Admissions

ArtCenter Admissions Policy on the Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI)

ArtCenter College of Design’s application and portfolio review process aims to assess applicant readiness to enter one of our creative programs. Applicant materials, including but not limited to the creative portfolio and essays, must represent the applicant’s true abilities so that this assessment can position admitted students for success in the ArtCenter classroom and community.

While we acknowledge that artists and designers might use generative AI as a part of their creative processes, the work submitted in the portfolio must be a representation of the creator/author’s true facility with the creative skill sets that are relevant to the major to which they are applying. As such, we require that all applicants adhere to the same standard for Generative AI usage that is upheld in ArtCenter’s classroom.

Namely, the use of generative AI in the development and/or creation of any component of the application and creative portfolio must be cited and the author/creator of the work submitted is ultimately responsible for the veracity and fidelity of the content generated. Potentially acceptable uses of AI might include:

• gathering background information or references
• exploring concepts or industry trends
• organizing research
• understanding emerging technologies and creative workflows

Failure to cite and disclose the use of generative AI is considered a violation of ArtCenter’s Admission Policy on the Use of Artificial Intelligence. In addition, use of AI to misrepresent true applicant facility with creative skillsets that must be performed successfully in ArtCenter’s classroom will be considered a violation of this policy. ArtCenter reserves the right to decline applications with materials that do not clearly differentiate AI usage from the author/creator’s personal facility.

Honesty and integrity are critical facets of a creative practice and are essential to learning and education. ArtCenter requires that all applicants represent themselves truthfully not only in our admissions process but also as an ArtCenter student. It is incumbent upon the applicant to represent themselves and their work in such a way that the review committee can clearly differentiate their work from AI generated work. ArtCenter reserves the right to utilize AI verification tools to assess the degree of usage AI usage in creating application materials and may decline applicants if their actual competencies cannot be clearly assessed due to the non-disclosed use of AI or the disclosed use of AI in a manner that prevents clear assessment of relevant skillsets.

Undisclosed AI

If ArtCenter reasonably suspects that an applicant has used AI in violation of this policy, there may be further communication with the applicant and consultation with a subject matter expert. If ArtCenter determines that based on a preponderance of the evidence that AI was used in a way that violates this policy, ArtCenter reserves the right to deny admission to any applicant. ArtCenter will address suspected AI violations on a case-by-case basis.

Violations

If ArtCenter determines that an applicant has submitted materials that violate this policy or otherwise misrepresents authorship, the College reserves the right to:

• remove the application from consideration
• deny admission
• rescind an offer of admission
• revoke admission if a violation is discovered after enrollment
• take any additional action consistent with College policies regarding application fraud or misrepresentation

Questions

Applicants who are uncertain whether a particular technology, workflow, or project complies with this policy are encouraged to contact the Admissions Office before submitting their application.