As the fall semester kicked off at Sonoma State University, students returned to campus with a mix of excitement and uncertainty. Welcome Week brought back popular events aimed at energizing students, and the campus-favorite Lobo’s Pub reopened, though notably without its well-known fries.
Behind the festivities, however, the university continues to face financial challenges. Portions of on-campus housing remain closed due to low student enrollment and on-going budget constraints.
“I write to you today with sobering news about further steps that must be taken to address Sonoma State’s anticipated budget deficit,” said Interim President Emily Cutrer in a campus-wide email in January. The message was clear: SSU’s finances were in trouble…