FAQs
These Q&As about the budget deficit were culled from questions at the Oct. 24 Town Hall (video) and through the deficit-reduction suggestions and questions portal, which is still open for input from the campus community.
General
Will there be another EEP/VSIP offered?
All options will be considered, but that option seems unlikely, as it’s been done twice before.
Will the campus do furloughs?
Furloughs have been utilized by the university in the past for short-term budget savings. However, our current budget shortfall requires a base reduction. Furloughs also are decided for the CSU system as a whole, rather than on a campus-by-campus basis.
Will the campus move to layoffs?
At this early stage of planning all options are being explored.
Who will be laid off?
We are in the early stages of reviewing any options to address the budget deficit. If it is determined that layoffs will be pursued, the contract language in the applicable collective bargaining agreement(s) will be followed which outlines the process and associated notification process.
How many jobs will be eliminated? Faculty? Staff? MPP?
Not known this early in the process.
What is the timeline for layoffs?
If the university decides that layoffs will happen, the contract language in the applicable collective bargaining agreement(s) will be followed that outlines the process and informs the timeline.
How will it be determined how much each area needs to cut?
We are beginning the review process and it is difficult to say at this time. Assessments and analysis are underway now.
Will the university look at merging management positions to address the deficit?
All options are being considered.
Why don’t executives/MPP reduce their salaries?
Individual salary reductions are not being considered at this time. The university is focusing on reducing Full-Time Equivalent (FTE) positions and consolidating roles as a method to cut costs.
Will SSU be merged with another CSU like Maritime?
No.
Are we considering merging with East Bay or San Francisco?
No.
Will the campus be closed?
No.
If the additional 8% cut does not happen or is less than 8%, will that change things? Will it stop layoffs from happening?
We must plan for a potential reduction in state allocations while reinvesting in areas that will help grow our enrollment and ensure a healthy budget for the future. The projected deficit is not solely due to the state's intention to reduce appropriations. Other contributing factors include reduced enrollment and the costs associated with various underfunded mandatory expenses.
What’s the plan for shared services?
Sonoma State University participates in numerous collaborations with other campuses, the Chancellor's Office, and local agencies. The campus remains committed to seeking additional opportunities to broaden participation in multi-campus collaborations.
Will people be laid off as a result of shared services?
Too early to say.
To what degree do we need to reduce spending so that SSU could avoid any layoffs at all?
To close its projected budget gap of approximately $21 million, the campus needs to implement a combination of strategies that increase revenue and reduce costs.
How do you anticipate that federally grant-funded campus-based programs will be affected by the layoffs?
Currently, contracts and grants-funded programs are not being considered for reduction. Instead, the campus aims to expand its externally funded programs to continue supporting research and scholarly activities.
If layoffs and not rehiring lecturers does happen, do you expect it to happen across campus, or would it more likely be the result of the discontinuation of some departments or programs?
We will review the data from the consultants when completed before such decisions are made.
Has there been any discussion about cutting services in addition to cutting staffing?
While staffing reductions are under consideration, we're also evaluating service adjustments to ensure a balanced budget. Our goal is to address financial challenges without compromising the quality of education and support services.
Will SSU have the budget to hire a new president?
Yes.
What about marketing The Kitchens to the local community? Maybe offer specific days/events with free parking?
While the university is inclusive and does not restrict access to its services, as a nonprofit educational institution, it is prohibited from promoting its services to the general public in a manner that competes with commercial enterprises.
Have time-based reductions from working 12 months to working 11 months been considered?
All ideas are being considered at the moment.
Faculty
Are we going to cut programs? Which programs?
All programs will be reviewed as we look to balance the university budget. It is too early to determine which programs.
Will junior faculty be laid off first?
The university will follow the guidelines of the collective bargaining agreement.
Will faculty travel and professional development funds be impacted?
Travel and professional development funds have already been approved for 2024-25, but the 2025-26 budget will be impacted.
Are other divisions making as many cuts as Academic Affairs?
All programs and services across the campus are currently under review. Since the pandemic, a significant portion of the budget reductions has been absorbed by non-instructional areas, including those within academic affairs. The university remains committed to prioritizing and safeguarding our instructional capabilities.
Will Athletics be cut to save faculty and academic programs?
All options will be considered.
Will the Provost cut the Associate Dean and Executive Director positions established with the reorganization?
All positions are under review to ensure their efficiency and effectiveness, while safeguarding our ability to recruit, retain, and graduate students on time.
