Sonoma State Crier @sonomastatecrier.bsky.social · 24/08/2026Smart colleges ban AI, they don't distribute it for free to every student. The reasons are obvious. CSU's collective attempt at suicide goes beyond SSU. SSU is just ground zero for experimentation, the weak member of the herd that the wolf pack picks off first. Faculty: resistance or collaboration? 000
Sonoma State Crier @sonomastatecrier.bsky.social · 24/07/2026We actually have a model of how AI can support education, but Universities are wrong to either immerse their students in AI or to ban it. Universities need to get this right -- it's a matter of life or death. 000
Sonoma State Crier @sonomastatecrier.bsky.social · 22/07/2026SSU can't survive by becoming an expensive party school or an expensive vocational school. SSU's current strategy cannot succeed. Instead, SSU has to use its small size to deliver a superior education and explain to students why it's worth the time, money, and effort. There is no other path. 000
Sonoma State Crier @sonomastatecrier.bsky.social · 07/07/2026SSU trashed its Philosophy department, which had an AI expert, because it wasn’t vocational. Meanwhile the the local vocational school still offers philosophy, and Silicon Valley can’t hire enough philosophers. Who Killed Sonoma State?nytimes.comThe Revenge of the Philosophy Majors 031
Sonoma State Crier @sonomastatecrier.bsky.social · 11/03/2026The interview is outrageous. Instead of repudiating Cutrer, he says to "honor" her. Enrollment and retention are crashing simultaneously. That's a repudiation of what he honors. No one wants his vision. If the faculty don't stand up for education and Academic programming, no one else will.pressdemocrat.comSonoma State’s new president talks about his plans for reviving enrollmentMichael Spagna, Sonoma State’s fifth president in five years, spoke about recruitment and the future of athletics at the Rohnert Park campus in his first sit-down interview. 100
Sonoma State Crier @sonomastatecrier.bsky.social · 13/02/2026It freaks me out that all the programs cut from SSU because they prefer a vocational focus -- Art History, Theater, Dance, Athletics, Philosophy -- are alive and well at the ACTUAL vocational school next door? It's not about vocational opportunities. It's about killing the liberal arts.pressdemocrat.comCollege notebook: SRJC men’s basketball pulls into tie for 1st place in Big 8The Bear Cubs play their regular-season finale at American River next Friday. 011
Sonoma State Crier @sonomastatecrier.bsky.social · 31/01/2026People forget that the reason for the cuts was a $24M budget gap. The legislature showed up with $90M in new revenue, and all the cuts remained. The budget gap was never the reason. It was all a lie. Spagna is now the next installment in the lie.pressdemocrat.comNew Sonoma State president outlines vision for university turnaround, but major changes still up in the airA year after the announcement of $24 million in budget cuts, sweeping layoffs and program closures left the SSU campus reeling, new leadership with $90 million in rescue funds outlines what’s… 000
Sonoma State Crier @sonomastatecrier.bsky.social · 21/01/2026actionnetwork.orgCancel ChatGPT Edu. Invest in Humans.In February 2025, the California State University system announced a $17 million contract with OpenAI to provide ChatGPT Edu to all faculty, staff, and students on its 22 CSU campuses as part of a lar... 010
Sonoma State Crier @sonomastatecrier.bsky.social · 20/11/2025No wonder the search details were so secret. The sole job qualification was "demonstrated obedience to the Chancellor's Office." #FireMildredGarcia #ReplaceTheCSUBoardOfTrusteespressdemocrat.comMichael Spagna named new Sonoma State president after turbulent year for universityThe long-awaited announcement comes as Sonoma State University faces a major transformation amid $24 million in budget cuts but also a $90 million state windfall to rescue and reorient the embattle… 010
Sonoma State Crier @sonomastatecrier.bsky.social · 16/11/2025Unless the new President repudiates and repairs what the old President did, it won't matter. SSU needs to be more vocational? SRJC has Art, Art History, Theater, and Dance. This was never about vocations. This was about destroying SSU. And that program is still being executed. #FireMildredGarciacurriculum.santarosa.eduMajors | CurriculumView All 020
