3 Tips to Supporting Your Student’s Return to Campus in Spring Semester

With another semester at MIAD in the books, there is a lot to celebrate about our wonderful students: from their resiliency in this continued pandemic, to their creativity showcased in the MIAD Holiday Sale, to their ongoing compassion and support for one another, which has been incredible to witness.

It has undoubtedly been a difficult semester for many, with all of the stressors that college brings, on top of balancing the struggles of processing the world around them. Now more than ever, it is important for folks to take the time to practice self-care, students included.

We are halfway through the school year and spring semester will soon be upon us. Here are three tips to help your student feel grounded and energized for their return to campus in January.   

  1. Make time for connection: Everybody wants to feel connected and celebrated! Make time for connecting with your student and celebrate the things that have been happening in the past few months. This can look like grabbing a coffee together, going for a walk, cooking a delicious meal or anything in between. 
  2. Encourage personal creative projects: The end of any semester often leaves students feeling too busy or tired to pursue their own creative endeavors. Encourage students to make time for their own personal practice to help them keep their creative energy flowing and to revitalize their passion for art.
  3. Encourage establishing healthy sleep routines: Right after school is out, students often need extra time to sleep and rest. Towards the end of break, it is wise to start preparing for the return back to school, such as going to bed before midnight, continuing to get 7-9 hours of sleep a night, and waking up at a reasonable time. 

MIAD Advising: End of Semester Check-In

MIAD advising is here to support your student in their personal and academic growth, as well as their career exploration. It is important for them to reflect on what being a college student means to them. Encourage them to use this break to think about things such as:

  • What study habits were working well? What didn’t work?
  • How was my time management and organization?
  • Did I reach out to my professors, instructors and advisor with questions? How can I incorporate them into my study strategies and utilize them as resources?
  • What type of career questions do I have? Utilize the Professional Preparation Plan (PDF) as a guideline to begin/continue this discussion with your advisor. 
  • Do I feel as though I have ways to de-stress?
  • What are my academic goals for the spring 2022 semester?
  • How can I utilize the MIAD resources? Have them review the Guide to Campus Resources to learn how to contact for academic advising, career development, disabilities and accommodations, equity & inclusion support, financial aid, housing, tutoring and mental and emotional support services.

Remind your student that it is never too early to begin these conversations and that it is okay to reach out for support. We are all here to help and want to see your student succeed!

MIAD announces new gallery to showcase student and alumni work

This fall MIAD plans to open a new gallery to showcase MIAD student, alumni, faculty and staff work in all art and design fields. The new gallery, called MIAD Gallery at The Ave, will be located at 301 W. Wisconsin Ave. near the new 3rd Street Market Hall at The Avenue in Milwaukee. The Avenue is anticipated to attract more than one million visitors annually.

MIAD Gallery at The Ave Mission: To inspire our community by making art and design work accessible to all. To support student and alumni careers by providing professional opportunities.

This is an exciting opportunity for MIAD to expand its footprint and connections with the Milwaukee community, raise the visibility of the college in the community, and provide learning and professional development opportunities to students and alumni. 

MIAD students, faculty and staff were invited to attend a listening session about MIAD Gallery at The Ave on September 22 to share their ideas and questions about the new gallery. Additional information will be sent to students throughout the semester as the plans for the new gallery become finalized. Encourage your student to check their emails for important information from MIAD throughout the semester.

Important dates in Fall 2021

With the fall semester starting August 23, check out these important dates that you and your student should know. Encourage your student to check out the River Rat e-newsletter sent to students each week for details on additional events and activities happening at MIAD throughout the semester.

August 23: Fall classes begin
Classes return in person at MIAD this fall.

August 26: Welcome Back Street Festival
An annual tradition, students can get food and visit booths to learn more about student activities at MIAD and local businesses. This takes place 11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. In addition, this year students have an opportunity to receive a COVID-19 vaccine, provided by Hayat Pharmacy. Students received an email about this opportunity in mid-August.

September 6: Labor Day Holiday
No classes.

Through Sept. 18: Somewhere Along the Line: Photographs by Joshua Dudley Greer
On view in the Brooks Stevens Gallery, this exhibition features work created over a six-year, 100,000-mile journey on superhighways in the United States. Greer examines the boundaries that line these roadways by looking at the separations between public and private space, privilege and need, the individual and the collective, and the countervailing ideas of home and escape. More details: miad.edu/galleries.

Through Sept. 25: 2021 Mary L. Nohl Suitcase Exhibition
On view in the Frederick Layton Gallery at MIAD, this exhibition features Milwaukee area emerging and established visual artists who have received the Mary L. Nohl Suitcase Travel Award in the preceding two years. More details: miad.edu/galleries.

October 11-12: Fall Break
No classes.

October 5 – December 4: Constant Practice: New Work from MIAD Faculty
Faculty at MIAD are accomplished, practicing artists and designers in communication design, fine arts, illustration, interior architecture and design and product design. In this biennial exhibition, MIAD faculty showcase their ongoing explorations in their fields. More details: miad.edu/galleries.

October 11 – December 4: Reimagining the Global Village
This exhibition, generously sponsored by Fiserv and curated by MIAD alum Nirmal Raja ‘08 (Painting), features work by more than 30 artists and collectives, created collaboratively between artists and between artists and communities in more than 18 different countries. Their work reveals the importance of human connection and showcases strategies artists have adopted to create a more connected and caring world. More details: miad.edu/galleries.

October 14: Midterms reports due
If your student is struggling, encourage them to reach out for help through tutoring, counseling and other academic support resources at MIAD.

October 29: Last day to withdraw from classes
This is the last day students can drop a class and receive a “W” on their transcript. 

November 17: MIAD Creativity Series
MIAD brings internationally renowned creatives to campus twice per year for a public presentation and to engage with students. Check for details at miad.edu/creativityseries.

November 24-26: Thanksgiving Break
No classes.

December 2-4: MIAD Holiday Sale
The annual sale of student and alumni work. Check for details at miad.edu/holidaysale.

December 10: Last day of fall semester

A year in review: 2020–2021

This 2020–2021 school year has been an extraordinary year for MIAD and our students. Take a look back at a few accomplishments as we head into the summer.

1. MIAD receives national accolades. For the sixth consecutive year, Graphic Design USA magazine named MIAD a Top Design School and named Erin Gray ’22 and Carli Jordan ’21 on the Students to Watch list. 

2. Unstoppable students. First-year students share their experiences of starting college during the COVID-19 pandemic.

3. Sweeping Milwaukee design awards. Communication Design students and recent alumni won all five Student Showcase awards in The Ninety Nine Adworkers Showcase.

4. Changing the board game industry. MIAD students Rocky Ho ’23 (Illustration) and Melvin Hood ’23 (Communication Design) collaborated with a local high school teacher to design and illustrate a new fantasy strategy game that aims to broaden cultural representation.

5. Solving pandemic challenges. MIAD students designed innovative concepts to make life better while facing the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic.

6. Honoring women in Product Design. MIAD students Carli Jordan ’21 (Communication Design), Olivia Paul ’21 (Product Design) and Sophie Yufa ’21 (Communication Design) designed a series of posters and a booklet celebrating and recognizing pioneering women product designers.

7. Record illustration student honors. The Society of Illustrators has accepted a record five MIAD Illustration students and recent alumni to the organization’s 2021 Student Scholarship Competition.

Mental Health Awareness Month Resources

May is Mental Health Awareness Month and your student’s health and wellness is important. There are many MIAD and local wellness resources available to students. 

For a list of available MIAD wellness resources, refer to this blog.

Local community resources: 

  • Alternatives to calling the police for situations including housing, LGBTQ+, mental health, crime and more. Learn more.
  • Low-cost or free mental health resources in Milwaukee. Learn more.
  • National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) local resources in southeast Wisconsin. Learn more.
  • PrideFest Health and Wellness digital directory with local and statewide resources. Learn more.

How you can view the MIAD 2021 Senior Exhibition

Join us for a month of celebrating the MIAD Senior Exhibition April 16 – May 12, 2021! The exhibition showcases the culminating work of nearly 160 emerging creative professionals representing MIAD’s Bachelor of Fine Arts programs, including Communication Design, Illustration, Interior Architecture and Design, New Studio Practice: Fine Arts and Product Design.

How to celebrate virtually or in-person: 

  • April 16 – May 8: On-campus exhibition on view in MIAD’s Galleries. Visitors must pre-register at least 48 hours in advance via an online form. The galleries will be open to only MIAD seniors and their families on May 8 from 9 a.m.–5 p.m (no registration required).
  • May 6: Virtual MIAD 2021 Senior Exhibition opens. View online at seniorexhibition.miad.edu.
  • May 12, 4:30 – 5:30 p.m., Virtual Artist & Designer Meet & Greet: Talk one-on-one with MIAD seniors about their work and professional career goals during this interactive online event. Links to each video meeting room will be available at seniorexhibition.miad.edu on May 12.

Follow us on social media for more updates: Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and Twitter.

2021 MIAD Graduation Ceremony: What Parents Need to Know

  1. MIAD Commencement is Saturday, May 8, 2021.
  2. It takes place at the Pabst Theater, 144 E. Wells Street, Milwaukee, WI.
  3. Students will be divided into multiple ceremony times. The time of the ceremonies will be determined by the City of Milwaukee capacity limits as of May 1. 
  4. You can find up-to-date information with more details on the MIAD Graduation blog
  5. 2021 graduates will receive all updates to their MIAD email. Please make sure your graduate is checking their email periodically for very important information regarding graduation. 

How to support your student at the end of the semester

The last weeks of the semester are busy and can be stressful for your student. There are final projects to create, papers to write and the stress of meeting final critiques and deadlines. How can you best support your student during this time?

Listen. If your student calls or texts you and needs to vent, let them. Listen and offer words of encouragement. Refer them to the Learning Resource Center or wellness resources if they are struggling.

Don’t call too much. Remember, this is a busy time for your student, so calling too often could add more stress. Check in and let your student know how proud you are of them—perhaps via a quick email or text.

Encourage good nutrition and hydration. While it’s easy to grab junk food when stressed, it’s important for students to make healthy choices, especially this time of year. Eating nutritious food can energize students and help with concentration and retention. The brain works best when hydrated, and staying hydrated can help students avoid fatigue and headaches.

Send a card or care package. This is a great time of year to send a card by regular mail or a care package to your student. It’s a great unexpected surprise that lets them know you care, and shows your support. Ideas for items to include in a care package include: food (especially homemade goodies or favorite snacks), personal items (such as toothpaste, lotions, etc.) or a gift card to the BLICK Art Materials store (for any last-minute art supplies needed for projects).

Spring 2021: Mid-semester advising check-in

Spring Break is here, and you can encourage your student to finish the semester strong by engaging in a conversation about their experiences.

Questions for first-year students

The First-Year Experience curriculum at MIAD provides all first-year students with a basic foundation of skills and knowledge as they transition into their major.

  1. How are you managing time to finish projects?
  2. What are doing well to be successful in your classes?
  3. What are your challenges?
  4. How are you using the Learning Resource Center (LRC) as a tool for your academic success?
  5. What are you most excited about at MIAD?

Questions for sophomores, juniors and seniors

  1. How are you connecting class work to work you’d like to do professionally?
  2. What has given you more confidence since last semester?
  3. What is a challenge right now?
  4. As assignments and projects take up more of your time, how are you practicing self-care?
  5. How are you using campus labs for your projects and professional work?

Please remind your student to connect with their advisor after Spring Break to schedule their next advising session. Your student and their advisor will review midterms, revise success plans for completing the semester and start the process of Fall 2021 registration.

What to know about applying for 2021-2022 housing

The application to live in MIAD-affiliated housing is now open. If students are required or are interested in MIAD housing, they can start the process here.

