Membership
UCDA fosters community for creative professionals working in education by delivering relevant programming and benefits in a personal and inspirational way.
Drawing energy from its members, UCDA provides personal and professional growth opportunities, advocates for designers and educators, and works to elevate the importance of design overall.
Our members are designers, design educators, art directors, creative directors, managers, directors of print shops, editors, writers, directors of media services, photographers, and businesses associated with visual communication.
A UCDA membership provides you with a forum for new ideas, new perspectives on the design industry, professional development opportunities, and access to a large network of generous professionals.
Here are a few reasons why you belong at UCDA:
Grow with us.
The association is run by creatives employed at or doing work for universities and colleges; they're tuned in to what you're looking for, what you struggle with, and what inspires you.
- professional development opportunities, through conferences and workshops both in-person and online
- professional affiliations with partner member organizations
- networking at our UCDA Design Conference, UCDA Creative Summit, UCDA Design Education Summit, UCDA workshops, or other programs.
- mentorship program (peer-to-peer and mentor/mentee)
- design-based book club
Connect with us.
You'll be able to connect with 500+ members who all work in the same realm as you.
- members-only Slack workspace
- social media (Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn)
- Insider e-newsletter
Become inspired by us.
We want to be a creative spark for you.
- Designer magazine (online quarterly)
- Creative Conversations (relevant topic discussions in a casual online session)
- UCDA membership print (print-on-demand print done by designers, photographers, or illustrators)
- UCDA Journal
- Spark: the UCDA design education journal
- UCDA Design Awards gallery (sponsored by Canto)
- student poster initiatives
Exchange resources with us.
Find inspiration on our site and within our community.
- Online membership directory
- Design Resources Collection
- job posting service (and available positions)
- Insider newsletter (monthly UCDA news, calendar, and job postings)
Know your value with us.
Members enjoy free and discounted programming throughout the year and learn from each other.
- in-person events, including the UCDA Design Conference, UCDA Design Education Summit, and workshops
- online programming, including the UCDA Creative Summit and webinars
- discounted design competition entry fees and job placement fees
- professional development scholarships available for UCDA Design Conference
- reduced membership rate for design faculty and students