A protest against proposed tuition fee rises and higher education spending cuts is due to take place this afternoon.
The Students’ Union said that Sussex University had taken a supportive approach to students who wanted to miss lectures to attend the demo.
The Students’ Union said: “As this is a Wednesday, there are very few core undergraduate and postgraduate teaching events starting after 1pm.
“Members of staff responsible for timetabling are looking at whether any changes can be made if they are required.
“However, other types of teaching activities and meetings are scheduled for that afternoon (for example, adult education or faculty research seminars) and these will go ahead.
“A number of assessment submissions are due at 4pm on Wednesday 24 November and it has been agreed that these deadlines will be reset to 4pm on Thursday 25 November.”
A number of school pupils are also expected to attend with many signing up on Facebook to a site urging others to “bunk off school” for the protest.
The demo will start in Dyke Road Park, Hove, near Brighton, Hove and Sussex VI Form College (BHASVIC).
The protesters will march to Churchill Square in Brighton and disperse once they have reached Victoria Gardens.
Chief Superintendent Graham Bartlett said: “Sussex Police is aware of a planned walkout and day of protest at educational institutions organised by the National Campaign Against Fees and Cuts.
“The day aims to mobilise university and college students across the country to protest against the proposed increase in tuition fees and cuts to education funding.
“As such, we anticipate students in Sussex to be involved in some way.
“We fully recognise people’s democratic right to peacefully protest and Sussex Police will facilitate such demonstrations where necessary.
“Some people may have concerns following the well-documented violent acts seen during London’s recent demonstration.
“We do not anticipate any such problems during the Sussex events.
“However, we will not condone illegal acts as a way of voicing discontent.
“Our aim is to provide a safe and secure environment for protesters and local residents, to minimise disruption to our local communities and to prevent crime and disorder.
“We have been engaging with the organisers of the march in Brighton, who have been very co-operative and have informed us of their planned route.
“This has helped us plan for the event, although exact numbers of protesters are unknown.”