For Fall 2021, MIAD-affiliated housing will return to its pre-pandemic housing requirements and capacity. This means:

  • Students are required to be in MIAD-affiliated housing their first year and sophomore year, unless they meet one of the following criteria:
    • Over 21 years of age at the start of classes in Fall 2021
    • Have a permanent residence, at the time of acceptance to MIAD, within 45 mile radius of campus
    • Are married
    • Have a custodial child
  • For example, a first-time first-year student in Fall 2020 from out-of-state will be required to live in MIAD-affiliated housing in Fall 2021 (unless they meet the listed exceptions above), even if they received a housing exemption and lived at home for the 2020-2021 academic year.
  • Two50Two will again have triple rooms. There are no triple rooms in the off-site housing, and to accommodate new students, triples at Two50Two will be limited.
  • Because of MIAD’s continued growth, not all sophomores required to live in MIAD housing will be placed in Two50Two. Some will be placed in off-site apartments.  These apartments have similar amenities to Two50Two and are within walking distance.
  • Housing is available for students who are not required in MIAD-affiliated housing. MIAD and General Capital will work with upperclassmen who are not required, but wish to live in MIAD-affiliated housing, subject to availability.
  • Visitor policy: We are hoping to ease restrictions on visitors in Fall 2021; however, this will be dictated by the spread of the COVID-19 virus. MIAD is working on specific health department metrics to determine when it will be safe to ease restrictions. Once these metrics are finalized, we will share them with students.

Priority and preference is given to students who complete the housing application process first. If students have questions about the lease process, they can contact General Capital at talk@two50two.com

SUMMER HOUSING
If students wish to secure summer housing at one of MIAD’s off-site locations, please contact Matthew Stricker (matthewstricker@miad.edu) or Marianne DiUlio (mariannediulio@miad.edu).

How your student can search for summer professional opportunities

The spring semester may have just started a few weeks ago, but the Career Services staff are reminding students that it is best they research and pursue professional opportunities for the summer now in February and March rather than waiting until April and May. 

Summer professional opportunities can include internships, full- and part-time positions, temporary and seasonal jobs, ongoing or one-time freelance projects, commissions, exhibitions and selling work, and volunteering. These may be remote, in-person or “hybrid” opportunities. We recommend that students be as flexible as possible regarding the type of opportunities they will consider. 

Businesses and organizations usually focus on seniors and juniors (sometimes sophomores) for their internships and full-/part-time positions. First-year students can learn about internships and part-time positions, but may need to wait until their sophomore or junior year to be considered as applicants/candidates. 

The MIAD Career Services Handshake website is a good resource for students to use. Students may review different tabs for resources. 

  • Jobs tab: Students may review the postings of professional opportunities.
  • Employers tab: Students can research businesses that have recruited MIAD students/graduates.
  • Events tab: Students can see lists of virtual presentations and discussions offered by professionals. Most of these are free.

We strongly encourage students to research employers in addition to reviewing postings of opportunities. Many creative businesses find candidates for their positions from students who have directly contacted them instead of posting their position and receiving applicants. 

The Career Center Resources section of the MIAD Handshake website offers other websites to use for searching postings and researching potential employers. LinkedIn is a resource in addition to Handshake that is strongly recommended for students to use. 

Several businesses/organizations will request students to provide work samples and a resume as part of the application process or when a student directly contacts a business/organization to inquire about possible summer professional opportunities. 

The Career Services staff are available to help students. Email: careerservices@miad.edu.

Available wellness resources for your student

Students’ health and wellness is important. Below is a list of the various wellness resources available to your student:

  • Mental health support: Hanna Hobson (hannahobson@miad.edu) is available to offer non-clinical mental health support. Hanna can assist your student if they are feeling upset, overwhelmed or stressed, as well as help create a wellness plan with individualized coping skills.
  • Counseling support: Jennifer Crandall (jennifercrandall@miad.edu) is available to help students who are struggling balancing school with work, personal issues or medical situations, as well as create time-management plans.
  • Accommodation support: Becky Skupien (beckyskupien@miad.edu) is available to assist students with accommodations for a documented physical, medical or mental health condition.
  • Financial support: Carol Masse (carolmasse@miad.edu) is available to assist and support students experiencing financial difficulties. 
  • Marquette University Medical Clinic provides MIAD students free and confidential health services. Students can call to speak with a nurse if they are sick or have health concerns.
  • Marquette University Counseling Center offers MIAD students free, confidential short-term counseling with a licensed professional. (Note: Sessions are telebehavioral health and can be provided only to students currently living in Wisconsin.) 
  • SilverCloud: MIAD has also partnered with Marquette University Counseling Center to offer a new online mental health tool for all students called SilverCloud. This is an online, self-guided, interactive resource that provides students with no-cost, confidential help for mental health issues and stress management programs 24 hours a day. SilverCloud offers self-guided exercises to help users change beliefs and behaviors so they are thinking and feeling better. SilverCloud’s evidence-based learning modules address: Anxiety, Depression, Stress, Resilience, COVID-19, Insomnia & Sleep Issues. Email Hanna Hobson with questions.

Students with any questions about wellness resources can contact studentsupport@miad.edu.

What to Know This Spring Semester

MIAD’s spring semester classes begin this week. Students are attending classes remotely, and are able to access facilities on campus such as studios and labs. The MIAD Innovation Center continues to work with clients virtually and plans are underway for the 2021 MIAD Senior Exhibition.

Updates to 2021 Spring Break Dates
In late fall, MIAD decided to adjust the Spring 2021 Academic Calendar to eliminate the traditional full-week Spring Break. In its place, five individual break days were placed in the academic calendar throughout the semester to reduce traveling.

In late December, a group of students came forward with a request to return Spring Break to a full week. MIAD conducted a survey to discover the comfort level of our student body to do so. With nearly 70% of our students responding, over 90% wanted to return to the full week.

With those results, MIAD decided to eliminate the individual break days and return Spring Break to the week of March 8–12. We encourage students, faculty and staff to continue to make smart choices throughout the semester – including wearing masks and maintaining social distancing – to protect the health of our community.

COVID-19 Testing
MIAD will continue on-campus COVID-19 testing once per week for the foreseeable future this semester, with 25% of students in MIAD-affiliated housing being tested each week. There is limited opportunity for additional MIAD students to get a test, based on availability. 

Throughout the Spring 2021 semester, MIAD also will provide transportation for students from MIAD to the COVID-19 testing site at Miller Park every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. Students must schedule a ride in advance due to limited seating. More information is sent to students’ emails. 

On January 11, 2021, MIAD conducted 96 on-campus COVID-19 tests, with 0 positive results in the latest round of testing. To access the latest testing data at MIAD, visit the COVID-19 dashboard.

Important Dates and Deadlines for Spring
Check our blog post on important dates this spring for details on the academic calendar, the MIAD Holiday Sale and more.

Important Dates for the Spring 2021 semester

Here are the important dates that you and your student should know for the Spring semester. 

January 11: Classes begin 

January 16: Open Enrollment ends 

January 18:  Martin Luther King, Jr. Day; no classes 

February 5 – 6: MIAD Holiday Sale 
Show your love for MIAD students and find one-of-a-kind work created by MIAD students. Works available include jewelry, stickers, sculptures, paintings, prints, winter hats and more. 70% of the proceeds support the participating student artists and designers, and 30% supports MIAD student scholarships. Shop starting on Feb. 5, 8 a.m, at miad.edu/holidaysale2021.  

March 8 – 12: Spring Break; no classes 

March 19: Last day to withdraw from classes

April 16 – May 8: 2021 MIAD Senior Exhibition
MIAD’s annual Senior Exhibition features innovative work of emerging creative professionals who passionately contribute to the world and meet universal challenges in new ways. This year’s exhibit features 160+ artists and designers representing all of MIAD’s Bachelor of Fine Arts majors and minors. More details will be announced later in the semester. 

April 30: Last day of the semester 

May 8: Graduation ceremony
More details to come.

Spring Semester Updates: Important Dates

As the Fall 2020 semester comes to a close, MIAD is already preparing for the Spring 2021 semester. 

Important Dates

  • First Day of Classes: January 11, 2021
  • Last Day of Classes: April 30, 2021
  • Spring Break: To reduce travel and mitigate the virus, MIAD has converted its traditional weeklong spring break into single day breaks throughout the semester. The number of days off will remain the same. The updated calendar is at https://www.miad.edu/calendar-galleries/academic-calendar

Spring Classes
Spring classes will look very similar to fall, due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. MIAD will continue to focus on the safety and well-being of its community in the Spring 2021 semester. 

We aim to continue providing students, faculty and staff safe access to the facility and labs. Faculty will continue to focus on creating robust online learning experiences and, when possible, will provide opportunities for in-person engagement. Some classes will be fully online—particularly those in Writing, Art History, Sciences and Humanities. In addition, students can choose to study entirely online for the semester.

If infection rates continue to rise, more restrictions may be required at the start of Spring semester, including additional limitations on access to the building. In this scenario, access will increase as infection rates subside. The only thing we can say with certainty is that the situation will continue to be dynamic and we will have to adjust accordingly, just as we have done this fall.

COVID-19 Testing 
In the fall, MIAD received state funding to perform limited COVID-19 testing. That funding ended on November 30, 2020 and MIAD is evaluating testing options for spring. Once determined, details will be sent to students via their MIAD email address.

Career Resources Your Student Can Access at MIAD

MIAD students will soon be on a much-deserved break between the fall and spring semesters. This break may be a good time for students to think about their professional goals. The MIAD Career Services staff has many resources for professional development.

The MIAD Career Services Handshake website is a primary resource we encourage students to use. If they have not activated their account and created a profile, the winter break is a great time to do this. On Handshake, students can:

  • Access the Art/Design Careers booklet: Available in the Career Center Resources section, this booklet introduces students to many visual design and art professions and potential career paths.
  • Search for professional opportunities: Students can view postings of professional opportunities (full-/part-time and temporary jobs, internships, freelance projects and exhibitions) in the Jobs section.  
  • Research potential employers: Using the Employers section, students can search in the Labels field to learn about the specific businesses that have recruited for MIAD students. Students can start creating a list of businesses that they may want to consider for professional experience opportunities and start contacting these businesses to inquire about opportunities.

Students are strongly encouraged to create a resume and LinkedIn account if they haven’t already. The information they provided in their Handshake profile provides good content for their resume and LinkedIn. If a student already has both, they could update the content with the skills developed during the fall semester. Some students may now have class projects they could include in their resume.

The Career Services staff are available to further discuss any of the above resources with MIAD students. Student can contact Duane Seidensticker and Christina WickHeiser, MIAD Career Services, at careerservices@miad.edu.

Updates on Thanksgiving break, and the Fall 2020 and Spring 2021 semesters

Fall 2020 semester
Thanksgiving Break is coming up and the spring semester is right around the corner. No classes will be held November 23-27 and the building will be closed November 26-27. To promote safety before students travel home, MIAD will have limited COVID-19 testing on November 16; students were sent a survey to request a test for the 16th

Classes resume on November 30 and continue through December 18. MIAD’s academic building will be open for the last three weeks of classes, and students will have limited access between semesters. 

Students wanting building access after Thanksgiving break need to have a COVID test at MIAD on November 30; students were sent a survey to request a test for the 30th. The last day for on-campus COVID testing is November 30. If a student’s travel plans do not allow them to take a COVID test on the 30th, please have them contact Mark Fetherston to discuss alternatives.

All MIAD housing (Two50Two and MIAD-affiliated off-site units) will be open during Thanksgiving Break, the last three weeks of classes, and through Winter Break. Because all MIAD housing is through a third-party lease, students always have access to their apartments. 

Spring 2021 semester
Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, MIAD continues to focus on the safety and well-being of its community in the Spring 2021 semester, which starts on January 11. If cases in Wisconsin continue to rise, more restrictions may be required at the start of next semester, including additional limitations on access to the building. MIAD will continue to be dynamic and will adjust accordingly, just as we have done this fall. 

In spring MIAD aims to continue providing students, faculty and staff safe access to the facility and labs. Faculty will continue to focus on creating robust online learning experiences and, when possible, will provide opportunities for in-person engagement. Some classes will be fully online—particularly those in Writing, Art History, Sciences and Humanities. There also will be several short breaks throughout the semester in lieu of a traditional weeklong spring break. Specific dates will be announced soon.

As always, MIAD thanks you for the support you give not only to your student, but also to MIAD, through this challenging and complex time. We appreciate trusting your student’s educational experience to MIAD.

How your student can sell their work at the MIAD Holiday Sale

The MIAD Holiday Sale is an opportunity for students to showcase and sell their work to a wide audience. This year’s holiday sale is going virtual and moving to February 5 – 6, 2021. All students currently enrolled at MIAD are invited to submit work to sell in the college-affiliated sale.

Proceeds from the MIAD Holiday Sale support the participating student artists and designers, while also benefiting MIAD student scholarships.

