AATA News

Search News

AATA Undergraduate Education Committee Updates

Welcome to the 2026 Winter Edition of the Undergraduate Art Therapy Educators Newsletter.

AATA and Art Therapists Submit Comments on Proposed Federal Student Loan Changes

March 3, 2026 – Yesterday, AATA submitted a public comment on a proposed rule from the Department of Education that would define “professional student” for purposes of determining federal student loan amounts based on the type of program in which a student is enrolled. We were joined by dozens of art therapists and art therapy students in submitting comments urging the Department to expand their definition. If these rules are finalized, art therapy students would not be able to borrow more than $100,000 total through federal student loans beginning July 1, 2026.

Syracuse University’s Art Therapy Program Sponsors Conference Participation for All Students – Fostering Connect and a Sense of Belonging

February 1, 2026 | By Jennifer DeLucia, DAT, ATR-BC, LCAT, Chair, Dept. of Creative Arts Therapy, Syracuse University In 2011, I attended my first American Art Therapy Association (AATA) conference—not as a student, but five years into my career. It was the...

Take Action: Submit a Public Comment on Federal Student Loans Changes

Take action on changes to Federal Student Loans. The Department of Education has issued a proposed rule that would redefine “professional student” for purposes of determining federal student loan amounts, which will harm access to care.

Featured Member: Michelle “Starr” Starling

“I’m truly excited about having my presentation offered by AATA for free during Black History Month. It feels especially meaningful as a graduate of Wilberforce University, an HBCU, and as someone who has had the honor of serving on the Ursuline CAT Advisory Board for several years. This really feels like a full-circle moment for me. — Starr Starling

AATA2026 Conference Call for Proposals is Open!

We are excited to announce the AATA2026 Call for Proposals and share with you this year’s proposal process. The Call for Proposals invites submissions for the in-person conference and a two-day live virtual conference, both planned for Fall 2026.

Announcing a New Mentor Match Cohort for 2026!

Whether you’re just entering the art therapy field or looking for a new career direction – a mentor may be able to help you.

Join Us for a Virtual CE Event on Art During the Holocaust, Jan 13

Join us for AATA’s first virtual Continuing Education session of the year, The Strength of the Creative Spirit: The Art and Artists of the Holocaust with Elizabeth Hlavek, DAT, LCPAT, ATR-BC, which will explore the art of the Holocaust as a phenomenon.