UST official defends AI use in 'contemporary communication work'

An online poster and campus materials were deemed “AI slop.”

A University of Santo Tomas official defended AI use in “contemporary communication work” after the school faced criticism over visuals that appeared to be AI-generated.

On March 18, UST posted a doodle of a tiger taking an exam in front of the Main Building, wishing students “All the best in the exams!” It drew backlash, with some users calling it “AI slop.” Others questioned why the university didn’t tap students from its College of Fine Arts and Design.

Last May, a Reddit user from the “r/Tomasino” community shared photos of posters near campus drinking fountains. They showed doodles of two tigers reminding students to “Hydrate, Beat the Heat.” They all have handwritten messages in red marker, including “No to AI art!” and “You have CFAD for a reason.”

In a June 5 report by campus publication The Flame, Philippe Hernandez of the UST Communications Bureau said AI tools are used within a broader “human-led process of conceptualization, review and approval.”

“Digital tools, including emerging AI-assisted platforms, may be used in contemporary communication work, but these are never intended to replace human judgment, artistic discernment or institutional accountability,” Hernandez said.

“Moving forward, the University remains open to strengthening initiatives that involve students, academic units, and creative professionals in the development of publication and communication materials,” he added.

Hernandez stressed that AI use wasn’t meant to disrespect the “rich, creative talent” of Thomasians.

But “for any official material,” he said it’s the responsibility of the university’s “duly designated offices.”

“The use of AI or AI-assisted tools, when employed,” he said, “should be understood as part of a broader creative and editorial process. It is not meant to diminish the contribution of artists.”