How your student can participate
Registration is now open for MIAD students to sell their work at the 2021 MIAD Holiday Sale. Any student – from first-year to seniors – can participate by selling drawings, photographs, prints, paintings, design work, sculptures, jewelry, handmade gifts and cards, or other work. 

Our virtual platform space is limited, and we expect the spaces to fill quickly. Available spaces will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis. Students need to submit an application to participate by December 11, 2020. Students should check their MIAD email for the latest updates.

Helping your student deal with stress

Students are almost through the Fall 2020 semester! This time of year can produce stress with workload demands, time-management challenges, and isolation while being away from home. At MIAD, students can find support for both personal and academic growth.

Here are some tips from MIAD’s Wellness Team on ways you can support your student at any academic level:

  1. Encourage your student to get involved! Becoming a part of a student group. Email studentparty@miad.edu for more information.
  2. Check-in with how they are feeling. How has their transition to college been going? Encourage them to reach out to staff members listed below if they are struggling.
  3. Ask about academic moments and instructors’ feedback. Finals are right around the corner. Explain how it can be useful to communicate with their teachers and ask for feedback on their progress.
  4. Consider a care package or schedule a virtual family call! There was no true Fall Break this year, and the stretch between Labor Day and Thanksgiving Break can be a long time to go without seeing loved ones.

If your student needs assistance or support, encourage them to reach out to our professional support staff:

  • Mental health support: Student Support Counselor, Hanna Hobson (hannahobson@miad.edu) or Associate Dean of Students, Jennifer Crandall (jennifercrandall@miad.edu) 
  • Accommodation support: Student Accessibility Coordinator, Becky Skupien (rebeccaskupien@miad.edu) 
  • Advising support: Your student’s academic advisor or the Director of Advising, Alea Cross (aleacross@miad.edu) 
  • Tutoring support: The Learning Resource Center (LRC) or the Coordinator of Learning Services, Cathryn Wilson (cathrynwilson@miad.edu)
  • MIAD Housing Support: Director of Residential Living and Student Activities, Marianne Di Ulio (mariannediulio@miad.edu) or Housing Coordinator, Matthew Stricker (matthewstricker@miad.edu) 

Career Development: Executive Director of Advising and Career Services, Duane Seidensticker (duaneseidensticker@miad.edu)

MIAD COVID-19 Testing and Safety Procedures – Updated October 20, 2020

On Monday, October 12, MIAD conducted its first round of on-campus COVID-19 testing. MIAD conducted a second round of testing this week. We’ve received the results and a summary has been posted to www.miad.edu/coronavirus.

We’d like to take a moment to explain what the numbers mean, and what we all can do to help keep the virus under control on campus.

The short version:

  • There are currently 4 active confirmed COVID-19 cases on campus. We will maintain an updated list of active cases on the following link: www.miad.edu/coronavirus
  • Appropriate quarantine, isolation and contact tracing procedures are underway, in compliance with the CDC and the Milwaukee Health Department. Isolation occurs when an individual tests positive; quarantining occurs for individuals who may have had direct exposure to the virus.
  • Students with questions or concerns about COVID-19, testing and other counseling and support resources available can contact covidstudentsupport@miad.edu.
  • Students who live in MIAD-affiliated housing and need to quarantine or isolate can order food to be delivered from MIAD food service. MIAD also will work with students to deliver any essential items to students in MIAD-affiliated housing during the students’ isolation or quarantine period. MIAD staff will contact isolated students daily for a wellness check.
  • There is currently no indication that MIAD will further restrict access to the building. MIAD encourages students to make use of the labs and studio workspaces in the building, and to participate in small group critiques and other learning opportunities. Students have received information via email on how to schedule an appointment to use the labs and to participate in small-group campus opportunities.
  • It is imperative that all members of the MIAD community continue to wear masks, practice social distancing, and wash hands frequently without exception.

More details about what this means are below.

Whenever there is a confirmed case of COVID-19 reported in the MIAD community, the following things will happen:

  • The person with the COVID-19 positive test is informed immediately and is requested to go into isolation for a period of time determined by the local health department or medical personnel, typically 10-14 days from the onset of the symptoms or the date of their COVID test if they are not showing symptoms.
  • Students in MIAD-affiliated housing who test positive will be given an isolation room in a nearby off-site apartment. Students may return to their apartment once to retrieve key personal belongings, as long as they wear appropriate PPE. It is expected that it will not exceed more than five (5) minutes of time so the student can quickly gather what is needed and roommates can be absent from the room. We recommend that students prepare a “covid travel bag” of essential items to expedite the process if needed.
  • Students who live in MIAD-affiliated housing and need to quarantine or isolate can order food to be delivered from MIAD food service. MIAD also will work with students to deliver any essential items to students in MIAD-affiliated housing during the students’ isolation or quarantine period.
  • MIAD staff will contact isolated students daily for a wellness check.
  • MIAD will conduct contact tracing to help determine who likely has a direct exposure to COVID-19 as defined by the CDC and/or the Milwaukee Health Department.
  • People with direct exposure to the virus will be asked to self-quarantine for 14 days from the date of the exposure – even if they test negative during those 14 days. (Please note that the incubation period for COVID-19, has a median time of 4-5 days from exposure to symptoms onset. One study reported that 97.5% of persons with COVID-19 who develop symptoms will do so within 11.5 days of SARS-CoV-2 infection.)
  • MIAD will report the case to the Milwaukee Health Department, which will provide additional guidance on an appropriate response.
  • MIAD isolation spaces will be professionally cleaned after a student leaves the space. Cleaning quarantined spaces is the responsibility of the student tenants living in the unit.
  • MIAD will update the number of cases on campus on its coronavirus information page at www.miad.edu/coronavirus each Tuesday at the end of the day.

MIAD remains fully committed to maximizing student access to the MIAD building and its facilities, and to offer opportunities of in-person interactions between students, faculty and staff. As always, protecting the health and safety of the MIAD community remains our most important task. This is a community effort that requires all of us to work together in partnership to help ensure continued access to the building while keeping the virus at bay.

Here’s how students can help keep the campus open and safe:

  • Wear a mask whenever you are in the building.
  • If you feel sick, don’t come into the building – Even if you think you don’t have COVID-19.
  • If you have tested positive for COVID-19, notify the college immediately at covidstudentsupport@miad.edu.
  • If you have a known exposure to a person with positive COVID-19 diagnosis, quarantine for 14 days from the date of known exposure.
    • Please notify the college immediately at covidstudentsupport@miad.edu. We can get you in touch with the proper resources, and help you appropriately communicate with your instructors about your need to quarantine.
    • It’s suggested you get tested. MIAD offers a shuttle service to free testing sites, as well as testing on campus once a week. Getting a test will help keep track of the spread of the virus, and make it easier to contain.
    • Even if you test negative, you should still quarantine for 14 days. The virus can incubate for up to two weeks, so even if you test negative you can become positive a few days later.

It is important for us to treat each other with kindness and compassion, including anyone who tests positive for COVID-19. This is an illness that does not discriminate, and we are all vulnerable to it. The best way to show kindness and support each other is by using the best safety precautions to stop the virus from spreading to others. Stigmatizing individuals affected by COVID-19 can create fear or anger toward ordinary people, and can negatively affect our community. Stigma can also make people more likely to hide symptoms or illness, keep them from seeking health care immediately, and prevent individuals from adopting healthy behaviors. Stigma can make it more difficult to control the spread of an outbreak.

Groups who experience stigma may also experience discrimination. This discrimination can take the form of:

  • Other people avoiding or rejecting them;
  • Getting denied healthcare, education, housing, or employment;
  • Verbal abuse; or
  • Physical violence.

Everyone can help stop stigma related to COVID-19 by knowing the facts and sharing them with others.

MIAD continues to work directly with the Milwaukee Health Department and will follow their guidance and expertise.   

FAFSA 2021–2022: What are the next steps?

October is a busy month. The FAFSA is now available, and parents and students may begin the process of securing financial aid for the 2021⁠–⁠2022 academic year.

Students who will attend MIAD in the fall of 2021 can begin the process of securing financial aid now at https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa. Here is an overview of the FAFSA filing and financial aid timeline:

  • Students should file a 2021–2022 FAFSA for financial aid for the 2021–2022 academic year using your 2019 IRS tax return info.
  • The IRS Data Retrieval tool allows you to import 2019 tax data directly from the IRS. MIAD strongly encourages all FAFSA applicants to use this tool, as it provides the most accurate data.
  • The Department of Education randomly selects one out of every three FAFSA applicants for “Verification.” If your student is selected for verification, they will receive an email from the Financial Aid Office asking for specific documentation required to complete verification. Using the IRS Data Retrieval Tool on the FAFSA to import your 2019 federal tax information will simplify the verification process.
  • If you utilize the Parent PLUS loan to cover the outstanding balance for tuition and fees at MIAD or Room and Board expenses, you must apply for the PLUS loan each year. The Department of Education must perform an annual credit check to confirm eligibility. The application for a Parent PLUS loan is available online at studentloans.gov in April 2021.

MIAD’s Financial Aid Office can assist you and your student through the 2021–2022 financial aid process. Please contact the Financial Aid Office with any questions.

How your student can prepare to declare a major

Major Declaration Day is November 4 and First-Year Experience (FYE) students must declare a major soon. At this event, your student can declare their major of choice and begin to interact with Department Chairs, other students and alumni with a more intentional focus and direction. 

Before that day, FYE students should research and reflect on what path they want to take.

This semester, students received a Professional Preparation Plan (PPP) guidebook and a Careers in Art & Design booklet. These resources not only help them consider the journey of their academic engagement, but also how they can begin career development as an aspiring professional.

Feel free to read the provided academic and career development materials, and use them as a conversation starter to inquire:

  • What mediums are you using in class? Which do you like the best?
  • Have you identified your skills and interests both inside and outside the classroom?
  • Have you begun researching the majors and occupations related to degrees offered at MIAD?

Faculty and staff have crafted videos about the majors that we encourage you and your student to view:

Communication Design
Illustration
Interior Architecture and Design
New Studio Practice: Fine Arts
Product Design

If your student has questions about academic programs or career options, they can contact:

What you need to know about the 2021 MIAD Senior Exhibition

Every year, the MIAD Senior Exhibition showcases the culminating work of MIAD graduating seniors. Using their creative problem-solving skills, technology expertise and innovation, students in all academic majors create work that addresses different challenges. 

Each academic major approaches the Senior Exhibition/Senior Thesis differently. Students in Communication Design, Product Design, New Studio Practice: Fine Arts and Interior Architecture and Design have already begun working on their senior thesis projects. For example, Communication Design students have already picked their topics and are moving into the research phase of their projects. Illustration students start on their projects in the spring semester. 

Seniors work with a select group of professionals throughout the entire process, in addition to their senior thesis faculty. They meet periodically to provide in-depth, graduate-level critique, feedback and support. 

The cost of each project varies depending on the major and project. Students have the choice of determining what materials they need for their project.

Estimated thesis project costs for each major: 

  • Communication Design: Average $350 (Ranges from $250-$850) 
  • Illustration: Average $500 (Ranges from $250-$1,000) 
  • Interior Architecture and Design: Average $200 (Ranges $250-$350)
  • New Studio Practice: Fine Arts: Average $500 (Ranges $100-$1,000)
  • Product Design: Average $1,500 (Ranges from $1,000-$2,000)

The decision of whether the MIAD 2021 Senior Exhibition will be in-person or virtual will be determined at a later date.

Ways students can stay connect virtually

This semester is unlike any other and it may be challenging for students to connect with others. However, there are many ways for them to connect with their peers virtually. 

  1. Join a student organization. MIAD has more than 20 student organizations and if your student doesn’t see anything they might be interested in, they can create their own! Organization meetings and events are virtual this semester.
  1. Check the River Rat Review. Make sure your student checks the River Rat Review sent their MIAD email each week. It contains the latest MIAD news and events for students. 
  1. Participate in weekly MIAD Innovation Center virtual hangouts. The MIAD Innovation Center has a weekly community Google Meet “meet-up” that any student can join to discuss anything. Details are emailed to students each week.

As the year goes on, encourage your student to check the MIAD event calendar and their MIAD email for updates on new events and opportunities to connect. 

Checking In With Your Student: What to Discuss?

MIAD Advising supports the personal and the academic growth of each student, new and returning.

Director of Advising, Alea Cross

This semester, all advising communication and appointments are virtual. Students should plan to optimize Google chats and Hangouts with their advisors for academic planning and questions.

