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Dear Campus Community,

As Sonoma State continues to move forward, expanded focus and support for essential operations and relationships is critical. Toward that goal, I am pleased to announce that Dr. Robert Eyler, Senior Director of Government and Community Relations, has agreed to serve as Interim Vice President for University Advancement while the search for a permanent Advancement vice president gets underway.

Rob is a well-known and highly respected economist whose expertise is sought by institutions and organizations from all over the country and the world. As a professor of economics here since 1995, he is one of Sonoma State’s most familiar faces and sought-after speakers, and is an invaluable resource both in the government relations realm and in long-standing engagement with our communities, where his own family’s roots date to the early 20th century.

As Interim Advancement VP, Rob will oversee development, alumni affairs, marketing, strategic communications, and operations. He has worked closely for many years with every member of the Advancement leadership team and many of their staff, and has already hit the ground running as the university takes bold steps on multiple initiatives.

Please join me in congratulating Rob on his appointment and in supporting the entire Advancement team as its essential work continues during the search for a permanent vice president.

 

Archive

I received the SFAC committee reports from the alternative consultation processes on two Category II Fee Proposals: (1) the report for Student Health and Wellness Proposal to Consolidate Mandatory Student Fees and (2) the report on the Proposal to Redirect Instructionally Related Activities Mandatory Student Fees.

Tuesday’s budget announcement from Senate Pro Tem Mike McGuire included extremely good news for Sonoma State University.

Dear Campus Community,

Today, I write to share the bittersweet news of significant leadership changes at Sonoma State University, effective July 1, 2025. The transitions have been brought on by unique personal opportunities and circumstances that are positive for the individuals directly involved, but together, they represent a profound moment of change for our campus community.

I’m writing to ensure that you’re aware of two important developments in our continuing budget discussions and process -- the governor’s announcement of budget revisions and the University Budget Advisory Committee’s recommendations.

As you might be aware, a Sonoma County judge on Tuesday issued a temporary restraining order (TRO) requiring Sonoma State to pause the proposed implementation of cuts to six academic departments and 22 majors. The reductions were proposed as part of a larger plan to close the university’s projected $23.9-million deficit in 2025-26.

The TRO lasts until May 1.

As Sonoma State University continues to develop the plan that will shape our future, it is essential that it reflect the aspirations of our community. I am reaching out to you – students, faculty, staff, alumni, boards, and others – to solicit your valuable input as the plan enters its final stages.

Dear Campus Community,

I’m writing to ensure you are aware of two topics important to Sonoma State’s future that Chancellor Garcia spoke about in her report at the CSU Board of Trustees meeting today. 

At the Spring Budget and Planning Forum on March 13, a number of questions were asked about how the University Budget Advisory Committee (UBAC) proposals would be considered and evaluated. In an effort to provide more clarity on the UBAC Call for proposals, including the ranking rubric for submitted proposals and a detailed timeline, please see the information below.

As Sonoma State University moves forward with planning for the 2025-26 academic year, we want to be prepared should additional funding become available.

Thank you to everyone who took part, either in person or virtually, in the February 21 legislative hearing on campus about Sonoma State’s 2025-26 budget deficit reductions and the university’s plans moving forward. As promised, a plan for the future will be presented in 30 to 60 days.