Sonoma State Announces Major Cuts: Athletics, Programs Axed Amid $24M Deficit

ROHNERT PARK, Calif. — Sonoma State University Interim President Emily Cutrer addressed the campus community Friday in her first media appearance since announcing sweeping budget cuts, including faculty layoffs, the elimination of intercollegiate athletics, and the discontinuation of several academic programs. The measures aim to address the universityu2019s $24 million deficit, a crisis Cutrer described as both urgent and unavoidable.

Cutrer, speaking to reporters from The Press Democrat, expressed empathy for the shock and grief felt by students, faculty, and staff but emphasized the necessity of the cuts. u201cA lot of the programs that we will be losing have done everything right in terms of the education,u201d she said. u201cBut we’re in a financial crisis. And, it’s not just us. Weu2019re on the leading edge of dealing with it, but you’re going to see more or less the same thing going on at different institutions around the nation.u201d

The decision to eliminate intercollegiate athletics has drawn particular attention, as it marks a significant shift for the universityu2019s identity. Cutrer acknowledged the emotional impact of the move but reiterated that the cuts were a u201clast resortu201d to stabilize the institutionu2019s finances. The university will also phase out several academic departments and degree programs, though specific details have yet to be finalized.

Critics have accused SSU leadership of failing to articulate a clear vision for the universityu2019s future or strategies to reverse declining enrollment. In response, Cutrer outlined plans to strengthen recruitment efforts, deepen partnerships with community colleges and high schools, and attract older, non-traditional students. She also emphasized the need to align academic offerings with the needs of local businesses. u201cWe need to be out there in the community doing even more than we are right now, which means more and more community partnerships,u201d she said. u201cWe’ve got some, but we need more.u201d

The budget cuts come amid a broader trend of financial challenges facing higher education institutions across the country. Declining enrollment, rising operational costs, and reduced state funding have forced many universities to make difficult decisions. Sonoma Stateu2019s $24 million deficit is among the most severe in the California State University system, prompting urgent action from administrators.

Cutreru2019s full interview will be published in The Press Democratu2019s Sunday edition, both in print and online. The university, located north of the San Francisco Bay Area, serves approximately 9,000 students and is known for its strong ties to the local wine industry and environmental studies programs.