Design Faculty Forums
Design Faculty Forums are topic-based discussion vitual events specifically created for design faculty. These monthly virtual discussions will cover the most timely and relevant topics influencing design education. The format allows for attendees to ask questions to fellow UCDA members who have specialized knowledge on the session topic, and for attendees to share their own experiences, expertise, work, and best practices as design educators with each other in a casual setting. Faculty Forums happen via Zoom. They are free for UCDA members. Attendees must register for each monthly event, and will receive a unique link to each event. As an added benefit, attendees receive post-event resources and links when appicable.
When: Fridays. Typically on the first Friday of the month, but take note of occasional schedule variations.
Time: 11 AM - 12 PM (Central Time)
Cost: Free for UCDA members | $15 non-members
2024-2025 Monthly Faculty Forums
November 8, 2024 : Rank, Tenure, and Promotion
Rank, Tenure and Promotion continue to be among the most requested discussion topics amongst our design faculty community. At this month’s Forum, we will discuss the many aspects to consider with pursuing the tenure process. Come ready to share your experience and also your questions. We will have several participants who have gone through the process who can lend insight. Register
Join us for a substantive session that will cover the ins and outs of submitting scholarship-related entries for UCDA’s Design Education Summit or for other opportunities to share your scholarship. We will specifically cover presentation proposals, abstracts, posters, workshops, and panel discussions. Share your successes, experiences, questions, and ideas with our supportive community. If time provides, we will also discuss best practices for guiding and supporting your students in student competitions. Register
January 10, 2025 : Mindfulness—Work-Life Balance
The beginning of the year is a natural time to turn our intentions and thoughts to recentering ourselves in mind, body, and spirit. Even though we have flexibility in schedules, and summer months to work on research and practice, educators often struggle with work-life balance as much as any other professional—even more so because the school year can be so all-consuming. Tasks, and responsibilities related to teaching, scholarship, and service work can often fill up not only the week but evenings and weekends as well. In this substantive discussion, we will share tools and methods to reset your work-life balance. Come ready to share your concerns, what works for you, your questions, and your experiences. Register
February 7, 2025 : Generative AI and Design Education
Join us for a candid exploration of AI usage in design and education, including standards of practice, ethics, processes, triumphs, pitfalls, and the evolving policies that shape its landscape. Come ready to share your experiences with using AI in teaching but also how you are guiding your students in using this technology. Share successes (and failures), or simply to glean insight into the expanding usage of Generative AI in design. UCDA is currently developing our own guidelines and best practices position paper on AI, and we would love for you to a part of informing this important document. Register
March 7, 2025 : Rank, Tenure, and Promotion - Part 2
Join us for Part 2 of our discussion on Rank, Tenure and Promotion. We will discuss the many aspects to consider with pursuing the tenure process. Come ready to share your experience and also your questions. We will have several participants who have gone through the process who can lend insight. Register
April 4, 2025: Show and Tell: Share Your Design Education Research & Practice
Join us for a low-key virtual gathering where design faculty can casually discuss and showcase their current work or research. Have some images or PDFs ready to share. It’s a fun way to share what you’ve been working on, get feedback, and see what others are up to. This will be a creative exchange in a relaxed, supportive environment! Register
May 2, 2025: End of the School Year Faculty Hangout!
Join us for a virtual hangout exclusively for design faculty! It’s a relaxed online space to casually connect with colleagues, share ideas, talk about the semester, or just chat about anything design-related. No pressure—just a friendly, laid-back space to unwind and catch up with others in the field. Grab your favorite beverage and snacks, hop online, and enjoy some community downtime with fellow faculty! Register
June 6, 2025: 2025 Design Education Summit—Mindful: Re-Cap
Whether you attended this year's Design Education Summit or not, you will benefit from attending this month's session which will recap the event. Come ready to share your favoriate parts and takeaways from the 2025 Design Education Summit—Mindful. Register
August 8, 2025: 2025-2026 Academic Year Kick-Off
Share what you did this summer and your plans for the school year, as well as ideas and suggestions on topics for upcoming Faculty Forums! Register
Get Involved - Be Engaged
Topics scheduled to change. If you have suggestions for topics or other education related events and programming, or you would like to join the Education Committee, please contact UCDA Executive Director Susan Matherne at susan@ucda.com or UCDA Education Director Michael Clayton at ucdaeducation@gmail.com.