The GDC National Executive Council, comprised of your Chapter representatives, have made a number of significant changes to membership categories. On September 15, 2010, delegates voted on and approved categories 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 members 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 has been eliminated as of January 1, 2011. As 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 Provisional members, 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 will no longer be accepting applications for the LGDC category. All current LGDCs 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.

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. To obtain a copy of the logo, please contact Melanie MacDonald at director@gdc.net

Associates - The Associate category will become 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
membership chair prior to January 1, 2011.

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,

Aaron Heppell, CGD
Chapter President, Vancouver Island Chapter