Updates
Latest Update
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.
Archive
Dear Campus Community:
I want to sincerely thank each of you for making Sonoma State University a great place to study and work. I am proud of all we have accomplished in 2017 and I continue to be grateful for the support and care that the students, faculty and staff have shown to each other, especially through the extraordinary events of the fall.
Among our year-end updates:
May 2, 2017
Dear Sonoma State Community,
Thank you all for your participation and support of our Investiture Day. I loved the Mini-Conference, ceremony and concert. Thanks to the planning committee and all of you for helping to showcase our campus and for making the day so special.
I would like to provide a brief update on a few recent campus activities.
To the Campus Community,
After a lengthy trial, I want you to know that the jury verdict issued today in a lawsuit regarding asbestos in Stevenson Hall found that the building has in fact been “safe and healthful” for Sonoma State employees. The safe and healthful workplace finding validates the university’s belief that employees at Stevenson Hall have not been at risk.
Dear Sonoma State Community,
My first semester at Sonoma State is drawing to a close, and this week has been an exciting time of the year as our students worked tirelessly on their final exams and papers. It was wonderful to see our faculty and staff creating an atmosphere of encouragement for students during this “crunch time” and I have also heard great feedback from students about the extended hours in the Library.
Our Caring Community:
Just a week ago, our nation was saddened once again by a school shooting that claimed 17 lives in Florida. Words cannot adequately express the feelings that we experienced as we learned of this horror. The shootings bring renewed awareness of the urgency to address mental health needs and gun control policies. Our thoughts and hearts are with all those impacted by this tragedy.
Oct. 2, 2017
Dear Campus Community,
We are saddened by the tragic incident that occurred at the Route 91 Music Festival in Las Vegas last night. We have learned that a handful of Sonoma State students were at the concert. One SSU student was injured, but thankfully she is recovering and in stable condition. Our hearts go out to her, as well as her family and friends.
Dear Campus Community: