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Otis College of Art and Design: AI Philosophy

At Otis College of Art and Design, we recognize the transformative potential of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in promoting innovation and efficiency. As an institution committed to academic freedom, ethical principles, data security, intellectual property, and the promotion of unique artistic and design practices, we aim to guide our community toward the responsible and thoughtful use of AI. 

Otis College is a leader in preparing art and design students for professional careers within their chosen creative fields.  The college is ranked in the top 25% of all higher education institutions for its high return on investment for students as manifested by impressive annual employment placement rate for recent graduates. With that career preparation focus in mind ,the College provides opportunities for  training in the most up-to-date technologies that are utilized in creative industries, including AI. It is equally imperative that the College ensures that AI serves as a tool rather than a replacement for human ingenuity and learning. 

Academic Freedom and AI

Otis College upholds academic freedom as a cornerstone of intellectual and creative exploration. Faculty, staff, and students are encouraged to engage with AI as a tool for inquiry, experimentation, and expression, provided that its use aligns with ethical guidelines, fosters independent thought, and preserves the integrity of original work. AI should be leveraged to continue to engage the development of critical thinking, artistic expression, and scholarly rigor.

Responsible AI Use

Generative AI tools and Zoom’s AI Companion can serve as valuable tools for research, ideation, and workflow enhancement. Faculty, staff, and students are encouraged to utilize AI responsibly for:

  • Enhancing understanding of work-related topics through research.
  • Brainstorming and generating ideas for projects.
  • Assisting in technical tasks such as creating formulas, developing, and debugging code.
  • Drafting professional communication such as emails or letters.
  • Summarizing research and creating structured outlines to inform original content
  • Experimentation within existing methods and processes that are discipline specific..

While AI can aid in creative and academic endeavors, it remains a supplement to human originality, expertise, and ethical responsibility.

Intellectual Property Considerations

Otis College exists to empower students to shape the world.  We stand for authenticity, originality, and rigor of one’s work.  Faculty, staff, and students should exercise caution when using AI-generated content for creative and scholarly works, ensuring that their contributions remain original and ethically sound. The protection of intellectual property is essential in fostering a culture of artistic and academic integrity.

Privacy and Data Security

User privacy and data security are paramount. Faculty, staff, and students must refrain from inputting sensitive or proprietary information into open AI platforms. Compliance with FERPA and other privacy regulations is required, and any use of AI in handling protected data must be pre-approved by relevant departments.

AI in Education: Supporting Student Learning and Originality

Proper citation of AI tools is required when they contribute to the development of research or creative projects. Plagiarism will be subject to academic integrity policies, including the uncredited use of AI-generated text, images, or ideas. AI should not be used to misrepresent authorship or falsely claim original insights.

Otis College upholds high standards of factual integrity and academic honesty. AI-generated content must be rigorously fact-checked before use. It should not be used if reliable sources cannot verify AI-produced information. Plagiarism, misinformation, and any form of academic dishonesty are strictly prohibited. Any AI-assisted content must be properly cited and acknowledged to maintain ethical and academic standards.

Otis College embraces AI as a dynamic learning, creativity, and problem-solving tool while maintaining a firm commitment to ethical and responsible use. We acknowledge that AI is rapidly evolving, and our policies will continue to adapt to meet future challenges and opportunities in art, design, and education.

Otis College of Art and Design’s Institutional Learning Objectives describe our approach to learning and what we expect of our students. The ILOs encompass five key areas. The responsible use of AI aligns with these five areas:

  • GROW: Disciplinary Knowledge and Skills – Students must develop expertise in their disciplines, using AI as a tool to support, rather than replace, their technical and conceptual growth while maintaining the integrity of their practice.
  • DARE: Creativity – AI should enhance exploration and risk-taking, serving as a generative tool that expands creativity without replacing originality and authorship. 
  • REFLECT: Critical Thinking, Contextual Awareness, and Communication – Students should critically assess AI’s role in shaping culture, media, and knowledge, using it ethically to question biases, evaluate sources, and support original thinking rather than replace independent analysis, writing, or creative expression.
  • CONNECT: Interconnectedness and Relationality – Students must recognize AI as part of a broader ecosystem of human and non-human beings, understanding that while AI can facilitate teamwork, it should not diminish the value of human interaction and collective creation, and they must engage with ethical AI practices that acknowledge the social, cultural, and environmental impacts of their work.
  • SHINE: Career Readiness – Students should develop the ability to integrate AI responsibly into their professional practice, adapting to industry trends while maintaining originality, critical engagement, and ethical integrity.  

Looking Ahead

Otis College of Art and Design is dedicated to preparing students for an evolving creative landscape. By fostering ethical engagement, maintaining academic freedom, and ensuring AI serves as a tool rather than a crutch, we empower our community to navigate AI's opportunities and challenges with confidence, integrity, and originality. Faculty, staff, and students are encouraged to consult the College's AI policies and resources through the relevant academic offices or email for any questions or guidance regarding AI usage.

  • Karen Hill, co-chair, Vice President, Human Resources & Development

  • Dwayne Moser, co-chair, Dean of Academic Affairs

  • Nick Negrete, Vice President, Student Affairs and Campus Diversity & Inclusion

  • Ron Bernard, Chair of Animation

  • Elsa Harris, Professor, Liberal Arts and Sciences

  • Riah Buchanan, Associate Professor, Graphic Design

  • Chris Eckardt, Professor, Animation 

  • Emma Kemp, Assistant Professor, Foundation Studio  

  • Evangeline Kim, Executive Director of Enterprise Applications

  • Matthew Penkala, Director of Academic Administration

  • Jean-Marie Venturini, Senior Director of The Learning Centers

  • Natalie Salvador, Instructional Designer and Technologist, Teaching and Learning Center; Lecturer, Fashion Design

  • Jackie Weissman, Director of Marketing

  • Jonah Lawrence, Academic Programming Support Specialist, Extension

  • Dr. Angila Romious, Director of Institutional Research and Effectiveness

  • Morgan Yanni, Reference and Special Collections Librarian

  • Matthew Ballard, Director of Technology Infrastructure
  • Kim Garner, Director, Corporate Development & Partnerships
  • Lydia Wang, Manager, Learning & Development