Now is a moment for students to reflect: How am I adjusting to college? While some may be adjusting seamlessly, others may need to make adjustments to be more successful while navigating homesickness and other anxiety-producing uncertainties. MIAD’s Advising Office has tips for supporting your student at any level:

Check in: Ask questions like 

  • “What are you doing to manage feeling isolated during this time?” 
  • “What are the joys and woes of college right now?” 
  • “What do you think you’re doing successfully?” 

These questions allow your student to reflect. Pay attention to the focus of their answers. Follow up with, “Who can help support you on campus?” to remind them of campus resources.

Anticipate some anxiousness: For seniors, reality sets in that graduation is soon and they will enter the professional world. To lower anxiousness for seniors, please have them consider what kind of budget they want to set for Senior Thesis that happens in spring and connect with Drew Maxwell, who is the executive director of the MIAD Innovation Center. Sophomores and juniors may question their major or begin searching for a professional experience opportunity. First-year students may just be finding out that college is quite different from high school. 

Suggest your student contact the following staff on campus, depending on their needs:

  1. Emotional/mental health support: Associate Dean of Students, Jennifer Crandall (jennifercrandall@miad.edu)
  2. Advising support: Student should contact their specific advisor or the Director of Advising, Alea Cross (aleacross@miad.edu)
  3. Tutoring: Learning Resource Center (LRC) or Coordinator of Learning Services, Cathryn Wilson (cathrynwilson@miad.edu)
  4. MIAD Housing Support: Housing Coordinator, Matthew Stricker (matthewstricker@miad.edu)
  5. Career Development: Executive Director of Advising and Career Services, Duane Seidensticker (duaneseidensticker@miad.edu)
  6. Diversity Concerns: Director of Inclusivity, Richard Anderson-Martinez, (randersonmartinez@miad.edu) 
  7. Accommodations support: Student Accessibility Coordinator, Becky Skupien (rebeccaskupien@miad.edu)
  8. Technology support: Online Learning Partners (olp_group@miad.edu) 

For any reason, feel free to refer your student back to MIAD Advising. We are here to support students and want to be a part of their holistic success.

Family support is key. Thank you for your investment in and support of your student!

Services available to support your student

In compliance with MIAD’s COVID-19 Reopening plan to de-densify the college, Student Services is providing our services to students virtually (online, phone and Google Meets) with the exception of in-person crisis response teams.

There are two teams of Student Service staff who are at MIAD to respond to crisis situations and to meet in-person with students who are emotionally distressed. 

Calming rooms (RL95 and RL45C) are available Monday – Friday to students on campus who are emotionally distressed, so they can meet with support staff.  

Resource guides available to students: 

All tutoring services have moved to an online format for the semester. Students can check the Learning Resource Center (LRC) Moodle page to sign up for tutoring or find other resources. 

MIAD works to support students and their education to the fullest extent. Read questions you can ask your student during this time and provide them with the resources above.

Welcome to the MIAD Family Forum

Dear Parents and Families, 

I am pleased to welcome new and returning students to this fall’s MIAD education. This semester will be a historic one and we remain committed to delivering an exceptional learning experience for our students. 

Faculty and staff have worked throughout the summer to prepare for a safe return to campus. It will take all members of our MIAD community participating in social distancing and wearing masks to keep one another safe and healthy. Among the ways we are encouraging safety: 

  • All students, staff and faculty members will receive a MIAD mask and masks are required.
  • Hand sanitizer stations are available throughout the building. 
  • Digital, hands-free temperature checking stations are located throughout the building.
  • Labs are open by appointment only. 

Even though it’s not a normal semester, there are many new and exciting opportunities for our students to nurture their passion and career aspirations:

  • The 4th floor has been renovated and designed to add more classrooms and student studio spaces.
  • The MIAD Innovation Center has partnered with Nō Studios for free memberships for students. The center is also hosting weekly virtual meetups for the MIAD community and continues to connect students to paid professional projects with clients.
  • We continue to fundraise in support of scholarships, MIAD Student Emergency Fund grants and other programs.

Thank you for your patience as we implement our fall plan and for entrusting your student’s education to us. We are excited to help further your student’s learning and career pathway.

I encourage you to check back with this blog often for tips and advice on how you can best support your student this year. Also, if you haven’t already, sign up to receive our monthly Parent Communication Program emails to stay up-to-date.

Jeff Morin
MIAD President

Important dates for the Fall 2020 semester

With the fall semester starting soon, check out these important dates that you and your student should know.

August 25–28 – Student Residence Hall Move-In
New out-of-state students move in August 25, new in-state students move in August 26, and upperclassmen move-in is August 27-28. Each student is assigned a move-in time. Students can check their MIAD email for details.

August 26–28 – New Student Orientation
This year’s orientation will be completely virtual. Students will receive information in their emails on how to attend orientation. New students will learn about MIAD, its resources and COVID-19 protocols for the semester. 

August 31 – Fall classes begin
Fall semester begins August 31, and continues without a Fall Break until Thanksgiving Break, November 23 – 27. The semester continues online after Thanksgiving Break until December 18.

September 7 – Labor Day; no classes

September 24 – 4-Week Reports due

October 3 – 2020 Commencement
MIAD’s 2020 commencement ceremony is scheduled for 10 a.m. – noon at the Pabst Theater. Read the graduation blog for more information.

October 22 – Midterms reports due
If your student is struggling, encourage them to reach out for help through tutoring, counseling and other academic support resources at MIAD.

November 6 – Last day to withdraw from classes
This is the last day students can drop a class and receive a “W” on their transcript. 

November 23–27 – Thanksgiving Break; no classes
Following break, students may either return to campus or remain at home to complete the semester online.

December 18 – Last day of fall classes

January 11, 2021  – Spring 2021 Semester starts

Where to find up-to-date information on MIAD’s fall plans

As MIAD prepares to begin the Fall 2020 semester, we know you and your student have many questions about courses, safety protocols and other topics. Here’s four ways to stay informed:

1. COVID-19 information and resources web page. View the current Fall Academic Plan, announcements from the college and links to COVID-19 resources, visit the MIAD COVID-19 page

2. Fall 2020 FAQs web page. For information on classes, facilities, financial aid, housing, student employment and more, visit the Fall 2020 Frequently Asked Questions page. You’ll find answers to questions such as: 

  • How will we complete courses in Fall 2020? 
  • What safety protocols will be in place on campus to reduce the spread of COVID-19? 
  • Will the Two50Two Residence Hall be open in Fall 2020? 

3. Sign up to receive emails from MIAD. Make sure you are receiving MIAD Family Forum e-newsletters by joining our mailing list

4. Follow us on social media. Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn 

MIAD announces Three-Year Equity and Inclusion Action Plan

Earlier this month, President Jeff Morin released MIAD’s Three-Year Equity and Inclusion Action Plan. This Plan is the result of a year-long study into organizational models, high-impact practices for learning and persistence, and analysis of student-reported data, resulting in 27 steps the college will take to serve our community, including our BIPOC, LGBTQ+ and disabled students and the Greater Milwaukee community.

The Plan presents the items MIAD intends to complete or begin over a three-year period. To maintain a defined scope, the Plan does not include all efforts underway or in development at the college. 

MIAD’s most immediate steps include, but are not limited to: 

  • Supporting community advocacy: MIAD committed to a $10,000 annual match of donations made by students, faculty, staff and alumni to selected City of Milwaukee nonprofit organizations fighting racial injustice. Students will provide input each fall on the organizations selected.
  • Diversifying the college’s faculty and staff: For the next two years, the college will fill vacant faculty positions with AICAD Post-Graduate Teaching Fellows, who are MFA graduates from underrepresented populations nominated by their home institution for college-level teaching positions.
  • Educating and training: Anti-racism training and resources will be provided for new first-year students, returning students and all employees this fall, and on an ongoing basis.
  • Reviewing policies: The college is reviewing policies to ensure issues of racism are addressed immediately. 

Click here to view the full Three-Year Equity and Inclusion Action Plan.

If you have any comments, questions or ideas, we invite you to share them with our Director of Inclusivity Richard Anderson-Martinez at action@miad.edu.

Spring 2020: Mid-semester advising check-in

You can support your student and encourage them to finish the semester strong by engaging in a conversation about their experiences.

Questions for First-Year Students
The First-Year Experience (FYE) curriculum at MIAD provides all first-year students with a basic foundation of skills and knowledge as they transition into their major.

  1. How are you managing time to finish projects?
  2. What are you doing well to be successful in your classes?
  3. What are your challenges?
  4. How are you/are you using the Learning Resource Center (LRC) as a tool for your academic success?
  5. What are you most excited about at MIAD?

Questions for Sophomores, Juniors and Seniors

  1. How are you connecting class work to work you’d like to do professionally?
  2. What has given you more confidence since last semester?
  3. What is a challenge right now?
  4. As assignments and projects take up more of your time, how are you practicing self-care?
  5. How are you using the Open Lab and MIAD Innovation Center for your projects and professional work?

New this year are comprehensive registration information sessions provided by the Registrar’s Office. The information sessions provide students the information and tools needed to make informed decisions and to plan their upcoming schedules. A representative from all majors is available at the information sessions for any registration questions. Please encourage your student to participate. If your student has questions about registration, please encourage them to contact Megan Cunningham (megancunningham@miad.edu) or Jean Weimer (jeanweimer@miad.edu) from the Registrar’s office. 

Please also remind your student to connect with their advisor after Spring Break to schedule their next advising session. Your student and their advisor will review midterms and revise success plans for completing the semester. If your student has questions about advising and academic programs, please encourage them to contact the Director of Advising, Alea Cross (aleacross@miad.edu).

Where your student can look for professional opportunities

With the semester quickly passing by, now is a good time for students to make summer plans.

For all students, pursuing a professional experience is strongly encouraged. A professional experience is any opportunity that helps explore career options, develop specific skills and accomplish professional goals. Students should research and pursue opportunities in February, March and early April, as waiting longer will present challenges. 

Here are some places where your student can look for opportunities: 

MIAD Innovation Center: The MIAD Innovation Center connects corporate and nonprofit organizations with MIAD students, giving students the opportunity to work with real clients, apply their creative thinking skills and build their professional portfolios. Encourage your student to check with the MIAD Innovation Center Executive Director Drew Maxwell to learn about potential projects.

MIAD Career Resources: MIAD offers a variety of services and information for students looking for internships and professional opportunities. Through Handshake, students can look for opportunities and learn about companies looking for talent. Students can make their own profiles that employers can view. It is similar to LinkedIn, but designed more for students.  

Job Boards: Online job boards are a great way for students to look for diverse opportunities that they may have never considered. Some great places to look: Big Shoes Network, Indeed, Milwaukee Jobs and Glassdoor.  

Company websites: The majority of company websites include a “Careers” or “Get Involved” page that contains current position openings. This is a great way for students to find opportunities for companies they are specifically interested in. For example, the Milwaukee Art Museum has a page for internship opportunities that are currently open and are updated often. 

Networking: Face-to-face networking is a great way to find opportunities that may not be online and get to know someone personally within an organization. Word of mouth references give a higher chance of getting hired. Just showing up and talking to a couple of people shows professionalism and the willingness to grow. 

If your student is struggling with finding opportunities or are unsure of what to look for, they should discuss their professional interests with their MIAD Advisor and Career Services staff to learn what types of professional experiences may be options for them.

MIAD celebrates Black History Month

Director of Inclusivity Richard Anderson-Martinez, with the help of students, put together events for the MIAD community to celebrate Black History Month. These are the upcoming events for the rest of the month: 

“Token or Legacy” exhibition
February 1 – 28, MIAD Student Union
This exhibition of student work highlights a few of many roles Black students must inhabit when navigating college campuses.

The Remix: Hip Hop X Fashion
February 20, 6:30 p.m., Oriental Theatre
Part of Milwaukee Film’s Black Lens film series, this film talks about how hip-hop isn’t merely a music style, but also a fashion aesthetic. A limited number of FREE tickets are available to MIAD students. Students can visit the Resource Center for Equity and Inclusion (Room 240) for tickets. 

Black Creativity Series
A selection of 25 Black artists and designers are featured alongside a piece of their work on postcards found throughout the building. The cards are designed to surface overlooked persons in the larger art history canon. Students can pick up a card at other Black History Month events, the River Level Reception Desk or in the Resource Center for Equity and Inclusion.

