Programs

Academic Program for Excellence

Iowa State’s Academic Program for Excellence (APEX) is an eight-week academic summer program designed for incoming multicultural freshmen. APEX helps you make the transition to Iowa State University during the summer prior to your first semester enrolled as a college student. Learn more and apply

Multicultural Welcome Reception

Held at the beginning of each fall semester, the multicultural welcome reception provides an opportunity for the dean, faculty and staff members to welcome new and returning students to the College of Design. The reception helps build community, highlights student resources and celebrates diversity within the college.

All new and returning design multicultural students will receive an invitation from the college’s director of equity, inclusion and multicultural student success to attend the reception.

BUILD Learning Community

The Building Up in Leadership in Design (BUILD) learning community is designed to aid first-year multicultural students (BUILD mentees) in the successful transition to college and completion of the Core Design Program by pairing each new student with an upper-class student (BUILD peer mentor) in their intended major.

Peer mentors provide academic, cultural and social support, guidance and encouragement to students throughout their first-year experience in the College of Design.

Incoming first-year students, to be a BUILD mentee, apply here.

To be a BUILD mentor, apply online between Feb. 24–March 13, 2020.

2nd Draft Workshops

2nd Draft is an interdisciplinary design and study skills program meant to support the learning in the classroom. Students can participate in workshops on time management, test taking, and effectively engaging in critique. Some workshops focus on developing skills in photography, InDesign, Photoshop, and other design related skills. Faculty and student mentors either host the sessions or attend to offer feedback. Sign up HERE to get reminders about events!

#InclusiveByDesign

#InclusiveByDesign is a series of equity and inclusion related events in the COD meant to engage the community in meaningful dialogue around topics of identity, culture, and inclusion. MSS collaborates with various student organizations, offices, and departments within the COD to host these events on Wednesdays in the college. At least once a semester, a Open Discussion event is held to discuss opportunities to improve equity and inclusion efforts as a community. For more details on events and resources, visit HERE. Page Updates In Progress

Multicultural Portfolio Workshops

The College of Design’s Multicultural Student Success Office hosts a series of workshops on assembling high-quality portfolios for the enrollment-managed application process. All workshops are offered on Thursdays from 6–7 p.m. in room 416 Design unless otherwise noted. Students of all backgrounds are welcome to attend! Contact MSS Grad for upcoming dates.