Join me for a staff open forum

April 24, 2025 - I hope you are planning to join me for today's staff open forum. The purpose of these forums is to provide an opportunity for transparent dialogue about how budget reductions may affect the University and to address any other concerns or questions. Details for each of the staff open forums are below.

Staff Open Forum 1: TODAY
Thursday, April 24, 12:30-2 p.m.
Beetle & Elderberry Rooms, Riverview Hall

Staff Open Forum 2
Monday, April 28, 1-2:30 p.m.
Zoom: RSVP for link and to request accommodations.

Senior leaders will join me to share more details about our current financial situation and decision-making process and, most importantly, answer your questions and learn more about your concerns.

ASL to English interpretation will be provided at both open forums. Zoom auto captioning also will be provided at the virtual open forum.

I look forward to a productive and collaborative dialogue.

Invitation to open forums for CFO candidates

April 11, 2025 - We are currently in the process of interviewing candidates for the position of Vice President for Administration and Business Affairs and Chief Financial Officer. Finalist interviews will take place on April 14, 17 and 18, and will include virtual open forums open to all members of the campus community.

Please plan to participate in these livestreamed sessions. A livestream link for each forum is included below. Candidate names and resumes can be accessed by clicking on their name, below.

Monday, April 14
Candidate: Amanda Preston-Nelson
Campus Forum: 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Zoom Link: https://csus.zoom.us/j/86757298419?from=addon
Meeting ID: 867 5729 8419

Thursday, April 17
Candidate: Rose McAuliffe
Campus Forum: 1:30 – 2:30 p.m.
Zoom Link: https://csus.zoom.us/j/81419905471?from=addon
Meeting ID: 814 1990 5471

Friday, April 18
Candidate: Thomas Davis
Campus Forum: 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Zoom Link: https://csus.zoom.us/j/81787925380?from=addon
Meeting ID: 817 8792 5380

Those who attend the open forums are encouraged to fill out this feedback survey about each candidate. Thank you for your engagement in this important search process. I also would like to thank the search committee for their diligence in identifying highly qualified candidates for this critical position.

Artificial Intelligence Center Update

April 10, 2025 - Earlier this week, I shared news of necessary organizational changes driven by significant state budget reductions and escalating compensation costs. In alignment with these budget realities, I have made the difficult decision to end funding for the National Institute on Artificial Intelligence in Society (NIAIS) and the position of chief artificial intelligence officer.

While the NIAIS will no longer be active, Sacramento State remains committed to advancing AI literacy and continuing important conversations about the opportunities and challenges AI presents to our community. We have several other efforts happening at the campus level to advance AI, including new degree proposals and recent hirings in the colleges of Business and Engineering and Computer Science.

I want to express my sincere appreciation to all who contributed to the NIAIS. Your dedication, insight, and collaborative spirit have helped shape our early work in this important space. I want to also thank Dr. Sasha Sidorkin for his leadership and vision. Please stay tuned for future communications regarding AI-related efforts and initiatives at Sac State.

Support for members of our international community

April 8, 2025 - In recent weeks, we have been made aware that hundreds of international students and scholars across the U.S.—including some within our own campus community—have been affected by visa revocations and Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) terminations issued by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS). We understand that this news may cause distress and that it raises many questions for those impacted, as well as for their peers, colleagues, and mentors.

We want to reaffirm our unwavering commitment to supporting our international students, scholars, and their families during this time of uncertainty. We are actively working to ensure that every individual affected receives accurate information, personalized guidance, and the care they deserve.

International Programs and Global Engagement (IPGE) and the Division of Student Affairs are closely monitoring the situation and are in communication with the Chancellor’s Office and legal experts. Those who have been directly affected or who are concerned about their status should contact the appropriate campus offices so we can provide direct support and explore available options.

For those in need of legal support, the California State University system provides free legal immigration services through Immigrant Legal Defense or ILD, available to all CSU employees, students, and their family members. International students can contact International Programs & Global Engagement at 916-278-6686 with questions or concerns. Faculty and staff can contact Faculty & Staff Immigration Services for questions on immigration at 916-278-4882.

I also want to reiterate guidance from the Chancellor’s Office that was shared prior to spring break. Students or employees currently on a U.S. visa/non-immigrant status (such as an F-1 international student, J-1 student or visiting scholar, H-1B employee, refugee, etc.), who have immigrant status (such as permanent resident/green card, for example), who are undocumented, or who are TPS, are strongly encouraged to carefully assess the necessity of international travel at this time. Although the decision to travel abroad is a personal choice, members of the campus community are advised to proceed with extreme caution if deciding to travel abroad.

The contributions of our international community are invaluable. We stand with those facing uncertainty and will continue advocating on their behalf at both institutional and national levels.

Critical budget related updates

April 7, 2025 - I write today to inform you of some difficult but necessary organizational changes that took effect today. Due to the severe state budget cuts and the escalating labor costs we are facing for the upcoming fiscal year, 28 management (MPP) positions have been eliminated, merged, or not retained. These actions included 15 MPP employees who were released from their positions today. This was not a decision that was made lightly. We are saddened as the individuals released were dedicated members of our community, some who have been committed to the University for many years.

