College of Design December 2018 Update

Message from the Dean

Dear College of Design Students, Faculty, and Staff:

As I walked through College of Design spaces last week, I was struck by how, at the end of every term, the college visibly transforms into a bustling hive of activity, making, debate, and thought. The experience is a powerful reminder of how diverse we are in our creative and disciplinary concerns. Design thrives on difference.

As fall term comes to a close and I reflect on everyone’s work within the college over the past few months, I am filled with new optimism about our redoubled efforts to make the College of Design an equitable and inclusive community. In early November, Professor Liska Chan, Associate Dean for Academic Affairs, hosted a conversation about equity, justice, and inclusion in our college. Many of you participated and shared experiences and perspectives. I am so grateful to all who joined the conversation. We learned a lot about what’s still missing in the College of Design, and I look forward to continuing that conversation over the months ahead. Please keep an eye out for the next invitation in January.

Additionally, Professor Gerardo Sandoval, Dean’s Fellow for Diversity, has been working with the College of Design Equity and Inclusion Committee to activate ourDiversity Action Plan. Activating this plan promises to bring meaningful, positive change. Meanwhile, to help support cross-disciplinary collaboration and creative experimentation, the College of Design recently provided two project teams with pop-up research space following an open call for proposals.

These are just a few of the many steps we are taking in various parts of the college to continue strengthening our community and supporting each other. Thank you for your contributions that enrich our college, and I look forward to the innovation, creativity, and impact that is to come in 2019.

With best wishes for a restful break and an exciting new year.

Sincerely,

Christoph Lindner
Dean and Professor