The university has faced backlash from faculty and students since announcing it would slash academic and athletic programs in the face of a $24 million deficit.

Emotions flared Thursday afternoon as students and faculty gathered outside Sonoma State's student center to watch the town hall meeting set up by administrators to answer questions about the university's recently announced budget cuts.

Hundreds rallied at Sonoma State University as officials held a virtual town hall a week after announcing massive academic cuts and the elimination of athletics.