Before Deploying AI in Admissions, Ask Why

The National Student Legal Defense Network released a 10-point framework for colleges to responsibly use AI in admissions, warning of risks like bias and legal concerns. The guidelines emphasize transparency, human oversight, and clear policies to ensure ethical AI integration amid growing adoption by institutions." "article": "The National Student Legal Defense Network published a set of 10 Dos and Don’ts for colleges using AI in admissions, part of its SHAPE AI initiative. The guidelines aim to prevent bias, legal risks, and ethical concerns as more institutions adopt AI tools to review applications. The framework follows the group’s earlier Student AI Bill of Rights, which emphasizes transparency, fairness, and human oversight for students. The guidelines stress that colleges should define clear goals for AI use before implementation, assign accountability, and ensure transparency with applicants. Madeline Wiseman, senior counsel at Student Defense, warned against adopting AI simply to follow trends, urging institutions to assess how it aligns with their objectives. Highly selective schools like the University of Michigan Law School have experimented with AI, such as optional prompts testing applicants’ AI literacy. However, the framework insists AI must be used carefully and disclosed to applicants. The group acknowledges AI’s potential to improve efficiency but cautions that unchecked use could amplify bias or erode trust. The guidelines also highlight the need to monitor AI models for disparate impacts, protect student data, and keep systems updated. Dan Zibel, vice president of Student Defense, emphasized the high stakes of admissions, urging institutions to address potential issues proactively. The resource was developed with input from institutional leaders, policy experts, and consumer advocates, offering a practical roadmap for ethical AI deployment.