The Master Plan for Higher Education, adopted by the Legislature in 1960, was designed to create a coordinated, affordable system with distinct missions for community colleges, the California State University system and the University of California. Community colleges were expected to focus on vocational training, adult education and preparing students to transfer to CSU and UC campuses. The CSU system would provide bachelor’s degrees and master’s programs in fields such as education, engineering and other professions, while UC would serve as the state’s primary research institution and offer doctorates in addition to undergraduate and graduate degrees.

But the clean division of responsibilities envisioned in the plan has eroded over time. Economic pressures, political decisions and changing student needs have pushed the three systems into competition rather than cooperation. In addition to seeking state funding for campus growth and operations, the systems have increasingly battled over academic territory.

In recent decades, community colleges have sought authority to offer four-year bachelor’s degrees in select career fields, arguing that such programs can provide lower-cost, locally accessible pathways for students. CSU leaders have often resisted those efforts, saying some proposed programs duplicate existing university offerings. At the same time, CSU has pushed to expand doctorate programs, a move the UC system has viewed as encroaching on its traditional role.

Those conflicts have exposed the limits of a higher education structure created for a different era. Rather than broadly reconsidering the missions of the three systems, lawmakers have addressed disputes piecemeal, approving individual expansions with restrictions meant to ease opposition. The result is a patchwork of community college bachelor’s programs and CSU doctorate offerings governed by academic and geographic limits.

The latest dispute emerged in February, when the California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office approved three new bachelor’s degree programs at Mesa College, Moorpark College and Southwestern College despite objections from CSU officials, who argued the programs overlapped with existing university offerings.

Soon after, lawmakers introduced two bills intended to make it easier for community colleges to add bachelor’s degree programs. Senate Bill 960 and Assembly Bill 2694 would limit the ability of CSU to block proposed community college programs on the grounds that they duplicate existing degrees within certain geographic areas.

The measures are opposed by four-year universities, whose concerns come as the CSU system faces stagnant or declining enrollment. Still, the proposals are advancing, reflecting continued legislative interest in expanding degree options at community colleges.

The debate carries consequences for students across California, including those in Southern California and the Inland Empire, where access, affordability and proximity to degree programs remain major concerns. Community colleges often serve students who are place-bound by work, family responsibilities or transportation barriers, while CSU and UC campuses remain key destinations for students pursuing traditional four-year and graduate degrees.

The competition is likely to intensify as California’s population growth slows or declines. Fewer K-12 students ultimately mean fewer college applicants, and enrollment plays a major role in how much state funding campuses receive.

That demographic shift adds urgency to calls for a comprehensive update of California’s higher education plan. Supporters of a new approach argue the state needs a system designed around current workforce demands, student access and regional needs, rather than continued disputes over institutional boundaries established in 1960.

Original source: CalMatters

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A new report from the California Department of Technology identifies six “high-risk automated decision systems” currently in use by state agencies. The systems are used for purposes that include estimating whether incarcerated people may reoffend, screening unemployment claims for possible fraud, administering remote exams for California State University students and detecting whether students used generative artificial intelligence to complete assignments.

The findings were released Friday as part of an annual disclosure required under a 2023 state law. The law requires state agencies to report automated systems that assist or replace human judgment in decisions with legal or similarly significant consequences. That includes decisions affecting housing, education, employment, credit, health care and criminal justice.

The disclosure marks a significant shift from the state’s first report last year, when officials said they had no such systems in use. That answer drew scrutiny because some state agencies were already known to be using automated tools in sensitive areas.

Among the systems identified in the new report is COMPAS, a tool used by the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation to assign recidivism risk scores to incarcerated people. The department has used the system for at least a decade, according to previous state records.

Another system involves the Employment Development Department’s use of automated fraud detection in unemployment claims. The department’s fraud screening came under criticism after benefits for about 600,000 Californians were paused between Christmas and New Year’s in 2020, according to a Legislative Analyst’s Office report.

Civil rights, privacy and civil liberties organizations pushed for the 2023 reporting law because of concerns that automated systems, including artificial intelligence tools, can reproduce or worsen bias. Similar technologies have faced criticism nationally for alleged problems in high-stakes testing, criminal justice risk assessments and tools that claim to detect AI-generated writing.

The Department of Technology said this year’s inventory found more systems because officials conducted a more detailed review of agency responses. The department said it followed up with agencies and asked additional questions about how their tools are used.

In addition to the six systems deemed high risk, the report lists six other automated tools that were initially flagged but later determined not to meet the law’s high-risk definition. One of those was an AI tool used by the California Department of Finance to analyze legislative bills.

The report also identifies two high-risk systems that are not currently active. The Department of Cannabis Control is developing artificial intelligence to review whether cannabis packaging violates rules meant to prevent marketing that appeals to children. California State University, meanwhile, discontinued use of a language model that had been used to review job applications.

The new disclosure comes as public agencies across California are beginning to catalog their use of AI. San Jose and San Francisco recently released their first AI inventories. At the same time, California-based AI companies, including OpenAI and Anthropic, are increasingly seeking government work as public debate intensifies over how the technology should be regulated.

