As part of a land-grant institution, and as an educational organization committed to experiential and service learning, the College of Design makes outreach a central component of its mission.

Through the Institute for Design Research and Outreach, as well as the initiatives of individual faculty and students, the College of Design supports programs to work with external partners that contribute to the improvement of community well-being, improve the professional knowledge base, contribute to professional practice experience related to student learning outcomes, or build understanding and demand for professional design and art practice.

Among the current outreach programs are the PLaCE (Partnering Learning and Community Engagement) Program, Community Visioning, outreach studios, workshops and short courses.