We Are What We Do …This Is How We Fellowship
All students, faculty and staff are invited to make a one-minute video using poet and scholar Fred Moten’s sermon at Trinity Church in honor of Martin Luther King, Jr. last week. Students can send a downloadable link to their video to peterbarrickman@miad.edu. Videos will be accepted throughout the month of February and be added to a collaborative loop playing in the building. 

Encourage your student to take part of MIAD’s Black History Month events. More information is in your student’s email. 

Director of Inclusivity Richard Anderson-Martinez talking to students about Black History Month
“Token or Legacy” exhibit in the Student Union

Important student housing information for 2020-2021

It’s the time of year for your student to apply for housing for the 2020-2021 school year. 

To all current MIAD Housing Residents & Cosigners: Because of the increasing number of first- and second-year students, the housing reapplication process has begun. All current tenants and cosigners in compliance with their current lease are eligible to reapply. MIAD requires all full-time first- and second-year students to live in MIAD-supported housing. See exceptions to this policy below.

The deadline for completing the housing application is February 15, 2020.

Go to the Two50Two website to complete the application. Leases will be sent to your student after the completed application has been received.  

Leases must be returned and signed by both the tenant and cosigner by March 1, 2020.

Anyone who has not signed their lease by March 1, 2020 will be placed on a waiting list. As a reminder, a signed lease is a legal binding obligation for the entire academic year.

It is in your student’s best interest to complete the lease process at the earliest possible date. Roommate preference questionnaires will be sent only to those tenants who have completed the lease process.

MIAD Residency Requirement: MIAD requires all full-time first- and second-year students to live in MIAD-supported housing unless: The student 1) has completed 60 or more credit hours, 2) is living with family within 45 miles of MIAD, 3) is 21 or older, 4) is married, 5) is a veteran or 6) is a custodial parent.

For more information contact: Marianne Di Ulio, mariannediulio@miad.edu

Things To Know: 2020 Graduation Ceremony

As the semester progresses and graduation approaches, MIAD Registrar Jean Weimer lists the top three things you and your senior student should know about graduation.

1. MIAD Commencement is Saturday, May 9, 2020, 11 a.m.

2. It takes place at the Pabst Theater, 144 E. Wells Street, Milwaukee, WI

3. You can find up-to-date information with more details on the MIAD Graduation blog

Please make sure your graduate is checking their email periodically for very important information regarding graduation.  

Important Dates for the Spring 2020 Semester

Before the spring semester gets fully underway, check out these important dates that you and your student should know.

January 17 – Winter Gallery Night
“OSSUARY: A Project by Laurie Beth Clark” is on view during Winter Gallery Night in the Historic Third Ward from 5 – 9 p.m. Artists’ reception begins at 7 p.m.

January 20 – Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
No classes on this day.

January 27 – March 14 – New exhibitions on view
Two documentary exhibitions “Mrs. Lincoln, What Did You Think of the Play?” curated by Danny Volk and “New Deal Utopias” by Jason Reblando in the Brooks Stevens Gallery.

February 5 – MIAD Creativity Series
Titus Kaphar presents “Making Space for Black History: Amending the Landscape of American Art” on MIAD’s 4th Floor Raw Space at 6 p.m. Free tickets are required for this event. Learn more about this year’s Creativity Series.

February 26 – “OSSUARY: A Project by Laurie Beth Clark” Panel Discussion
A panel of artists and community members begins at 7 p.m. Learn more about the exhibit.

March 9 – Midterm reports available

March 9 – 13 – Spring Break
No classes.

April 2 – AH151 Field Trip
All first-year students enrolled in AH151 engage in an all-day field trip to Chicago.

April 3 – First-Year Juried Student Exhibition Opening Reception & Awards Ceremony
This exhibition represents the best of first-year students’ work. Outside jurors select students to receive awards. Award ceremony begins at 5:30 p.m.

April 15 – Senior Exhibition Preview Night
MIAD’s annual Senior Exhibition, Wisconsin’s largest exhibition of its kind, features more than 120 artists and designers representing all of MIAD’s Bachelor of Fine Arts majors and minors. The Preview Night, from 4 – 8 p.m., is the MIAD community’s chance to see the work before the exhibit opens to the general public.

April 17 – Senior Exhibition Opening & Gallery Night
The 2020 MIAD Senior Exhibition has its Opening Reception on Spring Gallery Night in the Historic Third Ward from 5 – 9 p.m.

May 1 – Last day of spring classes 

May 5 – Grades due 

May 9 – Graduation
Congratulations to our graduating seniors! MIAD’s commencement ceremony is held at the Pabst Theater, 9 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. Read the graduation blog for more info.

Meet faculty and staff who help support your student’s success

Click the image above to get to know the folks who help support your student’s success, from the college president to student advisors. Plus, learn what each faculty or staff member does for students and what they would like you to know about them.

 

 

“I can see the big picture for students when the curriculum might not make sense. If [students] have a question I can help” – Leslie Fedorchuk

 

 

Alpha Lambda Delta Honor Society: What you and your student should know

Alpha Lambda Delta (ALD) is a nationally recognized honor society celebrating academic milestones. Students who demonstrate a 3.5 GPA during their first semester have the opportunity to join MIAD’s Alpha Lambda Delta chapter.

Benefits of ALD membership
Membership in Alpha Lambda Delta is the first step to awards and honors throughout their collegiate experience and beyond. Alpha Lambda Delta members are eligible to compete for undergraduate scholarships of $1,000 – $3,000 each, study abroad scholarships of $1,000 – $2,000 each, and graduate fellowships of $3,000 – $7,500 each.

What you can do
Consider reaching out to your student to confirm they have received an email from the Advising Office about ALD membership. Please encourage your student to take advantage of this opportunity to be part of a national community of scholars. An initiation ceremony will be held in Spring 2020 for new members. As a lifetime member of Alpha Lambda Delta, each member pays one-time dues of $45

For more information about ALD, contact aleacross@miad.edu or visit the national website at www.nationalald.org

**For students who are ALD members, we encourage them to join us Monday, January 20, 2020 at Lancaster Public School (4931 N 68th St, Milwaukee, WI 53219) from 8 a.m. noon for a volunteer service opportunity**

Career resources for your student to explore

As your student finishes their fall semester, they probably are ready and deserving of the upcoming Winter Break. Taking time for oneself, relaxing and refueling is important. The month-long semester break is also a good time for students to investigate and use a some of MIAD’s career and professional related resources.

For first-year students and sophomores

First Year students and Sophomores may want to learn more about the many creative careers that exist and the variety of specific art/design professions. The MIAD Library has a great Career Section with several books that students may check-out for reading over the Winter Break.  The types of creative professions represented within the collection include:

  • Advertising Design
  • Architecture
  • Art Direction
  • Art Related Non-Profit Professions
  • Art Therapy
  • Comics and Graphic Novels
  • Concept Art
  • Fashion Design
  • Fine Artist
  • Game Design
  • Graphic Design
  • Illustration
  • Photography
  • Product (Industrial) Design
  • Publication Design / Publishing
  • Motion Design
  • Museum Professions
  • UX/UI (User Experience / User Interface) Design
  • Visual Professions in the Performing Arts

The MIAD Career Services Office also offers an art/design career booklet that introduces students to many of these creative professions and provides web resources to learn more about each of the professions.  This booklet is available in the “Resources” section at the MIAD Career Services Handshake website (accessible to all students) or by contacting careerservices@miad.edu.

For Juniors

Many juniors are ready to gain professional experience at a business or organization during the summer, or may already be engaged in professional experiences.

During the winter break Juniors can develop or update their resume and sample portfolio. They also can research professional experience opportunities such as internships, jobs, freelance projects and exhibitions. Some opportunities are posted on the MIAD Career Services’ Handshake website.

In addition to searching for opportunities, it is strongly encouraged that juniors research businesses and organizations as prospects for these professional experiences. Many creative businesses find their interns and students for professional experiences because the student makes direct contact with them rather than waiting for an internship or job announcement to be posted.

For Seniors

Seniors are encouraged to use the MIAD Career Services Handshake website to create a profile of their skills and interests, review postings and research employers (businesses/organizations) who recruit for MIAD students. Students often can navigate the Handshake system on their own, but the Career Services staff is happy to schedule a meeting and explore the system with them to be sure they are using all the functions and resources.

The Resources section at the MIAD Career Services Handshake website offers additional websites to use for searching postings and researching potential employers. Of the additional resources, students are strongly encouraged to create a LinkedIn account to use the job search feature and research prospective employers who hire MIAD graduates.

For all students

Students at any class level to learn about can use the resources of and become involved with the professional association connected with their specific career area. Recommendations include:

  • United Adworkers & American Institute of Graphic Artists (AIGA) for Communication Design majors
  • Society of Illustrators & AIGA for Illustration majors
  • Industrial Designers Society of America (IDSA) for Industrial/product Design majors
  • (American Society of Interior Designers (ASID) & International Interior Design Association (IIDA) for Interior Architecture and Design majors
  • Milwaukee Artists Resource Network (MARN) for New Studio Practice: Fine Arts majors

United Adworkers, AIGA, IDSA, ASID, IIDA and MARN all have active professional groups in the Milwaukee area.

The career services staff are available to further discuss any of the above resources with MIAD students.

Thanksgiving Break Discussion Topics

While your student is home for Thanksgiving, there are many important things you can discuss with them:

HEALTH

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle and managing one’s physical and mental health is key to a successful academic experience, and learning how to balance school, work, and social life is essential.

Yet, the school year can be hectic, and students may fall out of healthy routines. Reminding your student of the resources available to them can help for when stress builds up or the unexpected happens.

  • All full-time MIAD students are provided free comprehensive health services at Marquette University’s Medical Clinic and short-term Counseling at Marquette’s Counseling Center.
  • Non-clinical counseling at MIAD: Hanna Hobson, Student Support Counselor, provides short-term emotional and personal counseling to students. Counseling support includes guidance with various mental health topics including stress management, anxiety and depression coping skills, mindfulness interventions, and more. The Student Support Counselor offers both individual sessions and group workshops.
  • MIAD’s Learning Resource Center provides tutoring, time management strategies, healthy lifestyle tips, and assistance with transition to college.
  • Students who benefitted from accommodations in high school or college because of a learning disability, physical or mental health condition, should contact MIAD’s Student Accessibility Counselor, Rebecca Skupien, to arrange for reasonable accommodations at MIAD.

For a complete listing of MIAD’s Health and Wellness Services and resources (including local pharmacies and clinics), please visit MIAD’s website.

If you have questions, please contact Jennifer Crandall, Associate Dean of Students (414-847-3344, jennifercrandall@miad.edu) or Hanna Hobson, Student Support Counselor (414-847-3349, hannahobson@miad.edu).

STUDY ABROAD

MIAD strongly believes in the value of study abroad and the unique educational experience it offers students. Our programs are rich, team-taught offerings linking cultural, historical and geographical explorations and research with personal studio investigations. Critical thinking and reflection are at the core of student work.

As communicators of the cultural world, artists and designers especially benefit from being aware of new possibilities and new ways of looking and understanding. Independence, global awareness, tolerance, self-sufficiency and resourcefulness are all desirable skills in life and the marketplace. Many employers see traits gained from international experience as a valued commodity in the professional world.

MIAD is currently accepting applications for a course in Florence, Italy. “Tracing the Italian Aesthetic: Botticelli and Brunelleschi to Ferragamo and Cattelan.”

Discuss with your student if study abroad is something they would like to participate in during their time at MIAD. If they have any questions, they can contact Jenny Krantz, Director of Creative Learning Opportunities, at jenniferkrantz@miad.edu.

 

An Intro to Getting Involved On Campus

There are many ways students can get involved on campus.

One student organization is called Student Party, which is MIAD’s equivalent of Student Government. It meets weekly on Wednesdays during the Common Hour (11 a.m.  – 12:30 p.m.) in Room 399A, and helps with MIAD traditions like the annual AIDS Walk Wisconsin, Blood Drives, the MIAD Halloween Party, the annual Talent Show and Health Heelers.

There also are several active student groups on campus:

Active Minds
Asian Creative Union (ACU)
American Society of Interior Designers (ASID)
Anime Club
Disability Rights, Education, Activism and Mentoring (DREAM)
Drama Club
Dungeons & Dragons
Fibers Club
Film Club
Genders and Sexualities Alliance (GSA)
Gradients
Graphic Novel Book Club
Industrial Designers Society of America (IDSA)
InterVarsity
ISO (Photography)
Magic: The Gathering
MIAD Print Club
Rolling Rats (Skateboarding, etc.)
Super Secret Cartoon Club
Video Game Club

If a student is interested in creating a student group that doesn’t currently exist, they should contact Student Party (studentparty@miad.edu).

