The Bridge Plan is Broken: Sonoma State Faculty Demand Accountability

Faculty at Sonoma State University are calling on the CSU Board of Trustees to reject the so-called “Bridge to the Future Plan” and instead embrace a bold, community-driven vision that reflects the university’s longstanding commitment to public education and the liberal arts. 

During a recent campus visit, state legislators joined faculty and students in voicing frustration with the repackaged proposal, criticizing its lack of detail and failure to present a compelling or sustainable strategy for the university’s future. 

Faculty and student representatives pointed out that, despite administration’s claims, the Bridge Plan lacked genuine input from the campus community. Leadership’s messaging diminished the importance of statewide student recruitment efforts, promoting instead a “backyard approach” focused solely on local partnerships. Public comment quickly refuted that narrative. 

“They will all be gone soon,” one speaker said, referring to interim campus administrators. “And they’re leaving the aftermath to us.” 

Senate President Pro Tem and Sonoma State alum Mike McGuire spoke candidly: 
“I can only imagine there’s frustration at the Chancellor’s Office today. They thought they put together a plan that would work for all of us—but we all feel ignored. I’m used to open, honest, and blunt communication.” 

The proposed cuts would eliminate cornerstone programs in the arts, humanities, and sciences — fields that have long defined Sonoma State’s unique identity as a small, vibrant liberal arts campus. Although campus leadership has framed these eliminations as budgetary necessities, faculty point to data showing the plan would increase the university’s deficit by $3.4 million. 

“This plan makes no sense. It undermines our mission, bypasses shared governance, and betrays the very students we are here to serve,” faculty said. 

But faculty aren’t just resisting–they’re offering solutions. They are calling for an immediate change in leadership, including the appointment of a faculty-nominated interim president by the Board of Trustees. This would pave the way for a transparent and inclusive search for a permanent leader. 

“For three decades, we’ve had outsider leadership with no real commitment to our mission,” said one faculty member. “It’s time for someone who truly understands the value of this campus and the students we serve.”

Faculty also challenged the idea that students choose universities based only on flashy marketing or narrow career outcomes. One professor shared the story of a standout student who chose Sonoma State for its campus beauty and intimate learning environment—a student now thriving as a double major and peer mentor. 

“Market that. Send us more like her,” he said.

Faculty argue the Bridge Plan isn’t just flawed–it’s dangerous. It marks a retreat from Sonoma State’s promise of accessible, high-quality liberal arts education and undermines the diverse student body that depends on it for transformative academic experiences.

Visiting legislators pledged to hold the CSU Chancellor’s Office accountable, calling on leadership to match their rhetoric with action.

“Put your money where your mouth is,” one said.