Career Paths and Student Involvement

The School of Architecture invites students to participate in student governance and matters affecting the curriculum by serving on standing committees such as the Graduate Curriculum Committee, Faculty Search Committees, and special committees created by the Head, such as the Communications Committee. Additionally, M.Arch students elect student representatives who meet regularly with the DGS. In extracurricular contexts, students are connected to forums that support career paths outlined in School, College, and University-wide resources, including professional organizations and student-led groups.

Professional Opportunities

AXP and Licensing Resources

UMN Architecture Licensing Resources

Historically, most intern architects were trained by mentors. A daily working relationship allowed the experienced practitioner to transfer knowledge and skills to the apprentice. However, such a sustained learning environment has become less attainable as architectural practice has grown more complex. With the decline of mentorship, interns lack a structured transition between formal education and architectural registration. AXP endeavors to recreate the learning environment. A comprehensive internship program is necessary to acquire and reinforce the discipline, integrity, judgment, skills, knowledge, and quest for learning that must serve the registered architect for a lifetime.

Graduate students are encouraged to participate in the Architectural Experience Program (AXP). The hours necessary to fulfill the requirements may be earned while employed by qualified architecture practices/firms, as well as through other approved means (employment with other licensed professionals, competitions, construction work, etc.). Completion of AXP is required prior to licensure in Minnesota and all other jurisdictions. AXP is administered by NCARB (National Architectural Registration Board) and supported by the AIA (American Institute of Architects). The School has a designated Architect Licensing Advisor (ALA) to work with students; a student ALA is also appointed annually.

AXP is a profession-wide, comprehensive program that contributes to the development of competent architects who can provide exemplary architectural services. The AXP Program Guidelines and other useful information pertaining to licensure may be found at: www.ncarb.org. The AXP advisor for the School of Architecture is Professor Mike Christenson (mike001@umn.edu).

Career Services and Fair

The annual spring College of Design career fair draws architecture practitioners who are interested in hiring students for permanent and temporary positions. A resume with sample work is recommended. For more information, see Career & Internship Services: https://www.careerhelp.umn.edu/. Additionally, the College outlines Career Services supports on its website, including contact information for the Senior Career Consultant, Brian Green.

Mentor Program

The College of Design (CDes) sponsors the Mentor Program, one of the largest in the nation, that links local professionals to graduate students. Students make office visits and receive assistance in beginning their AXP process. CDes facilitates an annual program that helps students grow professionally by matching them with a mentor in their field of study. Together, mentoring pairs create individualized action plans that help students with career exploration, experiential learning, networking, and skill building. The time commitment is approximately two hours per month and is determined by the mentor and student during initial meetings. For more information, see https://design.umn.edu/alumni/mentor/.

School Opportunities

Faculty Search Committees

School of Architecture searches for tenure/tenure-track and contract faculty are conducted by committees that include student representatives. These representatives are appointed by the Head of the School. Additionally, campus visits by shortlisted faculty require the involvement of student hosts for meals, tours, and discussions. The School administration invites and coordinates these student hosts during campus visits.

Graduate Curriculum Committee

The Graduate Curriculum Committee (GCC) administers the curricula of the various graduate programs in the School of Architecture. The committee's work addresses two general areas: curricular strategy/review and routine business, such as reviewing course proposals. The GCC is chaired by the DGS and includes graduate faculty and students. Faculty membership of the committee is based on curricular knowledge areas such as building technology, design/representation, history/theory/culture, practice, and urban design. Students are appointed by the DGS in early fall semester based on qualifications and interest. GCC member students are expected to attend two to three meetings per semester and review materials in between meetings for comment. Although student members do not vote, their feedback is a crucial part of GCC discussions. If you would like to serve on this committee, contact the DGS with a summary of your qualifications and interest.

M.Arch Student Representatives [list]

Each M.Arch student class has two designated student representatives. These students serve as class leaders and facilitate communication within their respective cohorts as well as between their cohorts and the School administration. They meet regularly with their classmates and attend at least one meeting per semester with the DGS to discuss any class-related concerns or opportunities. Student representatives are elected to these positions by their classmates. On the first studio day of the fall semester, each studio coordinator requests nominations for student representatives and holds a vote. If you are interested in serving, please inform your respective studio coordinator.

