SLIPPERY ROCK — A group of 100 Slippery Rock University students, faculty and administrators held a rally on campus today, in response to Gov. Tom Corbett’s proposed education budget cuts.

Jace Condravy, president of SRU’s Association of Pennsylvania State College and University Faculties (APSCUF) chapter, said at the rally that the proposed cut of about 50 percent from the state system will burden students and parents with additional charges, and will hurt universities, causing some students not to attend college.

“You are our most valuable resources,” Condravy said about students. “You have a contribution to make with that degree in hand.”

Jeremiah Rosser, president of SRU’s student government association, said the governor did not have an easy choice, but he is concerned about the implication of the cuts.

“This could mean smaller programs being cut and possibly faculty being cut,” Rosser said.

He noted that the budget has not been finalized, so students and faculty can try to reach legislators to convince them to modify the budget.

University Provost William Williams said SRU’s mission is to provide high quality, affordable education to Pennsylvania taxpayers.

“As the money is cut, both of those are challenged,” Williams said.

He said it is important for faculty, staff and students to work together against the budget cuts.

“We need what we have today: unity,” Williams said. “We all have to be advocates, for our school, for our state and for the good of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.”

University President Robert Smith said students should contact legislators about the budget.

“The Legislature is our friend,” Smith said. “We think that our students have a good story to tell our legislators.”

The rally was held in conjunction with the 14 other schools in the state system.

People who attended the rally agreed that the issue is important.

Seth Sykora-Bodie, a student from Slippery Rock, said he was not surprised by the large turnout.

“It’s funny that people suddenly care when they didn’t care four months ago,” Sykora-Bodie said.

Carolyn Steglich, a biology professor, said the cuts are a bad idea.

“The notion that we deserve a whole lot less is just silly,” Steglich said.