Research • Education • Advocacy • Community
Power research, grow curricula, and amplify your voice in GIScience together with UCGIS. Serving 60+ member institutions across higher education since 1995.
UCGIS is a nonprofit hub for GIScience research, education, and policy. Since 1995, we’ve helped universities collaborate on funded research, strengthen multidisciplinary education, and advocate for ethical, open access to geospatial data and tools. Institutional membership connects your faculty, staff, and students to a national network, professional development, and leadership opportunities that expand your impact.
Explore institutional membership:
Learn about member benefits, eligibility, and how to find the best fit for your institution.
Highlights of Membership
Research & Collaboration
Collaborate on grant proposals, connect to national projects, and leverage the UCGIS network to scale interdisciplinary research.
Teaching & Curriculum
Use the GIS&T Body of Knowledge (BoK) and our webinars and workshops to design courses, assess competencies, and keep programs current.
Professional Development & Student Support
Offer and attend webinars, workshops, and funded training opportunities—plus recognition through symposium presentations, awards, and travel support.
Advocacy & Policy Voice
Stay informed on policy and workforce issues shaping GIScience. UCGIS represents academic perspectives nationally and connects members to key stakeholders.
Prefer a one-page overview?
Download the member benefits and value proposition flyers or explore details below.
Member Benefits
Value Proposition
Member benefits at a glance
Stay informed and connected
- Priority announcements of funding, training, and collaboration opportunities
- Open channels to share input on issues shaping the discipline
Professional development and events
- Free or discounted registration for webinars, workshops, and the annual Symposium
- Complimentary workshop registration for Symposium attendees from member institutions
- Student presentation awards and travel support (Symposium)
Visibility, recognition, and leadership
- Free postings for job ads and announcements via the UCGIS website and listserv
- Eligibility to nominate for UCGIS Awards, Fellows, and mentoring recognition
- Leadership roles in committees and editorial teams (including BoK initiatives)
Advocacy and policy engagement
- Representation of academic GIScience interests at national and international levels
- Member input on education, workforce, and policy discussions shaping the field
- Connections to partner organizations across the geospatial community
NSF-supported Summer Schools
Hands-on training experiences that support graduate students and early-career scholars.
Research collaboration networks
Initiatives that connect members to interdisciplinary projects and partners.
Leadership development programs
Programs such as TRELIS and Golden Compass that strengthen career pathways.
GIS&T Body of Knowledge (BoK)
The discipline’s authoritative, open-access knowledge resource—maintained by UCGIS.
Ready to explore membership?
Membership is institutional and available by application.