Founded in 2006, the Design Student and Alumni Board (DSAB) is an award-winning organization that represents and serves the College of Design alumni and student communities. These groups meet and work together as one board, creating programs and opportunities that support the transition from college to career, and connect alumni, students, and other professionals in the process. DSAB programs are supported by sponsorship, student fees, and the College of Design alumni relations and student services offices.
Programs and Activities
College to Career Programming
The College of Design's College to Career Program is a series of events held throughout the academic year to connect students with practicing design professionals. These events are free for students to attend and include firm tours, portfolio critiques, and networking panels. There is no formal enrollment into the College to Career Program required by students. Students are welcome to attend as they are able and can find upcoming events on the College of Design calendar.
Design Mentor Program
The College of Design's annual Mentor Program helps junior, senior and graduate students grow professionally by matching them with a mentor in their field of study. Mentoring pairs discuss student career goals and interests, and then work together to pursue those goals through career exploration, networking, and professional skill development.
Design in 7: 7 Stories, 7 Minutes
What can be shared in just seven minutes? During this annual event, seven professionals from the fields of apparel design, architecture, graphic design, interior design, landscape architecture, product design, and retail share thought-provoking, inspiring, and often humorous tales from the design trenches.
Dirty Laundry
Dirty Laundry delivers the dirt on design. Design professionals reveal their best and worst experiences working in the world of design during this annual event. Prepare yourself for one juicy night of design gossip!
Design Forward: College of Design Day of Service
Wear your maroon and gold and join fellow Gophers from coast to coast for an Alumni Day of Service, and make a difference in your community. College of Design alumni and friends are invited to convene at the college-hosted Twin Cities project site or dozens of other sites in Minnesota and across the country, at a location that fits your interest and availability.
College of Design Ambassadors
College of Design Ambassadors serve as resources for current and prospective students and alumni. Ambassadors advocate for the University, the college, and DSAB amongst peers and the professional community.
Interested in getting involved?
We accept applications for open seats on the board year-round. Applications for terms beginning in the fall are due by or before March 31 annually. To learn about open seats for terms beginning next fall or to request an application in a different format, contact Lori Mollberg, Director of Alumni Relations, at [email protected].
College to Career Program Sponsors
A portion of Honors level sponsorship and above, and half of all sponsorship after program expenses goes to support Design Justice fellowships and initiatives.
Cum Laude
Honors
Dean's List
Past Sponsors
2023–24
Cum Laude
Honors
A portion of Honors level sponsorship and half of all sponsorship after program expenses goes to support Design Justice fellowships and initiatives.
Dean's List
DSAB Awards
Despite being housed in one of the smallest colleges at the University, the college's programming and DSAB continue to receive awards and accolades.
- 2021: UMAA Program Extraordinaire, Design in 7 Online Edition
- 2020: Alumni Society of the Year
- 2016: Alumni Society of the Year
- 2014: Pride of CASE District V Silver Award, Best Student Alumni Programming
- 2014: UMAA Program Extraordinaire, Architecture Networking & Portfolio Event
- 2012: Alumni Society of the Year
- 2011: UMAA Program Extraordinaire Award, Design in 7
- 2009: UMAA Program Extraordinaire Award, Dirty Laundry
- 2008: Alumni Society of the Year