We have worked very hard to minimize the impact of budget reductions on students and represented employees by cutting or merging vacant positions, engaging in a “hiring chill” for the past several months, and implementing additional cost savings in each division. Part of this effort included today’s reduction of MPPs. By reducing the number of administrator positions, we will be better able to better preserve staff and faculty positions while maintaining our core mission to serve students.

Sacramento State Budget Projections

I have been transparent in sharing the grim outlook for our 2025-26 budget, driven by a 7.95% cut ($375 million) to the CSU baseline funding in Gov. Newsom’s proposed 2025-26 budget. Combined with campus inflationary and benefit cost increases, our projected shortfall for the coming fiscal year is $31.2 million, with an additional $5.8 million projected for the following year. This reduction to our baseline budget combined with increased costs over the next two years will result in a $37 million budget deficit, resulting in significant cuts to every division’s budget.

Just over 85% of Sacramento State’s budget is dedicated to salaries and benefits, a percentage that is expected to rise to 92.6% for the 2025-26 fiscal year and is likely to increase for 2026-27 as well. Our next largest cost is financial aid for students (State University Grants), followed by utilities and other operating expenses.

Additional Budget Reduction Strategies

Division leaders and the University’s Budget Advisory Committee (UBAC) have been diligently working to identify additional reduction strategies. Though the cuts at the administrative level will result in significant savings, there are still difficult choices ahead as we work to meet our reduction target. As previously presented, each division will have its baseline budget allocation reduced approximately 22% from its 2023-24 baseline (with slight variations by division), as listed in the chart below.

View Cuts by Division Chart

As a percentage of the previous year’s baseline budget, Academic Affairs is taking the smallest cut. Moreover, this cut is being spread over two years to help curb its impact. However, Academic Affairs is also facing a large deficit from this fiscal year, which will require an even deeper cut than indicated in the chart above. This deficit occurred after reduction strategies presented by Academic Affairs for this fiscal year and approved by UBAC were never implemented by the Division. This is the only division this occurred in. To this end, Provost Cameron and her team are currently working through their internal processes to determine how to realize the necessary budget reductions for the next two fiscal years. It is likely that course section offerings will be impacted, but the team in Academic Affairs, in consultation with the deans, will continue to explore all options and innovations to avoid drastic cuts.

I have also made the difficult decision to pause the new position of vice president for Research and Innovation. To be clear, this role is greatly needed to support our research faculty and new designation as a Research II university. However, our limited resources necessitated that we target our efforts on preserving support for faculty research and student services rather than a new subdivision and cabinet-level position. As such, the Offices of Research, Innovation, and Economic Development, the Office of Water Programs, and the Community Engagement Center will remain in Academic Affairs. I recognize that this occurs at a time when our research faculty are concerned about the cancellation of federal research grants. We remain committed to supporting faculty research, and we look forward to dedicating resources to this project when our budget situation has improved. Dr. Carlos Nevarez, who was slated to serve as the interim VP for Research and Innovation, will return to the faculty in the College of Education, and has graciously agreed to continue to support our efforts at Placer Center.

Leaders from every division have made incredibly difficult cuts that will likely impact services, but we do not intend to ask anyone to do more with less. I also recognize that all of our employees are feeling taxed. As such, each area must look closely at how they can shift resources to focus only on the most critical services for our students and to reduce their scope to these services.

New Revenue for Student Life

Though we are facing severe cuts in most areas, there are some areas set to receive expanded resources. Last summer and fall, we underwent an alternative consultation process to raise several student fees that had not been increased in years – some in decades. As a result of that process, four student fees will increase incrementally starting this fall, generating millions of dollars earmarked for student programs including recreation, club, and intercollegiate sports programs and facilities; cultural and identity centers; instructionally related activities; basic needs support; and student health services. This includes a significant pool of new resources for on-campus internships for students and some recent graduates.

Student fees are highly regulated and audited by the California State University system and these fees can only be used as designated throughout the fee process. So, while we will see growth in internship opportunities, new positions at our campus cultural academic resource centers, improvements to and construction of athletic facilities, and a boost in student health care services, we will be making cuts elsewhere. I understand that it can be difficult to see things like cuts to course sections and position elimination at the same time as growth to other student life programming. However, it is possible to implement new revenue streams that can directly support Academic Affairs.

College Proposed Student Success Fees

One revenue source we do not currently have at Sacramento State is the Student Success Fee. We are the only large CSU campus that does not utilize this fee to provide additional resources to academic programs such as increased course sections, student support activities, and student retention programs. Though the reductions in MPP positions will alleviate some of the cuts to Academic Affairs, there is likely to be an impact on course sections. However, late last week the deans requested to start the process of creating college-based student success fees that would vary depending on the needs of each college. While I do not want our campus to go through another fee process, the great needs in Academic Affairs and concerns of leaders in the division have softened my stance.

Students will get the opportunity to vote on this proposed fee before the end of the semester, and if approved, college-based student success fees would go into effect for the fall of 2026. I will leave the management of each process and recommendations for my approval to each dean. Thus, unlike the prior fee process, this process will not occur at the University level or be conducted using an alternative consultation. Rather, the fee process will be a college-specific discussion and will be determined by a vote of students in each respective college. Colleges where fees are passed may return to normal operations and even expand staffing and services; while colleges where fees are not passed will have fewer resources and therefore have deeper reductions to manage.

Our Mission Remains Unchanged

Despite the changes necessitated by our budget situation, our focus remains on transforming the lives of our students, and despite the federal landscape, we will continue to embrace our designations as a Hispanic-Serving Institution, an Asian American Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institution, and a Black-Serving Institution, and our mission to ensure historically underserved students remain at the center of our decision-making.

While the CSU and many members of our campus community have been deeply engaged in advocacy at the state Capitol, and we hope that state budget reductions will be restored in the May budget revise, we know that there will be tough cuts ahead regardless. Our Budget Planning and Administration office, in partnership with University Communications, is creating a webpage that will have up-to-date budget information and FAQs. We will share a link to that page in the coming days, and it will be kept updated as new information becomes available.

I can assure you that these difficult decisions were made with care and with the goal of protecting our core mission of serving students. Thank you for all that you continue to do for our students and for each other.

Cuts by Division

Invitation to staff open forums

April 2, 2025 - To provide an opportunity for transparent dialogue about how budget reductions may affect the University and to address any other concerns or questions, I’m pleased to invite all staff members to attend one of two open forums later this month.

Staff Open Forum 1
Thursday, April 24, 12:30-2 p.m.
Beetle & Elderberry Rooms, Riverview Hall

Staff Open Forum 2
Monday, April 28, 1-2:30 p.m.
Zoom: RSVP for link and to request accommodations.

Senior leaders will join me to share more details about our current financial situation and decision-making process and, most importantly, answer your questions and learn more about your concerns. We have been holding separate open forums for faculty and students and will soon announce a date for an MPP forum.

ASL to English interpretation will be provided at both open forums. Zoom auto captioning also will be provided at the virtual open forum. To request any additional accommodations, please email senior presidential aide Araceli Cruz by noon on Friday, April 11.

I look forward to a productive and collaborative dialogue.

Invitation to CFO open forums

March 25, 2025 - We are currently in the process of interviewing candidates for the position of Vice President of Administration and Business Affairs/Chief Financial Officer at Sacramento State. Finalist interviews will begin on Monday, April 14, and will include virtual forums open to 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.

To request ASL-English interpretation or any other accommodations, please email Kimberly Donaville-Davis at donaville@csus.edu no later than 12 p.m. on Friday, April 4.

Monday, April 14
Campus Forum: 11 a.m. - noon
Zoom link: https://csus.zoom.us/j/86757298419?from=addon
Meeting ID: 867 5729 8419

Tuesday, April 15
Campus Forum: 11 a.m. - noon
Zoom link: https://csus.zoom.us/j/84461000832?from=addon
Meeting ID: 844 6100 0832

Wednesday, April 16
Campus Forum: 11 a.m. - noon
Zoom link: https://csus.zoom.us/j/89844644589?from=addon
Meeting ID: 898 4464 4589

Thursday, April 17
Campus Forum: 1:30 - 2:30 p.m.
Zoom link: https://csus.zoom.us/j/81419905471?from=addon
Meeting ID: 814 1990 5471

Friday, April 18
Campus Forum: 11 a.m. - noon
Zoom link: https://csus.zoom.us/j/81787925380?from=addon
Meeting ID: 817 8792 5380

Candidate names and resumes/CVs will be shared on Monday, April 7, along with a survey link to provide feedback about each finalist. Thank you for participating in this important search.

Operational control model for colleges: A temporary approach

March 20, 2025 - Earlier this year, I shared the plan to reduce the number of managers (MPPs) in Academic Affairs by implementing an operational control model for our colleges. After listening carefully to your feedback, I want to address your concerns and outline a clear path forward that balances our budgetary challenges with our academic mission.

Operational Control Model: A Temporary Approach

Beginning no earlier than April 25 (after the completion of all retention, tenure, and promotion decisions), we will implement a temporary operational control model. Under this framework, four deans will oversee our seven colleges, with a dean responsible for their home college plus additional oversight responsibilities of another college. Provost Cameron and I will work together to determine the most effective dean assignments based on disciplinary alignment and operational efficiency. This structure will remain in place for no more than two years, or until our budget situation improves.

To be clear: Operational control means administrative oversight will be consolidated, but colleges will maintain their distinct identities, programs, and faculty governance structures during this period.

Faculty Engagement and Clarification on Organizational Changes

Rather than mandating specific college mergers now, we are pivoting to a more collaborative approach. The operational control model will serve as our temporary solution for the next two years or until our budget improves. If budget constraints continue beyond this timeframe, we will need to consider more permanent structural changes. In preparation for this possibility, faculty are encouraged to develop and propose thoughtful reorganization models at the college level.

I want to address concerns regarding departmental mergers directly: No directive has been given to campus leaders to merge departments. This is not part of our plan. The operational control model applies only at the college level with dean oversight, not at the departmental level.

That said, if departments themselves identify opportunities to combine with other departments to create schools, these faculty-led initiatives would be welcomed, provided they follow proper shared governance procedures and enhance opportunities for:

• Teaching excellence and student success
• Collaborative research and scholarship
• Community engagement and partnerships
• External funding opportunities
• Stronger disciplinary alignment

Our Priorities Remain Unchanged

Throughout this transition, our focus remains on supporting your exceptional work in teaching, research, community engagement, and securing external funding. We remain committed to fostering collaborative relationships across disciplines and upholding our mission as California's capital university to transform lives by preparing all students to lead, serve, and succeed. We will continue honoring our designations as a Hispanic Serving Institution, an Asian American Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institution, and a Black-Serving Institution, ensuring historically underserved students remain at the center of our decision-making.

To this end, Provost Cameron and her team are currently working through their normal internal processes to determine how the necessary budget reductions for the next two fiscal years will be realized.

I believe this revised approach provides greater clarity while addressing immediate budget constraints. It also respects the critical role of faculty in shaping our University's future. While we hope that state budget reductions will be restored, allowing us to maintain our current structure, this temporary plan provides stability while we navigate these challenging times together.

I welcome your continued feedback and ideas as we move forward.

Upholding Our Values: Response to the OCR Letter

March 13, 2025 - On March 10, 2025, the U.S. Department of Education issued a press release noting that a letter was sent by the department’s Office for Civil Rights (OCR) to 60 higher education institutions, all described as presently under investigation for alleged Title VI violations relating to antisemitic harassment and discrimination. Following the issuance of this press release, Sacramento State was one of 60 institutions to receive the letter.

Sacramento State takes its obligations under Title VI very seriously and, consistent with these obligations, is committed to serving students of all backgrounds regardless of race, color, or national origin (including shared ancestry), and to providing an environment where students can learn, live and succeed free from race, color, or national origin discrimination or harassment. Sacramento State is also committed to cooperating with the OCR to ensure a fair resolution of any complaint under investigation.

Most importantly, we stand in support of our Jewish community, and we reject antisemitism in all forms. Last year, we established a Jewish Life Resource Center in partnership with Hillel, a Presidential Advisory Council on Antisemitism, and strong partnerships with our local Jewish community.

We also stand firmly in support of free speech, even if that speech is contrary to our values. This week at a student protest on campus, groups were chanting offensive and hurtful messages that go against our values. Though these messages are protected speech under the law, they fundamentally contradict the values we uphold as a community. We must strive to achieve a higher standard of discourse that fosters respect and dignity for all, and we believe our collective strength lies in rejecting such offensive rhetoric. To those who were impacted by those chants, there are support resources available. Visit our Inclusive Excellence webpage for resources including how to report an act of bias, or Title IX complaint, as well as more information about antisemitism and islamophobia.

Additional Resources:

• Jewish Life Resource Center
• Jewish Student Union
• Hillel Sacramento and Davis

Mental Health support:

• For Students:
  • Student Health, Counseling and Wellness Services
• For Employees:
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

We want to assure the campus community that we will continue to uphold our values, fostering a safe and inclusive environment for all.

Sincerely,

Luke Wood

President

Michael Nguyen

Chief Diversity Officer

Don't miss the last basketball game at the Nest tonight

March 3, 2025 - Tonight our women’s basketball team plays the final basketball game in The Nest. Next season, Hornet Basketball moves to its new home in the renovated WELL.

To celebrate 70 years at The Nest, faculty and staff can get special $7 tickets to watch the Hornets take on Portland State. Students are always free at campus sporting events, and can claim their tickets at hornetsports.com.

Women's Basketball: Monday, March 3 at 6:30 PM (that's today!)

Purchase Women's Basketball Tickets Here!

Stingers Up!

Commencement tickets are now available for eligible graduates!

March 3, 2025 - We are pleased to announce that eligible graduates can now register to claim up to seven guest tickets for Spring 2025 Commencement ceremonies, scheduled for May 16 & 17 at Golden 1 Center.

You can view the full Commencement schedule here.

We encourage all eligible graduates to review the Guest Tickets web page for more information about ticketing, including registration windows and a step-by-step guide to claim tickets.

Eligible graduates have been granted access to register and claim tickets through their Student Center. The free tickets required for guests to attend Commencement are unique to each ceremony and are only valid for the ceremony listed on the ticket. Graduates and children under age 3 who will sit on a lap during the ceremony do not need a ticket.

Spring 2025 Commencement ceremonies are only for Spring 2025 and Summer 2025 graduates. If a graduate registers and claims guest tickets for Spring 2025 Commencement but later updates their expected graduation term to any term other than Spring or Summer 2025, their ceremony registration will be canceled, and their guest tickets will be invalidated. We are unable to accommodate any requests from Fall and Winter graduates to participate early or late in the Spring ceremonies.

Congratulations to everyone who is preparing to graduate. I look forward to celebrating this momentous occasion with you, alongside your family and friends. In the meantime, remember to use #SacStateGrad on your graduation pictures and social media posts so they can be featured on our social media wall at Commencement.

Stingers Up!

Register now to be a Commencement Ambassador

February 21, 2025 - Sacramento State’s 2025 Spring Commencement is scheduled for Friday, May 16 and Saturday, May 17 at Golden 1 Center. To ensure the best experience for our students and their guests, we will need approximately 400 volunteer “ambassador” slots filled across two days and six ceremonies.

The Ambassador Registration Form is now open to MPPs, exempt employees, and faculty. The deadline to register is noon on Friday, March 28.

We understand that some individuals may not feel comfortable being face-to-face with the public at this event. That is why the Ambassador Registration Form includes a comment box allowing you to indicate your level of comfort working in certain positions. Ambassadors who are not comfortable working in close proximity with guests and graduates will be assigned other duties at Commencement.

Thank you for your commitment to our students and for giving your time to make their day truly special. I appreciate the sacrifices that you make to ensure that our students and their families have the best experience possible. I look forward to celebrating with you at Spring 2025 Commencement.

Stingers Up!

Chris McAlary to serve as temporary CFO

February 18, 2025 - As you know, senior associate vice president for Human Resources Machelle Martin and associate vice president for Facilities Management Felicia Linstrot Johnson have been serving as co-vice presidents for Administration and Business Affairs (ABA) since July of 2024. I want to express my sincere appreciation for their leadership during a critical time, which helped to ensure stability in so many critical areas of campus operations.

As we commence a national search for a permanent chief financial officer and vice president for ABA, I want to share that Chris K. McAlary will join Sacramento State as interim CFO/VP for ABA with his official responsibilities beginning on Monday, Feb. 24. With over 30 years of leadership experience in higher education, Chris brings a wealth of expertise in financial strategy, campus operations, and facilities/capital project management. Having an interim CFO will allow us to streamline operations with a single point of contact for ABA, creating clear channels of communication and more effective coordination for both internal teams and external partners. This approach allows us to maintain focus and efficiency as we thoughtfully and deliberately search for a permanent CFO.

Chris has held executive leadership roles at multiple institutions, including USC, Cal Poly Pomona, Stony Brook University, Mount Saint Mary’s University, Caltech, and the University of Central Florida (UCF). He served as the vice president for Administration and CFO for fourteen years at Mount Saint Mary’s, where he oversaw two comprehensive master plans, strategic capital investments, and organizational transformation, leaving a lasting impact on campus life. His history of fiscal stewardship, strategic planning, and campus development has resulted in innovative financial solutions, strengthened institutional resources, and enhanced student and faculty experiences. As the assistant vice president of Facilities Operations at UCF, he led more than 400 staff across multiple campuses, while driving operational efficiencies and campus-wide improvements. At Caltech, his team implemented key infrastructure projects and service enhancements, including a comprehensive “Guide to Services.”

Chris holds both an Executive MBA and a Bachelor of Science in Business from the University of Southern California. A collaborative and mission-driven leader, Chris has been deeply involved in shaping best practices in higher education through his work with the Western Association of College and University Business Officers (WACUBO), the Pacific Coast Association of Physical Plant Administrators (PCAPPA), and the Pacific Consortium of Small Liberal Arts Institutions (PACCON). His budget experience and long-term campus planning will be instrumental in navigating the evolving financial landscape of higher education and positioning Sacramento State for a strong and sustainable future.

Please join me in welcoming Chris to campus, and in thanking Machelle and Felicia for their additional and outstanding work over the past several months.

Stingers Up!

Help identify and prioritize classroom furniture improvements

February 11, 2025 - During the 2023 listening sessions, students shared that there is a great need for new, more accessible chairs and desks in many classrooms across campus. To address this need, our Budget Planning and Administration office has identified remaining Higher Education Emergency Reliefs Fund (HEERF) money – one-time funds that can be utilized in limited ways. We will dedicate up to $1.7 million of these restricted one-time funds to purchase new classroom chairs and desks.

To identify classrooms most in need of modern, comfortable, and accessible furniture, we have partnered with ASI leadership to gather direct student feedback. Faculty and staff are encouraged to submit their recommendations through their ASI college representatives. When we receive that list, we will work to assess, prioritize, and schedule the installation of the new furniture. We look forward to making these critical improvements to our learning spaces in the coming months.

Stingers Up!

Dr. Luke Wood, President

Nataly Andrade-Dominguez, President, Associated Students, Inc.

Your voice matters: Register for upcoming CSU strategic plan town halls

February 10, 2025 - As we continue shaping the future of the California State University through our systemwide strategic planning process, your insights and perspectives remain vitally important. We are entering the second phase of stakeholder engagement and invite and strongly encourage you to participate in one of the upcoming virtual town hall sessions to share your thoughts on the future direction of the CSU.

These interactive sessions will provide an opportunity for faculty, staff, students and community members to contribute ideas, ask questions and engage in meaningful dialogue about our systemwide priorities.

Upcoming Virtual Town Halls:

Wednesday, February 12 | 10:00 – 11:00 AM

Friday, February 14 | 9:30 – 10:30 AM

Thursday, February 20 | 2:00 – 3:00 PM

Friday, February 21 | 9:00 – 10:00 AM

Wednesday, February 26 | 12:00 – 1:00 PM

Thursday, February 27 | 10:00 – 11:00 AM

Wednesday, March 5 | 2:00 - 3:00 PM

Thursday, March 6 | 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Please be sure to register to secure your spot in an upcoming session.

