Sonoma State announces sweeping program cuts

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Sports programs, as well as positions for 46 faculty, four administrators and 12 staff are part of dramatic series of cuts intended to address an estimated $23.9 million budget deficit.
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Sonoma State University will eliminate all sports programs, as well as positions for 46 faculty, four administrators and 12 staff as part of a sweeping series of cuts intended to address an estimated $23.9 million budget deficit.

The austerity moves were announced in a Jan. 22 message to the campus community from SSU’s Interim President Emily F. Cutrer, who described the news as “sobering.”

Additionally, the school is eliminating multiple degree programs, including: 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.

Departments identified for closure include art history, economics, geology, philosophy, theater/dance and women and gender studies.

Cutrer explained that the budget cuts were not distributed equally based on a percentage throughout the university’s various departments. Instead, “they were done strategically, with an eye toward effective realignment of staff and resources based on anticipated future needs,” she said in the statement.

“I know this is unsettling and difficult news for our campus community,” she continued. “I am keenly aware of its human impact, and how individuals, families, relationships and communities are affected by such news. I understand that no amount of explanation or necessity makes any of us feel better.”

Still, she said she believes the cuts are necessary to ensure the long-term fiscal stability of the school.

A campus community Town Hall is planned for 1:30 to 3 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 30 in the Student Center ballrooms on the Rohnert Park campus at 1801 E. Cotati Ave.

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