Student Organizations

There are numerous opportunities for JMU art majors to participate in on-campus student organizations. Membership in such groups as Kappa Pi, NAEA, ASID, AIGA, and the artWorks Galleries are just a few of the experiences awaiting students at James Madison.  Many of these groups are affiliated with their professional, national associations.

These ties provide students with insights to their future careers in a real-world context, and provide for research and social events related to their discipline.  All student-run organizations have faculty advisors selected by the student members, a connection that serves to extend the learning environment from the classroom into the homes of JMU faculty, helping foster a true community of scholars.

AIGA

The American Institute of Graphic Arts (AIGA), the professional association for design, believes designers serve a critical role as communicators, educators and innovators. AIGA sets the national agenda for the role of design in economic, social, political, cultural and creative contexts. The JMU student chapter is an active group that gets involved in the local and regional design community, creates a community of their own and creates an appreciation of professional graphic design standards while fostering fellowship and building leadership skills among student members. Activities include on and off campus projects, participation in events with other university regional chapters, field trips, guest speakers and community service. An AIGA Student membership is required to be an active member of the student chapter. As an AIGA student member you’ll gain access to invaluable resources and opportunities to help make the transition from student to professional designer. For more information about AIGA, visit their website. AIGA

Dawn McCusker, Advisor
mccuskdm@jmu.edu, 540.568.6500

ASID

The American Society of Interior Designers' JMU student chapter strives to create an appreciation of professional interior design standards by promoting a community atmosphere that fosters fellowship and cooperation among student members.  Special on and off campus projects, field trips, guest speakers and other interior design-related activities help members bridge the transition between classroom preparation and professional practice.

Ronn Daniel, Advisor
danielrm@jmu.edu, 540.568.5850

KAPPA PI

Kappa Pi is an art honor society. In 2016, SADAH's Kappi Pi was the largest in the nation. It offers qualified art majors opportunities to become involved in service to the School of Art, Design and Art History and to assist faculty members in developing an atmosphere conducive to providing the highest quality visual arts education. The organization regularly sponsors guest speakers, film series, fund-raising activities and field trips to encourage interaction between art students and to promote excellence in art.

Dr. Cole Welter, Advisor
welterch@jmu.edu, 540.568.6322

NAEA

The National Art Education Association's student chapter at JMU helps smooth the transition from art education preparation to professional practice. Student members strive to maintain a high standard for art education both on campus and in the community through regular participation in local, state and national workshops and conferences. The Retired Art Educators Affiliate (RAEA) saluted the James Madison University Student Chapter, NAEA 2016 Outstanding Student Chapter of the Year.

Dr. Karin Tollefson-Hall, Advisor
tollefkl@jmu.edu, 540.568.4304