In addition to the town halls, we also encourage you to continue sharing your feedback through the CSU Strategic Planning engagement platform, where you can contribute ideas and stay informed about the systemwide strategic planning process.

Again, I strongly encourage you to participate and thank you in advance for being a vital part of this effort. Your participation helps ensure that the CSU strategic plan reflects the diverse needs, aspirations and strengths of our university community.

Support and resources related to immigration enforcement

February 4, 2025 - Sacramento State is committed to creating a safe and supportive environment for all members of our campus community, regardless of immigration status. Presidential executive orders and other messaging coming from the federal government are understandably creating anxiety, fear, and questions about how to navigate potential interactions with immigration enforcement officials in the event they come to campus. In this message, we are sharing important tools, guidelines, and upcoming opportunities for education.

This message is divided into two sections: guidance for employees who may need to interact with immigration enforcement officers on behalf of the university; and guidance to students and employees who may be the target of immigration enforcement actions.

GUIDANCE FOR EMPLOYEES WHO MAY NEED TO INTERACT WITH IMMIGRATION ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS

1. Sacramento State is a public university and a large portion of our campus, like all CSU campuses, is open to the public. The areas on campus that are open to the public, like the campus quads and walkways, are also open to federal immigration enforcement officers. However, immigration officers cannot enter areas that are not open to the public, such as residence halls, classrooms while class is in session, confidential meeting rooms and spaces, or employee offices unless the officer presents a valid judicial warrant or declares that exigent circumstances exist. Exigent circumstances are emergency situations that would allow immigration officers to enter a location without a judicial warrant. (For more information see CSU FAQ No. 2)

2. Sacramento State has designated two administrators to review all immigration enforcement documents. If an immigration enforcement officer approaches you to gain access to a nonpublic area of the University campus, or to obtain confidential student or employee records, do not voluntarily grant access. Respectfully inform the officer that you lack authority but will immediately contact our designated campus administrators, whose contact information is listed below. If neither of these administrators is available, contact the University Police Department (UPD) at 916-278-6000.

Machelle Martin, senior associate vice president for Human Resources, 916-278-4400, machelle.martin@csus.edu

Bill Hèbert, associate vice president and dean of students, 916-278-6602, b.hebert@csus.edu

3. If immigration enforcement officers declare exigent circumstances, or enter nonpublic spaces without permission, do not interfere or obstruct them. Immediately contact UPD at 916-278-6000.

4. The CSU has prepared the following resource materials to educate and assist employees concerning interactions with immigration enforcement officials:

→ FAQs for CSU Employees about Federal Immigration Enforcement Actions on University Property.

→ Presentation Slides: Responding to Immigration Enforcement Requests to Access Nonpublic Areas on Campus and/or Student or Employee Records; training posted to CSULearn.

→ Quick Reference Guide: What to Do If a Federal Immigration Enforcement Officer Requests Access to University Property or Records.

→ California Attorney General Guidance and Model Polices to Assist Universities in Responding to Immigration Issues.

5. Additional Resources

→ Resources for Undocumented Students

→ Resources, Guides and FAQs

→ Free Legal Immigration Services

→ Sacramento State’s Immigration-related Information and Resources page

GUIDANCE FOR STUDENTS/EMPLOYEES PERSONALLY IMPACTED BY ENFORCEMENT

Sacramento State is dedicated to supporting all students, staff and faculty. Many support resources are available concerning immigration enforcement activities.

Talk to a Free Immigration Service Provider. Get free legal advice now and plan how to respond to potential immigration enforcement encounters. To schedule an appointment, visit the Dreamer Resource Center and click on Free Immigration and Legal Services.

Make a Plan. Access the Immigration Preparedness Toolkit and Family Preparedness Plan developed by the Immigrant Legal Resource Center to help immigrants with no legal status or in a mixed-status household create a strategy to protect themselves and their family members.

Know Your Rights. Take time to figure out which documents you should and should not carry with you. Always carry a red card documenting your immigration rights card. Printed copies are available at the Dreamer Resource Center. For more information, see this handout from the Immigration Legal Resource Center.

University Support. Contact Dean of Students Bill Hèbert at 916-278-6602, or senior associate vice president for Human Resources Machelle Martin at 916-278-4400 if you are approached by ICE or become aware of ICE presence on campus.

Stay Informed. CSU promotes and posts free webinars presented by our Immigration Legal Resource Providers on its webpage, including a list of upcoming webinars.

STUDENT SUPPORT SERVICES ON CAMPUS

Counseling and Mental Health Services: Student Health, Counseling, and Wellness Services offers confidential support for students dealing with stress, anxiety, and other mental and emotional needs that comes with being undocumented or mixed-status.

Dreamer Resource Center: Engage with the Dreamer Resource Center, a space that offers support, resources, and advocacy for undocumented and mixed-status family students.

Cultural and Identity-based Resource Centers: If you are navigating the intersection of undocumented status with other identities, our numerous cultural and academic resource centers offer additional support and resources.

