Walkouts occurred across the state as UC students, professors and faculty members protested the budget cuts that are affecting every campus in the state.

The rallies, which took place on Sept. 24, included state schools like San Francisco State. The biggest impact was at UC Berkeley, where thousands of students and staff picketed, marched and held teach-ins in defiance of the cuts that have forced the layoff of hundreds of employees and imposed a furlough system that prevents professors from taking time off.

The UC Regents are also expected to raise tuition rates by 45 percent next year, effectively preventing many students from affording a public higher education.

The marching prompted a response from major UC officials.

“We will be conducting a comprehensive study of our costs – what we spend on what activities – and developing concrete options that improve our operations while reducing costs,” said UC Berkeley Chancellor Robert J. Birgeneau in response to the outcry shown.

The administration will begin conducting an assessment of how best to operate and provide the best education they can despite the proposed budget cuts.

The effects of the budget cuts are felt on local community college campuses as well.

De Anza was forced to cut 100 sections from its offerings fall quarter. Similar cuts were made at Foothill, preventing thousands of students from enrolling into the classes they want, and inflating waitlists to record numbers.

The rallies served their purpose of attracting a lot of attention, and more are planned for Oct. 23. All college students statewide, including those at community colleges, are encouraged to participate.