Surveys have shown that many Californians remain wary of artificial intelligence. Polling by TechEquity and Carnegie California found that more Californians prioritize safety protections over rapid innovation. National polling has reflected similar concerns.

An effort in Sacramento to place more limits on automated decision-making stalled last month. Senate Bill 1248 would have barred state workers from using automated decision systems as the sole basis for making decisions, but the measure died during the Legislature’s appropriations process.

Despite the new report, major questions remain about how broadly AI is being used across state government.

The disclosure does not include several generative AI pilot programs supported by the governor’s office. Those projects include tools intended to help businesses file taxes, assist state employees working on homelessness and support a state AI assistant called Poppy. According to a state website, Poppy uses large language models, including Anthropic’s Claude, to help draft documents, research policy and build custom AI tools. The state says 67 departments provided input during the pilot phase, with a statewide rollout scheduled to begin next month.

Also absent from the report is a California State University contract with OpenAI to provide a version of ChatGPT. Research and surveys on AI use in schools have raised concerns that the technology can create problems as well as benefits in educational settings.

The reporting law also excludes some major public institutions, including the judicial branch and the University of California system. That leaves out areas where AI is already emerging. Recent reporting found that a majority of California’s roughly 60 courts have adopted policies on generative AI use. Courts in Los Angeles and Riverside counties have begun testing an AI tool designed to function like a clerk by drafting orders and preparing legal research memos.

For Inland Empire residents, the issue is not abstract. Automated systems are increasingly being tested or used in areas that can touch daily life, from public benefits and college coursework to courts and corrections. The state’s latest report offers a broader look at those tools than last year’s disclosure, but it also shows that California’s accounting of government AI use remains incomplete.

Original source: CalMatters

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Nestled in the heart of Riverside County, San Jacinto is a city that’s surrounded by not only scenic beauty but also an array of esteemed educational institutions. Prospective students in the vicinity have a multitude of choices when it comes to higher education, with everything from community colleges to universities within reach. Let’s explore the top five colleges near San Jacinto, California that have garnered praise for their academic excellence, campus life, and student support.

UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, RIVERSIDE (UCR)

Located roughly 25 miles from San Jacinto, UCR stands as a beacon of academic achievement and diversity. As part of the prestigious University of California system, UCR offers a wide range of undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs. The campus, sprawled over 1,200 acres, is home to the renowned UCR Botanic Gardens. With research opportunities and a commitment to sustainability, UCR consistently ranks among the top national universities. Its ethnic diversity and focus on inclusivity further make it an attractive choice for students from all backgrounds.

CALIFORNIA STATE UNIVERSITY, SAN BERNARDINO (CSUSB)

Approximately 30 miles to the north of San Jacinto, CSUSB offers a robust curriculum in a variety of fields. With a strong emphasis on community engagement and hands-on learning, CSUSB has received accolades for its business, social work, and education programs. The picturesque San Bernardino Mountains serve as a backdrop, providing students with a serene learning environment. The university’s commitment to affordability and its reputation for fostering a diverse student body make it a standout in the region.

MT. SAN JACINTO COLLEGE (MSJC)

Closer to home, MSJC is a community college serving the San Jacinto Valley and surrounding areas. With campuses in San Jacinto and Menifee, as well as other learning centers in the region, MSJC is an accessible choice for those seeking associate degrees, certifications, or a path to transfer to four-year institutions. Praised for its student-centered approach, MSJC offers smaller class sizes, fostering a close-knit educational community. Moreover, its strong ties to local industries ensure that students receive relevant training for the workforce.

LOMA LINDA UNIVERSITY (LLU)

Situated about 35 miles from San Jacinto, LLU is a health-sciences institution grounded in the Seventh-day Adventist Christian view. Known for its medical, dental, pharmacy, and public health programs, LLU emphasizes whole-person care, integrating physical, mental, and spiritual health. Students benefit from cutting-edge facilities and patient-care experiences, preparing them for careers in health care and research. The university’s emphasis on service makes it unique, with many students engaging in mission work both locally and internationally.

RIVERSIDE CITY COLLEGE (RCC)

Founded in 1916, RCC is one of the state’s oldest and most respected community colleges. Just a 30-minute drive from San Jacinto, RCC is known for its strong programs in arts, sciences, and vocational studies. The campus boasts a historic Quadrangle and other architectural gems, making it a picturesque place to study. RCC’s transfer rates to four-year institutions are impressive, and it is often seen as a stepping stone to universities within the UC and CSU systems.

In conclusion, the area surrounding San Jacinto, California, is rich with academic options for students of all aspirations. Whether one is seeking a two-year degree, planning to transfer to a university, or aiming for a specialized program, these five colleges represent some of the best the region has to offer. Their commitment to excellence, inclusivity, and community engagement ensures that students not only receive a top-tier education but also become well-rounded individuals ready to make a mark in their chosen fields.

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