Sonoma State Crier @sonomastatecrier.bsky.social · 09/10/2025Good news, the problem with the Admissions Office has been solved. Now, let's get to the REAL problem: Making sure that there is something to be admitted to. Reinstate Philosophy, Geology, Art History, Theater, Dance, Language, WGS, Athletics, Physics, Economics, etc.pressdemocrat.comGov. Newsom signs bill automatically admitting qualified graduates to the CSUSB 640 takes effect beginning with the 2026–27 academic year. 030
Sonoma State Crier @sonomastatecrier.bsky.social · 02/09/2025Money rates SSU one of America's Best Colleges. If SSU's administration commits to a program of academic and administrative excellence, including hiring the best people, not the most needy people, because the mission matters, rather than competing with its vocational neighbor SRJC, it might be true.money.comSonoma State University, CA - Complete Profile, Rankings and DataEverything you need to know about Sonoma State University, CA, including acceptance rate, graduation rates, average cost, financial aid, alumni salaries, and more. 010
Sonoma State Crier @sonomastatecrier.bsky.social · 14/08/2025$90M. But still no way to restore Philosophy, Theater, Dance, or Art History, or to even discuss it. They want to turn SSU into a vocational school. But even junior colleges with vocational programs, like SRJC, have Theater and Art programs. Nothing makes sense.pressdemocrat.comAnother $45 million in aid for cash-strapped Sonoma State University on the wayThe windfall, announced Monday by state Sen. Mike McGuire, is the second $45 million infusion announced for Sonoma State in the last 50 days. 060
Sonoma State Crier @sonomastatecrier.bsky.social · 12/08/2025Legislators: The law requires that you reinstate Division 2 Athletics at SSU. Will you commit to doing so? Cutrer: No. The defiance expressed in this meeting is the voice of Mildred Garcia speaking through her meat-shield, Emily Cutrer. Change will have to start at the top. #DissolveCSUTrustees 020
Sonoma State Crier @sonomastatecrier.bsky.social · 11/08/2025Assembly member Chris Rogers discusses the implementation plan. 000
Sonoma State Crier @sonomastatecrier.bsky.social · 11/08/2025Senate President Mike McGuire discusses $9M in discretionary funds that can be used to restore programs. 000
Sonoma State Crier @sonomastatecrier.bsky.social · 11/08/2025Assembly member Chris Cabaldon describes the extraordinary budget commitment from the legislature: 000
Sonoma State Crier @sonomastatecrier.bsky.social · 11/08/2025Live from the SSU legislative hearings. Someone thinks we don’t care. We care. It’s Standing Room Only. 010
Sonoma State Crier @sonomastatecrier.bsky.social · 11/08/2025We'll be there today. I hope the legislators are as angry as we are. CSU lied, they said the cuts were due to the budget, but then when the legislators restored the budget, they made the cuts anyway. This is public corruption. It is lies. It is misappropriation of funds. CSU Board of Trustees.pressdemocrat.comNorth Bay legislators to discuss allocation of $45 million windfall at SSU forumAdvocates for canceled Women’s & Gender Studies Dept. criticized lawmakers, SSU administrators for scheduling meeting on short notice, while faculty and students “have not yet returned to campus.” 010
Sonoma State Crier @sonomastatecrier.bsky.social · 13/07/2025Cutrer's disastrous leadership: "The school will have to rebuild its entire athletic department from scratch, including hiring a new athletic director, coaches, administrative support staff and recruiting enough athletes to field at least 10 teams, to be eligible for full NCAA membership."pressdemocrat.comSSU supporters left to wonder if sports will return even after state windfallOne day after news of the $45 million infusion, SSU’s interim president said sports won’t be back next year. Beyond, there’s much in debate. 010
Sonoma State Crier @sonomastatecrier.bsky.social · 13/07/2025"Whatever fraction of the $9 million in discretionary funds ends up being spent to undo Cutrer’s sweeping reductions, it’s likely to disappoint...faculty and hundreds of students who’ve been organizing and protesting since January to restore programs and bring back downsized professors."pressdemocrat.com‘Game changer’ or stopgap? $45 million windfall for SSU gets mixed reactionsThe rescue package comes with strict instructions on how funds must be spent, limiting opportunities to restore academic departments on the chopping block since January. 010
