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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Dear Campus Community,

Dear Campus Community:

Because attendance at the Town Hall scheduled for 1:30 p.m. Thursday, January 30 is expected to surpass the capacity of any campus facility, the meeting will instead be held virtually. This will allow a much larger number of participants, ensuring all who wish to attend can do so comfortably. 

A webinar link will be shared later this week with instructions about how to ask questions.

I hope you will attend.

Dear Seawolf Community,

Dear Campus Community,

As the fall term winds down and the holiday season gets into full swing, I want to express my appreciation for everyone at Sonoma State University.

As part of aligning Sonoma State University operations with the realities of our current budget and the $21-million deficit we are facing in 2025-26, we have over the past week taken actions to reduce and reorganize operational staffing in some areas. 

Dear Campus Community,

I am excited to continue the dialogue around the system-wide CSU Strategic Plan, which is central to shaping the future of our university system. This collective effort depends on your input, creativity, and collaboration.

Thanksgiving is a special day. Whether you gather for a big meal, watch football or parades on television, or celebrate in some other traditional or non-traditional way with your family and friends, it’s a time to reflect on all for which we are grateful.

Dear Sonoma State University Community:

I’d like to take this opportunity to provide additional information about our continued commitment to institutional equity and belonging. The September 10 message informed our Seawolf community that our diversity, equity and inclusion programs, initiatives and leadership would transfer to Dr. Gerald L. Jones, Vice President for Student Affairs.

As part of our commitment to transparency and information sharing as Sonoma State moves forward in addressing its budget deficit, a web page with links to budget deficit resources is now live at https://budget.sonoma.edu/budget-deficit-resources.