Sonoma State University

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Dear Campus Community,

As I have mentioned before, it’s an exciting time to be at Sonoma State University. Thanks to the concerted efforts of faculty and staff, over the past few months we’ve preserved academic programs once slated for closure, grown our dual enrollment and guaranteed admissions programs, kicked off a campus vibrancy project that will add student-centered amenities and resources this fall, and announced a major upgrade to Nichols Hall that will yield a state-of-the-art facility for nursing students, faculty, and staff. We graduated nearly 2,000 successful students during May’s Commencement ceremonies, new programs are in the offing, and our communities and alumni are freshly energized and optimistic about the future of a reimagined Sonoma State University.

Today I am pleased to announce the latest exciting step in this reimagining of our campus: the launch of NCAA Division II athletics, beginning in the 2027-28 academic year. After five months of research and discussion, a diverse group of community stakeholders, former coaches, campus staff, and faculty members called the Athletics Fiscal Feasibility Team presented three scenarios for the future of Seawolf athletics on June 15. Of the three scenarios, the university is opting for what is described as the “Base Case,” which includes 10 sports:

  • Women’s basketball, cross country, golf, soccer, softball, and volleyball
  • Men’s basketball, cross country, golf, and soccer

Membership in NCAA and CCAA Division II athletics requires a minimum of 10 sports. The committee used the Athletics Task Force Report from January 2026 as a guiding document to determine this mix of programs.

These programs are anticipated to generate broad community interest and philanthropic and spectator engagement, and will be sustainable through a combination of student fees; tuition revenue from new student athletes; significant fundraising and sponsorships; sports camp and use fees for SSU facilities; and direct institutional support, including SSU Commitment funding provided by the state of California in 2025.

More information about this latest step forward for SSU is available in the Athletics Fiscal Feasibility Team’s executive summary, these FAQs, and Sonoma State’s news release. I also welcome your ideas and suggestions — please send them to ssuathletics@sonoma.edu.

My thanks to the Fiscal Feasibility Team and its co chairs, Drs. Gerald Jones and Rob Eyler, and to the entire Sonoma State community for its ongoing work reimagining the university to best serve current students, prospective students, alumni, and everyone who considers SSU part of their lives.

Archive

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.

Tuesday’s budget announcement from Senate Pro Tem Mike McGuire included extremely good news for Sonoma State University.

Dear Campus Community,

Today, I write to share the bittersweet news of significant leadership changes at Sonoma State University, effective July 1, 2025. The transitions have been brought on by unique personal opportunities and circumstances that are positive for the individuals directly involved, but together, they represent a profound moment of change for our campus community.

I’m writing to ensure that you’re aware of two important developments in our continuing budget discussions and process -- the governor’s announcement of budget revisions and the University Budget Advisory Committee’s recommendations.

As you might be aware, a Sonoma County judge on Tuesday issued a temporary restraining order (TRO) requiring Sonoma State to pause the proposed implementation of cuts to six academic departments and 22 majors. The reductions were proposed as part of a larger plan to close the university’s projected $23.9-million deficit in 2025-26.

The TRO lasts until May 1.

As Sonoma State University continues to develop the plan that will shape our future, it is essential that it reflect the aspirations of our community. I am reaching out to you – students, faculty, staff, alumni, boards, and others – to solicit your valuable input as the plan enters its final stages.

Dear Campus Community,

I’m writing to ensure you are aware of two topics important to Sonoma State’s future that Chancellor Garcia spoke about in her report at the CSU Board of Trustees meeting today. 

At the Spring Budget and Planning Forum on March 13, a number of questions were asked about how the University Budget Advisory Committee (UBAC) proposals would be considered and evaluated. In an effort to provide more clarity on the UBAC Call for proposals, including the ranking rubric for submitted proposals and a detailed timeline, please see the information below.

As Sonoma State University moves forward with planning for the 2025-26 academic year, we want to be prepared should additional funding become available.