This Month in Academic Affairs | June 2026
Wow. We turned our Commencement ceremonies up to 11 this year. Thanks to all of you who helped put together the multitude of culminating activities for our seniors. The banner above displays our 2026 Teacher Residency Program Completion Celebration (left) and our 2026 Commencement (right).
And now it’s June in Academic Affairs.
Watch the recording! We discussed our institutional mission in a time of change for higher education.
On May 20, faculty and staff came together for Revisiting Mission in a Time of Change in Higher Education. We explored how colleges and universities - particularly liberal arts institutions - across the country are navigating shifting enrollment patterns, financial pressures, and growing expectations around career readiness while remaining true to their core missions. This conversation laid the groundwork for our continued discussions this fall as we reaffirm our mission and chart our path forward together. Watch the recording here.
Join me in congratulating Professor Daniel Soto on being named Educator of the Year by the Rohnert Park Rotary Club.
Dr. Soto was recognized at the Rotary Club’s 10th Annual Salute to Community Awards Reception. This honor celebrates individuals who exemplify high ethical standards, community service, and Rotary's principle of “service above self.” We are proud to see Professor Soto recognized for his dedication to education, leadership, and service to the community.
The National Women’s History Project Collection is now available thanks to our University Library.
The National Women’s History Project Collection features primary source materials documenting the history of women's advocacy, education, and public recognition efforts. The archive includes organizational records, correspondence, lesson plans, publications, photographs, posters, promotional materials, and more. The collection is especially meaningful because it highlights Sonoma State University's connection to a nationally influential women's history initiative while expanding access to resources that support teaching, scholarship, and student research. It will be of particular interest to faculty, students, and researchers in history, education, gender studies, ethnic studies, political science, sociology, and archival studies.
Our music graduates rank #1 nationally in earnings four years after graduation.
That’s right, #1.
Our music graduates earn more, on average, four years after graduation than graduates from many larger and more widely known institutions. It is great evidence that our arts and humanities programs provide students with the skills, experiences, and preparation needed for career success. Congrats to our Music faculty, students, and alumni. You can find the source, The HEA Group’s LinkedIn post, here. They’re a higher education policy and research organization, and you can explore and download some of their data here.
Our MESA Summer Undergraduate Research Program starts today.
Ten students are working alongside faculty members Dr. Lisa Hua, Dr. Monica Lares, and Dr. Alexandra Miller from June 8 through July 31. The eight-week program provides intensive, hands-on research experiences that help students develop technical skills, strengthen their understanding of the research process, and build confidence for future academic and professional pursuits in STEM fields. The projects span a broad range of STEM disciplines, including cell biology, microbiology, bioinformatics, metabolic health, and theoretical physics.
And on June 15, the EXCEL program returns to campus.
Sonoma State will host the EXCEL program on campus this year in partnership with Santa Rosa City Schools. This partnership offers an opportunity to welcome Santa Rosa students to Sonoma State while strengthening connections between the university and regional K-12 partners. This year’s courses include Inventors Workshop, Amazing Escape Room, S.T.E.A.M. Lab, Ocean Explorers, Carnival and Amusement Park MAKER, and more! You can read more on the EXCEL website.
Register for this year’s Sonoma State Summer Writing Retreat by July 5.
Our third-annual Sonoma State Writing Retreat is coming up Monday, July 6, through Friday, July 10! Whether you're working on a scholarly article, grant proposal, graduate thesis, or novel, this retreat offers you an opportunity to prioritize your writing. Join other SSU faculty and graduate students for five days of writing sessions, lunch breaks to connect and share, and Zoom sessions to keep you motivated. Graduate students can also access a special thesis formatting workshop. Learn much more here on the registration page. Sponsored by Academic Programs and the Office of Graduate Studies.
Finally, I'm happy to share that I'll be out of the office for the next couple of weeks on vacation. My son graduated from Petaluma High School on Friday, and my family is heading out on a Pacific Northwest road trip, including a stop to explore the tide pools of Olympic National Park. Wish me luck with the playlist negotiations along the way.
Whether you're enjoying a staycation here in Sonoma County or planning a getaway of your own, have lots of fun and safe travels.
Stacey J. Bosick, PhD
Interim Provost & Vice President