Sonoma State Crier @sonomastatecrier.bsky.social · 29/06/2025Cutrer's disastrous leadership led to this tragedy: "Although the deal includes $8 million over three years for Seawolves athletics, none of the teams is expected to return to the playing field next year. Most of the athletes transferred, and many of the coaches took other jobs."pressdemocrat.comPD Editorial: SSU leadership has chance to turn $45 million reprieve into a renaissanceInstead of deep cuts, Sonoma State University is receiving an infusion of money to recruit students and build new programs. 010
Sonoma State Crier @sonomastatecrier.bsky.social · 25/06/2025It was all a lie. The budget wasn't the reason for the cuts, it was an excuse. Once the budget was restored, with even more, many of the same cuts will remain. Cutrer must be held accountable for lying to the campus community for six months.pressdemocrat.com‘Game changer’ for SSU: What the $45 million infusion from the state will go towardThe $45 million will be used to launch new programs and support the restoration of at least some academic tracks, faculty jobs and sports that have been on the chopping block since January. 020
Sonoma State Crier @sonomastatecrier.bsky.social · 05/06/2025You can tell how bad things have gotten when CSU Board of Trustees and the State of Ohio's assault on higher education are this tightly aligned. If the Board won't get rid of Garcia, then the board itself has got to go, by act of the legislature.ideastream.orgKent State University to close LGBTQ+, Multicultural and Women's centers to comply with state lawThe move to close the centers to comply with Senate Bill 1 comes after other major universities in Ohio have closed their diversity, equity and inclusion offices and ended their multicultural, women's... 000
Sonoma State Crier @sonomastatecrier.bsky.social · 02/06/2025Press Democrat asked all the right questions, but they mostly got non-answers, until the end, when Mills explained that the liberal arts deliver the most important job skills. But nobody will ever explain how killing the liberal arts gives you more of the job skills that the liberal arts give. #SSUpressdemocrat.comSSU enrollment chief on what’s being done to reverse sharp decline in student numbersEd Mills, Sonoma State’s vice president of strategic enrollment, is spearheading the university’s effort to solve the most deep-rooted and intractable problem in its 64-year history. 030
Sonoma State Crier @sonomastatecrier.bsky.social · 28/05/2025This article contains factual errors and misdiagnoses the core problem, which is not the GE pattern. But it gets some things very right, especially the importance of making the liberal arts accessible to new populations, rather than further isolating the liberal arts in elite schools.chronicle.comOpinion | The Strangling of Sonoma StateHow misbegotten ideals tanked California’s ‘Public Ivy.’ 021
Sonoma State Crier @sonomastatecrier.bsky.social · 21/05/2025More assaults on CA higher education. The right move would be to invest in higher education and make CA higher education the envy of the country, and a reason why people move to California. The economic impact would be extraordinary. No reason to tear it down.pressdemocrat.comShould California’s college systems be merged into one massive university?Under the proposed California University, the three segments — UC, CSU and community colleges — would be merged into a network of regional campuses — such as California University, San Joaquin Valley,... 120
Sonoma State Crier @sonomastatecrier.bsky.social · 20/05/2025Useless article suggests that it is "unrealistic" to expect Philosophy and athletics as SSU, that massive cuts are inevitable. But there is nothing inevitable about the enrollment decline. It had a cause. The cause can be undone. The PD lacks the vision to see such a simple thing.pressdemocrat.comPD Editorial: Sonoma State needs a leader to build bridgesSonoma State University faces an uncertain future with likely budget cuts and the loss of academic and athletic programs. 020
Sonoma State Crier @sonomastatecrier.bsky.social · 19/05/2025This article assumes that if you go to college you'll get the kind of education that has historically proved very valuable. But if they go to SSU, where Philosophy isn't even offered, and the experience is increasingly tailored to vocational training, it might not be true any more.time.comCan Young People Afford to Not Go to College?The president of Quinnipiac University makes the argument that while college is expensive, not going to college can cost even more. 000
