Programming and Events
UCDA Design Conference
The annual UCDA Design Conference is a truly energizing, motivating event. We select diverse and inspiring locations, gather the best in the business to speak on practical and applicable topics, and regenerate creativity and pride in our work. It's the one conference not to miss.
2026 UCDA Design Conference | Past Conferences and Speakers (1971-present)
UCDA Design Awards
Convert your portfolio pieces into award winners by entering the annual UCDA Design Awards. Expert jurors honor the best work in educational design—in categories spanning print, digital, illustration, photography, and more.
2026 UCDA Design Awards | Past Award Winners | UCDA Design Collection
UCDA Creative Summit
UCDA Creative Summit offers hot-topic programming for designers and non-designers alike as a virtual event. Sharpen your competence with focused sessions on key topics relevant to your daily work.
Design Education Summit
UCDA is dedicated to helping the design education community to work together in advancing the quality and scope of design education. This a great professional development opportunity for anyone involved in the teaching of design. Photo by Tadson Bussey.
2026 UCDA Design Education Summit | Past UCDA Design Education Summit Proceedings
Workshops
Trade a work day for a “self-improvement” day, gather with your colleagues to hear a speaker, create a hands-on project, or commiserate about everyday challenges. Suggest ideas for a workshop, or we'll even help you host one yourself with UCDA assistance.
Creative Conversations
Creative Conversations are monthly virtual events providing members with opportunities to discuss relevant topics that impact higher education designers. Creative Conversations happen monthly via Zoom, and the topics are chosen by members for members. Free for UCDA members, $15 non-members
Faculty Forums
Design Faculty Forums are monthly topic-based discussion Zoom events specifically created for design faculty. These open-forum discussions cover the most timely and relevant topics influencing design education. Free for UCDA members, $15 non-members
View the Faculty Forum Schedule
Faculty Focused Speaker Series
Faculty Focused is a quarterly speaker series is designed to enrich design education by connecting faculty with timely and relevant scholarship. Each event features a 30-minute presentation from scholars, educators, and professionals in design and related disciplines, followed by an open Q&A to foster dialogue and exchange. Free for UCDA members, $25 non-members
Coming Soon
Online Programs
Explore our diverse online programming, which includes webinars, UCDA Book Club, the mentorship program, monthly group chats, the UCDA Journal, and much more.