TO: Campus Community
FR: Emily F. Cutrer, Interim President
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.
The same TRO sought a halt to the proposed elimination of SSU’s NCAA Division II Athletics program. That request was denied by the court.
SSU maintains that the university followed its established policies regarding academic discontinuation, including communicating with and considering feedback from all programs impacted by the proposed reductions. Yesterday's ruling set a later date when the court will more fully review the parties’ positions, including evidence from the university that SSU is complying with its academic discontinuation policy.
We respect the court’s process and remain committed to full cooperation.