Sonoma State hosts new student mixers with local high school partners
In April, Sonoma State University’s Strategic Enrollment Division hosted a series of Admitted Student Mixers to celebrate and connect with newly admitted students from local and regional high schools. The events aimed to strengthen relationships with partner campuses and school districts, support students as they consider their college options, and boost deposit rates among admitted students.
The mixers took place at four local host schools—Rancho Cotate High School, Petaluma High School, Windsor High School, and Calistoga Jr./Sr. High School. In total, more than 100 students and guests attended the receptions, representing 20 high schools across the university’s five-county service area. Each of the participating host schools is either a current or planned participant in SSU’s Guaranteed Admission partnership program, which offers eligible students guaranteed admission to SSU, priority access to on-campus housing, and priority consideration for financial awards, including the $2,000 Presidential Tuition Scholarship and housing scholarships ranging from $2,000 to $5,000.
"We encourage all of our scholars to apply to Sonoma State—it’s a great university, and close enough for students to commute if they choose,” said Carla Suber, College & Career Center Coordinator for the Calistoga Joint Unified School District. “Hosting the mixer here at CJSHS had a significant impact on both students and their families. It helped many finalize their decisions by showing that SSU not only welcomes them but truly values them. It also gave parents confidence that the university genuinely prioritizes their students' well-being."
Staff from the SSU Welcome Center, Recruitment & Outreach, University Housing (REACH), Alumni Association, Office of the President, and Strategic Enrollment were on hand to celebrate admitted students and answer questions about financial aid, housing, orientation, student life, and class registration.
Attending students enjoyed the festive atmosphere and received surprise giveaways, including SSU swag, parking permits, book scholarships through the Seawolf Bundle program, and $500 in Wolfbucks to use at campus dining and retail locations.
The events had a strong impact: To date, 84% of attending students have confirmed their enrollment for Fall 2025. The positive response from students and school communities has sparked interest in making these mixers an annual tradition, with the potential to expand to additional campuses in the future.
Sonoma State looks forward to welcoming these newest Seawolves to campus this fall!