Erik Brandt DIscusses MCAD AI Usage Policy

Chair of the MCAD Design Department and graphic design professor Erik Brandt recently gave an interview with Monitor Saint Paul about Artificial Intelligence (AI) usage within an academic setting. He explained how MCAD’s recent AI policy prohibits the use of AI on any project unless directly approved by a professor. “[This generation is] really, really interested in telling their own stories. They want that authorship and independence.” Brandt said. He also explained how MCAD’s student body is hyper aware of AI’s environmental impact, and so there’s no pushback or policing needed.

He also expressed concern and consideration for how future generations of students, who learn about the uses of AI at a younger age, may show other academic blind spots. “You have to ask the question… what are [future students] going to take for granted and how [will] we teach them the basics?” Brandt said.

Learn more

• Real Education with Artificial Intelligence
  (monitorsaintpaul.com—August 8, 2025)