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Office of The President California State University, Sacramento

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President's Messages

President Luke Wood’s messages to students, faculty, and staff

September 2025 Budget Update

September 12, 2025 - The 2025-26 fiscal year marks the third year that campus expenditures have outpaced estimated revenues. Last January, the Governor’s proposed budget included a 7.95% ($375 million) General Fund cut to the CSU for fiscal year 2025-26 and assumed a deferral of our fourth year of CSU compact funding ($252 million). Thankfully, the 2025 Budget Act included only a 3% ($144 million) General Fund reduction to the system, but the compact deferral remained. These state funding cuts come at a time when inflationary cost increases for existing campus programs continue to rise. Additional compensation, health, and mandatory benefit increases have left our campus with a funding gap of approximately $30 million. The campus was able to achieve solutions to address $28.2 million of our deficit, leaving a shortfall of $2.9 million based on our estimated Sources of Funds (currently $438.8 million, which is an increase of $7.2 million from last year) and our estimated Uses of Funds of $441.7 million. Our current shortfall will be covered by central reserves.

This year, in addition to reviewing budget requests from each division, I asked the University Budget Advisory Committee (UBAC) to engage in long-term budget planning and identify funding priorities if the CSU was not cut. Unfortunately, the CSU was in fact cut by 3% and as a result, we must implement reductions to each division’s baseline budget from their 2024-25 allotment to realign our operations. We have prioritized adding Fall course sections and are taking measures to reduce costs in other areas. Reduction strategies include difficult decisions such as cutting or merging vacant positions, engaging in a campuswide “hiring chill,” offering eligible faculty an early exit program, and eliminating some positions. All divisions are reviewing operating expenses for additional opportunities to reduce costs. These measures are challenging but necessary to ensure the long-term success of our university.

Following UBAC’s advice, I have approved the recommended All University Expenses (AUEs) budget and 2025-26 Lottery allocations which continue to prioritize Library periodicals and subscriptions, classroom technology and upgrades, and American Sign Language interpretation services.

Fiscal Year 2025-26 campus budget allocations are posted on the Budget Planning and Administration website.

State resources are expected to remain limited in the foreseeable future, highlighting the importance of thoughtfully and strategically reviewing division budget allocations to advance our campus goals and initiatives. We also must emphasize the importance of leaning into revenue generation models on campus. We cannot assume that state General Fund dollars will always be available to cover inflationary cost increases moving forward. Additional campus revenue will become increasingly important in offering the campus future expenditure flexibility and growth. My goal in exploring revenue generation is supporting academics, advancing student experiences, and building our campus reserves. To the extent additional funding becomes available, I fully support UBAC’s recommendation to prioritize instruction-related costs, technology, safety and compliance related tasks, unfunded mandates and new programs, University Advancement activities, and philanthropic efforts.

I want to thank each of the vice presidents for their collaboration and support in thoughtfully reducing baseline expenditures while building a new framework to ensure student success. Additionally, I want to thank UBAC members for their insights and contributions to our budget planning. And lastly, I want to thank our faculty, staff, and students for their continued support in ensuring the success of our university.

Sacramento State Condemns Violence

September 11, 2025 - As an institution of higher learning, Sacramento State is charged with preparing our students to lead, serve, and succeed. An inherent respect for all human life and dignity is written into our mission. We value open conversation, dialogue rooted in understanding, and peaceful resolution of differences. No one should be attacked because of their political beliefs, especially in an environment that prioritizes freedom of speech and freedom of expression. We must see the inherent humanity within all of us.

I know that we are living in a time of heightened tension, stress, anxiety, and confusion. I know there are members of our campus community who, due to the events surrounding the death of Charlie Kirk, are feeling unsafe. I hope we can extend these community members our grace and compassion.

Our University condemns any endorsement of political violence and loss of life. We further condemn any words or actions that would celebrate yesterday’s events. We take reports of those within our community violating our values and our Honor Code seriously and will review any allegations.

I encourage anyone who needs support during this difficult time to seek out the resources available.

Student Health, Counseling and Wellness Services: 916-278-6461
Counselors are available to provide emotional support and a safe space to talk through any distress or discomfort you may be experiencing.

Timely Care: timelycare.com/csus.edu
Students needing access to emotional support after-hours can access counselors 24 hours a day.

Employee Assistance Program:
Provides professional assistance to employees and their families.

At Sacramento State, we are committed to a safe, inclusive, and respectful community. Lean on one another, check in with friends, and remember — you are not alone.

Immigration Enforcement Procedures

August 29, 2025 -

As an institution of higher learning, Sacramento State is charged with preparing our students to lead, serve, and succeed. An inherent respect for all human life and dignity is written into our mission. We value open conversation, dialogue rooted in understanding, and peaceful resolution of differences. No one should be attacked because of their political beliefs, especially in an environment that prioritizes freedom of speech and freedom of expression. We must see the inherent humanity within all of us.

