Announcing the Next Phase of the San Francisco Bay Region Network

Thursday, August 20, 2026, 3:04pm

TO: All Employees
FR: Cathy Sandeen, President, Cal State East Bay; Lynn Mahoney, President, San Francisco State University; Michael Spagna, President, Sonoma State University

Dear Colleagues,

What began as a shared vision has become an operational Network serving Cal State East Bay, San Francisco State University, and Sonoma State University.

With the successful implementation of its first two operational phases, the San Francisco Bay Region Network (SFBRN) now includes Information Technology Services, Procurement & Accounts Payable, Human Resources & Payroll Services, and Accounting & Financial Reporting. These milestones have been made possible through the dedication, expertise, and collaboration of employees, managers, and leaders across all three universities.

Today, we are pleased to share the next step in that journey.

Following careful planning and review, we are pleased to announce that Financial Aid has been approved to join the San Francisco Bay Region Network as part of Phase 3.

Financial Aid represents the Network's first functional area outside of Administration and Finance. This milestone reflects the continued evolution of the SFBRN as we thoughtfully expand our collaborative model while recognizing the unique role Financial Aid plays in supporting student success at each university.

This next phase creates new opportunities for collaboration across our three universities. One of the Network's greatest strengths is the opportunity to bring together the collective expertise, creativity, and commitment of colleagues across our campuses to better serve our university communities and the students we collectively support.

The Network's goal remains the same: to build a sustainable shared service model that strengthens consistency, resilience, and service across our three universities while preserving each institution's unique mission, identity, and relationship with its students.

Planning activities for Phase 3 are now beginning. Financial Aid leaders have been notified, and Financial Aid employees have begun receiving additional information about what this announcement means for them. As with previous phases, implementation will occur over time through a thoughtful planning and organizational design process.

We remain committed to communicating openly as planning progresses and to engaging the people whose expertise will help shape the future of the Network. We will continue sharing updates as additional information becomes available.

Thank you for your continued support as we strengthen administrative services across our three universities while preserving the distinct mission and identity of each campus.