Another organization on campus, Alpha Lambda Delta (ALD), is an honor society open to freshmen students who met or exceeded a 3.5 GPA in their first semester at MIAD. ALD fosters academic achievement and learning through thought, design and expression, and believes every person can lead, learn and design with a purpose greater than self to change the world. Should your student become a member of this prestigious honors society, they will be provided the opportunity to compete for scholarships and fellowships awarded by National Alpha Lambda Delta.

How your student can prepare to declare a major

It’s time for First-Year Experience (FYE) students to declare a major! Major Declaration Day is Wednesday, November 6. At this event, your student can declare their major of choice and begin to interact with Department chairs, continuing students and alumni with a more intentional focus and direction.

Before that day, FYE students should research and reflect on what path they may want to take.

This quarter, they received a Professional Preparation Plan (PPP) guidebook, and Careers in Art & Design booklet. These resources not only help them consider the journey of their academic engagement, but also how they can begin career development as an aspiring professional.

Feel free to read the provided academic and career development materials, and use them as a conversation starter to inquire:

  • What mediums are you using in class? Which do you like the best?
  • Have you identified your skills and interests both inside and outside the classroom?
  • Have you begun researching the majors and occupations related to degrees offered at MIAD?

Faculty and staff have crafted videos about the majors that we encourage you and your student to view:

Industrial/Product Design

Interior Architecture and Design

New Studio Practice: Fine Arts

Communication Design

Illustration

If your student has questions about academic programs or career options, they can contact:

Class registration and the FAFSA: What are the next steps?

October is a busy month. The FAFSA is now available, and parents and students may begin the process of securing financial aid.

Also, registration for Spring 2020 classes begins the week of November 11, and students should begin to prepare now.

FAFSA

Students who will attend MIAD in the fall of 2020 can begin the process of securing financial aid now at www.fafsa.gov. Here is an overview of the FAFSA filing and financial aid timeline:

  • Students should file a 2020-2021 FAFSA for financial aid for the 2020-2021 academic year using your 2018 IRS tax return info.
  • The IRS Data Retrieval tool allows you to import 2018 tax data directly from the IRS. MIAD strongly encourages all FAFSA applicants to use this tool, as it provides the most accurate data.
  • The Department of Education randomly selects one out of every three FAFSA applicants for “Verification.” If your student is selected for verification, they will receive an email from the Financial Aid Office asking for specific documentation required to complete verification. Using the IRS Data Retrieval Tool on the FAFSA to import your 2018 federal tax information will simplify the verification process.
  • If you utilize the Parent PLUS loan to cover the outstanding balance for tuition and fees at MIAD or Room and Board expenses, you must apply for the PLUS loan each year. The Department of Education must perform an annual credit check to confirm eligibility. The application for a Parent PLUS loan is available online at studentloans.gov after April 15, 2020.

MIAD’s Financial Aid Office can assist you and your student through the 2020-2021 financial aid process. Please contact the Financial Aid Office with any questions.

Spring 2020 Registration

  • Encourage your student to check their email regularly. Registration information will be sent to them on October 21.
  • Ask your student when they will meet with their advisor to review registration materials.
  • Make sure your child’s account is up to date. Outstanding balances may affect their spring registration. Contact the Business Office with questions or concerns.

MIAD Seeks Comments for Accreditation Process

The Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design (MIAD) seeks comments from the public about the College in preparation for its periodic evaluation by its regional accrediting agency. The College will host a visit from the Higher Learning Commission November 10 – 12, 2019.

All comments must be received by October 10.

The Commission has accredited MIAD since 1987. The team will review the institution’s ongoing ability to meet the Commission’s Criteria for Accreditation.

The public is invited to submit substantive comments relating to the quality of the college or its academic programs. Comments must be in writing through the following link:

https://hlcommission.org/Student-Resources/third-party-comment.html

Comments may also be sent to:

Public Comment on MIAD
The Higher Learning Commission
230 South LaSalle Street, Suite 7-500
Chicago, IL 60604-1411

Checking In With Your Student – What to Discuss?

MIAD Advising supports the personal and the academic growth of each student, new and returning.

Now is a moment for students to reflect: How am I adjusting to college? While some may be adjusting seamlessly, others may need to make adjustments to be more successful while navigating homesickness and other anxiety-producing uncertainties. Alea Cross, Director of Advising MIAD’s Advising Office has tips for supporting your student at any level:

  1. Check in: Ask questions like, “What are the joys and woes of college right now?” and “What do you think you’re doing successfully?” These questions allow your student to reflect. Pay attention to the focus of their answers. Follow up with, “Who can help support you on campus?” to remind them of campus resources.
  2. Anticipate some anxiousness: For seniors, reality sets in that graduation is soon and they will enter the professional world. Sophomores and juniors may question their major or begin searching for a professional work opportunity. First-year students may just be finding out that college is quite different from high school. Suggest your student contact the following staff on campus, depending on their needs:
    1. Emotional support: Associate Dean of Students, Jennifer Crandall (jennifercrandall@miad.edu)
    2. Advising support: Student should contact their specific advisor or the Director of Advising, Alea Cross (aleacross@miad.edu)
    3. Tutoring: Learning Resource Center (LRC) or Coordinator of Learning Services, Cathryn Wilson (cathrynwilson@miad.edu)
    4. Roommate/Living Issues: Director of Residential Living and Student Activities, Marianne Di Ulio (mariannediulio@miad.edu)
    5. Career Development: Assistant Director of Career Services, Christina WickHeiser (christinawickheiser@miad.edu)

For any reason, feel free to refer your student back to MIAD Advising. We are here to support students and want to be a part of their holistic success.

Family support is key. Thank you for your investment in and support of your student.

How Your Student Can Sell Their Work at the 2019 MIAD Holiday Sale

2019 Holiday Sale bannerMIAD students have two opportunities throughout the school year to showcase and sell their work to a wide audience: at the Creative Fusion gala in May and at the MIAD Holiday Sale in December.

Registration is now open for MIAD students (and alumni) to sell their work at the 2019 MIAD Holiday Sale, December 5 – 7, 2019. Students need to register by Friday, November 8, in order to sell their work.

Now in its ninth year, the MIAD Holiday Sale is a highly-publicized event that draws 1,000 art enthusiasts and visitors to campus.

Any student – from first-year to seniors – can participate by selling drawings, photographs, prints, paintings, furniture, design work, sculptures, jewelry, handmade gifts and cards, or other work. Artists/designers receive 70% of the sale price. A portion of the proceeds benefits MIAD student scholarships.

Visit miad.edu/holidaysale for more info.

The 2019 MIAD Holiday Sale is sponsored by:

 

 

 

More information about selling student work at Creative Fusion will be available in the spring semester.

Welcome to the MIAD Family Forum!

Parents and family members,

We are excited to welcome our new and returning students to campus this fall. Our incoming class is the largest in the college’s history. Over the summer, we have been busy preparing additional studio spaces, a new science lab and other areas of campus. In addition, we have hired several new staff and faculty members, including a new student support counselor and director of inclusivity.

Our dedicated faculty and staff are committed to supporting your student to achieve success and graduate prepared to launch a successful career in art and design.

This fall there are many new and exciting opportunities for students to nurture their passion and career aspirations. Here are a few highlights:

  • MIAD Innovation Center – Launched in Fall 2018, the MIAD Innovation Center provides students opportunities to explore their own creative ideas outside of the classroom, as well as professional experiences working with businesses and nonprofits in Milwaukee.
  • MIAD Creativity Series – On October 25, the four founding members of the Strange Fire Collective deliver a public presentation, “Institutional Questions/Questioning Institutions.” Strange Fire seeks to create a venue for work that critically questions the dominant social hierarchy and highlights work made by women, people of color, and queer and trans artists.
  • Student organizations – The college has a growing number of student activities and organizations. Participating in an activity or group that matches their interest is a great way for students to be involved and make new friends.

I encourage you to check back on this blog often for tips and advice on how you can best support your student this year. Also, be sure to sign up to receive our monthly MIAD Family Forum emails to stay up-to-date.

Jeff Morin
MIAD President

P.S. If you haven’t already, check out our information for new students in Fall 2019 for information on supplies, new student orientation and more.

Important Dates for the Fall Semester

Before the fall semester gets fully underway, check out these important dates that you and your student should know.

 

August 20-21 – New Student Move-In

August 20-24 – New Student Orientation
New students attend workshops to learn about MIAD and its resources, and participate in a studio experience with faculty and mentors, among other activities.

August 26 – Fall classes begin

August 27 – On-Campus Employment Information Session, 11:30 a.m.
MIAD Career Services provides information on how to obtain an on-campus job.

August 29 – Welcome Back Picnic, 11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Students enjoy food, activities and information booths on Erie Street in front of MIAD.

September 2 – Labor Day; no classes

September 4 – NSP Welcome Back BratFest and Faculty DJ Party Picnic, 11 a.m.
Students enjoy food, music and New Studio Practice activities to usher in the new school year.

September 18 – FYE Professional Portfolio Symposium, 6 – 8:30 p.m.
Professionals working in art and design share their portfolios with all first-year students.

September 19 – 4-Week Reports

October 1 – Majors Dialogue, 6 – 8:30 p.m.
Full-time faculty meet with first-year students to share what each academic area offers.

October 7-8 – Fall Break; no classes
There are no classes on these days. Your student can explore Milwaukee, like taking advantage of their free membership to the Milwaukee Art Museum.

October 17 – Midterms reports available
If your student is struggling, encourage them to reach out for help through tutoring, counseling and other academic support resources at MIAD.

October 25 – MIAD Creativity Series: Strange Fire Collective, 6 p.m.
Learn more about Strange Fire Collective’s visit.

November 6 – Majors Declaration for FYE Students, 11 a.m.

November 11-15 – Spring 2020 Registration

November 27-29 – Thanksgiving Break; no classes

December 5-7 – MIAD Holiday Sale
Students and alumni sell their one-of-a-kind art and design work. Learn more about how your student can participate.

December 13 – Last day of fall classes

Curricular collaborations with Milwaukee organizations offer professional experiences to MIAD students

Each year, MIAD collaborates with corporate and nonprofit partners on a variety of curricular projects to enhance students’ real-world, professional experiences while providing invaluable intellectual property and products to our partners.

Jess Schindler

Projects span all majors, but in the Spring 2019 semester alone, Illustration and Communication Design departments worked with several organizations. Here are the highlights:

Colectivo Coffee – students created new coffee cup designs; four winners were chosen to have their designs on cups at area locations for one month.

Trusted Media Brands – students created illustrations to accompany stories in Country Woman and Reminisce Extra magazines; winning will be published in the magazines.

Fromm Family Foods – students designed posters for Fromm Petfest; the winner’s poster will besold at the event in September 2019 and student designs will be on view at the event.

88Nine Radio Milwaukee – students designed logos and other materials for specific 88Nine Radio Milwaukee programs; winners’ work will be used in summer promotional campaigns.

Prevent Blindness Wisconsin – students designed t-shirts for this nonprofit; the organization is selling the winner’s t-shirt design online

 

Read more about each collaboration.

2019 Year In Review

2019 has been an extraordinary year for MIAD and its students. Take a look back at a few of their accomplishments as we head into the summer.

1. MIAD Innovation Center launches. In Fall 2018, the college launched the MIAD Innovation Center, which combines technology and students’ creativity to design solutions for Milwaukee business and nonprofits. The center also serves as an incubator to help students take their creative ideas to market and offers educational programming.
2. MIAD receives national accolades. For the fourth consecutive year, Graphic Design USA magazine named MIAD a Top Design School. MONEY magazine named MIAD a Best College for Your Money.
3. Industrial Design students help MPS kidsThrough empathy and design, MIAD Industrial Design juniors created assistive devices to help MPS students at Manitoba Elementary & Middle School with special needs.
4. Printmaking Week starts strong. In the fall, students taking Arts Management brought 12 renowned artists to MIAD for a weeklong residency, when they collaborated with students and created special prints for the college.
5. Record number of designs patented at Delta. This year, Delta patented an unprecedented 10 MIAD Industrial Design student designs.

