The American Institute of Architecture Students is an independent, 501c3 non-profit and student-run organization that is more than just a club. This grassroots association is a cooperative between thousands of students in North America (of all ages and academic degrees) committed to helping each other. It provides a sense of community and a forum to share differing views. The AIAS is also a professional organization that is the official voice of architecture students. (Taken from http://aias.org/)
WHAT DOES CLEMSON'S CHAPTER OFFER?
Leadership Opportunities.
With several executive positions, committees, and by-grade level groups, AIAS offers leadership opportunities to all grade levels. The AIAS alsooffers a Grassroots Leadership Conference every July. This year, we are creating a leadership mentoring program that will allow underclassmen to develop their leadership skills into executive positions with the chapter. In this way, we plan to create a strong, unified chapter from day one.
Professional Development.
As the official voice of architecture students at the national level, the AIAS begins your professional career at the beginning of your education. The AIAS holds conferences at the International level, including FORUM and SouthQuad. Clemson’s chapter offers workshops, lectures, and firm crawls thatinvite students to develop their skills and learn more about the profession.
A Voice.
Our chapter is currently involved with writing the Studio Culture document,which is a student’s bill of rights within the school. Class-run committees allow students to bring up issues and suggestions to the professors about the way our school works. Our chapter is also beginning a newsletter, *Charrette*, which will allow students to write about everything that is Clemson Architecture.
Service Opportunities.
Freedom by Design is a community service program run by the AIAS that allows architecture students to work within the community to build solutions for those in need by “improving the safety, dignity, and comfort of our neighbors.” For more info on FBD at Clemson, join the Facebook group Freedom by Design-Clemson University.
Peer-to-Peer Learning
As design students, we can learn as much from each other as we can from our professors. We also host many student-run workshops on various subjects,such as AutoCAD, the Adobe Suite, modeling software, accreditation, and joining the profession. Combined with networking and our leadership mentoring program, we hope to blend the lines between the years to promote a collaborative environment between years in the studios.
Networking
Through workshops, conferences, firm crawls, and the mentoring program, the AIAS helps you meet other students, professors, and professionals that will help you form lifelong friendships and connections that will help you through your professional career.
Social Activities
Every year, we host the Beaux Arts Ball, a social event that connects all grade levels outside of the classroom to enjoy our friendships. Over the next year, we hope to increase social activities to include movie nights and study breaks to help lessen the stresses of studio work.
For more information on joining Clemson AIAS, contact Allender Stewart, Membership VP for the 2010-2011 School Year at allends@clemson.edu
