College of Design Student Resources

The American Institute of Architecture Students (AIAS) is an independent, nonprofit, student-run organization dedicated to providing unmatched progressive programs, information, and resources on issues critical to architecture and the experience of education. The AIAS aims to promote excellence in architectural education, training, and practice; to foster an appreciation of architecture and related disciplines; to enrich communities in a spirit of collaboration; and to organize students and combine their efforts to advance the art and science of architecture.

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Beaux Arts Foundation is a completely student-run, nonprofit organization within the University of Kentucky chapter of the American Institute of Architecture Students. With the Beaux Arts Ball as its signature annual event, the foundation's mission is to uplift various forms of arts and humanities in the Lexington community, advocate for the accessibility of the arts to the public, and support charities that promote the livelihood of Kentuckians.

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The Design Student council is a professional development and leadership opportunity in which a group of elected student senators will collaborate with peers, engage with students, faculty, and staff on matters of importance, and develop and apply leadership skills across the College of Design.  Additionally, the goals of the student council include:

• To improve and enhance the quality of the academic, professional, social, and personal development experience of students in the college.  
• To advocate for the incorporation of student views and opinions in the formulation of policies and procedures that govern the College of Design. 
• To assist in constructing and coordinating dialogue and action on issues through effective communication between the student council and the student body, College student organizations, faculty, staff, administration, and other groups as appropriate to the College of Design. 
• To promote, coordinate, and seek funding for subsidizing student-initiated academic, professional, social, and personal development activities and programs. 

The chair of the student council will attend all College of Design faculty meetings and serve as a representative of the student council.  

Senators are elected from the School of Architecture, School of Interiors, Department of Product Design, and Department of Historic Preservation.Contact the Associate Dean for Student Affairs for more information.

The Industrial Designers Society of America (IDSA) is a student organization established under the national IDSA.  Members will be able to attend interactive events, workshops, guest lectures, field trips, and collaborations with other IDSA student chapters. These activities are aimed at promoting the practice of Industrial Design by incorporating education, information, community, and advocacy.   

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The Interior Design Student Association (IDSA) is a student-run organization that provided opportunities for student leadership and engagement in specialized scholarship projects, activities, and events. We encourage student networking opportunities with industry professionals while promoting exposure to the professional interior design community.

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NOMAS is the student division of the National Organization of Minority Architects (NOMA) — a professional organization whose mission is "to empower our local chapters and membership to foster justice and equity in communities of color through outreach, community advocacy, professional development and design excellence."

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The Student Preservation Association (SPA) at the University of Kentucky is a student group dedicated to involvement in preservation issues and to strengthening the relationships among students, faculty, professionals, and the community at large.

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Tau Sigma Delta is the only nationally recognized honor society of architecture and design majors, accredited through the Association of College Honor Societies. The organization recognizes members as having high achievement at the scholastic level, as well as leadership, effort, initiative, and character.

 Tau Sigma Delta was established as a local chapter of the University of Kentucky in 1975 under Clyde Carpenter. In its time as an organization at the University of Kentucky, Tau Sigma Delta has hosted Silver Medal Ceremonies, recognizing a professional or faculty with a record of distinction in design, and has provided members with connections in the working field of design. The organization aims to motivate students to continue to excel, while also meeting others in their field with similar ambitions.

The purpose of TBD is to create a supportive community for BIPOC designers and creatives at the University of Kentucky. The organization aims to foster collaboration, provide resources, and promote diversity and inclusion within the design and creative fields.

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