Fraudulent Bots at SBCC
by Bonnie Donovan
So, SBCC wants to extend a Bond (Measure P) on your property tax bill, hmmm?
There are things going on that maybe you should know about.
First, that 20 out-of-state students were benched at Saturday’s Vaqueros football game.
Why?
Have you heard or read about it in the news?
Why not?
Second, have you read The Channels, SBCC?
We, the taxpayers, have been screwed; will that money be returned?
The headline reads: “College leaders vexed by infiltration of fraudulent bots in SBCC courses.”
“SBCC also faces an $8.6 million deficit this school year, officials say.”
Per Anika Brodnansky, Associate Editor
September 6, 2024
“Student” Loans Going to Fake AI Students and/or Bots?
The College Planning Council (CPC) convened on Tuesday, September 3, to address significant issues related to fraudulent bot enrollment and the current academic year's budget at City College. The meeting highlighted the urgent need to tackle the problem of automated systems enrolling in courses.
Paloma Arnold, Assistant Superintendent-Vice President of Student Affairs, highlighted the urgent problem of bots infiltrating City College and asynchronous classes. These bots either impersonate actual students to access financial aid or involve genuine students engaging in identity theft.
In response to the rise in fraudulent enrollments, City College has implemented fraud holds on students who exhibit suspicious behavior indicative of bot activity. This measure aims to safeguard the institution's resources and ensure that financial aid is allocated to genuine students.
The ongoing issue of fraudulent enrollments is disconcerting, particularly as it impacts genuine students at City College who are losing their opportunities in classes. Some of these fraudulent accounts are sophisticated, as they not only enroll but also submit coursework, complicating detection efforts. Ms. Arnold reported that a fraud hold was recently placed on 1,000 applications, resulting in 600 of them being eliminated from all sources.
In response to the rising concern over fraudulent enrollments, the CPC is exploring additional strategies to mitigate the issue. Proposed measures include requiring online students to collect their financial aid checks in person and reaching out to flagged students for identity verification. These steps aim to enhance the integrity of the enrollment process and ensure that legitimate students are not adversely affected.
Superintendent-President Erika Endrijonas addressed the upcoming election for three Board of Trustees seats, currently held by Veronica Gallardo, Robert K. Miller, and Anna Everett. City College will not facilitate a forum for the six candidates, adhering to their commitment to impartiality because, she says, “ they are Switzerland”.
Isn’t this America?
Endrijonas emphasized the importance of maintaining neutrality, stating that while candidates are free to promote themselves, the institution's role is strictly to share information. Meanwhile, Assistant Superintendent Brian Fahnestock presented the tentative budget for the 2024-2025 school year, revealing an $8.6 million deficit that will necessitate reallocating funds from the previous year's budget. To address the budget shortfall, the CPC intends to engage in discussions regarding prioritization of spending, identifying essential expenses and considering potential cuts. Additionally, the availability of a $2.5 million surplus from the COVID relief fund and extra rental space at Antioch College will provide some relief during this financial strain.
Endrijonas acknowledged the long-standing nature of this problem, stressing the importance of distinguishing between essential and non-essential spending. The CPC is set to meet again on Tuesday, September 17, to further discuss these matters.
Meeting in Solvang
There is a meeting being held in Solvang on October 3 beginning at 5:30 pm that all voters should attend. Discussions are afoot about doing away with Prop 13. You can learn more and register here.
No Debates for Opposition to Democrat Agenda
Not only will Democrat U.S. Representative Salud Carbajal not debate, but we also haven’t heard from our 19th District State Senator Democrat Monique Limon, who her opponent, Elijah Mack, asked to consider attending a non-traditional debate.
Santa Barbara Democrats have apparently decided that since they dominate the current political climate, they should no longer be required to either answer to their constituents or entertain the notion that they should recognize any political opposition.
During the September 10th Presidential Debate between Donald Trump and Kamala Harris, debate watch parties of all flavors were well attended. Indivisible SB arranged a sold-out watch party at Arnoldi’s Cafe in Santa Barbara. Santa Barbara Current arranged a sold-out watch party at Mesa Cafe and Bar. The citizens of Santa Barbara hunger for political engagement, and in the case of Mesa Cafe, excellent chicken wings.
Something is fundamentally broken when Santa Barbara’s top incumbents on the ballot this November will not debate their opponents. Guess they are too busy “saving democracy” to bother.
You know you’re in trouble when politicians are so confident and arrogant that they don’t even have to debate opponents during the election cycle! Think of it, no discussion, no accountability, no having to defend their policies…no problem! That is typically the modus operandi of politics in third world countries!
Why is this? Are conservative values and candidates so inconsequential that NO discussion is ever necessary?
This is all in line with the local Democratic Party machine. Again, much of this I have realized by reading SB Current and speaking with other “closet” conservatives. Yes, the local Dem machine is in lock step with public education, public sector unions, public safety, environmental groups, LGBTQ activist groups, DEI activists, UCSB Student outreach and more. Surprised? I’m not. With backing like this and the political clout that comes with it, how can they ever lose ANY election?
And to think it is Republicans that are the ones being accused of threatening democracy!
If there’s one thing I’ve learned, typically it is liberals which accuse the opposition of EXACTLY what they themselves are engaging in.
Thank you Bonnie for the informative article. Once again, I learned of issues I would have not known about if not for SB Current! Admittedly, I’ve learned more about SBCC in the last 30 days, than I have in the last 30 years! What I’ve learned is not good. Seems our public institution is rife with mismanagement, possible fraud, misappropriation of public funds and a DEI nightmare. Again, I ask the question; where is our SB Grand Jury and District Attorney in probing these and other issues? Enormous credit needs to go to those who are painstakingly asking the difficult questions and exposing corruption and misuse of public trust.
NO on Measure P! Enough is enough, we need accountability now!