I know that we are living in a time of heightened tension, stress, anxiety, and confusion. I know there are members of our campus community who, due to the events surrounding the death of Charlie Kirk, are feeling unsafe. I hope we can extend these community members our grace and compassion.

Our University condemns any endorsement of political violence and loss of life. We further condemn any words or actions that would celebrate yesterday’s events. We take reports of those within our community violating our values and our Honor Code seriously and will review any allegations.

I encourage anyone who needs support during this difficult time to seek out the resources available.

Student Health, Counseling and Wellness Services: 916-278-6461
Counselors are available to provide emotional support and a safe space to talk through any distress or discomfort you may be experiencing.

Timely Care: timelycare.com/csus.edu
Students needing access to emotional support after-hours can access counselors 24 hours a day.

Employee Assistance Program:
Provides professional assistance to employees and their families.

At Sacramento State, we are committed to a safe, inclusive, and respectful community. Lean on one another, check in with friends, and remember — you are not alone.

July 2025 Budget Update

July 9, 2025 -- Gov. Newsom signed the Budget Act of 2025 on June 27, delivering significantly better news for the CSU system than originally projected. The proposed $375 million (7.95%) cut that threatened the CSU in January was not included in the final budget. However, $144 million (3%) of the system’s budget has been deferred to fiscal year 2026-27. A message in yesterday's CSU Leader has more details about the systemwide impacts of the Budget Act.

Click here to go to the CSU Budget Message

Though we are in a much better position than previously projected, Sacramento State still faces a significant budget shortfall. Increased costs that are not funded by our budget allocation or covered by tuition dollars total about $23.5 million, including $18 million in inflationary cost increases and $5.1 million in compensation, health and other benefit cost increases.

Since our projected shortfall decreased, we have allocated an additional $3 million to Academic Affairs to add course sections. In the coming weeks, we will determine whether additional sections can be added.

The University Budget Advisory Committee (which is comprised of students, faculty, staff and administrators) is in the process of finalizing its recommendations. We remain committed to being open and transparent about budget-related decision making, and we will continue to share information as it becomes available via our Budget Information webpage.

As Chancellor Garcia shared in her statement on the final budget, we are grateful for the continued support from the state legislature and the governor. I also want to once again thank our students, staff, faculty, the Chancellor’s Office and community members who passionately advocated on behalf of the California State University.

Save the dates for candidate open forums for VPIE

June 24, 2025 - We are currently in the process of interviewing candidates for the position of Vice President for Inclusive Excellence and Chief Diversity Officer. Finalist interviews will begin on Tuesday, July 8 and will include virtual open forums for all members of the campus community.

Please save the dates listed below and plan to participate in these livestreamed sessions. A link for each forum is included below.

A schedule with candidate names and resumes/CVs will be shared prior to the forums, along with a survey link to provide your feedback on each finalist.

Zoom auto-captioning will be provided. To request ASL-English interpretation or other accommodations, please email Kimberly Donaville-Davis at donaville@csus.edu no later than noon on Monday, June 30.

Tuesday, July 8
Campus Forum: 11 a.m.-noon
Zoom link: https://csus.zoom.us/j/88332892204
Meeting ID: 883 3289 2204

Wednesday, July 9
Campus Forum: 11 a.m.-noon
Zoom link: https://csus.zoom.us/j/88332892204
Meeting ID: 883 3289 2204

Thursday, July 10
Campus Forum: 11 a.m.-noon
Zoom link: https://csus.zoom.us/j/88332892204
Meeting ID: 883 3289 2204

Friday, July 11
Campus Forum: 11 a.m.-noon
Zoom Link: https://csus.zoom.us/j/88332892204
Meeting ID: 883 3289 2204

Thank you for your engagement in this important search process.

Celebrating and supporting our global campus community

May 30, 2025 - I am writing to highlight and reaffirm our commitment to one of the defining strengths of our university: the vibrant presence and vital contributions of our international students, faculty, and staff.

Our international community brings a rich diversity of perspective, experience, and talent that enhances our academic, cultural, and social life. From groundbreaking research and innovative teaching to cross-cultural exchange and global dialogue, the impact of our international colleagues and students is felt across every part of campus.

Internationalization is not only a point of pride, it is a critical part of our efforts to increase access and a sense of belonging for all members of our campus community. We are committed to fostering a globally engaged campus where everyone, regardless of origin, feels welcomed, supported, secure, and empowered to thrive.

This diversity of thought and experience is key to preparing students for an interconnected world. It is through these global connections that we build a stronger, more inclusive, and more dynamic academic community.

International members of our campus community who may be impacted by the U.S. State Department’s announcements about visas are encouraged to contact our International Student Services office for support and guidance at intlprg@csus.edu,or by calling 916-278-6686.

To our international students, faculty, and staff: Thank you for choosing to be part of our university. You enrich our community in countless ways, and we are committed to ensuring that your journey here is supported and celebrated. To all members of our campus community: Thank you for embracing our global values and helping to create a university where everyone belongs.

Archive of Presidential Communications