In a system that often leaves us looking for more, students must supplement their education with experiences found outside of a lecture hall.

UCSC students rallied alongside teachers, community activists and other students for tax increases for the rich and budget reforms. Some activists remained in the Capitol and were arrested, including 23 UCSC students.

Students, staff and faculty rally nationwide at various institutions of higher education to garner support for public higher education. At 11 CSUs, students staged peaceful sit-ins and engaged in talks with administration.

The latest statement made by Gov. Jerry Brown that the UC system could see campus closures and double tuition in the near future reflects just how ill the system is. If the UC is to be saved from certain death, Californians must band together to revive it.

Is it safe to say that the UC system is falling apart? With university leaders talking about “fundamental changes” thanks to even more budget cuts, 500 million dollars worth to be exact, it’s our hope here to do what we can to make sure those changes don’t mean more cuts to TAs.

UCSC student and Commission on the Future member Victor Sanchez talks to City on a Hill Press about the Commission’s recent proposals.

Students protest across the state on the March 4 Day of Action.

The California Master Plan for Higher Education turns 50 this year, and continues to be a point of contention for students, politicians, and citizens of the state.

Governor Schwarzenegger addresses prison spending and funding for higher education in his State of the State address and 2010-2011 budget proposal.

State funding cuts to the UC isn’t new. Contributions to the UC’s budget from the state of California have almost halved in the past 40 years. This coincides with the steady increase in student’s fees. The Regents measure to raise fees by 10.3 percent will mark the fifteenth time UC undergraduates have experienced an at least 10 percent increase in their cost of education from the previous year.