UCDA inspires designers working in academia in North America and around the world by delivering relevant programming and benefits in a personal and thoughtful way. The organization provides for the professional and personal growth of its members, and advocates for designers’ and educators’ roles within their institution. UCDA works to elevate the importance of design overall.
UCDA: connecting, inspiring, and supporting a creative community in education
UCDA Events
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Faculty Forum: Thinking of Starting a Student Run Design Agency?
faculty forum
Faculty Forum
January 9, 2026: Thinking of Starting a Student Run Design Agency? Is there a student-run design agency at your school? How did you start it—and how’s it going? Join this open conversation to share your experiences or learn how to launch one. Discover models, challenges, and strategies for creating meaningful, student-led design experiences that make real impact. Host: Ron Smith, Ass…
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Creative Conversations: New Year Meet & Greet
Creative Conversations
Zoom
New Year Meet & Greet: Meet the UCDA Board and Executive DirectorKick off the new year with a meet and greet with our new UCDA Executive Director and say hello to the new UCDA board members. Share your professional goals, resolutions, and strategies for 2026. UCDA MEMBERS: FREE | NON-MEMBERS: $15 Registration ends at midnight the day before the event. When you register, you will receive t…
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Faculty Forum: Developing a Research Agenda
faculty forum
Faculty Forum
February 13, 2026: Developing a Research Agenda Ever wondered how to turn your creative practice or personal curiosities into a meaningful research path? Join us for an engaging conversation about clarifying the distinctions between practice-based and scholarly research within the design discipline. We’ll explore techniques for mapping your passions, identifying emerging themes, and transf…
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UCDA JOURNAL
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Meadville Lombard Theological School’s Design Renaissance: Crafting an Inclusive Identity
July 16, 2025At a time when many institutions rely on tradition to define their brand, Meadville Lombard Theological School saw an opportunity to do something different—something deeply personal. Their new visual identity, anchored by a honey badger mascot named Theo, isn’t just a logo refresh. It’s a full-on embrace of inclusive design tha…
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The Value and Benefit of Being a UCDA Member
April 15, 2025It is more important and valuable than ever to be an active member of a professional association such as UCDA. Only UCDA offers specific professional development, community, networking, and resources for designers who work in education and for design educators. This article shares in detail the value and importance of being a m…
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