Student Life

UIC Design is actively involved with the two leading professional associations of design—AIGA and IDSA. The school supports student groups of each organization with oversight from a dedicated Faculty Advisor. UIC AIGA/IDSA student groups produce their own programming, which is sometimes coordinated with student groups at other schools or with regional chapters. Student memberships carry the full benefits offered to professional members, including access to local, regional, and national events. These professional organizations offer a sense of community with fellow students as well as with the Chicago design community.

AIGA Student Group
Provides access to leadership training and skills, connection with professional designers, and firsthand experience and exposure by volunteering at the annual AIGA Design Conference. Contact Faculty Advisor Alex Sommerville for details.
Instagram for UIC student group of AIGA

IDSA Student Chapter
Provides opportunity to learn new skill sets, gain visibility, and connect to a larger network of other similarly motivated individuals. Contact Faculty Advisor Kimberlee Wilkens for details.
Instagram for UIC student chapter of ISDA

Student Advisory Board
The UIC Design Student Advisory Board is a group established to provide a regular line of communication between the various student cohorts as well as with faculty leadership and school administration. Student members are elected by their classmates, with at least one representing each degree program. The group consults on matters of student interest and concern.

The aims of this student leadership team are to:

• include student participation in UIC School of Design governance
• encourage active student leadership
• establish a clear and consistent process for student input on organizational matters
• define and advance student-led initiatives
• access and address student concerns

A staff representative serves as a liaison between the student members and the school, college, and university. A faculty representative serves as a liaison between the Student Advisory Board and the School Executive Committee.