In order to overcome a budget deficit of around $24 million, Sonoma State University announced on Wednesday that it is discontinuing its intercollegiate athletics programs, eliminating a number of academic departments and degrees, and laying off dozens of faculty members.
In a statement to the campus community, interim university president Emily Cutrer announced that the Rohnert Park university would not be renewing the contracts of 46 faculty members for the 2025–2026 academic year. Additionally, several other lecturers, management, and staff roles will also be removed.
Art history, dance, economics, earth and environmental sciences, French, philosophy, theater arts, and women and gender studies are among the degree programs that have been identified for elimination, according to Sonoma State, which also said that a $23.9 million budget deficit for the 2025–2026 academic year is partly caused by enrollment numbers that have decreased by 38% over the previous ten years.
“To be honest, I couldn’t speak. Melissa Shilkoff remarked, “I was really confused, and then I was angry.”
Melissa Shilkoff is a junior majoring in acting at Sonoma State University.
She claimed that during one of her theater classes, she was informed that her major will be discontinued at the end of this semester.
“It wasn’t something we discussed often. We simply took a deep breath and made an effort to comprehend the situation. To be honest, it still feels like a nightmare,” Shilkoff remarked.
“They have put themselves in a bad position. For example, the Women’s Studies Department was founded in 1970 and was formerly known as the WGS Department. Among all the CSUs in California, it is among the oldest. “That’s amazing, and it’s a selling point for this school, and they’re doing a great job,” Smith added.
Scott Horstein, who has been a professor at the Department of Theatre Arts and Dance for more than 15 years, is likewise unsure about his thoughts. He won’t have a job come June if these layoffs continue.
“You know, I’ve worked as an artist and an educator my entire career. Horstein remarked, “It’s difficult to imagine not doing those things.”
Scott informed KPIX that he will not be defeated easily.
His union is already debating how to halt these cuts. His pupils are following suit.
Melissa stated that she is trying to spread the word along with a lot of other people.
“Just keep discussing it and posting about it. “Ensure that the county of Sonoma and the interim president of Sonoma State University are aware of the importance of this and the necessity of these departments,” Shilkoff added.
According to university administrators, student-athletes who decide to stay at Sonoma State will still be eligible for scholarships as long as they fulfill the requirements of their current scholarship, even if all Division II athletic programs are being eliminated.
“I am aware that our college community is upset by this news. In the statement, Cutrer stated, “I am acutely aware of its human impact, and how such news affects individuals, families, relationships, and communities.” “I understand that no amount of explanation or necessity makes any of us feel better.”
She stated that the reductions “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.”
The budget cuts will be discussed at a town hall meeting scheduled for January 30 at 1:30 p.m. in the ballrooms of the Student Center on the Sonoma State campus. Additional details regarding the cuts and Cutrer’s complete statement are available at https://budget.sonoma.edu/budget-deficit-resources.
Eliot Pierce is a dedicated writer for ChiefsFocus.com, covering local crime and finance news. With a keen eye for detail and a passion for storytelling, Eliot aims to provide his readers with clear and insightful analysis, helping them navigate the complexities of their financial lives while staying informed about important local events. His commitment to delivering accurate and engaging content makes him a valuable resource for the community.