Telecommuting and Travel - Operational Guidance and Next Steps
Monday, May 18, 2026, 3:08pmTO: Sonoma State Employees
FR: Michael E. Spagna, President
Since arriving at Sonoma State, I have heard a range of perspectives about telecommuting and employee travel, including frustration and uncertainty about what may be operationally available and how decisions are made.
Telecommuting has proven to be a productive work arrangement when aligned with operational needs. At the same time, the university campus is a special environment that benefits from in-person engagement, both in supporting the student experience and in fostering the collaboration and connection that strengthen our work. Our goal is to balance flexibility with sustaining a strong on-campus experience for our students, faculty, and staff.
Telecommuting availability will continue to vary based on the nature of the work and operational needs. These needs differ across divisions, departments, and roles, and may also shift at different times of the year. We recognize this can result in different levels of flexibility across positions. Decisions should continue to be guided by the requirements of each role, including student-facing responsibilities, the need for in-person support of campus departments, programs and services, and team coordination. These decisions are expected to align with campus guidelines to support consistency across units. Regardless of work arrangement, every role across the university contributes to supporting our students and advancing Sonoma State’s mission.
To provide clearer direction, I have asked each division’s senior leadership to assess and communicate how telecommuting and employee travel will be approached within their respective areas, based on operational priorities, resource considerations, and the needs of each division. Additional communication from divisions will follow later today regarding their general operational approach, including what telecommuting options may be available, how employees can request them, and how travel decisions will continue to be evaluated within the division. As we move forward, our goal is to provide greater clarity and consistency while recognizing that these decisions must continue to be guided by operational needs and resource considerations.
Thank you for your continued commitment to Sonoma State and to our students.