Judith Lacerte - University Affairs Magazine

Project
University Affairs Magazine

Contributors

Art direction:
Underline Studio

Design lead:
Judith Lacerte

Lead editors:
Leo Charbonneau
Natalie Samson

Photography:
Gideon Mendel
Ian Patterson
Paul Weeks

Illustration:
Elise Vandeplancke
Another Example
Boldtron
Sébastien Plassard
Najeebah Al-Ghadban
Javi Aznarez
Graham Roumieu
Essy May

Lucille Clerc

BRIEF

To create a trusted platform that informs, inspires, and connects Canada’s university community. The print magazine plays a key role as a premium, high-value format—ideal for in-depth reporting, rich visual storytelling, and thoughtful design. The goal is to maintain its relevance and appeal while evolving with higher education trends and digital communication. The publication must serve the needs of university administrators, faculty, and graduate students across both print and digital platforms.

Approach

The print magazine is the flagship product that offers a focused, immersive reading experience. Its format supports long-form journalism, bold design, and conceptual storytelling through striking photography and illustration. The design approach is current and adaptable, reflecting sector trends while maintaining editorial clarity and visual impact. A strong bilingual design system brings consistency across issues while allowing for creative freedom in response to each issue’s theme. Visual elements are extended to digital platforms to maintain brand coherence and broaden audience reach.

Outcome

Since 1959, University Affairs has grown into Canada’s leading source of news and information for the university sector. Published by Universities Canada, the award-winning magazine is celebrated for its bold, conceptual design, editorial excellence, and commitment to serving the academic community. The print edition adds significant value to the subscription, offering a premium, distraction-free format ideal for deep reading and rich visual storytelling. Together, the print and digital platforms reinforce the publication’s integrity, credibility, and lasting role as a trusted, indispensable resource for higher education in Canada.

Cover (left): Zeroing on greenhouse gas emissions.
Cover (right): Jeff and Tracy Waters, Staines-Upon-Thames, Surrey, U.K., from the project Drowning World, Feb 2014. Photo: Gideon Mendel

Cover (left): Students judging your teaching – a messy affair. Photo: Paul Weeks
Cover (right): Weaving traditional knowledge and Western science. Photo: Paul Weeks

Cover (left): It's best if doctors come from a variety of backgrounds. Photo: Paul Weeks
Cover (right): For some, a career gap to raise children can seem like a chasm. Illustration: Sébastien Plassard