The students entered the administration building around 1:30 p.m. Tuesday afternoon and refused to leave. They accuse California State University executives of fattening their salaries while raising student fees.
This followed a series of activities that included a walkout of classes and a march around the campus. Students also signed petitions against a proposed 9 percent tuition increase for the next school year.
Students say that over the past decade, their tuition has quadrupled and they want the trustees to freeze their tuition now.
"This year alone our tuition went up by about $298 two weeks before school started," said SFSU senior Siraj Shabber. "This year, three presidents of California State University got raises of $150,000."
A spokesperson for Chancellor Charles Reed says current CSU presidents have not seen a pay increase since 2007, but acknowledged the newly-hired San Diego State University president is making $100,000 more than his predecessor.
The protesters have not decided whether to stay after the doors of the administration building close, which normally happens at 6 p.m. The administration says, however, that tonight they will leave the doors open until 11 p.m. when the night classes close.
The rally has been peaceful and there has been no police presence.
Trustees are holding a meeting Wednesday at Long Beach to vote on a budget for the 2012-2013 academic year.
