This Month in Academic Affairs | October 2026
Dear Academic Affairs Colleagues,
Work is underway to revitalize Nichols Hall. Pictured in the banner above is Prof. Krista Altaker sledgehammering through a wall to unveil the rendering of the renovated building at last month's kickoff event. (Also pictured is Benny, our seasonal employee in the Provost's Suite.)
It's October in Academic Affairs.
Our Fall 2026 student demographics are in.
Students of color make up 61% of our student body. While 94% of our students come to SSU from California schools, we have students from 11 states. And women outnumber men by roughly two to one.
Credit: Kat Atwood, Institutional Effectiveness
Our Music Department made The New York Times.
Last week, The New York Times published an article titled “A College-by-College Guide to Which Majors Pay Off — or Don't,” highlighting a recent study of post-graduation earnings. Sonoma State's music graduates rank at the top nationally for post-grad earnings.
The article also includes a searchable tool that allows you to explore earnings across Sonoma State's majors. [Link to article]
This is a good time to remind you that our University Library provides free access to The New York Times for Sonoma State University staff, faculty, and students. To register for your free account, visit accessnyt.com and search for Sonoma State University. Select Faculty/Staff and create an account using your sonoma.edu email address.
UBAC has fulfilled its charge to allocate $3 million.
The University Budget Advisory Committee has fulfilled its Fall 2025 presidential charge to allocate $3 million in one-time discretionary funding from the SSU Commitment provided by the California State Legislature. Following the extended September 18 proposal deadline, final funding letters will be distributed over the next couple of weeks, and UBAC will provide a comprehensive report of the allocations following our next meeting.
Thank you to everyone who submitted proposals, shared ideas, and contributed to shaping the recommendations.
Take part in two opportunities to reaffirm our community commitments.
Restorative Circle – Brave Space: Today, October 13, at noon in International Hall 200A. This gathering provides a space to process and acknowledge the impact of recent acts of antisemitism on campus, and engage in reflection, dialogue, and mutual support.
Restorative Community Circle: Coming Together in Care and Community: Thursday, October 22, at noon in International Hall 200A. This circle provides a space for our community to come together, reflect on the impact, and support one another in light of recent reports of sexual assault at Cornell and other college campuses.
Participate in the CSU's new learning series on Free Expression, Campus Climate, and Student Success.
Beginning October 16, the CSU will offer a five-part professional learning series exploring free expression, academic freedom, civil rights, belonging, and institutional responsibilities. Faculty, staff, and administrators are welcome to participate in individual workshops or complete the full series to earn a certificate. [View the schedule and register.]
Fireside Chat with the Provost on October 19 @ 2pm
All are welcome to join colleagues and me for what is always an enjoyable conversation. We'll be near the fireplace in the Living Room of the Student Center (first floor) on Monday, October 19 at 2 p.m.
Join “It Matters: Midterm Madness” on October 29 @ noon.
Join colleagues in the Stevenson Hall Lobby for a reception and conversation about the 2026 midterm elections, followed by Professor David McCuan's lecture, Unrivaled & Unparalleled: 2026 Midterms.
Invite your students to Careers for the Common Good on October 29 @ 3:30 p.m.
Students will have the opportunity to hear from a panel of professionals, including many SSU alumni, working in government and nonprofit organizations dedicated to the common good. The panel runs from 3:30–4:30 p.m. in Ballrooms B & C in the Student Center, with light refreshments to follow.
May all your skeletons be decorative,
Stacey