Sonoma State University officials announced the college will eliminate majors, cut academic programs, lay off dozens of faculty members and discontinue the school’s intercollegiate athletic programs in order to pay off $23.9 million dollar deficit Wednesday morning.
Interim University President Dr. Emily Cutrer broke the news to the college community through a lengthy email stating cuts and plans to shrink the colleges’ budget. The news left many students, faculty and community members shocked, confused and devastated.
Athletics
All NCAA Division II athletics will be eliminated in the 2025-26 season.
President Cutrer said, “Our Athletic Director is informing our student athletes and coaching staff of this decision today.” Many student athletes were devastated and blindsided by the news. This decision left athletes feeling as if their lives were shattered.
Brooklyn Jackson, a fifth-year senior volleyball player and Student Athletic Advisory Committee president (SAAC) shared that she was upset by the news and hurting for others. When speaking of the college’s decision Jackson said, “I hope they understand the lives they’re affecting. It’s more than just kids playing sports; it’s an escape.”
SSU didn’t consult Jackson on this decision, and she now worries about the future of the California Collegiate Athletic Association.
Junior-year women’s soccer player Olivia Wilson described the news as a bomb dropped on her team. “We all went and cried in our coach’s office,” she said.
The Chico native stated she would have never come to Sonoma County if it wasn’t for her soccer career. Wilson described her experience as traumatic and encouraged everyone to allow themselves to feel their emotions.
Assistant Athletic Trainer and SSU Alumni Carica Macariola wishes the school would give athletics another chance and reassess the decision. Macariola encourages alumni to stand up and support current students.
“I’m still telling them [student athletes] to continue to fight. Don’t give up on their game, their practices or their rehab, so they’re able to do the same things when they go to their new institution,” she said.
Majors and Academics
SSU’s Art History, Economics, Geology, Philosophy, Theater/Dance and Womens and Gender Studies programs face closure.
Several more academic departments and programs will be combined, downsized or consolidated.
Faculty
Forty-six faculty members, both tenured and adjunct, were told that contracts for the 2025-26 school year would not be renewed. Additionally, four management positions and 12 staff positions will be eliminated.
“Students, faculty and staff potentially affected by these plans will receive subsequent direct communication if there are parts of the plan that may impact them,” Cutrer said.
“I know this is unsettling and difficult news for our campus community. I am keenly aware of its human impact, and how individuals, families, relationships, and communities are affected by such news,” Cutrer said in the conclusion to her email. “I understand that no amount of explanation or necessity makes any of us feel better.”
She also provided resources to Counseling and Psychological Services and the Employee Assistance Program Sonoma State University offers.
In response to the news, Santa Rosa Junior College President Dr. Angélica Garcia sent an email to the SRJC community. “SRJC stands as a committed partner and supporter of SSU, students, and Sonoma County,” Garcia said.
President Garcia assured the SRJC community that the college remains fiscally stable and that SRJC will remain a solid partner for SSU and Sonoma County.
This is a developing story.
