SSU takes major steps to address $23.9-million deficit in 2025-26
Sonoma State University today announced that it will lay off faculty, eliminate several academic departments and degree majors, and discontinue its intercollegiate athletics program in order to address a projected $23.9-million budget deficit in 2025-26.
In an email announcement to campus this morning, Interim President Emily F. Cutrer said that budget reductions made since October 2024, when a smaller $21-million projected deficit was first announced, “are not enough. Further steps must be taken to fully close the budget gap and ensure Sonoma State’s financial and operational capacity to best serve its current and future students and adapt to a changing higher education landscape.
“The University has had a budget deficit for several years. It is attributable to a variety of factors – cost of personnel, annual price increases for supplies and utilities, inflation – but the main reason is enrollment. Student tuition and fees, combined with enrollment-based funding from The California State University, are major revenue components in the university budget. Sonoma State’s enrollment has dropped 38% since 2015.
“Consequently, today, approximately 46 university faculty – both tenured and adjunct – will receive notice that their contracts will not be renewed for 2025-26. Several more lecturers will receive notice that no work will be available in fall 2025. Four management positions and 12 staff positions also will be eliminated.”
Degree programs identified for elimination are Administrative Services Credential in ELSE; Art History BA; Art Studio BFA; Dance BA; Earth and Environmental Sciences BA; Economics BA; Education Leadership MA; English MA; French BA; Geology BS; German Minor; Global Studies BA; History MA; Interdisciplinary Studies BA; Interdisciplinary Studies MA; Philosophy BA; Physical Science BA; Physics BA; Physics BS; Public Administration MPA; Spanish MA; Theatre Arts BA; Women and Gender Studies BA.
Academic departments identified for closure are Art History; Economics; Geology; Philosophy; Theater/Dance; and Women and Gender Studies.
The university also will eliminate its NCAA Division II athletics. Student athletes who choose to remain at SSU will remain eligible to receive scholarships as long as they meet the current terms of the scholarship. SSU will support and assist those who wish to transfer in order to continue participation in intercollegiate athletics.
“I know this is 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’s message to campus continued. “I understand that no amount of explanation or necessity makes any of us feel better.
“We strongly believe these changes are needed, not only to close the deficit, but also to reorient the university’s operations and workforce. They 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.”
More information about the deficit reduction steps, including the president’s entire message and FAQs, is available at https://budget.sonoma.edu/budget-deficit-resources.