On Wednesday, USM President Theodora Kalikow said the school must evolve from providing a liberal arts education to becoming a “metropolitan university” that is closely connected with local businesses, residents and politicians. Kalikow last week proposed cutting four academic programs and as many as 50 faculty and staff positions at USM.

Kalikow has proposed cutting the American and New England studies graduate program; the geosciences and recreation-and-leisure studies majors at the Portland and Gorham campuses; and the arts and humanities major at Lewiston-Auburn College, which is part of USM.

At times, the students grew louder, chanting “Let us in” as they pounded on the provost’s door. Campus police officers prevented students from entering the office and kept control of the crowd. Other students sat on the floor, crying and hugging.

“The crisis happening at USM is part of an attack on higher education,” said Meghan LaSala, a junior in the women and gender students department. “I chose USM because it’s my home town and it’s where I live and work. I can’t stand to see it dismantled.”