UCDA 2025 Design Education Summit: MINDFUL
UCDA 2025 Design Education Summit
May 19-21, 2025
The UCDA Design Education Summit: Mindful is an annual national academic summit designed for design educators and graduate students who are seeking to engage in presenting academic research, pedagogy, and creative projects through peer review, discourse, and presentation.
You are invited to join us as we engage in an exchange of ideas, experiences, and academic discourse through presentations, panels, workshops, and posters that explore the topic of Mindful Design at the 20th Annual UCDA Design Education Summit in Charlotte, North Carolina May 19-21.
The summit provides an exciting and enriching experience for all attendees to gather as a national academic community. Participants have the opportunity to showcase their research and projects through peer-reviewed presentations and posters, workshops, panels, and keynote presentations. Design educators and graduate student who choose not to submit for presentation yet would like the opportunity to benefit and learn from academic work presented by their peers are encouraged to attend.
Mindful Design
As human beings, we are constantly learning and unlearning how the world works as it changes and evolves. We try to anticipate what changes might come, and how our roles and responses as designers and educators may need to shift and evolve in response to these changes. One approach to managing and navigating our world's fast-paced changes in technology and society is by applying the principles of mindfulness in our pedagogical and design research practices. The practice of mindfulness is about paying attention to the present moment with active attention, openness, curiosity, flexibility, focus, and acceptance. This can manifest in approaching our work as designers and educators in various ways—including through deeper explorations and questions, creative process, empathy, and approaching problems from different angles.
We invite you to explore and share how mindfulness plays a part in your own pedagogical and design research practices. We will engage in an exchange of ideas, experiences, and academic discourse through presentations, panels, workshops, and posters that explore the topic of Mindful Design at the 20th Annual UCDA Design Education Summit in Charlotte, North Carolina May 19-21.
Join us by presenting your work, learning from the work of others, and benefiting from networking and the exchange of ideas with like-minded design educators.
We invite all design faculty and graduate students to attend. Presenting work is not a requirement for attendance. This is a great opportunity to be inspired and informed by what members of your academic community are working on, engage in discourse, and share your own ideas and experiences.
We look forward to seeing you there.
Call for Abstracts
There are four (4) formats: Presentation, Panel, Poster, and Workshop.
| TYPE | DURATION | DESCRIPTION |
| Presentation | 30-minute | 20-minute session with 10-minute Q&A |
| Panel | 60-minute | 40-minute discussion with 20-minute Q&A |
| Workshop | 60-minute | 60-minute hands-on type workshop |
| Poster | on-going | 90-minute reception, displayed during summit |
Call For Abstracts Information & Specifications
Call for Abstracts Entry Form
Event Registration
REGISTER NOW. Last day to register for the event online is Thursday, May 15. After this date, registration must be made on-site at the event.
| RATES (all prices USD) |
Trust Us (by Jan. 31) |
Early Bird (by April 1) |
Regular (April 2 - May 15) |
| UCDA Member | $195 | $245 | $295 |
| Non-Member |
$245 | $295 | $345 |
| UCDA Student Member* |
$100 | $125 | $150 |
*If you are a Student but not a UCDA member, to receive the best rate and get the benefits of a 12-month UCDA membership, it is recommended that you join UCDA first, at the Student Rate of $50, then register for the event.
NOT A MEMBER YET? JOIN NOW FOR DISCOUNTED REGISTRATION Membership Application
A confirmation will be sent to you after registration is received and processed. Occasionally conferences fill before the registration cut-off date, so please register early.
Registration Cancellations
See UCDA Cancellation Policies
Event Location
University of North Carolina at Charlotte
Rowe Arts Building
9119 University Rd, Charlotte, NC 28223
More campus details and map coming soon.
Lodging
Hilton Charlotte University Place
UCDA has blocked out a limited block of rooms at a deeply discounted rate for attendees. Book early. These will fill up quickly. The deadline to book your rooms is May 4. Nestled on the serene shores overlooking UNC Charlotte's vibrant campus, Hilton Charlotte University Place offers guests an idyllic retreat with panoramic lake views. Just a stone's throw from Charlotte's most sought-after attractions, this hotel combines spacious accommodations with contemporary comforts. Whether you're here for business or leisure, the prime location and host of modern amenities ensure a stay that's both productive and relaxing.
Distinctive features of Hilton Charlotte University Place include:
- Complimentary shuttle service providing easy access to Summit buildings on campus and access to local attractions.
- Proximity to The Shoppes at the University, allowing for convenient walking-distance shopping experiences.
- A 24-hour state-of-the-art fitness center and an inviting outdoor swimming pool for your health and relaxation needs.
- On-site dining at Edgewater Bar and Grille, where guests can savor culinary delights alongside beautiful lakefront views.
- Free wireless internet access throughout the property, ensuring you stay connected during your visit.
Room Per Night Cost: $149
Dates Discount Available: May 18, 19, 20. 21
Deadline to Make Discounted Reservations: May 4
Limited number of rooms reserved. Once they are gone, standard rates apply.
BOOKING LINK: https://www.hilton.com/en/attend-my-event/clthuhf-ucda-60cf84e3-651c-4e3f-8db1-9b290c5f22a8/
Code for Phone Reservations: UCDA
Parking
Parking on Campus: Parking available on Parking East Deck 1 (Daily Rate Applies).
Event Schedule & Website
Preliminary Schedule. Subject to change. Attendees will receive a final schedule and program. All Times are EST.
