Schedule of Events

The A-G Requirements are a set of courses high school students must complete for admission to the California State University and University of California systems. They are intended to ensure students enter college with a baseline of academic skills and knowledge to ensure future success. However, there is very little research regarding the effectiveness of this policy. This study attempts to assess efficacy of the A-G requirements via interviews with educators and former students within a case study of a single school. Data for this study was gathered through two different methodologies. The first was digital site visits to gain a better understanding of the A-G Requirements. The second was interviews with educators and high school alumni to capture data regarding individual experiences with A-G. Findings suggest the A-G Requirements, as implemented at this specific school-site, do not necessarily accomplish their goals of better preparing students to enter higher education. Educators and former students generally supported the general goals and approach of the A-G Requirements, though there is room at the district level to modify how the A-G Requirements have been implemented.
 
 

Since the election of President Trump, there has been debate regarding the construction of a wall along the United States/Mexico border. This is a study assessing the effectiveness, feasibility, and economic implications of a wall’s construction, providing an analysis of whether the construction of a physical barrier is worth the costs it is expected to have on United States security. Data for this study was collected in three ways. First, background information was collected in the form of a literature review, focusing on past relevant border security policies in the United States and analyzing instances of other border walls throughout history. Second, a series of interviews was conducted with professionals in various positions, all of whom would be affected by this change in border security. Third, sites pertaining to border security were visited to provide further observations of current border security implementation. The research for this project indicates that the construction of a wall along the United States’ southern border is both feasible and an effective means of addressing border security concerns. Previous instances of border walls have proven to dramatically decrease the amount of unwanted border crossings, and current border security policies in place give President Trump the authority to take such action as the leader of this nation’s executive branch. Furthermore, prototypes have already been constructed, and construction plans with the wall are moving forward. In regard to economic implications, research collected through interviews indicates that overall, the border wall is worth the economic costs.

Development of controversial Alt Right socio-political thought has disseminated into college campuses across the United States through provocative speakers and demonstrations. First Amendment rights protect these groups and their right of free speech. However, many of these Alt Right groups cross the line into arguably threatening speech and hate speech with questionable academic merit, which ought to legally limit their rights on university campuses. Campus Administrations nationwide have been left with the issue of regulating and mitigating this discourse in attempt to hold true to their duty as hubs of academic free thought, but also a place where students, faculty, and staff, feel physically safe. Data for this study was gathered via literature review and interviews of relevant individuals and organizations. Methods utilized in the study are: 1) Analysis of the First Amendment and its right to free speech as interpreted in the past on university campuses. 2) Analysis of policies and regulations universities employ regarding outside speakers 3) interviews with relevant university officials and student groups. Preliminary research and analysis has shown two patterns. The first pattern has shown that persons interviewed from both the left and right side of the political spectrum agree that Free Speech is not unlimited, and have given reason as to why with often intersecting or similar evidence. The second pattern has been the trend that all interviewees are in some sort of agreement that Free Speech ought to be balanced with other concerns of a university, such as academic value, pluralism, and physical safety.