Basic Needs and Crisis Assistance Support: Utilize resources like the basic needs food pantry, emergency housing assistance, and financial support for essential needs to lighten the cost of necessities.

Legal Services: Access free legal assistance through the Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights (CHIRLA) for matters related to immigration, DACA renewals, and other legal issues impacting undocumented students. Make an appointment here.

Academic and Tutoring Support: Engage with academic counseling and tutoring services to ensure you have the support you need to navigate your courses by visiting the Peer & Academic Resource Center.

Workshops and Information Sessions: Attend workshops that address key topics including immigration laws, DACA updates, and know your rights strategies during this time. Register here.

EMPLOYEE SUPPORT SERVICES ON CAMPUS

Employee Assistance Program. Mental health and wellness resources for faculty and staff are available through the Employee Assistance Program.

Legal Services: Employees are entitled to free legal assistance for matters related to immigration, DACA renewals, and other legal issues impacting employees. Make an appointment here.

We remain committed to student success and educational access for all of our students. Our guiding principles are rooted in our mission, student needs, and our role as a Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI), an Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander-Serving Institution (AANHPI-SI), and a Black-Serving Institution (BSI).

Now more than ever, a strong, welcoming, and inclusive community is essential to our ability to achieve our mission, and we remain dedicated to ensuring that every member of our campus feels supported, valued, and empowered to succeed. Please continue to take care of one another.

The Spring 2025 Commencement schedule is now available

January 24, 2025 - It is with great excitement that we announce that spring 2025 Commencement ceremonies will take place May 16 and 17 at Golden 1 Center. We look forward to celebrating all spring and summer 2025 graduates with their friends and families.

Sacramento State’s Commencement website has been updated with the detailed schedule and other important information about spring Commencement ceremonies. Spring and summer 2025 graduates should read the “Graduate Information and FAQ” page for answers to common Commencement-related questions.

Eligible graduates must register to participate in Spring Commencement. In early March, eligible graduating students will receive an email to indicate that the Commencement registration link in their Student Center is active so they can register and claim guest tickets. Each eligible graduate will be allotted seven guest tickets to their specific ceremony. A step-by-step guide to claiming guest tickets will be available on the Commencement website in early March.

Only spring 2025 and summer 2025 graduates are eligible to participate in spring 2025 Commencement ceremonies. We are unable to accommodate requests for exceptions.

We look forward to celebrating this significant occasion with our Hornet Family.

Stingers Up!

Introducing our first VP for Research & Innovation

January 13, 2025 - Earlier today we announced the appointment of Dr. Erika Cameron to the position of provost and senior vice president for Academic Affairs, and that Interim Provost Dr. Carlos Nevarez will continue to serve in that role until Dr. Cameron joins us on March 17.

I am excited to also announce that Dr. Nevarez has agreed to serve in an inaugural senior leadership role, as interim vice president for research and innovation. At the fall budget town hall, I shared that given our current budget outlook, we would be creating this critical position to help support research, creative endeavors, and economic development by increasing the amount of indirect dollars brought to campus. Dr. Nevarez will assume this role when his tenure as provost ends.

In this new role, Dr. Nevarez will be responsible for advancing knowledge through research, scholarship, and creative activities, providing leadership and collaborative guidance to the Offices of Research, Innovation, and Economic Development (ORIED), Sponsored Projects (SPA), campus research centers, graduate studies, and doctoral programs, as well as regional campuses, including Placer Center.

This position was created in response to concerns raised during our fall 2023 listening sessions around our support for research and the need to create the infrastructure necessary to expand research productivity. Currently, Sacramento State is one of the top universities in the CSU system in terms of total grant and contracts awards. These awards provide funds to researchers to advance our mission and directly support scholarship, labs, and studios. In this new role, Dr. Nevarez will lead our efforts to support and expand these efforts and move Strategic Action items 5 and 6 forward.

Dr. Nevarez’ deep expertise in educational leadership, proven track record of scholarly productivity, and comprehensive understanding of our institutional dynamics based on his 24 years at Sacramento State make him an ideal and highly qualified candidate to drive our research and economic development initiatives. Dr. Nevarez previously served as a professor of Educational Leadership and Policy Studies, founding director of our nationally ranked Doctorate in Educational Leadership program, and division chair of Graduate and Professional Studies in the College of Education before taking on the role of interim provost in January 2022.

Under his leadership, Sacramento State achieved significant improvements in student success metrics, including increasing four-year graduation rates from 21% to 30%, maintaining 81% one-year retention rates, and reducing DFW rates by 5-10% across colleges. His efforts in advancing faculty research development led to a 30% increase in grant awards, while his equity-focused leadership resulted in successful initiatives like the disbursement of $1.6 million in Provost Grants to 1,820 students to support academic success and increase graduation rates. As steward of a $229 million Academic Affairs budget, he managed resources effectively while implementing strategic financial frameworks and faculty development initiatives that contributed to Sacramento State's ranking as the No. 5 Best Undergraduate Teaching Institution in the West by U.S. News & World Report.

