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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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Members of the Sonoma State Campus Community,
I write today with a heavy heart. On Nov. 2, two of our staff members discovered a body in a heavily wooded area near parking lot M on the edge of campus. We never know exactly what each of our work days will be like, but I am certain that our colleagues never expected that. My appreciation to them for their diligence and handling of a difficult situation.
Dear Students, Faculty, Staff, and Friends,
Since the early morning hours of Oct. 9, our community has been tested by the unprecedented challenges of the fires that have struck our communities.
Campus community,
Sonoma State is committed to continuing to educate our students through this semester even as we navigate the shelter-in-place and other public health orders emerging during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Given this rapidly changing environment, we have made two major decisions today to protect the health and safety of our students, faculty, and staff:
The grass is defiant,
Even through ashes, rising…
Roots go deep…
We lift up our feet …
Lift up our faces
To the blue air,
To the spacious hearts,
To the unknown springs of our souls,
Dear Campus Community,
Our return to Sonoma State for the 2020 – 2021 academic year has coincided with two unprecedented events: the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and the devastation of several, simultaneous wildfires of incredible magnitude.
Read statements about our commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, anti-racism, and anti-oppression from other members of the Sonoma State University community.
Good day, Seawolf Community,
Good day Seawolves,
What a pleasure it is to see campus become fully re-energized with the arrival of new and returning students and faculty and the start of the academic year! This is always an exciting and invigorating time, and I am happy to be here to take part in it with you.