Three CSUs to merge administrative networks amid budget crisis

The proposed San Francisco Bay Region Network will allow SFSU, Cal State East Bay and Sonoma State to share administrative and finance services

Paula Sibulo, Editor-in-Chief • Mar 25, 2025

Neal Wong

The Student Services and Administration of California State University, East Bay on June 6, 2024. (Neal Wong / Golden Gate Xpress)

In an effort to reduce administrative costs, San Francisco State University announced the creation of a singular transactional operations network with Sonoma State University and California State University, East Bay.

The proposed network, named the San Francisco Bay Region Network, will integrate all finance and administrative services from the three universities and may include services under the library, Title IX/DHR operations, back-office financial aid, admissions, records and other enrollment services, according to messages sent today by the three universities’ presidents.

The cost-saving proposal comes as all three CSUs project operating deficits for the upcoming academic year — $42.3 million at SFSU, $23.9 million at SSU and $20 million at CSUEB.

“I am excited to embark on an innovative approach to both control expenses and provide high-quality administrative services for an entire region — all with the goal of continuing to serve our students in our distinctive locations,” said CSUEB President Cathy Sandeen.

While merging their resources, CSU Chancellor Mildred García repeatedly said in today’s Board of Trustees meeting that the three universities will continue to operate as three separate, independently accredited institutions. Garcia endorsed the presidents’ commitment.

“On its face, this effort to not only be innovative and proactive, but also to work that leverages our systemness and is consistent with our educational mission,” said Garcia.

The presidents noted in the messages that there are currently no plans to reduce employees.

SFSU President Lynn Mahoney said the plan is still in its beginning stages and the three universities will work on a “high-level timeline.”

“We hope this work will create new efficiencies which will allow us to continue aligning our budgets to current enrollment and budget realities while serving our students and colleagues in the manner they deserve,” said Mahoney.

The three university presidents will share the timeline and more details about the plan at the Board of Trustees meeting in May.

About the Contributors

Paula Sibulo, Editor-in-Chief

Paula Sibulo is the editor-in-chief for Golden Gate Xpress. She is a third-year student majoring in Broadcast Electronic Communication Arts (BECA) and minoring in journalism. Growing up in Marietta, Ohio, Paula frequently visited her local news station, which sparked her interest in journalism. Before attending San Francisco State University, she was a reporter, anchor and social media director in Elk Grove, California, for her high school TV news program, Wolfpack TV. Paula previously worked at ABC8/FOX11 as a news intern reporting on the capital city of Charleston, West Virginia. In her spare time, she enjoys completing the daily Wordle and solving crosswords every morning at breakfast. Paula can be reached at psibulo@sfsu.edu. Paula Sibulo es la directora de Golden Gate Xpress. Es estudiante de tercer año, especializada en Comunicación Electrónica en Radiodifusión (BECA) y con una especialización en periodismo. Creció en Marietta, Ohio, y solía visitar frecuentemente la estación de noticias local, lo que despertó su interés por el periodismo. Antes de asistir a la Universidad Estatal de San Francisco, fue reportera, presentadora y directora de redes sociales en Elk Grove, California, para el programa de noticias de TV de su escuela secundaria, Wolfpack TV. Paula trabajó anteriormente en ABC8/FOX11 como pasante de noticias, reportando sobre la ciudad capital de Charleston, West Virginia. En su tiempo libre, Paula disfruta completar el Wordle diario y resolver crucigramas todas las mañanas durante el desayuno. Paula puede ser contactada en psibulo@sfsu.edu.

Neal Wong, Managing Editor

Neal Wong (he/him) is the managing editor for Golden Gate Xpress. He is a fourth-year journalism student and minoring in education. He is also a proud San Franciscan who was born and raised in the city and attended George Washington High School. He has been on staff since 2023 but his work has also been published by multiple publications including Richmondside, the San Francisco Bay View, and Mission Local. Neal has also created and taught courses in SFSU’s Experimental College. His hobbies include traveling, cooking and reading the news. You can contact him at nwong20@sfsu.edu. Neal Wong (él) es el director general de Golden Gate Xpress. Es estudiante de cuarto año de periodismo con una especialización en educación. También es un orgulloso sanfrancisqueño, nacido y criado en la ciudad, y asistió a George Washington High School. Ha formado parte del personal desde 2023, pero su trabajo también ha sido publicado en varias publicaciones, incluyendo Richmondside, San Francisco Bay View y Mission Local. Neal también ha creado y enseñado cursos en el Experimental College de SFSU. Sus pasatiempos incluyen viajar, cocinar y leer las noticias. Puedes contactarlo en nwong20@sfsu.edu.