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Dear GDC Member,
The GDC National Council, comprised of your elected Chapter representatives and the National Executive, have approved a number of significant changes to the membership categories. On September 15, 2010, delegates voted on and approved these changes that will provide the GDC with a streamlined application process and an enhanced Certification status.
In summary: the Graduate and LGDC categories have been eliminated; the Associate category has been re-named Affiliate and limited to non-designers; and the honourific for Professional Member (MGDC) has been changed to Certified Graphic Designer (CGD). The certification process is unchanged. It is simply a clearer and more definitive honourific, with the same requirements and case study portfolio review.
A new Provisional category has been established for: those who have applied online for Certification and are awaiting case study portfolio review; recent graduates; and those working in the field of graphic design who do not yet have the required qualification for Certification.
How these changes may affect you
Students There are no changes to the Student category. Students are encouraged to use the following text reference (without the GDC logo) on their own promotional materials and websites: Student Member, Society of Graphic Designers of Canada
Graduates This category is eliminated as of January 1, 2011. If you are a current Graduate member, there is nothing you need to do, as your membership will automatically be transitioned to the new Provisional category on January 1st. In order to make the Provisional category accessible to new graduates, this category will have a three-level membership dues structure. On your 2011 renewal date, you will be charged the first and lowest level renewal rate. The National portion of the dues will increase in the second and the third year and remain static thereafter. As a Provisional member, you are encouraged to use the following text reference (without the GDC logo) on your promotional materials and websites: Provisional Member, Society of Graphic Designers of Canada
LGDC As of December 1, 2010, the GDC no longer is accepting applications for the LGDC category. If you are a current LGDC, you may continue to use the LGDC honourific until January 1, 2013. It is anticipated that current LGDCs will use this two year period as an opportunity to gain the necessary qualifications to apply for the CGD category. LGDC members who have not transitioned into the CGD category by January 1, 2013, will be automatically placed into the Provisional category at the level three rate. Until January 1, 2013, Licentiate members (LGDC) may use this text reference on their own promotional materials: Licentiate Member (LGDC), Society of Graphic Designers of Canada
MGDC Current MGDC members are encouraged to begin using the honourific CGD immediately and by January 1, 2011, at the latest. CGD members may use the GDC logo and the following text reference on their promotional materials : Certified Graphic Designer, Society of Graphic Designers of Canada.
Associates The Associate category becomes the Affiliate category as of January 1, 2011. This category is limited to non-designers. If you are a practicing designer who is presently in the Associate category, please contact your local membership chair prior to January 1, 2011. Affiliates are encouraged to use the following text reference (without the GDC logo) on their promotional materials and websites: Affiliate Member, Society of Graphic Designers of Canada
Every effort has been made to minimize the transitional process for members, and to have the changes as revenue-neutral as possible. If you have any questions, please contact me.
Sincerely,
, CGD
VP Membership, Alberta South Chapter
membership.absouth@gdc.net
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