CAP Student Organizations

Entering the College of Architecture and Planning, you will find a diverse and stimulating atmosphere. The student clubs and organizations contribute to that atmosphere. They are a great way to network and meet your peers, because as they say, sometimes it comes down more to whom you know than anything else.

Here are prominent student organizations you might be interested in learning more about.

National Organization of Minority Architecture Students (NOMAS)

“We add strength to the voice with which we can speak against apathy, bigotry, intolerance and ignorance; against abuse of the natural environment; and for the unempowered, the marginalized and disenfranchised.” 

Started by black architects nearly 50 years ago, NOMA’s purpose is to minimize the effects of racism in the architecture profession. The student-run branch, known as the National Organization of Minority Architecture Students (NOMAS), is a student group whose aim is to foster a community of educated and empowered designers, who recognize and speak up against racism, bigotry, and injustice in the profession. NOMAS is an organization that champions diversity and inclusivity, and which recognizes the creativity, success, and excellence of socially equitable design practices which have been ignored for so long. Through advocacy, community engagement, and professional development, NOMAS challenges its members to advocate for justice and equity in their profession and communities.

NOMAS Purpose:

• To foster communication and fellowship among minority architects through educational, social, and charitable programs and projects.
• To fight discrimination and other selection policies being used by public and private sector clients to unfairly restrict minority architects’ participation in design and construction.
• To promote the design and development of living, working, and recreational environments of the highest quality for all people.

President: Nelson Zhang

For more information or to join our email list, contact us at: nomas@olucdenver.onmicrosoft.com.

All for Women in Architecture (AFWIA)

An organization that is focused on the work of women architects. The mission of the group is to bring to light some of the forgotten women architects from history as well as the work of other women architects to date. The organization shall also be conducting presentations, discussions, and other events in the light of architecture by women. The organization shall serve the department and university by preparing the students to enter the industry as soon as they graduate and to prepare other genders with the awareness of being a female architect in the industry. There are many male and other gender architects who have promoted the growth of some of the women architects who shall be hailed and talked about through this organization. All for Women in Architecture is a social group bringing awareness and broadening perspectives about works of women in architecture, hence it is open to all genders with a male participant as the vice-president of the organization. It will serve the CU Denver community through awareness and the opportunity to participate in different events.

President: Claire Messer

Follow AFWIA on Instagram.

American Institute of Architecture Students

The AIAS CU Denver Chapter is an outgoing group of architecture students interested in investing extracurricular time in being more engaged in the world of architecture. Our members have established and participated in various student committees where they can learn more about and make a difference in their specific areas of interest, such as the Committee on the Environment for those interested in sustainable design, and many others. Furthermore, AIAS members have access to more design competitions and networking events than many others.

President: Andrea Malta

Vice President: Dania Morelli

AIAS on Instagram

American Planning Association Students (APAS)

President: April Getz

Vice President: Kristina Higgins

APAS CU Denver Chapter Instagram page

APAS CU Denver Chapter Facebook page

American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA)

ASLA CU Denver is the student chapter of ASLA at the University of Colorado Denver. Our mission is to further the profession of landscape architecture through student leadership, education, service, and professional interaction. We strive to promote the mission and goals of ASLA and ASLA Colorado.

President: Aidan Nowell

Vice President: Dan Schumacher

ASLA CU Denver Chapter Instagram page

WTS Colorado Student Chapter

WTS Colorado Student Chapter is about bringing people together - all genders and disciplines - to elevate women in leadership and advance transportation equity and innovation. WTS Colorado Student Chapter provides opportunities for students to engage with like-minded students and professionals in the transportation field through networking events, participating in mentoring and job shadowing opportunities, and engaging with fellow students in social and service activities. This organization is open to all students (elementary through grad school), across the entire state of Colorado, interested in the transportation field. WTS Colorado Student Chapter welcomes students from the University of Colorado Denver and Auraria Campus, with the goal of reaching out to students at other universities throughout Colorado. There are yearly scholarship opportunities available for high school, junior college/trade school, undergraduate, and graduate students on the WTS website.

Student memberships with WTS International are free and give access to professional development opportunities and networking events. Sign up here.

President: Megan Harbaugh

Vice President: Sarah McLaurin

WTS Colorado Students Instagram Page

WTS Colorado Chapter Website

Planners Network CU Denver Student Chapter

The CU Denver Student Chapter of Planners Network promotes the Planners Network principles of social, economic, and environmental justice locally.

Faculty Advisor Email: jennifer.steffeljohnson@ucdenver.edu