Statement on the Use of Generative Artificial Intelligence

OCAD University supports the use of generative artificial intelligence (GAI) as a powerful tool for teaching, learning, professional practice and research.  

AI provides both significant opportunities and challenges for artists and designers. As such, we believe that education is essential when engaging with AI systems. This includes developing critical AI literacy, ensuring equitable access to AI tools and understanding the complexity of industrial systems such as in areas of intellectual property, privacy, potential harms, ethical implications and environmental costs.  

OCAD U champions uses of AI where learning and creativity are preserved and more widely distributed, not simply accelerated or replaced. We prioritize the use of systems that acknowledge and fairly compensate authors and contributors.  

The use of GAI continues to evolve and OCAD U will continue to review our policies and guidelines regarding the acceptable use of GAI. We acknowledge that there are both risks and opportunities in using these tools, and that is why we support students in developing critical digital literacy skills.  

This position was developed by OCAD U’s 2024-2025 AI Advisory Committee and was reviewed by OCAD U’s Senate, to guide the development of GAI-related approaches and policy across the university. The committee is chaired by Dr. Jutta Treviranus and Dr. Adam Tindale and members include students, faculty and staff with an interest and expertise in AI and GAI.  

Students using GAI in the classroom

Changes have been made to the Academic Misconduct Policy, which took effect September 1, 2025, regarding the use of generative artificial intelligence.  

These changes, approved by OCAD U’s Senate in May, 2025 after a lengthy consultation process, reflect an understanding that while GAI tools can be powerful tools for creative and research practices, the application of these tools in OCAD U classrooms will vary from discipline to discipline and course to course. 

The revised policy now provides specific guidance on the use of GAI applications, such as Sora, Midjourney and ChatGPT, recognizing that these tools may not always be relevant or appropriate for use in a course. 

Role of faculty members
 

Faculty members are responsible for setting clear and explicit parameters for the acceptable use of GAI in their courses and for each assignment. Instructors have flexibility and autonomy in choosing when and how to implement GAI according to their pedagogy, disciplines and creative practices. This means that the use of GAI will vary from class to class. 

Academic misconduct and plagiarism
 

The policy’s sections on plagiarism and other forms of academic misconduct now explicitly reference GAI. Students have a responsibility to follow the parameters or rules set by their instructors for the use of GAI in their courses and even assignment to assignment. 

Students are encouraged to consult their course outlines and assignment instructions for guidance on how GAI applications may be used and referenced. When unclear or in doubt, students should contact their instructors for clarification. 

The policy amendments also outline provisions to ensure that GAI may still be used, as appropriate, for enhancing access to learning or for accommodation purposes. 

Dr. Sandra Gabriele
Vice-President, Academic and Provost