Dear Colleagues,

Most, if not all of us, have utilized AI to search for information on the internet, find our way to new locations with GPS, and request help from digital assistants like SIRI and Alexa. But technological advances and the November 2021 launch of OpenAI’s generative ChatGPT created a massive shift in adoption and exploration. 

At UC Riverside, colleges and departments across campus have been working with AI to process large amounts of data, elevate robotic design, and reimagine technology with AI to solve problems in exciting new ways for decades. Others have examined how AI changes education or wrestled with ethical considerations for humans and quantified environmental impact.

To further research collaboration while working to train the next generation of AI researchers and leaders, Provost Watkins and Vice Chancellor Torres recently announced the creation of a Campus Interdisciplinary Research Center (CIRC) which will be called the Riverside Artificial Intelligence ReSEarch, or RAISE Institute, under the direction of Professors Amit Roy-Chowdhury (Electrical and Computer Engineering) and Vassilis Tsotras (Computer Science and Engineering).  

The creation of RAISE marks the beginning of a new era at UCR.  

Regent Policy on Discretionary Statements, Websites

Another important update this month relates to new directives from the California Legislature and the UC Board of Regents regarding campus climate and freedom of expression. As part of the state budget act, the legislature will withhold $25M in funding until UCOP submits a report to the Legislature confirming communication of campus climate notifications across all campuses (SB 108, Section 219, provision 34). 

The University of California’s commitment to free speech and academic freedom remains solid. Of course, one of the ways we uphold our freedoms is by communicating clearly both rights and responsibilities of free expression within the campus context. Soon, you will receive comprehensive information about free speech, codes of conduct, campus policies, and consequences for violation of policies or law, among other related topics, as part of our compliance with SB 108.

I also want to direct your attention to the recently approved Regents Policy 4408: Policy on Public and Discretionary Statements by Academic Units. Everyone should carefully review this policy, especially the definition and use of discretionary statements. Discretionary statements can no longer be placed on the main homepage of an academic unit website though they may be placed on a separate page designated for statements. Additionally, academic units that want to issue discretionary statements need to have clear procedures for determining what to say as well as disclaimers to identify whose opinion is represented. 

Please review the entire policy and be on the lookout for more information to guide us as we move toward the start of fall quarter.

Regents Policy 4408: Policy on Public and Discretionary Statements by Academic Units link.