Sonoma State University is implementing significant cuts to address a $24 million budget deficit, including the elimination of intercollegiate athletics, several academic departments, and dozens of faculty positions.
Sonoma State University announced on Wednesday the discontinuation of its intercollegiate athletics programs, the elimination of several academic departments and majors, and the layoff of dozens of faculty members. These drastic measures are aimed at addressing a budget deficit of nearly $24 million.
The university in Rohnert Park will not renew contracts for 46 faculty members for the 2025-26 school year, and several other lecturers and management and staff positions are also being eliminated, interim university president Emily Cutrer stated in a message to the campus community. Some of the degree programs targeted for elimination include art history, dance, economics, earth and environmental sciences, French, philosophy, theater arts, and women and gender studies. According to Sonoma State, the $23.9 million budget deficit for the 2025-26 school year is partially attributed to a 38% decline in enrollment over the past decade. Division II athletics programs are being cut across the board, but university officials assured that student-athletes who opt to remain at Sonoma State will retain their eligibility for scholarships as long as they comply with the current terms of their scholarships.'I know this is difficult news for our campus community. I am acutely aware of its human impact, and how individuals, families, relationships, and communities are affected by such news,' Cutrer stated in her message. 'I understand that no amount of explanation or necessity makes any of us feel better.' She emphasized that these cuts 'will help us ensure long-term fiscal stability; meet the changing needs of future generations of students; align with the CSU's career-focused mission of producing graduates ready to contribute to California's economy, culture, and schools; and continue to be a major force for economic, environmental, and social progress in the North Bay and beyond.' A town hall meeting to discuss the budget cuts is scheduled for 1:30 p.m. on January 30th in the Student Center ballrooms on the Sonoma State campus. More details regarding the cuts and Cutrer's full statement can be found at https://budget.sonoma.edu/budget-deficit-resources
SONOMA STATE UNIVERSITY BUDGET DEFICIT ATHLETICS FACULTY LAYOFFS ACADEMIC DEPARTMENT ELIMINATIONS
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