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 second Friday of the month, but take note of occasional schedule variations.)
Time: 11 a.m.–12 p.m. (Central Time)
Cost: Free for UCDA members | $15 for non-members
2025-26 Monthly Faculty Forums
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! Host: Michael Clayton, Professor, University of the Incarnate Word, Graphic Design (San Antonio, Texas)
October 10, 2025 : Engaging Underperforming Students Together
Join us for our next Faculty Forum as we focus on helping students who may be struggling or losing motivation. This will be an open conversation where we share challenges, swap strategies that have worked in our own classrooms, and brainstorm new approaches together. The goal is to walk away with fresh, practical ideas to re-energize students, encourage persistence, and help them find confidence and success in their learning. Host: Chuck Armstrong, Associate Professor, University of Southern Indiana, Graphic Design (Evansville, Indiana)
November 14, 2025: AI and Design Education
AI remains a hot topic across all areas of academia. Our November discussion continues the ongoing exploration of how artificial intelligence is affecting teaching, learning, and creative processes in design. Members of the UCDA Artificial Intelligence Task Force will be present to share ongoing developments, strategies, and resources in this area. You are invited to share your insights, learn from colleagues, and stay ahead of emerging AI trends in design education. Don’t miss this opportunity to connect, collaborate, and innovate in shaping the future of design teaching. Host: Danielle Currier, Professor & Chair, Endcott College, Visual Communications (Beverly, Massachusetts)
December 5, 2025: Behind the Scenes of the UCDA Student Poster Competition
Please note this in on the first Friday of the month.
Each year at the UCDA Design Education Summit, students from across the country submit work to the annual poster competition, exploring a common theme through their design practice. In this session, Ryan Sloan—the faculty member who oversees the competition—will share insights into the process, from theme selection to judging, and highlight what makes student work stand out. Faculty will gain ideas for encouraging participation, learn how to prepare students for success, and be inspired to bring this unique opportunity back to their classrooms. Host: TBA
January 9, 2026: Thinking of Starting a Student Run Design Agency?
Is there a student-run design agency at your school? How did you start it—and how’s it going? Join this open conversation to share your experiences or learn how to launch one. Discover models, challenges, and strategies for creating meaningful, student-led design experiences that make real impact. Host: Ron Smith, Assistant Teaching Professor, Penn State University, Advertising & Public Relations (University Park, Pennsylvania)
February 13, 2026: Developing a Research Agenda
Ever wondered how to turn your creative practice or personal curiosities into a meaningful research path? Join us for an engaging conversation about clarifying the distinctions between practice-based and scholarly research within the design discipline. We’ll explore techniques for mapping your passions, identifying emerging themes, and transforming them into a sustainable research agenda. Whether you’re just beginning to define your focus or looking to refine an existing direction, this session will help you develop habits of reflection and adaptability as your interests grow and evolve over time. Host: Pouya Jahanshahi, Associate Professor, Oklahoma State University, Art, Graphic Design & Art History (Stillwater, Oklahoma)
March 13, 2026: Scholarship: Publish or Perish
Join us for our conversation on Publish or Perish. The phrase has long been part of academic life, but it’s really about how we share ideas, advance knowledge, and build professional credibility. Whether through research, creative work, or other forms of scholarship, publishing helps shape both individual careers and the wider academic community. We’ll also highlight Spark, our design education journal, as an avenue for sharing work and contributing to the field. Host: Michael Clayton, Professor, University of the Incarnate Word, Graphic Design (San Antonio, Texas)
April 10, 2026 : Rank Tenure and Promotion
Join us for a conversation on promotion and tenure. While the process can sometimes feel complex, at its core it’s about demonstrating growth, consistency, and impact. Each faculty member’s path is unique—whether through teaching, research, creative work, or service—but the key is showing how your contributions make a meaningful difference for students, your department, and the wider academic community. Host: Michael Clayton, Professor, University of the Incarnate Word, Graphic Design (San Antonio, Texas)
May 8, 2026: 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!
June 12, 2026: 2026 Design Education Summit—Horizon: Recap
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 2026 Design Education Summit—Horizon. Host: Michael Clayton, Professor, University of the Incarnate Word, Graphic Design (San Antonio, Texas)
August 7, 2026: 2026-27 Academic Year Kick-Off
Please note this in on the first Friday of the month.
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!
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 Interim Executive Director Katharine McCann at katharine@ucda.com or UCDA Education Director Michael Clayton at education@ucda.com.