Monthly Updates

January 9, 2026

 

Dear Colleagues,

As we move into the final stretch before go-live, we want to provide clarity on leadership alignment, team structures, and what you can expect in the weeks ahead. 

This month’s update begins with something special: a message from the SF Bay Region presidents as we enter this next phase of the Network. We’re grateful for their partnership and pleased to share their message and reflections below.

A Message from the Network Presidents

January marks a defining moment for the San Francisco Bay Region Network. As our universities prepare for the January 30 launch, we are entering a new phase of collaboration—one that strengthens our shared infrastructure while preserving the unique identities and missions of each university.

As presidents of the SF Bay Region universities, we affirm our collective commitment to the Network and the opportunities it creates for our universities today while strengthening their long-term sustainability.

 

Emily Cutrer, Outgoing President, Sonoma State University

Michael Spagna, Incoming President, Sonoma State University

Lynn Mahoney, President, San Francisco State University

Cathy Sandeen, President, Cal State East Bay

Current Highlights

Leadership Transitions and Organizational Alignment

On January 1, Network MPP reassignments officially took effect, marking a major milestone as we move toward go-live. Leaders and managers across Information Technology and Procurement & Accounts Payable now have established reporting structures within the Network. Updated organizational charts are available on the Network website to support clarity as we enter the final weeks before launch.  

 

Support Center Readiness and Go-Live Preparation

The Network Support Center (NSC) remains on track for its January 30 launch. As a shared “front door” for service requests, the NSC will provide consistent, reliable support across the region and serve as the central entry point for IT and Procure-to-Pay assistance.

Teams are finalizing supervisor guidance, day-one job aids, and help resources to ensure employees have the clarity and support they need during the first weeks of transition.

Weekly Communications & Go-Live Readiness

Beginning this week and continuing through January 30, the Network will provide weekly communications to help our university communities understand what to expect as we transition into shared operations. These messages will offer clear, timely information about changes, where to go for help, and how the Support Center and regional teams will operate beginning January 30.

In addition to written updates, the Network will host information and help sessions for campus community members and end users in IT and Procurement & Accounts Payable. These sessions will provide opportunities to learn more about the new service model, ask questions, and receive guidance as we approach go-live.

As part of this readiness effort, we will share:

 

  • Demonstrations of the new Network Support Center website: Employees will get a preview of the Support Center’s layout, ticket pathways, and key features before launch. These demos will show how to submit requests and where to find information once the site goes live.

 

  • Clear guidance on how support will work on day one: As we build up to go-live, communications will outline the services provided by the Network Support Center, how issues will be escalated, and when local university resources will still apply. These updates will also include links to support materials as they become available.

 

  • Support for East Bay and San Francisco State Procure-to-Pay transitions: As East Bay and San Francisco State implement their Procure-to-Pay go-lives on January 26, just a few days before the Network go-live date on January 30, the Network will provide targeted communications and daily office hours during the initial launch window. These sessions will offer real-time assistance and troubleshooting, ensuring employees have access to immediate support.

 

  • Targeted guidance for in-scope employees: Managers in IT and Procurement & Accounts Payable will begin convening their new teams prior to go-live to support alignment, preparation, and early team building. These sessions will help ensure staff understand how regional collaboration will work on day one and where to go for support as the Network launches.

 

  • Consistent messaging across all three universities: To ensure shared understanding and reduce confusion, all communications will be aligned across the SF Bay Region universities, with coordinated timing and consistent framing.

 

Additional communications will follow go-live to reinforce key messages, share early observations, and highlight improvements as the Network stabilizes.

Looking Ahead Together

Quick Poll: To better tailor our upcoming communications, we invite you to share what would help you understand the changes the Network will bring:

  • Open office hours with Network leaders
  • More written documentation and guides
  • Short video tutorials
  • Drop-in information sessions

Click here to vote – it takes less than 10 seconds.

Your feedback will help us refine support as we prepare for January 30.

 

As we begin 2026, we want to thank every colleague who has contributed to this work. The Network’s progress reflects the insight, resilience, and collaboration of staff and managers across all three universities.

January 30 marks our first operational step together. It is the beginning of a new model that we will refine, strengthen, and grow through continuous learning and shared commitment. We look forward to building this future with you.

In partnership,

 

     Jeff Wilson

     Project Lead, San Francisco Bay Region Network

     Vice President, Administration and Finance and CFO

     San Francisco State University | Sonoma State University

 

 

 

Karen R. Moranski

Vice President of Regional Network Transformation

San Francisco Bay Region Network

 

Monthly Update Archive