Student Organizations
AIGA (for Graphic Design students)
Student Chapter
SDSU has a very active AIGA Student Group, which schedules regular student events and activities with the professional community, such as studio tours, portfolio reviews, panel discussions, and workshops. AIGA student groups throughout the city meet to plan citywide events.
About AIGA
“AIGA, the professional association for design, is the place design professionals turn to first to exchange ideas and information, participate in critical analysis and research and advance education and ethical practice. AIGA sets the national agenda for the role of design in its economic, social, political, cultural and creative contexts. AIGA is the oldest and largest membership association for professionals engaged in the discipline, practice and culture of designing. Founded as the American Institute of Graphic Arts in 1914 as a small, exclusive club, AIGA now represents 22,000 designers through national activities and local programs developed by 59 chapters and 240 student groups.
AIGA serves designers with five critical functions for a profession:
- Information
- Communication
- Inspiration
- Validation
- Representation
AIGA is authoritative in promoting and communicating standards for ethical conduct and professional expertise and in collecting and analyzing data about the profession. It is stimulating in its provocative programming on critical issues facing design and in celebration of both effective and innovative design, a source of inspiration for many members. And it is open to new ideas, new professional disciplines and the ever-evolving nature of design….” –(read more from AIGA’s mission statement)
Becoming a Member
Please contact Professor Arzu Ozkal at arzu.ozkal@mail.sdsu.edu for more information on membership.
Connect with AIGA SDSU
ASID (for Interior Architecture students)
Student Chapter
The Interior Architecture program sponsors a student chapter of the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID), which provides guest lectures, professional networking opportunities and career days for the interior design students. It also allows students to interact with other students and assume leadership roles within organization. Student membership earns students the privilege of Allied Membership in the national organization of ASID upon graduation.
About ASID
“ASID is a community of people driven by a common love for design and committed to the belief that interior design, as a service to people, is a powerful, multi-faceted profession that can positively change people’s lives. Through education, knowledge sharing, advocacy, community building and outreach, the Society strives to advance the interior design profession and, in the process, to demonstrate and celebrate the power of design to positively change people’s lives. Its more than 40,000 members engage in a variety of professional programs and activities through a network of 48 chapters throughout the United States and Canada. You can learn more about our latest initiatives by reviewing our strategic plan.
Founded in 1975, the American Society of Interior Designers is the oldest, largest and leading professional organization for interior designers. while the Society celebrated its 30th anniversary in 2005, the rich, vibrant history of the organization goes back further–much further–to the founding of its predecessor organizations, the American Institute of Interior Designers (AID) and the National Society of Interior Designers (NSID). The History of ASID: 30 Years of Advancing the Interior Design Profession was published in 2005 to commemorate the Society’s rich and vibrant history….
ASID inspires and enriches its members by promoting the value of interior design, while providing indispensable knowledge and experiences that build relationships. Of the Society’s 20,000 practicing interior designers, 6,500 practice primarily in the commercial field with 4,000 practicing primarily as residential designers. The remaining 9,500 work in both commercial and residential design. Professional members of ASID must pass rigorous acceptance standards: they must have a combination of accredited design education and/or full-time work experience and pass a two-day accreditation examination administered by the National Council for Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ).
ASID Industry Partners include more than 2,500 member firms with more than 8,000 individual representatives, uniting the professional designer with manufacturers of design-related products and services.
The Society’s membership also includes more than 12,000 students of interior design. ASID has student chapters at colleges, universities and design schools with 2-year and 4-year programs throughout the U.S. and “virtual” chapters through Rhodec International and The Art Institute of Pittsburgh Online.” –from the ASID website
Become a Member
Please refer to the following links for specific information regarding:
For more membership information, please contact Instructor Natalia Trepchina.
Connect with ASID SDSU
NCECA (for Ceramics students)
Student Membership
NCECA (National Council on Education for the Ceramic Arts) is arguably the most recognized professional organization in the field of ceramic arts. Students are encouraged to join at a discounted rate to gain access to a professional network of ceramic artists, exhibitions, competitions, conferences, and other resources.
About NCECA
“The purpose of NCECA is to promote and improve the ceramic arts through education, research, and creative practice. NCECA offers programs, exhibitions and publications that are uniquely beneficial and rewarding to its membership of artists, educators, students, patrons, retailers and manufacturers. As a dynamic, member-driven organization, NCECA strives to be flexible in its programming and responsive to the changing needs of its constituency….
The National Council on Education for the Ceramic Arts is a not-for-profit educational organization that provides valuable resources and support for individuals, schools and organizations with an abiding interest in the ceramic arts.
NCECA was founded and developed by forward-thinking ceramic artists who saw the benefits of a professional organization in its ability to create identity, definition and support for the ceramics teacher and artist, and to promote advancement of the ceramic arts….” (read more from NCECA’s website.
Becoming a Member
Students can register online to become a member through NCECA’s online registration form. To learn more about student membership prior to registering, you can contact Professor Richard Burkett.
SDSU Ceramic Arts Organization
The SDSU Ceramic Arts Association, a student-run organization, helps to fund and make decisions about extracurricular activities. The student organization supports a visiting artist program or lectures and critiques and workshops by artists who are nationally and internationally known. The organization also provides a well-stocked library of current periodicals and purchases books on technical, aesthetic and safety information.
SNAG (for Jewelry and Metalsmithing students)
Student Membership
SNAG is arguably the most recognized professional organization in the field of jewelry and nonferrous metalsmithing. Students are encouraged to join at a discounted rate to gain access to a professional network of ceramic artists, exhibitions, competitions, conferences, publications, and other resources.
About SNAG
“The Society of North American Goldsmiths stands for passion, innovation and excellence in jewelry, design and metalsmithing. SNAG creates community, professional connections, and the unfettered exchange of information.
Through SNAG, you will be a part of the unique jewelry and metals field at its source.
- Be better connected and better informed
- Regenerate and create new work
- Show your work in new venues
- Be an integral part of what drives the field forward
Membership is open to anyone passionate about jewelry, design and metalsmithing.
Becoming a Member
Students can join at a discounted rate on SNAG’s online registration form, where you can also read what the benefits of membership are.
The Furniture Society
Student Membership
The Furniture Society is arguably the most recognized professional organization in the field of furniture-making. Students are encouraged to join at a discounted rate to gain access to a professional network of ceramic artists, exhibitions, competitions, conferences, publications, and other resources.
About the Furniture Society
“The Furniture Society is a tax-exempt, nonprofit organization founded in 1996, whose mission is: To advance the art of furniture making, by inspiring creativity, promoting excellence, and fostering an understanding of this art and its place in society.
Built on a tradition of volunteerism, The Furniture Society works to realize its mission through educational programs, publications, exhibitions, recognition of excellence in the field, and annual conferences. With members from across the United States and Canada, as well as numerous other countries around the world, The Furniture Society represents a broad cross-section of furniture makers, museum and gallery professionals, scholars, journalists, and others involved with the field of studio furniture in many different ways.” –from the official Furniture Society website.
Becoming a Member
Students find fee and registration information on the Furniture Society’s online membership page, where you can also read what the benefits of membership are.