Several Sonoma State University programs on the chopping block could be in line for a reprieve thanks to an expected $45 million in state funds.
Sonoma State is changing budget outlooks faster than college freshmen change majors.
The struggling state university, which announced $24 million in budget cuts last January, is now set to receive $45 million in one-time funds from the state. The bonanza will support at least some of the athletics, degree programs and staff positions on the chopping block since the controversial cuts were announced.
Portions of the funds will also be focused toward construction of a new career center, expanding the nursing program, launching a student recruitment campaign and creating new degree options for students.
The announcement did not specify which existing programs and positions would be spared from elimination, though some will go toward “helping fund Sonoma State’s athletics program over the next few years.”
The funds are part of what’s being called the Sonoma State Commitment initiative, announced June 24 by state Senators Mike McGuire and Christopher Cabaldon, and Assemblymembers Cecilia Aguiar-Curry, Damon Connolly and Chris Rogers.
In addition to $45 million to directly support Sonoma State, the state will also allocate an additional $5 million to the CSU system to assist low enrollment campuses with expanded student outreach and recruitment efforts, the announcement said.
The funding is part of the state budget, which will be voted on later this week by the Legislature before heading to Gov. Gavin Newsom’s desk for final signature.
