Student Groups
AIGA Austin Chapter student groups
ACC (Austin Community College)
Art Institute of Austin
Schreiner University
Texas State University
Student group value
AIGA has the largest student membership of any design organization in the world because, for many of the next generation’s designers, AIGA members and activities personify their personal aspirations. Students make up about one-third of the AIGA Austin chapter.
Students are the future of AIGA and are tomorrow’s professional designers. There is no better way to network among the professional community than by becoming an AIGA member. Student groups led by a faculty coordinator provide an opportunity for deeper involvement on the part of students, as they can take responsibility for developing programming on campus.
For student memberships, the $20 membership application fee is waived online. Their membership entitles them to: discounts at AIGA conferences; special discounts at most local AIGA events; special programming in conjunction with the National Design Conference and National Business and Design Conference; participation in portfolio reviews often included as part of conferences; and the member discounted rate for the annual ($42, plus shipping and handling). The annual is most easily purchased online at the national site.
Starting a student group
Students interested in joining AIGA should check in the Graphic Design Department on campus; many schools already have set up an AIGA student group. The student should fill out an application and give the application and payment to the faculty advisor. Students must include a copy of a dated bursar’s receipt or a current student ID showing the name of the college or university with their membership application (and with their membership renewals each year). Students can also make sure their school name is on their application and send it to directly to the national office, who will then notify the faculty advisor.
If there’s not a student group on campus, encourage students to create one. The minimum requirement is 10 students and a faculty advisor. The faculty advisor must agree to take responsibility for certain administrative functions.
