Global Design Students (GDS) is a student-centered distance learning environment at the secondary and post secondary levels. It has been in operation since the fall of 2008 and has primarily focused on design projects that affect the built environment. Recently, many of these projects have been humanitarian-based and the result of natural disasters. The services provided by Global Design Students are thus orientated to real-world projects completed by international teams of students that are guided by faculty and industry professionals. The goals of GDS include:

To expose students to design problems set within different international contexts.

To provide students with the opportunity to work within and learn from multi-disciplinary international teams.

To develop a multi-directional international exchange of design knowledge that is dispensed through contemporary media.

To provide design expertise to individuals and communities in need.

To learn and implement sustainable design practices.