OUR APPROACH
Grounded in Values, Designed for Action
AI at El Camino College is guided by a simple principle: technology should enhance human capability, not replace it.
Our approach ensures that AI:
Supports student success and workforce readiness
Expands access and reduces barriers
Protects privacy and institutional integrity
Operates transparently and responsibly
Evolves through continuous learning and improvement
Rather than over-engineering governance, we focus on clear expectations, practical safeguards, and real-world application .
CORE COMMITMENTS
Our Guiding Principles
The values shaping how El Camino College approaches artificial intelligence.
01
Human-Guided Use
AI is used to support — not replace — human judgment. Critical decisions affecting students and employees always include human involvement.
02
Equity & Student Impact
AI must improve outcomes for all students, with particular attention to access, inclusion, and fairness.
03
Transparency & Clarity
We are clear about when and how AI is used — especially in services or decisions that affect individuals.
04
Privacy & Safety by Design
Student and institutional data are protected through responsible tool selection, vendor oversight, and secure practices.
05
Continuous Learning & Improvement
AI is evolving — and so are we. We continuously refine our practices through training, evaluation, and shared learning.
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HOW AI IS GOVERNED
A Simple, Practical Framework
To keep governance clear and actionable, AI at El Camino College is organized into four focus areas:
01
Teaching & Student Success
02
Student Services & Institutional Use
03
Data, Privacy & Technology
04
Risk, Oversight & Accountability
Focus Area 01
Teaching & Student Success
AI supports learning, instruction, and workforce preparation across the college.
Classroom use and expectations Academic integrity and assessment Student AI literacy and career readiness
Focus Area 02
Student Services & Institutional Use
AI is used to enhance services while maintaining accountability and access.
Advising, enrollment, and financial aid Chatbots and student-facing tools Employee-facing systems
Key principle: Students and employees always retain access to human support.
Focus Area 03
Data, Privacy & Technology
AI tools must meet institutional standards for safety and compliance.
Approved AI tools and platforms Vendor review and data protections Responsible use of institutional data
Focus Area 04
Risk, Oversight & Accountability
Higher-impact uses of AI require stronger safeguards and review.
Human oversight Clear communication Ongoing monitoring and review
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RISK-BASED APPROACH
Not All AI Is The Same
El Camino College uses a risk-based model to ensure the right level of oversight.
Tier 1
Foundational Use
Everyday productivity tools such as drafting, summarizing, and brainstorming.
Status
Allowed with general guidance
Tier 2
Operational Use
AI supporting institutional workflows or student-facing services.
Status
Requires department-level review
Tier 3
High-Impact Use
AI influencing decisions about people — students, employees, or communities.
Requires
Human involvement
Transparency
Formal review
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FROM PRINCIPLES TO PRACTICE
Turning Strategy Into Impact
AI at El Camino College is not theoretical—it is actively shaping how we:
Support students
Improve operations
Prepare learners for the workforce
Our approach allows us to move from: exploration → adoption → impact
While maintaining:
Human judgment
Equity and access
Privacy and security
Institutional accountability
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