Sonoma State Crier @sonomastatecrier.bsky.social · 19/05/2025#SSU is not the only one disastrously and thoughtlessly deploying AI in education. "...We need to convince the people in charge of our schools — especially our elementary schools — that the zealous embrace of [artificial intelligence] is not the way forward."nytimes.comOpinion | A.I. Will Destroy Critical Thinking in K-12 (Gift Article)The secretary of education said it would be a “wonderful thing.” Lots of parents disagree. 050
Sonoma State Crier @sonomastatecrier.bsky.social · 15/05/2025The best you could say for Chancellor Garcia is that she is willing to shoot one of the CSU campuses in order to get money for the others. That makes her a hostage-taking terrorist -- at best. She must be removed. 020
Sonoma State Crier @sonomastatecrier.bsky.social · 15/05/2025SSU's disinterest in reversing the cuts, even as new money arrives, proves that the budget was only an excuse for what they wanted to do anyway, and they're still going to do it anyway, whether there is a budget crisis or not. Remove Chancellor Garcia.pressdemocrat.comNewsom’s revised budget holds some good news, but no salvation for embattled SSUThe revised plan calls for only a 3% cut, restoring $230 million to the 23-campus CSU system. “It’s good news, but it’s early news,” said state Sen. Christopher Cabaldon. 020
Sonoma State Crier @sonomastatecrier.bsky.social · 14/05/2025BUDGET CRISIS CANCELLED!!! But will the cuts that were allegedly required by the budget crisis be rolled back, or was the "budget crisis" not the problem after all, but only an excuse? Time will tell.goldengatexpress.orgNewsom lowers proposed CSU cut from 7.95% to 3%In 2025-2026, the California State University system will face a proposed $143.8 million reduction to its General Fund instead of $375.2 million, according to Gov. Gavin Newsom’s May revision summary ... 000
Sonoma State Crier @sonomastatecrier.bsky.social · 14/05/2025There is no budget crisis. If somebody engages in self-harm, you take away the knife, you don't follow their behavior to its logical conclusion. California needs to protect CSU from itself.chronicle.comSonoma State U. Is Making Big Cuts to Close a Budget Hole. What Will Be Left?The Cal State campus is slashing academic programs, laying off faculty, and, in an unusual move, scuttling its entire Division II athletics program. 020
Sonoma State Crier @sonomastatecrier.bsky.social · 12/05/2025The Court is saying that if you don’t want Chancellor Garcia to gut the CSU, then fire her. You hired her. Fire her. So that’s the next order of business.norcalpublicmedia.orgCourt allows cuts to Sonoma State athletic programs, majors to proceedFriday's ruling lifted a temporary restraining order on the decision to discontinue the programs, allowing the cuts to proceed. 020
Sonoma State Crier @sonomastatecrier.bsky.social · 11/05/2025Disappointing. But courts are guardians of process. If CSU wants to self-destruct, it is allowed to do so, as long as they do it intentionally, which is what is happening. It's why the Courts can't save the federal government from DOGE. Only the people can take back these institutions from misrule.pressdemocrat.comSonoma County court upholds SSU budget reduction plan to eliminate athletics, cut classesSonoma State University can move forward with its controversial cost-saving plan following a Friday Sonoma County Superior Court ruling. 020
Sonoma State Crier @sonomastatecrier.bsky.social · 05/05/2025WRONG: "The challenge of creating jobs the community needs, is where SSU needs to lead." Actually, CSU's job is to create citizens. It's not a vocational school. It has a higher purpose -- we need effective thinkers who can build meaningful communities and contribute to society many different ways.pressdemocrat.comClose to Home: Moving past the potential at SSUFor the Sonoma State to thrive, the university needs the right president. 221
Sonoma State Crier @sonomastatecrier.bsky.social · 02/05/2025CSU's new program represents a staggering breach of trust. But OpenAI's role is worse. It has engineered a system that encourages dependency under the guise of empowerment, and monetizes institutional confusion and policy lag: It is an ethical regression dressed in futuristic branding.real-morality.comThe Collapse of Learning: How OpenAI and CSU Are Undermining Higher EducationThe CSU system’s willingness to roll out this program mid-semester without institutional safeguards represents a staggering breach of trust. But OpenAI's role is worse. It has engineered a system that... 040
