Sonoma State University

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Over the past year, the university convened an Athletics Consultation Task Force with the charge of exploring the future of athletics at Sonoma State University. Its work resulted in a white paper that recommended reinstating NCAA Division II competition. Moving in that direction, however, requires confidence that the program can be sustained through a sound financial model that supports its success long term.

As I shared during my January 30, 2026 virtual press conference, we have established an Athletics Fiscal Feasibility Committee to evaluate how NCAA Division II Athletics could be sustained in a way that aligns with the university’s academic mission and fiscal responsibilities. The committee, co-chaired by Dr. Mario A. Perez and Dr. Gerald L. Jones, will assess potential funding models, long-term operating costs, enrollment and student impact, and overall alignment with institutional priorities. Its membership includes students, staff, faculty, managers, former student athletes and coaches, and community members with subject-matter expertise in finance, academics, student success, and athletics. The committee’s final recommendation is expected no later than mid-June.

While we await the committee’s recommendation – and in light of the decision to postpone reinstatement until a sustainable plan is in place – I am extending Interim President Emily Cutrer’s approval of the Instructionally Related Activities (IRA) funding allocations as recommended by the Student Fee Advisory Committee (SFAC) for an additional year.

Therefore, for the 2026–27 academic year, IRA funding will continue to support the following seven programs: Career Pathways and Preparation, The HUB, Club Sports, Children’s School, Library Extended Hours, Performing Arts, and Arts Integration, along with funding for the annually supported program pool.

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ROHNERT PARK, Calif. – Sonoma State University is “reimagining” its future by developing new programs, revitalizing existing ones, and launching a fiscal feasibility study related to athletics, President Michael Spagna announced during a virtual media briefing Friday.

Spagna emphasized academic momentum, fiscal responsibility, and transparency as central to Sonoma State’s next chapter.

Michael E. Spagna, a longtime CSU administrator strongly committed to shared governance and student-centered outcomes, officially assumed the presidency of Sonoma State University today, becoming the 11th president in SSU’s 65-year history.

The California State University (CSU) Board of Trustees has appointed Michael E. Spagna as president of Sonoma State University (SSU). Spagna currently serves as interim president of California State Polytechnic University, Humboldt.  

I hope everyone will join me in thanking the dozens of SSU staff, especially in Facilities Maintenance and Emergency Management, who worked around the clock Saturday through Sunday to remediate the campus water issue and ensure Sonoma State would be fully and safely operational  today.

Sonoma State University is fully committed to complying with the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA) and the California Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (CalNAGPRA). These laws are essential in addressing long-standing injustices and in supporting the sovereign rights of Tribal Nations.

My profound thanks to everyone on campus who took part in the WSCUC Accreditation Visit to campus last week. Special thanks to Interim Provost Stacey Bosick and to the WSCUC Steering Committee for their outstanding leadership, and to the staff who supported the logistics necessary to make the WSCUC team’s visit run smoothly.

Dear Sonoma State Community,

Like most of you, I was horrified by the shooting attack at Utah Valley University on Wednesday that killed Turning Point founder Charlie Kirk as he was speaking to a crowd of students, faculty, and staff.

I received the SFAC committee reports from the alternative consultation processes on two Category II Fee Proposals: (1) the report for Student Health and Wellness Proposal to Consolidate Mandatory Student Fees and (2) the report on the Proposal to Redirect Instructionally Related Activities Mandatory Student Fees.