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Monday, May 19 9:00 AM-9:30 AM 10:00 AM-11:00 AM 11:15 AM-11:45 AM 12:00 PM-1:30 PM 2:00 PM-2:30 PM 2:45 PM-3:45 PM 4:00 PM-4:30 PM 4:45 PM-5:15 PM 5:30-7:30 PM |
Tuesday, May 20 9:00 AM-9:15 AM 9:15 AM - 10:00 AM 10:15 AM-10:45 AM 11:00 AM-11:30 AM 11:45 AM-12:15 PM 12:30 PM-1:45 PM 2:00 PM-2:30 PM 2:45 PM-3:45 PM 4:00 PM-4:30 PM 4:45 PM-5:15 PM 5:30-8:30 PM |
Wednesday, May 21 9:00 AM-9:30 AM 10:00 AM-10:30 AM 10:45 AM-11:15 AM 11:30 AM-12 PM 12 PM-1:30 PM 2:00 PM-2:30 PM 2:45 PM-3:45 PM 4:00 PM-4:30 PM 4:30-5:00 PM |
Speakers
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Keynote Speaker: Heather Snyder Quinn is an Assistant Professor of Design at DePaul University, Jarvis College of Computing and Digital Media, School of Design. Quinn is a design futurist, creative director, and thought leader with 25 years of experience working with Fortune 500 companies, communities, and institutions across the globe. As a female leader in tech, she seeks to elevate lesser-known voices and diversify the field and the products and experiences we create as designers. She specializes in interdisciplinary collaboration and imagining the innovative potential and ethical implications of emerging technologies—including AI and the metaverse. Recent engagements and recognition include NASA, The World Economic Forum, MIT Press, Yale Law School, The Washington Post, and Hyperallergic. Quinn has earned numerous accoloades and recogition for her work including 2022 Wicklander Fellow in Ethics, a Society of Typographic Arts (STA 100) Design Award on three occasions for her augmented reality app, and a 2022 Excellence in Teaching Award from DePaul University, Jarvis College of Computing and Digital Media, among other awards and grants. https://heathersnyderquinn.com/ |
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Speaker: Ethan Emmanuel Balcos (he/him), a Filipino-American originally from Minneapolis, is a Body-Mind Centering® Somatic Movement Educator, Master Somatic Movement Educator, and Registered Somatic Dance Educator. He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Music and a Master of Fine Arts degree in Dance. “E.E.” has been a Professor of Dance at the University of North Carolina Charlotte since 2005. He has been performing dance, choreographing, and practicing contact improvisation for over 40 years. Balcos has presented and performed at numerous venues including several Body-Mind Centering® Conferences nationally; the Bill Evan’s Annual Somatic Dance Conference & Performance Festival; the Dance and Somatic Practices Conference in Coventry, UK; the Body IQ Festival in Berlin, Germany and with the dance company, Movement Migration at Danspace Project in New York City, DAP Festival in Pietrasanta, Italy, and the DZUL International Dance Festival in Campeche, Mexico. E.E. is also an avid gardener and landscaper. |
Student Poster Competitions Call For Entries
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Student Poster |
The UCDA Student Poster Competition serves as a compliment to the Design Education Summit. The competition strives to provide an outlet for undergraduate and graduate students to design an original poster for print or online use. This year, the student poster initiative theme is Mindful. Students are invited to explore mindful design in all its formal and contextual possibilities. We welcome entries as part of a class assignment or entries done independently by students as self-generated work. Students will receive a Digital Award Certificate designating their award. There is currently no monetary award. SUBMISSIONS DEADLINE: MARCH 31, 2025 Information and Specifications Student Poster Design Competition (Undergrad only) Submission Form NEW! Graduate Student Poster Design Competition Submission Form |
Peer Review Panel
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Abraham Abebe, Associate Professor Shadrick Addy, Assistant Professor Anna Buckner, Assistant Professor Rachel Bush, Professor Alexandria Canchola, Associate Professor Gilberto Corona Garcia, Assistant Professor Summer Doll-Myers, Associate Professor Matthew Donaldson, Associate Professor Patrick Finley, Assistant Professor Michael Fong, Associate Professor Robert Fraher, Professor John Gialanella, Associate Professor Samantha Herbert, Associate Professor Amanda Horton, Professor Sooyun Im, Professor Anna Jordan, Assistant Professor Marjan Khatibi, Assistant Professor Jinsook Kim, Associate Professor Amanda Lenig, Assistant Professor |
Lisa Maione, Associate Professor Celi Merchant Monroe, Assistant Professor Kimberly Mitchell, Assistant Professor Pamela Napier, Associate Professor Becky Nasadowski, Assistant Professor Dajana Nedić, Assistant Professor Lindsey Peterson, Assistant Professor Muhammad Rahman, Assistant Professor Lisa Reynolds, Assistant Professor Megan Rhee, Assistant Professor Debra Satterfield, Professor Julie Sayo, Assistant Professor Yvette Shen, Associate Professor Samira Shiridevich, Assistant Professor Ryan Slone, Assistant Professor Omar Sosa-Tzec, Associate Professor Shantanu Suman, Associate Professor Rebecca Tegtmeyer, Associate Professor Marius Valdes, Professor |
SPONSORS & PARTNERS
Buttons Provided by: Busy Beaver Button Co.
Event Hosting and Meeting Space Provided by: UNC Charlotte College of Arts & Architecture
Interested in becoming a sponsor? Contact the UCDA Home Office at 615-459-4559 or susan@ucda.com.
CONTACT
PROGRAM CHAIRS
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CHAIRPERSON |
CO-CHAIRPERSON |
SITE COORDINATOR |
Location:
University of North Carolina at Charlotte
9119 University Rd
Charlotte
,
North Carolina 28223