Will we hire a Dean of the Library?
We will not hire a Dean of the Library in the 2025-26 academic year.
Hiring Feeze
What does this mean for recruitments currently in progress?
All open positions will be reviewed, and the president may approve those deemed critical for operations, compliance, or essential for fire and life safety.
Does the freeze include faculty positions as well as staff and MPP positions?
Yes
How long will the freeze be in place?
At least until a plan/timeline is in place to close the deficit.
What about grant-related hires or other positions not funded through the operating fund?
Grant-related hires are in a separate category from regular employees.
Non-Essential Travel and Expenditures Restriction
What is considered essential travel?
- Travel required to preserve the safety of a research subject and cannot be postponed
- Travel to preserve the results of a research activity and cannot be postponed
- Student recruitment travel
- Athletics team travel and player recruitment
- Travel in calendar year 2024 where costs have already been incurred (e.g., conference registration, airfare)
- Other travel deemed essential by the President.
How does this impact student travel?
Non-essential student travel will be frozen for the time being.
How does this impact grant-funded travel or other travel not funded by the operating fund?
The travel freeze is specific to travel paid for by the operating fund.
Are administrators being forced to cut down on their travel?
The president's announcement restricting travel to essential purposes applies to all university personnel.
What is the process for staff travel that has already been approved?
A list of approved future travel for the calendar year 2024 has been provided to each vice president for their respective area. The vice presidents will make determinations regarding travel, with input from others within their departments.
Student Concerns
Will student services like tutoring, advising, and counseling be cut?
Our top priority is students. We will strive to preserve any services that directly impact them to the greatest extent possible.
Will other fees and costs that students have to pay be increased?
Student tuition is determined through a system-wide process that requires approval from the Board of Trustees. Currently, there are no plans to increase tuition or campus-based fees.
Programs/Enrollment
What about growing online programs (and more completion programs) for nontraditional, out-of-area, and out-of-state students?
Expansion of this capacity is being considered.
Will similar classified positions across campus be streamlined/consolidated?
Each department is currently evaluating its operations to identify opportunities for consolidation, with the goal of maintaining essential services and minimizing the impact on employees and students. This review encompasses all positions and classifications,
Have we lobbied the Chancellor for a hard cap on admissions from our service area to campuses that are over target (SDSU, SLO, etc.)?
The CSU has been and will continue to advocate for our students. Ensuring sufficient funding for student success and on-time graduation is a fruitful investment, as these students are our future workforce and play a vital role in driving the economy.
Who should faculty and staff reach out to if they are interested in helping with recruitment?
Contact Dr. Ed Mills, Vice President for Strategic Enrollment, or any member of the Strategic Enrollment team.
Has there been any additional discussion of advocating to the CSU to change the formula for how much money SSU gets per student?
The CSU has an Allocation Review Committee in place that is continuously deliberating and seeking ways to improve the funding methodology in a fair, equitable, and sustainable manner.
Why won’t the Chancellor’s Office help us by giving us more time to increase our enrollment?
The state allocates funds to the CSU system based on enrollment targets, with each campus receiving a share of the overall target. This ensures sufficient resources, preventing any one campus from receiving disproportionately high funding at the expense of others. Meeting annual enrollment targets helps maintain balance across all campuses.
Why don’t we ask the Chancellor’s Office for a loan?
Typically, a loan from any source is a one-time resource that must be repaid. Sonoma State has a base budget deficit that a one-time resource infusion will not resolve.
Space/Property
Do we still have unused or underutilized spaces on campus that could be rented out like we used to do with the Technology High School?
The university continually strives to optimize the use of its resources, including underutilized spaces. Last year, it generated over $5 million by hosting summer conferences, and it has been providing housing for faculty, staff, and students with family housing needs in Cabernet Village. Additionally, the university has leased out the Prelude restaurant. The university remains committed to exploring opportunities to further improve the utilization of its underutilized spaces.
Is it possible to sell the properties that SSU owns in Petaluma (Marina Crossing and Basin Street)?
No, cashing out assets generates one-time funds and doesn't resolve the base budget shortfall. Marina Crossing, however, is a revenue-generating venture with almost full occupancy.
Has the university considered leveraging assets like the outdoor amphitheater to host performances by artists who are already performing in the Bay Area?
Yes, we have and we often do. We are always looking for opportunities in that area.
Are we selling the campus to a private university?
No.
Are we/can we sell the Green Music Center?
No. It is a part of campus.