Dr. Nevarez’ nationally recognized scholarship includes over 30 publications spanning articles, books, policy briefs, and technical reports, earning him the Dr. Carlos J. Vallejo Memorial Award for Lifetime Scholarship from the American Education Research Association’s Multicultural/Multiethnic Education Special Interest Group in 2022.

Please join me in thanking Dr. Nevarez for his service as provost over the last three years, and in congratulating him on this new role. We are excited about our two incoming senior leaders, whose expertise and vision will help drive innovation and excellence at Sacramento State.

Stingers Up!

Erika Cameron, Ph.D., named Provost and Senior VP for Academic Affairs

January 13, 2025 - After a competitive national search, I am pleased to share that Erika Cameron, Ph.D., will join us as provost and senior vice president for Academic Affairs beginning March 17. Dr. Cameron is an accomplished academic leader with a proven track record of advancing academic excellence, supporting faculty development, and fostering inclusive educational environments.

Dr. Cameron comes to us from Palo Alto University (PAU), where she has served as provost and vice president for Academic and Student Affairs since 2021. During her tenure, she strengthened academic programs through comprehensive curriculum review processes, led successful accreditation efforts, and implemented key faculty success initiatives including a faculty compensation study and new faculty development programs.

Under her leadership, PAU achieved both Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) and Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institution (AANAPISI) designations. Dr. Cameron worked to create a strong culture of shared governance and data-driven decision-making at PAU, and was successful in securing significant external funding. Her commitment to academic innovation led to initiatives in digital mental health and global mental health, while expanding access through digital learning programs and maintaining rigorous academic standards.

Prior to PAU, Dr. Cameron served as chair and associate professor of Counseling at the University of San Diego from 2009-2021, where she led curriculum development, faculty recruitment, successful accreditation processes, and developed innovative global study courses across the globe. Her scholarship focuses on counselor education, leadership, and multicultural counseling, and she has been recognized with multiple awards including the American Counseling Association's Counselor Educator Advocacy Award and the Outstanding Faculty Member Award from USD's School of Leadership and Education Sciences.

A native of Honolulu, Hawaii, Dr. Cameron earned her bachelor’s degree in Graphic Design from Bradley University as a Division I student-athlete in volleyball. She earned her M.Ed. in Guidance and Counseling from the University of Hawaii, Manoa, and her Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision from the University of Missouri, St. Louis.

Carlos Nevarez, Ph.D., will continue to serve as interim provost until Dr. Cameron joins us on March 17. Please join me in thanking Dr. Nevarez for his service as provost over the last three years, where he led significant student success initiatives, including a jump in four-year graduation rates from 21% to 31%, maintaining an 81% one-year retention rate, and reducing DFW rates by 5-10% across colleges. His efforts in advancing faculty research development led to a 30% increase in grant awards, while his equity-focused leadership resulted in successful initiatives like the disbursement of $1.6 million in Provost Grants to 1,820 students to support academic success and increase graduation rates.

I also would like to thank the members of the provost search committee for their dedicated service and careful evaluation of an impressive group of candidates for this critical role.

Please join us in welcoming Dr. Cameron, her husband Stefan, and their children to Sacramento and to the Hornet Family.

Stingers Up!

Support and resources for those impacted by LA area wildfires

January 9, 2025 - As you know, the horrific fires in the Los Angeles area are causing widespread and heart-wrenching devastation to many, including members of our Hornet Family. This week, Gov. Newsom declared a State of Emergency and secured a major disaster declaration from President Biden to provide state and federal support for those impacted. Our hearts are with all those affected by the fires, and we want to ensure everyone is aware of the resources available to our campus community.

The University is actively reaching out to students who live in the affected areas to ensure they are safe and to offer resources and support. University Housing and Hornet Commons are reopening early for their residents at no charge. Students who need information about how to arrange early move-in can call University Housing at 916-278-6655 or Hornet Commons at 916-226-9857.

The CARES Office is available for students in need of housing, food, or other basic needs support. It is open 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Thursday and 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m. on Friday, and can be reached at 916-278-5138. Student Health, Counseling and Wellness Services is open for those who need physical or mental health support.

Students who need assistance finding other resources can reach out to the Dean of Students Office at 916-278-6060 or deanofstudents@csus.edu.

Faculty and staff seeking support can visit the Employee Assistance Program webpage, which has information about free, confidential services including counseling.

As these fires continue to wreak havoc and cause devastating losses, please continue to take care of one another and yourselves, and stay safe.

Please RSVP to attend the Spring Address

January 7, 2025 - As we prepare to launch another exciting semester, all members of the campus community are invited to attend the Spring Address for important updates and information about campus initiatives and upcoming plans on Thursday, January 16, at 9:00 a.m. in the University Union Ballroom. The address will be followed by light refreshments and an opportunity for networking with colleagues. Please RSVP to confirm your attendance.

If you cannot attend in person, the livestream will be available from our campus events web page, where you can also access a recorded version of the address. ASL-to-English interpretation and real-time captioning will be provided. Additional accommodations can be requested on the RSVP form no later than Jan. 9.

Stingers Up!

Archive of Presidential Communications

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• 2024 - Spring
• 2023 - Fall
• 2023 - Summer