Alumni profile – Ethan Keister ’17

While a student at MIAD, Ethan Keister ‘17 (Communication Design) was named a 2017 Student to Watch by Graphic Design USAEthan Keister. Ethan recently updated us on his post grad life.

What is your current job?

I’m currently an art director at Zizzo Group – an advertising agency that specializes in digital marketing. I do many tasks including branding, website design, and social media content creation. I like the variety of clients (from the YMCA to Milwaukee Film) and the fact I get to be creative on a daily basis.

What are some other things you’ve done since graduation?

After graduation, I had the chance to travel to the Indian Himalayas and do some design work over the summer. When I returned, I moved back to Milwaukee from western New York (where I’m from) and snagged the art director job at Zizzo. I’ve been there ever since, but have traveled to Ecuador, and back to India. I also freelance with Stock House Brewing Co. doing their branding and labels, and volunteer with Islands of Brilliance – a design mentorship program for children, teens and young adults on the autism spectrum.

How did MIAD prepare you for your career?

MIAD taught me how to teach myself. It taught me work ethic, and what it means to be professional in the hectic world of art and design. Presentation is important, and MIAD helped me refine my skills. I learned of an internship through MIAD [at Zizzo], which is where I currently work. Connection is key!

Senior Exhibition opens this month at MIAD

MIAD’s annual Senior Exhibition, Wisconsin’s largest exhibition of its kind, features artists and designers representing all of MIAD’s Bachelor of Fine Arts majors and minors.

This year, the exhibition showcases more than 130 artists and designers who have combined technology with their own creativity to solve problems and express themselves.

For example:

  • Clare O’Malley (Industrial Design) designed a more comfortable and attractive palliative care system, allowing cancer patients to live more independently away from the hospital.
  • Tony Holz (Communication Design) created animated videos for a suicide prevention campaign for transgender and gender nonconforming youth.

The 2019 Senior Exhibition opens to the general public on April 19 and runs through May 11, 2019.

The Preview Night on Wednesday, April 17 is the MIAD community’s chance to see the work before the exhibit opens to the general public.

Learn more about the 2019 Senior Exhibition.

View in-progress photos.

 

Spring 2019: Mid-Semester Advising Check-In

Spring Break is here, and you can support your student and encourage them to finish the semester strong by engaging in a conversation about their experiences.

Questions for First-Year Students

The First-Year Experience (FYE) curriculum at MIAD provides all first-year students with a basic foundation of skills and knowledge as they transition into their major.

  1. How are you managing time to finish projects?
  2. What are doing well to be successful in your classes?
  3. What are your challenges?
  4. How are you/why aren’t you using the Learning Resource Center (LRC) as a tool for your academic success?
  5. What are you most excited about at MIAD?

Questions for Sophomores, Juniors and Seniors

  1. How are you connecting class work to work you’d like to do professionally?
  2. What has given you more confidence since last semester?
  3. What is a challenge right now?
  4. As assignments and projects take up more of your time, how are you practicing self-care?
  5. How are you using the Open Lab and MIAD Innovation Center for your projects and professional work?

Please remind your student to connect with their advisor after Spring Break to schedule their next advising session. Your student and their advisor will review midterms, revise success plans for completing the semester and initiate the process of Fall 2019 registration.

If your student has questions about academic programs, please encourage them contact Director of Advising Alea Cross at aleacross@miad.edu.

On view now – A MIAD gallery guide

MIAD has two nationally recognized museum galleries: the Brooks Stevens Gallery and the Frederick Layton Gallery. They are open to the public Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., and admission is free. But did you know that MIAD has many other gallery spaces around campus showcasing student and alumni work?

Entryway Gallery

Location: Lobby, First Floor

Featured work: Various student work

Currently on view: Student projects from the “Soft Goods” course

NSP Alumni Gallery/Wallway Gallery

Location: First Floor

Featured work: Alumni fine arts work/student fine arts work

Currently on view: Work by Alisa Toninato ‘05, who owns American Skillet Co. and was featured on ABC News last year

Perspectives Gallery

Location: Room 299, Second Floor

Featured work: Alumni and other professional photography

Currently on view: “The Fallen Fawn” by Holly Andres, a photographer whose work has appeared in The New Yorker, TIME and Yahoo Style

Communication Design/Illustration Alumni Gallery

Location: Second Floor

Featured work: Alumni Communication Design and Illustration work

Currently on view: Work by Joan Varitek ‘07, who has illustrated for Mrs Wordsmith and companies such as Williams-Sonoma, Comedy Central and Hyatt Place Hotels

See the work in these galleries here: https://www.flickr.com/photos/miadcollege/albums/72157703881568312

Everything Students Should Know About Seeking Professional Opportunities

Even though we’re only a few weeks into the spring semester, now is a good time for students to make summer plans.

For juniors and some sophomores, pursuing a professional experience is strongly encouraged. A professional experience is any opportunity that helps explore career options, develop specific skills, and accomplish professional goals. Students should research and pursue opportunities in February, March and early April, as waiting longer will present challenges.

Internships: Internships are opportunities to work on-site at a business or organization, engaging with work that directly relates to their career interests. Internships can be part-time or full-time, and academic credit can be earned.

Professional Jobs: Similar to internships but with no academic credit, professional-related jobs provide valuable experience in a student’s industry or profession of interest. These jobs can be full-time, part-time, temporary or seasonal.

Freelance Projects and Commissions: Businesses, organizations, associations and private citizens periodically have creative-based projects for which they seek artists/designers. Seniors, juniors and sometimes sophomores have the skills to pursue such projects.

MIAD Innovation Center Projects: The MIAD Innovation Center connects corporate and nonprofit organizations with MIAD students, giving students the opportunity to work with real clients, apply their creative thinking and skills and build their professional portfolios. Encourage your student to check with the MIAD Innovation Center Executive Director Drew Maxwell to learn about potential projects through the Center.

Exhibitions and Selling Work: There are opportunities for students to exhibit their work in a variety of venues, and the community where the student is living for the summer is a good place to start. Commercial galleries, public galleries, virtual/online galleries, artist-run spaces, alternative spaces, art centers, artist collectives and art fairs are all options.  In addition, MIAD offers two opportunities each year for students to sell their work: at the annual Creative Fusion gala in May and the MIAD Holiday Sale in early December.

Professional Associations and Organizations: Almost all professions have associations, organizations and groups, including creative and art/design professions. They encourage student involvement and often offer student memberships. Become members, attend workshops and events, participate in activities, or assist with programs. Examples include AIGA for communication design students, the Industrial Design Society of America (IDSA) for industrial design students or American Society of Interior Designers for interior architecture and design students.

Volunteer: Opportunities to assist nonprofit organizations and associations also offer valuable professional experiences. Most communities have art-related groups that recruit volunteers year-round. Many offer summer programs and activities for which they seek volunteer assistance.

Students should discuss their professional interests with their MIAD Advisor and Career Services staff to learn what types of professional experiences may be options for them.

3 Things to Know About 2019 MIAD Commencement

As the semester progresses and graduation approaches, MIAD Registrar Jean Weimer counts down the top three things you and your senior student should know about graduation.

1. MIAD Commencement is Saturday, May 11, 2019, 11 a.m.
2. It takes place at the Pabst Theater, 144 E. Wells Street, Milwaukee, WI
3. You can find up-to-date information with more details on the MIAD Graduation blog

Graduation scene

Important Dates for the Spring 2019 Semester

Here are important dates for the spring semester for you and your student to know.

January 14 – Spring classes begin

January 18 – Winter Gallery Night
Two exhibitions are on view during Winter Gallery Night in the Historic Third Ward from 5 – 9 p.m. – Spectacular Vernacular and I Contain Multitudes.

January 19 – I Contain Multitudes: Opening Reception & Artists’ Discussion
Meet the 10 artists participating in “I Contain Multitudes” and view a documentary created about the making of this exhibition. “I Contain Multitudes” is generously supported in part by the Mary L. Nohl Fund of the Greater Milwaukee Foundation.

January 21 – Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
No classes on this day.

February 7Navigating Between Cultures: Artists’ Talk & Panel Discussion
As part of “I Contain Multitudes” exhibit programming, Fawzia Khan and Hend Al-Mansour lead a discussion on challenges of being part of two cultures simultaneously. “I Contain Multitudes” is generously supported in part by the Mary L. Nohl Fund of the Greater Milwaukee Foundation.

February 13 – MIAD Creativity Series
Michael DelGaudio ’01 (Communication Design) leads user experience teams for Android TV and Internet of Things at Google. He presents “Design++: Living at the Intersection of People and Technology” at 6 p.m.

February 27 – Talking Suitcases
As part of “I Contain Multitudes” programming, Susan Armington discusses her project to fill a suitcase with handmade objects that tell stories and help participants gain insights about themselves, touching on topics such as immigration, racism, grief, personal loss and life transition. “I Contain Multitudes” is generously supported in part by the Mary L. Nohl Fund of the Greater Milwaukee Foundation.

March 11 – Midterm reports available

March 11 – 15 – Spring Break
No classes

April 2 First-Year Juried Student Exhibition
This exhibition, showcasing the best of first-year student work, opens on the second floor.

April 5 – First-Year Juried Student Exhibition Awards Reception
An outside juror selects students to receive awards. The ceremony takes place from 1:30 – 2:30 p.m. on the second floor.

April 11 – ARTH151 Field Trip
All freshmen enrolled in ARTH151 engage in an all-day field trip to Chicago.

April 17 – Senior Exhibition Preview Night
MIAD’s annual Senior Exhibition, Wisconsin’s largest exhibition of its kinds, features more than 100 artists and designers representing all of MIAD’s Bachelor of Fine Arts majors and minors. The Preview Night, from 4 – 8 p.m., is the MIAD community’s chance to see the work before the exhibit opens to the general public.

April 24 – MIAD Defines
All classes are canceled for this unique learning event. The entire college participates in a day of panels, gallery talks and events.

April 26 – Senior Exhibition Opening Reception & Gallery Night
The 2018 MIAD Senior Exhibition has its Opening Reception on Spring Gallery Night in the Historic Third Ward from 5 – 9 p.m.

May 1 – RPC Pecha Kucha presentations
Selected first-year students will present pecha kuchas they’ve created in their RPC classes. The presentations are from 11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

May 4 – Last day of spring classes

May 11 – Graduation ceremony
Congratulations to our graduating seniors! MIAD’s commencement ceremony is held at the Pabst Theater, 9 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. Read the graduation blog for more info.

What I Wish Parents Knew About College: A Student’s Perspective

Project by Olivia Paul

By Olivia Paul, Sophomore, Industrial Design

I never knew how much coming to MIAD would make me question my identity and familial relations. I’ve been groomed and nurtured by two loving beings: my parents. My thoughts and values are based on my upbringing with them. So, I have a good sense of who I am, right? Well, possibly… I’m still processing.

In my “Design and the Elastic Mind” class, we were given a prompt to create a narrative-driven piece. My inspiration came from “Lady Bird,” a 2017 American coming-of-age comedy-drama focused on the relationships that shape us, the beliefs that define us and the unmatched beauty of a place called home.

From this, I created “I Am My Mother’s Daughter,” a collection of lenticular photos [pictured right] that depict the personal narratives of different young women. I asked each woman, “How has your relationship with your mother changed since starting college?” Each photo seeks to highlight the subject and their disconnection from their mother since starting college life.

This project has helped me reflect on how our relationships with parents change when we go to college. Here are three pieces of advice I have for parents navigating this change:

  1. Give some space early on. It’s important for your student to feel like they have the space to become independent. Call maybe once a week, not every day.
  2. Understand your student’s schedule and studies. A way to stay involved is to ask about your student’s projects. You can even read a few books to learn the language of their art and design world.
  3. Communication looks different, but the love is the same. Although you may not be spending the same amount of time with your student, know that each individual is doing the best they can. And remember, there is always Skype/FaceTime!

College is a time for learning, growing and changing. Through my “Design and the Elastic Mind” class project, I took the time to understand my subjects emotionally and researching the process of making a lenticular image helped me create photography that was interactive in a way that I haven’t really seen before. After completing my project, I feel as though I’ve started to understand my own parental relationships since college better, and more honestly. So mommy, I love you! I’ll talk to you soon!

Preparing for a Creative Career: Tips for Junior and Senior Students

Having success in classes is the best way for students to develop their creative skills, but career research, job search preparation and professional-related engagement outside of classes is helpful as they navigate the future.

