RISD GD AI Syllabus Policy
Adopted in the fall of 2025 by the GD Faculty

RISD Graphic Design expects generative AI for creative purposes to be used intentionally, and to practice questioning the reliability and value of its outputs. The department acknowledges the nature of generative AI — systems which create content by processing existing data, physically stored in massive data centers — raises ethical concerns related to inaccuracy of information, bias, data privacy, content ownership, and environmental impact. We also want to distinguish between generative AI use for creative purposes (image and text generation, research, concept development) and accessibility purposes (text-to-speech, organization, language support).

Every instructor has their own policy for how AI may or may not be used within their class or project. If you are unclear on this policy, ask your instructor before you use AI tools in your work. If AI use is allowed, be sure to abide by RISD’s Academic Code of Conduct, and practice transparency: clearly disclose and provide citation for any AI use in your research or artistic process.

This policy will evolve as technology and our understanding develops, and we welcome ongoing conversation about responsible AI use in our community. We encourage reading through our Considerations when using generative AI, and exploring the Resources for those interested in gaining a deeper understanding of the tools.