On a recent Thursday afternoon, tensions ran high during a virtual town hall hosted by Sonoma State University (SSU) Interim President Emily Cutrer. The online format drew a substantial audience, with hundreds gathering at Seawolf Plaza while over 1,400 more tuned in via Zoom. The meeting aimed to address the university’s controversial plans to manage a projected $24 million budget deficit, which involves significant layoffs, program eliminations, and cuts to intercollegiate athletics.
Outcry from Students and Alumni
Participants in the town hall did not hold back their frustrations. One individual criticized Cutrer harshly, labeling her a “hired gun” whose actions lacked transparency. The dissatisfaction stemmed from the proposed layoffs of faculty members, the elimination of entire academic departments, and the potential cancellation of the university’s NCAA Division II athletics program.
The first speaker to voice his concerns on the Zoom call expressed anger over the lack of a face-to-face meeting. “You want to hide. You are a coward,” he declared, underscoring a sentiment shared by many present. In response, Cutrer explained that the decision to conduct the meeting online was due to the overwhelming interest and anticipated crowd size.
University Administration’s Response
During the session, Cutrer was joined by several key university officials, including the provost and vice presidents of various departments. They aimed to clarify the university’s fiscal situation and defend the proposed measures. Cutrer acknowledged the criticisms but emphasized that the university had previously made strides in reducing administrative costs, claiming a 25% decrease over the past six years.
One of the more pointed moments came when Kshatriya Millick, a labor representative and SSU alumnus, questioned the administration about potential pay cuts for top officials. Cutrer confirmed that while some vice presidents had volunteered for pay reductions, the administration ultimately decided against it to avoid setting a precedent across the California State University system.
Legislative Reactions
In the wake of the town hall, North Bay legislators announced plans to hold in-person meetings with community stakeholders. Senate President pro Tempore Mike McGuire and other lawmakers expressed disappointment over the university’s lack of transparency and consultation regarding the proposed budget cuts. They aim to facilitate discussions that include community perspectives and address the future of the institution.
The legislators are set to conduct a hearing on February 21, where they will evaluate the proposed reductions and hear from various stakeholders. They reiterated their commitment to strengthening Sonoma State and emphasized the need for improved communication from the university administration.
Continued Tensions on Campus
Following the virtual meeting, frustrations continued to surface during a gathering with the Academic Senate on campus. Faculty and students pressed Cutrer for more concrete answers regarding alternative plans to address the budget crisis. When asked about potential backup strategies, Cutrer’s response of “there is not a Plan B” drew further discontent from those gathered.
Participants also raised concerns about the fate of students in programs slated for elimination. One parent expressed outrage that her daughter, a freshman dance major, was not informed about the program’s cut until after tuition payment. Cutrer expressed empathy, assuring her that support would be provided to help transition affected students to other programs at different CSU campuses.
Budget Cuts and Implications
The financial measures under consideration include eliminating 46 faculty positions, four management roles, and twelve staff positions, as well as dissolving various academic departments such as economics, art history, geology, and women’s studies. The administration has outlined plans to cut approximately $8 million from instructional programs, with a significant portion attributed to discontinuing degree offerings.
As the university navigates these challenges, Cutrer has promised ongoing discussions about the budget reductions, aiming for more intimate, face-to-face conversations in the weeks ahead. She emphasized that the recent town hall marked the beginning of a broader dialogue rather than a conclusion.
