Sacramento State will be offering a new concentration on the practical applications of artificial intelligence in spring 2026, with its first students completing a trial run this semester.
Offered through the College of business, one of Sac State’s moast popular and impacted programs, the new Artificial Intelligence concentration is one of the first in the entire CSU system.
Joseph Taylor,the department chair for the Management,Data Systems and Business Analytics Department said this new concentration will provide students with hands-on skills to develop and implement AI solutions in organizations.
“From vibe coding to change management,our students will be prepared to implement tangible solutions through AI tools,” Taylor said.”the program was designed based on professional experience with emerging AI tools, as well as insights from leading technology professionals in our region.”
Taylor said this program is an AI management concentration of the bachelors of Science in Business Administration. Taylor said the university will also be launching AI management training for working professionals.Currently, the College of Business offers 10 concentrations with more than 50 students already enrolled in two courses offered this semester: Responsible Use of AI and Cloud and AI Infrastructure.Taylor said the focus is on developing skills that employers are actively seeking in the current job market.“`html
California Leads the Nation with New AI Disclosure Laws
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california is at the forefront of regulating artificial intelligence (AI) with the passage of two new state bills,SB 93 and SB 942. These laws aim to increase clarity regarding AI-generated content and protect consumers from potential deception.
Understanding SB 93: Political Ads and Deepfakes
SB 93 focuses specifically on political advertisements. It mandates that any political ad featuring content substantially generated or altered by AI must include a prominent disclaimer. This disclaimer must clearly state that the content is AI-generated.
Key Provisions of SB 93:
- Disclosure Requirement: Political ads using AI-generated images, videos, or audio must clearly indicate this.
- Focus on “Substantial” Alteration: The law targets content where AI plays a significant role in creation or modification.
- Effective Date: january 1, 2026
SB 942: Verifying AI-Generated Content
SB 942 takes a broader approach, requiring companies that create or distribute AI-generated content to provide tools for verification. This means businesses must offer a way for the public to determine if content was created or altered by thier AI systems.
How SB 942 Works:
- Verification Tools: Companies must provide free, publicly accessible tools.
- Content origin: These tools will help users verify if content originated from a specific AI.
- Broad Request: Applies to a wider range of content than SB 93, not just political ads.
- Effective Date: August 2, 2026
sac State and the Integration of AI in Education
In 2023, Sacramento State University launched the National Institute on Artificial Intelligence in Society (NIAIS) to integrate AI into campus life. While funding for the institute was discontinued in April 2025, the university continues to explore ways to equip students with AI skills.
Preparing Students for an AI-Driven Workplace
“We want our students to graduate with hands-on experience using AI tools that are becoming standard in nearly every industry,” says Sadaf ashtari, a professor of information systems at Sac State. “Adopting new technology at a large university isn’t always easy. The pace of innovation is incredibly fast,new tools are released almost every month while the university approval process takes time.”
Ashtari highlights the challenges of integrating rapidly evolving AI technologies into academic curricula, noting the lengthy review processes required for adoption.
key Takeaways
- California is proactively addressing the challenges posed by AI-generated content.
- SB 93 focuses on transparency in political advertising, while SB 942 aims for broader content verification.
- Universities like Sac State are working to prepare students for a future where AI skills are essential.
- The implementation of these laws and educational initiatives will be crucial in navigating the evolving landscape of AI.
FAQ
What constitutes “substantially generated or altered” content under SB 93?
The law doesn’t provide a precise definition, leaving room for interpretation. Though, it generally refers to content where AI substantially contributes to the creation or modification of the original material, rather than minor edits or enhancements.
Are ther penalties for violating these laws?
Yes. Violations of SB 93 and SB 942 could result in fines and other legal consequences,as persistent by the relevant enforcement agencies.
How will these laws impact smaller businesses and content creators?
Smaller businesses and individual content creators will need to be aware of the disclosure requirements and ensure they have access to tools for verifying AI-generated content if they utilize AI in
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