Learning and Teaching Culture Working Group

Elements of the School’s current studio culture are outlined in this handbook. In fall 2022, the M.Arch Student Representatives began a collaborative process to evaluate the School’s studio culture. Preceding this process, the AIAS national developed a Learning and Teaching Culture Policy project in 2020, resulting in a model Studio Learning and Teaching policy. University of Minnesota architecture faculty and AIA Minneapolis President, Malini Srivastava participated in this project. In the summer of 2023, a student-led Learning and Teaching (Studio) Culture Working Group was assembled by the Department Head and Director of Graduate Studies. The ongoing work of this group is to advance the M.Arch Representative’s initial scope of work and advance the learning and teaching culture of the School. These student-led efforts are tied to the development of discussions about course expectations, attendance, workload, the role of M.Arch representatives, and much more.

University Opportunities

COGS

The Council of Graduate Students (COGS) is the official student college council representing graduate students on the Twin Cities campus. COGS provides opportunities for graduate students to participate in University policy decisions. Graduate students in each degree-granting program elect one representative to serve on COGS, which also recruits student representatives for University committees such as the University Senate and the Graduate School's Policy and Review Councils. COGS disseminates information through meetings held twice a semester, through the Gradletter and an email list, and helps students with issues relating to graduate education, including referral to the Student Conflict Resolution Center when needed. See www.coqs.umn.edu.

PSG

The Professional Student Government was established by the Professional Student Councils of the University of Minnesota to form a more perfect professional student union, facilitate inter-council cooperation, promote general professional student welfare, share knowledge, and provide for joint representation to themselves, their peers, and future professional students. See http://www.umnpsg.org.

Student Organizations

AIAS

The American Institute of Architecture Students (AIAS) is an independent, student-run organization that serves as the unified voice of students of architecture. The AIAS works to advance leadership, design, and service among students.  It hosts various activities on local and national levels, including conferences, competitions, design charrettes, lectures, and social activities. In addition, the AIAS works in conjunction with the AIA (American Institute of Architects) and local firms to give students a tangible connection to the profession. Through its Freedom by Design program, AIAS members use their design skills to make a positive impact in the Twin Cities community, through improving the lives of the disabled or creating play spaces for children with special needs. As an advocacy organization, the AIAS works to advance issues critical to the experience of architecture education and licensure, such as studio culture and student debt.

AIAS Minnesota is the University of Minnesota chapter of the national organization, driven by students at the School of Architecture. AIAS Minnesota and its leaders have won many local and national awards. AIAS Minnesota benefits from the support it receives from the faculty, administration, and the Minnesota chapter of the AIA.  Each year, an AIAS graduate-student member is appointed to serve as the Student Licensing advisor to the school, and acts as a resource for University of Minnesota students on architecture licensing. Visit the AIAS at: aias.org and aiasmn.org.

National Organization of Minority Architecture Students (NOMAS)

NOMAS is the student branch of the National Organization of Minority Architects (NOMA). NOMA's mission is to champion diversity within the design profession by promoting excellence, community engagement, and the professional development of its members. NOMAS welcomes all students. A faculty representative serves as a liaison between the student chapter, the faculty, and NOMA. For more information, visit https://www.facebook.com/nomasnational/.

Women in Architecture Student Organization (WIASO)

WIASO is the student branch of Women in Architecture (WIA), a committee formed to promote a strong future for the architecture profession by advocating for women in architecture through recognition, networking, professional development, and mentorship. The goals of the committee include advocating for women in the architecture profession by providing mentorship and networking opportunities; advancing women in leadership positions through advocacy, professional development, and dialog about cultural change in the profession; increasing the visibility of women by celebrating past and present professional contributions; researching issues relevant to the retention of women in architecture; and developing best practice recommendations for architecture firms. For more information on WIA, visit http://www.aia-mn.org/get-involved/committees/women-architecture/.