Management.
“Students were everywhere — walking into class, grabbing coffee, and exploring these amazing new spaces. It’s a reminder of how much this campus has grown and evolved.”
Focal Point
Across campus, the $106 million Instructional and Discovery Complex has quickly become a focal point of academic activity. The facility houses the University Center, which offers bachelor’s degree programs through partner universities, along with the Schools of Business and Education, Humanities, Social and Behavioral Sciences, and ESL and World Languages. It also features advanced learning environments, including a Cybersecurity Lab, American Sign Language Lab, Computer Information Systems Lab, Language Acquisition Center, and a 35-foot dome planetarium.
Among the first?day highlights was the launch of CIS 173, an AI?First Systems Analysis and Design course led by Dr. Mink Stavenga, Dean of the School of Business. The course is designed to give students hands-on experience with real-world systems analysis using enterprise-level tools.
“The course embraces AI while teaching critical skills like AI safety,” Stavenga said. “Students — whether they are experienced coders or new to programming — will complete the semester proficient in project management tools, version control systems, infrastructure management, and database design.”
By mid-morning, parking lots were full, and sidewalks buzzed with activity as they were returning and new students navigated the expanded campus, met friends, and settled into the rhythm of the semester.
Big Year
Looking ahead, Southwestern College will celebrate its 65th anniversary in Fall 2026 with a year-long series of community events highlighting the college’s regional impact, partnerships, and commitment to preparing students for the workforce.
With newly expanded facilities, hands-on culinary training, and innovative offerings like its AI-focused CIS program, Southwestern College continues to provide students with practical, future-ready education while remaining deeply connected to the community it serves.
Southwestern College is the only public higher?education institution in southern San Diego, serving a diverse student population through more than 300 programs focused on education, career development, and lifelong learning.
