Berkeley, CA - A mock commencement convocation addressing 400 empty chairs and 40 "missing students" life-size sculptures will be held on March 9, noon, at the University of California's Sproul Plaza . A coalition of UC and community college students, faculty, union members, administrators, community members and election officials have organized this event to represent the 400 students who will be denied a UC Berkeley education if Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger's proposed budget cuts are approved. The proposed budget reductions would severely reduce the ability of low-income students and students of color to attend state colleges and universities.

“I deeply regret that we have to curtail enrollment at a time when California needs more UC graduates," said Richard Black, UCB’s Assistant Vice Chancellor of Admissions.

“The promise of higher education for all who are qualified is at the core of the California dream – we must not be the generation that dismantles the dream,” Assemblywoman Hancock echoed.

“Thousands of students with diverse ethnicities and social backgrounds would not be at UC Berkeley without the outreach programs. I am proof that the outreach programs are effective – I am the first member of my family to attend a four-year university. Now that the state is considering eliminating outreach and slashing enrollment, our chances of making it here are even slimmer,” said Maria Martinez, a first-year student at the UC Berkeley.

Deborah Badhia, Executive Director of the Downtown Berkeley Association, a local business alliance, said she fears, “losing tomorrow’s business and community leaders who must represent a wide array of consumers.”

The rally will be one of many events being held around the state on March 9 that will highlight the devastating impact of the proposed budget cuts. Students, staff, faculty members, and local leaders will share testimony on their experiences and register their concerns.