Digital Summer Institute
Your Creativity.
Your Rights. Your Voice.
Understand AI — on your terms.
About DSI
The College of Art and Design's Digital Summer Institute (DSI) offers cutting-edge summer courses at the intersection of creativity and artificial intelligence.
Learn to:
- Protect your images and authorship
- Understand copyright, ethics, and ownership
- Use AI in collaborative team work
- Engage in exploratory projects across the creative process
The Digital Summer Institute supports artists, designers, and storytellers in developing the knowledge, confidence, and agency to make informed creative choices.
*No prerequisites or technical background required.
AI Copyright and Business Strategies
AI and Copyright for Creatives
IDEA 506 (undergraduate) | IDEA 606 (graduate)
This course introduces the foundations of copyright law and examines its evolving role within contemporary creative practice and emerging AI technologies. Students will explore the historical and legal frameworks of intellectual property, analyze the ethical and practical challenges of AI-generated and AI-assisted work, and develop strategies for protecting creative rights in a rapidly changing technological landscape. Through case studies, legal documents, contracts, and critical discussion, students will strengthen their ability to make informed, ethical, and sustainable decisions as creators and creative leaders.
*Class is offered fall 2026 and summer 2027
AI Business Strategies for Creatives
This course examines how artificial intelligence is transforming creative industries, professional practice, and business decision-making across contexts ranging from sole proprietors and small studios to larger creative firms and interdisciplinary organizations. Students will explore the ethical, legal, and strategic implications of AI through topics including creative workflows, intellectual property, policy, and emerging business practices. Through case studies and applied projects, students will develop practical strategies for evaluating and responsibly implementing AI within their own creative practice.
*Class is offered spring 2027 and summer 2027
Instructor of the Courses
Rachel DiNunzio Adjunct Faculty
Rachel DiNunzio '11 (illustration) is an author, illustrator, designer, and educator whose work spans publishing, branding, entrepreneurship, and creative practice. An award-winning creator of more than 20 books for children and young readers, she has collaborated with clients ranging from Apple to the Jim Henson Company. At RIT, she teaches courses in design, professional practice, and creative entrepreneurship, helping emerging artists and designers build sustainable careers. Her work explores the intersection of creativity, authorship, intellectual property, and emerging technologies.
Registration and Contact
Registration
Will be available through SIS closer to summer 2027
Summer Tuition (3 credits)
Contact
Shanti Thakur
Director and Professor
CAD Digital Summer Institute
sktpph@rit.edu