Student Defense Releases Guidance on Responsible Use of AI in College Admissions
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 27, 2026
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Student Defense Releases Guidance on Responsible Use of AI in College Admissions
Washington, DC – Student Defense today released a new guide on the “Dos and Don’ts of AI in College Application Evaluation,” which offers colleges and universities a framework for the responsible use of artificial intelligence in admissions processes.
The report says admissions offices are increasingly turning to AI tools to streamline administrative tasks because many of them “operate under a significant administrative pressure, with shrinking budgets and growing numbers of applications.” The guide warns that unchecked systems could undermine the fairness and trust in college admissions, and that AI tools can “introduce or amplify bias, erode applicant trust, and raise serious legal and ethical concerns.”
The guidance is part of Student Defense’s SHAPE AI Initiative (Safeguarding Higher-Ed through AI Practices & Ethics). It gives institutions ten principles for harnessing AI responsibly. Each is illustrated by a hypothetical scenario to help explain the risks associated with integrating the new technology into higher education without proper guardrails. Key recommendations include:
Require human accountability for every admissions decision
Disclose how AI is being used in the admissions process before applicants apply
Adopt formal policies governing AI use by admissions staff and monitor compliance
Train admissions staff thoroughly and continuously on the AI tools being used
Protect student data by minimizing data collection and controlling vendor access
“AI is changing many aspects of higher education faster than most people realize. While AI has the potential to have a positive impact on the admissions process, there’s an increasing need to ensure colleges and universities deploy these tools responsibly with proper guardrails in place,” said Dan Zibel, Vice President and Chief Counsel of Student Defense. “Admissions offices need to think critically about how they’re integrating AI. It’s a powerful new technology, but deploying it carelessly could create significant legal and ethical risks, and undermine trust in the admissions process.”
This guide builds on Student Defense’s Student AI Bill of Rights, which was published in April as a part of the SHAPE AI Initiative. Additional guidance on AI use in higher education, including recruitment, marketing, and financial aid, will be released in future SHAPE AI publications.
Read the Dos and Don’ts of AI in College Application Evaluation here.
Student Defense hosted a press call about this report on May 25. Watch the recorded call here.
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