Sonoma State Crier @sonomastatecrier.bsky.social · 02/05/2025"Spending $17 million on an 18-month contract with OpenAI to provide all students and faculty with ChatGPT seems frivolous, to say the least." But it's actually much worse than that, because if students misuse the service, which they do, then the entire purpose of the CSU is threatened.thedailyaztec.comThe CSU’s New AI Initiative Was A Bad Movewindow.googletag = window.googletag || {cmd: []}; googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.defineSlot(\'/11511863/medium_rectangle\', [300, 250], \'div-gpt-ad-1739039074197-0\').addService(googletag.... 001
Sonoma State Crier @sonomastatecrier.bsky.social · 01/05/2025Good journalism clarifies issues. This article muddies, despite admitting that capital spending is a different budget. This article obscures the one story: Enrollment, which requires Marketing and Academic development, which requires competent leadership, which we do not have. End of story.pressdemocrat.comGranola to grandeur — and back again? SSU’s Ivy League dream meets a harsh realitySonoma State University’s ambitious campus expansion left it with $158 million in debt — now, amid steep enrollment declines and deep budget cuts, the university faces a reckoning that echoes across t... 000
Sonoma State Crier @sonomastatecrier.bsky.social · 01/05/2025Anyone who thinks we don't need Dance at Sonoma State, Dance isn't serious or important, Dance is expendable, Dance doesn't do anything in the real world, ought to spend a few minutes with this video: #AttackOnSSUyoutube.com'Footloose' - Dancing In The MoviesYouTube video by kingofkungfu2002 021
Sonoma State Crier @sonomastatecrier.bsky.social · 30/04/2025Caught in the act!sonomastatestar.comLive Breaking News: Sonoma State Administration violates restraining order, according to law firmSonoma State administration violated the temporary restraining order filed by the Sonoma County Superior Court, according to a source who requested to remain anonymous. The Joseph Saveri Law Firm, rep... 010
Sonoma State Crier @sonomastatecrier.bsky.social · 29/04/2025The measure of #CSU's mismanagement: CSU forecast "5-8%" enrollment decline as a result of its cuts. When the real number comes out, everyone will know where they pulled their fake number from, and everyone will know the definition of incompetent management.pressdemocrat.com4 takeaways from The PD’s Community Conversation on SSU program cutsIn the wake of proposed budget cuts totaling nearly $24 million at Sonoma State University, The Press Democrat hosted a virtual event Wednesday evening to answer some of the public’s most pressing que... 110
Sonoma State Crier @sonomastatecrier.bsky.social · 29/04/2025I don't know why Judge English thinks he halted the cuts even temporarily. I went to Sea Wolf Decision Day. Philosophy wasn't there. The cut programs weren't there. That means that the implementation of the cuts continues, and at the most devastating moment -- when new students arrive.pressdemocrat.comJudge halts, for now, SSU’s cuts to academic programsThe order will last until May 1, the date of the parties’ next meeting. Until then, the school “should take no further action with respect to the suspension or elimination of academic programs.” 010
Sonoma State Crier @sonomastatecrier.bsky.social · 28/04/2025And to tolerate a state political system -- led by the Governor -- that is dismantling California's higher education system from within. The CSU Board of Trustee's aren't fighting it; they are leading the charge. 000
Sonoma State Crier @sonomastatecrier.bsky.social · 28/04/2025sonomastatestar.comChancellor García must bail SSU out, or go down with the shipThe ship is sinking. Sonoma State University has seen constant turmoil throughout the semester ever since Interim President Emily Cutrer announced the closure of 22 majors and six departments on Jan 2... 000
Sonoma State Crier @sonomastatecrier.bsky.social · 27/04/2025Speaking of those who would betray Sonoma County… www.pressdemocrat.com/article/news...pressdemocrat.com‘Unconscionable’: Avelo Airlines’ deportation flights denounced at Sonoma County airport protestWith the sound of car horns from passing cars, demonstrators voiced their outrage over Avelo’s plan to operate deportation flights under a new federal contract starting in May. 042
Sonoma State Crier @sonomastatecrier.bsky.social · 26/04/2025When your University President quits and three years later CSU still hasn’t begun to search for a permanent replacement. 141
