Earlier this year, it was reported that Sonoma State University was eliminating its entire athletic department, several degree programs, and six academic departments amidst a period of significant financial hardship for the institution. As a result of these changes and the consolidation of other academic departments, the university cut 46 faculty positions, four management roles, and 12 staff positions.
One of the eliminated academic programs was the department of women’s and gender studies and its accompanying bachelor’s degree. In response to the department’s closure, a group of alumni, students, community members, and organizations launched SaveWGS, a coalition that aims to save the department.
“This department is more than a major. Its termination will have a devastating impact on campus and the surrounding community,” reads the SaveWGS website. “We are working to save our beloved department and the invaluable resources it provides on campus, in Sonoma County, and beyond.”
More information on SaveWGS initiatives can be found here.