Creative Conversations

January 16

Meet and Greet
Join us for a meet and greet with 2025 UCDA board and fellow UCDA members. Register

February 20

Get SMART: Professional Goals for 2025
As you settle back into work, what professional goals have you set for the year? Do you plan to learn new software or improve your writing skills? Are you working toward a promotion or job change? Join us to share your goals and learn what intentions others are setting for 2025. Register

March 20

Partnering with Athletics: Home Run or Strikeout?
Athletics is an important part of many colleges and universities, but is often a tricky partnership when it comes to design and branding. In what ways does your office team up with your athletics department to maintain brand consistency? Join us to discuss the ins and outs of athletics branding from mascots to uniforms. Register

April 17

Uncharted Territory: Navigating AI in Design 
Back by popular demand! Join us for another candid exploration of Generative AI usage in design. We will discuss standards of practice, ethics, processes, triumphs, pitfalls, and evolving policies. Come ready to share your groundbreaking successes (and failures), or simply to glean insight into the expanding usage of Generative AI in design. Register

May 15

Accessible Design: Improving the Digital Experience for All
Whether you are well-versed in the intricacies of creating accessible PDFs or are completely new to the world of accessible design on the web, join us for this conversation to learn strategies to create a more inclusive digital experience. Register

June 19

Campus Signage: Finding Your Way 
Do prospective students and visitors struggle to decipher the outdated signage on your campus? Or is your university the easiest place in your city to navigate? Join us for a discussion on all things signage—from wayfinding to building directories and every (direction) in between. Discuss strategies for updating,  improving, and designing consistent and useful campus signage. Register

 July 17

A Few of My Favorite (Productivity) Things
How do you keep track of projects and prioritize tasks? Do you require a sophisticated system of apps and reminders? Or does the simple handwritten to-do list suffice? Gather your favorite tools and come ready to share your favorite strategies for setting yourself up for success. Register

August 21

Working with Students: 'A' for Effort
In colleges and universities, we likely all work with students in some capacity. We’ll discuss how you handle interns, focus groups, street teams, secure talent for photos and videos, and more! What works for you to get students involved and how do you successfully collaborate with them in your professional office? Register

September 18

Perfect Pics: Successful Campus Photography
Collaborating with photographers—campus or contract—is a vital part of marketing for colleges and universities. What tips and tricks does your team use when working with an outside photographer? How do you work alongside your campus photographer on photo shoots large and small? Register

October 16

ICYMI: Conference Recap
Whether you missed out on this year’s design conference or just need a refresher, join the conversation as we unpack the key takeaways, memorable moments, and standout highlights. Share your perspectives, gain fresh insights, and engage in a collective recap of the valuable knowledge and experiences gained. Register

Note: Date may need to shift depending on conference dates or it may be moved to November before the Thanksgiving break.

December 18

Jingle and Mingle: Holiday Party
Join your fellow UCDA members and friends for our annual end-of-year virtual holiday gathering. Discuss your successes from the year and your goals for 2026. This event is BYOE (Bring Your Own Eggnog). You can share your holiday card design. You can even wear your favorite "ugly" holiday sweater. We will provide the holiday cheer. Register

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