The Environmental Scan, made filterable
Spring 2025 baseline — 8 regions, 122 colleges, 3 entries, 9 notes · updated scan (latest: June 2026) adds 7 source-verified findings (4 new). Every entry is tagged with one or more Vision 2030 domains: People · Policy · Systems · Resources.
Los Angeles
filter to regionEngaged People
- 🆕AI course taught by award-winning faculty; CSIT chair Anna Chiang. CIS 107 is taught by Professor Bill Williams, a 2024 Black Engineer of the Year (BEYA) Science Spectrum Trailblazer awardee and former aerospace IT director. Anna Chiang, Chair of the Computer Science & Information Technology Department, is the named departmental lead and contact for AI courses. 2026 · high confidence — source
PeopleResources
Team/Lead: West Los Angeles College/ Library Faculty Ryan Edwards
- Computer Science and Information Technology (CSIT) Department: Actively involved in AI through curriculum development and course offerings:
- Library Faculty
- Library Guides: Artificial Intelligence
- Workshops: AI tools into research practices.
2 linked resource(s) — show status
Policies
Policy
Team/Lead: West Los Angeles College
- Not yet found. Appear to rely on student conduct code academic honesty.
- “Violations of Academic Integrity include, but are not limited to, the following actions: cheating on an exam, plagiarism, working together on an assignment, paper or project when the instructor has specifically stated students should not do so, submitting the same term paper to more than one instructor, or allowing another individual to assume one’s identity for the purpose of enhancing one’s grade.”
1 linked resource(s) — show status
Resources
- 🆕New CIS 107: AI Generative Prompt Engineering & Applications (Spring 2026). West launched CIS 107, a fully online course in prompt engineering and AI application development using no-code/free/open-source tools, with the Spring session beginning February 9, 2026. The official PR Office news item (dated Feb 1, 2026) frames it as affordable, accredited AI training accessible via fee waivers and free-tuition programs. 2026 · high confidence — source
- 🆕CIS 107 launch covered by regional press (Argonaut News). The Argonaut (Feb 5, 2026) reported West LA College launched CIS 107: AI Generative Prompt Engineering and Applications, taught by Professor Bill Williams, positioning it as a lower-cost alternative to for-profit AI bootcamps for university-bound students, working professionals, career changers, and entrepreneurs. 2026 · high confidence — source
- 🆕CIS 106: Introduction to the Foundations of AI. Search results attributed to WLAC describe CIS 106 'Introduction to the Foundations of AI' (3 units) as a beginner course requiring no prior programming, using no-code AI tools to cover AI and natural-language-processing concepts plus AI ethics, bias, and societal impact. Course exists per the Computer Science & Applications Division but a primary catalog page could not be directly retrieved (site blocks automated fetch). 2025 · medium confidence — source
- AI & Machine Learning track in Computer Science & Applications Division. The college's Computer Science & Applications Division lists 'AI & Machine Learning' as one of its named program tracks (alongside Data Science & Data Analytics, Cybersecurity, etc.), offering certificate and associate-degree paths. The division page advertises informational sessions running Jan 24-June 6, 2026. 2026 · high confidence — source
- Library AI/ChatGPT LibGuide for faculty and students. The WLAC Library maintains an 'Artificial Intelligence' LibGuide (last updated June 25, 2025) covering ChatGPT FAQs, how other colleges address ChatGPT, AI-detection tools (GPTZero, Copyleaks, Originality.ai, Turnitin), sample/revised lesson plans and assignments, sample syllabus statements, and the library's Primo Research Assistant AI tool. The guide notes policy should be set at the faculty/department level and does not publish a college-wide AI policy. 2025 · high confidence — source
- Data Science certificates framed around AI/machine learning. The college's Data Science area-of-study page describes data science as closely related to AI, providing 'the data and foundational techniques, like machine learning, that AI relies on,' and offers a Certificate of Achievement in Data Science Essentials and a Certificate of Achievement in Data Science (including CS 121 Python Programming for Data Science and Machine Learning). 2026 · high confidence — source
ResourcesPeople
Team/Lead: West Los Angeles College
- AI in Research Workshops: The Library sponsors sessions to help students and staff enhance research quality using AI tools. wlac.edu
- AI LA's IDEAS Program: WLAC promotes participation in this hybrid program, offering online courses, mentorship, and hands-on projects in AI. instagram.com
- AI-Related Courses: WLAC offers a Certificate of Achievement in Data Science Essentials, covering data analysis and foundational AI concepts.