What can a junior or senior do to prepare for their career during Winter Break and in the spring semester? The topics below will be discussed with students in their classes and with their advisors. Please encourage your student to be an active participant in these conversations and accomplish these suggestions.

Juniors

  • Prepare for and pursue summer professional experiences. This includes internships, jobs, freelance projects, commissions, exhibitions and volunteering.
  • Develop a portfolio and resume, which are used when contacting businesses and organizations and applying for opportunities.
  • Get involved with professional associations and groups if you have not already done so.
  • Frequently use the MIAD CanvassCareers website along with other business research and job search websites. The Career Services staff can introduce juniors to these resources if they have not yet been using them.
  • If self-employment or entrepreneurial endeavors are of interest, start thinking through the details of what creative work would be offered to clients/customers. If pursuing graduate school, fellowships, or artist residencies, the junior year is a good time to research options.

Professional Preparation Plan
Professional Preparation Plan

Seniors

  • Schedule a meeting with Faculty Advisor/Career Services staff to discuss post-graduate plans.
  • Finalize portfolio, resume, and other job search materials such as cover letters and establishing references.
  • If considering self-employment or entrepreneurial endeavors, develop a business plan. Similarly, if graduate school, fellowships, or artist residencies are a goal, begin the application process.
  • Look for job opportunitiy regularly on job search websites. Establish and maintain a profile on these sites as well as networking sites such as LinkedIn and with professional associations. Remember to check out MIAD’s CanvassCareers website.
  • Continue researching businesses and organizations, and contact specific businesses that are of interest with portfolio and resume.
  • If relocating is part of the plan, research the destination and learn how to make the move happen.

Faculty, advisors and career services staff are available to help students with career and professional related research and activities. MIAD alumni report great satisfaction with their careers and their professional work.

For more details about the above as well as additional suggestions, you are welcome to review the “Professional Preparation Plan” that all students have for their use.

 

Preparing for a Creative Career: Tips for First-Year and Sophomore Students

Even as students enjoy Winter Break, they can keep focused and continue to prepare for their future creative careers.

Having success in their classes is the best way for students to develop their creative skills, but career research, job search preparation and professional-related engagement outside of classes is helpful as they navigate the future.

Below are tips for first-year students and sophomores as they prepare for the spring semester. These topics will be discussed with students in classes and with their advisors. Please encourage your student to be an active participant in these conversations and accomplish these suggestions.

First-Year Students

  • Research types of creative careers. The Career Services Office has career information available in the library, on the Moodle website and through scheduled individual student meetings.
  • Attend the presentations and discussion sessions of the professional artists and designers who visit MIAD. These are announced through email, the River Rat student e-newsletter and posters.

Professional Preparation Plan
Professional Preparation Plan

Sophomore Students

  • Research the professions of MIAD alumni. Ask faculty, advisors and career services staff about MIAD alumni, or research them through LinkedIn and the Alumni Professional Directory. Many MIAD alumni are willing to respond to student questions.
  • Learn about specific types of businesses and organizations that hire or work with creative professionals. Review examples of professional opportunities (such as internships, volunteer work, etc.) that are available to designers and artists. The Career Services Office can provide resources to assist with this such as MIAD’s CanvassCareers website. These businesses and organizations could be prospects for students during their junior and senior years for professional experiences.
  • Become active in professional associations through student membership and/or attending events and activities. Faculty and career services staff as well as juniors and seniors have info about these professional associations.

Faculty, advisors and career services staff are available to help students with career and professional research and activities. MIAD alumni report great satisfaction with their careers and their professional work.

For more details about the above as well as additional suggestions, you are welcome to review the “Professional Preparation Plan” that all students have for their use.

How Your Student Can Get Involved on Campus

There are a variety of ways in which students can get involved on campus.

Student Party is MIAD’s equivalent of Student Government. It meets weekly on Wednesdays during the Common Hour (11 – 12:30 p.m.) in Room 399A.  Student Party helps with MIAD traditions like the annual AIDS Walk WI, Blood Drives, the MIAD Halloween Party, the annual Talent Show and Health Heelers.

There also are several active student groups on campus:

Adventure Club

Ambrosia Designs

Anime Club

ASID (American Society of Interior Designers)

Billiards Club

Dungeons & Dragons

Film Club

Gradients

GSA (Genders and Sexualities Alliance)

IDSA (Industrial Designers Society of America)

InterVarsity

ISO (Photography)

Magic: The Gathering

MIAD Print Club

Swim Team (Curatorial)

Video Game Club

If a student is interested in creating a student group that doesn’t currently exist, they should contact Student Party (studentparty@miad.edu).

Another organization on campus, Alpha Lambda Delta (ALD), is open to freshmen students who met or exceeded a 3.5 GPA in their first semester at MIAD. ALD fosters academic achievement and learning through thought, design and expression, and believes every person can lead, learn and design with a purpose greater than self to change the world.

Should your student become a member of this prestigious honors society, they will be provided the opportunity to compete for scholarships and fellowships awarded by National Alpha Lambda Delta.

We encourage you and your student to interact with us on Monday, January 15th, 2018 for the National Day of Service in honor of Martin Luther King, Jr. Invites will be shared with your student.

Additionally, there will be an ALD initiation ceremony held in Spring 2018 for new members and their families.

 

How to Offer Support to Your Student During Midterms

Midterm reports are a way to reflect on the past eight weeks of the academic year, celebrate and recalibrate.

This time of year can also produce anxiety, homesickness and uncertainty. At MIAD, academic advising supports the personal and the academic growth of each student. We are here to support and be a part of their holistic success.

You can support your student’s success, too. Here are some tips from MIAD’s Advising Office on ways you can support your student at any academic level:

  1. Valuable check-in: Allow your student to feel in control. Ask, “What do you think are the joys and woes of college right now?” Observe what their focus is. In either instance, you can follow up with asking, “What do you think you are doing successfully? Who can help support you on campus?” These questions allow your student to reflect on what they can control and/or change to be more successful.
  2. Anticipate a bit of anxiousness: If your student is a senior, the reality has set in that they have one more semester before they transition to the professional world full-time. If your student is a sophomore or junior, they may be considering switching majors or finding an internship opportunity. First-year students, for the first time, may realize that studio classes are nothing like high school coursework. Ask your student to reach out for these issues:
    1. Emotional support: Associate Dean of Students, Jennifer Crandall (jennifercrandall@miad.edu)
    2. Advising support: Your student’s advisor or the Director of Advising, Alea Cross (aleacross@miad.edu)
    3. Tutoring support: The Learning Resource Center (LRC) or the Coordinator of Learning Services, Cathryn Wilson (cathrynwilson@miad.edu)
    4. Roommate/Living Issues: Director of Residential Living and Student Activities, Marianne Di Ulio (mariannediulio@miad.edu )
    5. Career Development: Assistant Director of Career Services Activities, Christina WickHeiser (christinawickheiser@mia.edu)
  3. Encourage your student to meet their advisor: Midterm reports were emailed to all students by October 19. This allows students time to formulate a sustainable success plan, activate it and prepare for Spring Registration (spring registration begins November 12).

Thank you for being a part of your student’s journey!

 

I Do Declare: Preparing for Majors Declaration Day

At MIAD, advising works to support your student in both their passion and future profession! Majors Declaration Day is Thursday, November 8. At this event, your student will be able to declare their major and interact with department chairs, other students and alumni with a more intentional focus and direction.

For First-Year Experience (FYE) students, it’s time to declare. This semester, students received a Professional Preparation Plan (PPP) guidebook that can help them on their journey toward academic engagement as well as career development as an aspiring professional.

Use the guidebook as a conversation-starter to ask your student:

  • What mediums do you use in class? Which do you enjoy using to demonstrate a concept?
  • Have you identified your interests and skills?
  • Are you researching the majors and occupations that derive from degrees offered at MIAD?

It is never too early to begin investigating majors and career opportunities. Below are videos on each academic major, as well as academic and career development tools for your examination:

Communication Design
Illustration
Industrial Design
Interior Architecture + Design
New Studio Practice: Fine Arts

Professional Preparation Plan
Careers in Art & Design

 

Students with questions about academic programs and/or career options may contact Director of Advising Alea Cross at aleacross@miad.edu or Assistant Director of Career Services Christina WickHeiser at christinawickheiser@miad.edu.

 

The FAFSA is now available – start the financial aid process now

Students who will attend MIAD in the fall of 2019 can begin the process of securing financial aid now at www.fafsa.gov. Here is an overview of the FAFSA filing and financial aid timeline:

  • Students should file a 2019-2020 FAFSA for financial aid for the 2019-2020 academic year using your 2017 IRS tax return info.
  • The IRS Data Retrieval tool allows you to import 2017 tax data directly from the IRS. MIAD strongly encourages all FAFSA applicants to use this tool, as it provides the most accurate data.
  • The Department of Education randomly selects one out of every three FAFSA applicants for “Verification.” If your student is selected for verification, they will receive an email from the Financial Aid Office asking for specific documentation required to complete verification. Using the IRS Data Retrieval Tool on the FAFSA to import your 2017 federal tax information will simplify the verification process.
  • If you utilize the Parent PLUS loan to cover the outstanding balance for tuition and fees at MIAD or Room and Board expenses, you must apply for the PLUS loan each year. The Department of Education must perform an annual credit check to confirm eligibility. The application for a Parent PLUS loan is available online at studentloans.gov after April 15, 2019.

MIAD’s Financial Aid office can assist you and your student through the 2019-2020 financial aid process. Please contact the office with any questions.

FAFSA website

Short-Term Study Abroad – What Parents Need to Know

Short-term study and travel abroad programs offer students a chance to broaden their world-views, immerse themselves in other cultures and environments and elevate their artistic and design practices.

This year, students have one short-term study abroad opportunity:

MAKING GLASGOW: CULTURE AND CREATIVITY IN A POST-INDUSTRIAL CITY

Overview

Led by Courtney Maloney, Bob Lynch and Ben Dembroski, this trip is three weeks on-site in Glasgow, Scotland (May 20 – June 11) with scheduled pre- and post-trip class meetings at MIAD.

Through this course, students will investigate the relationship between creative work and the historical, social and cultural dynamics of Glasgow. Students will be challenged to consider how artists/designers make work that is uniquely expressive of their time and place, and how artists and designers, in turn, make the place.

Credits

3 Studio + 3 Liberal Studies credits (6 total)

Pre-requisites

Completed WR120 and has instructor approval

Estimated travel/course fee

$4,250 includes six credits of MIAD summer tuition, housing, field trips and museum admissions, travel health/safety insurance during program dates, and several group meals.

Financial aid and need-based grants are available for eligible students.

DEADLINE TO APPLY: December 3, 2018

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

  • Read more.
  • Encourage your student to attend the first information meeting on Wednesday, September 12, 2018, 11:15 a.m. in the 4th Floor Screening Room.
  • Your student can contact Jenny Krantz at jkrantz@miad.edu or in Office 450B.

An Overview of Advising from Alea Cross

Greetings, MIAD Parents!

Here at MIAD, advising supports students holistically.

With an advisor, your student considers time management and optimization, their goals as future artists and designers and their personal development as they begin “adulting.”

Meeting with their advisor is essential to your student’s academic success and leveraging professional and academic opportunities. Here are tips from our advising team to help you support your student:

For Parents of First-Year Students

Ask your student when they plan to meet with their First-Year Experience (FYE) Advisor.

Follow up with your student and ask about what that first meeting was like.

Review the Getting Involved page on MIAD’s website.

For Parents of Continuing Students (Sophomores through Seniors)

Your student is already deep in the process of sorting out their personal and professional lives! Please encourage them to meet with their advisor to start setting goals toward:

  • Professional experiences
  • Elective courses that will complement their major and career goals
  • Professional portfolio development
  • Study abroad options
  • Academic goals

In addition:

  • Ask your student when they plan to meet with their Majors Advisor.
  • Follow up with your student and ask about how the meeting with their advisor went.

As the Director of Advising and support to all students, I keep an open-door policy. Please encourage your student to stop by the advising office if they have questions or concerns about their experience. Have a question on how to support your student? Send an email to aleacross@miad.edu.

Have a wonderful start to the fall semester as a family!

Important Dates for Fall Semester

Before the fall semester gets fully underway, check out these important dates that you and your student should know.

 

August 22 – New Student Move-In

August 23-24 – New Student Orientation

New students will attend workshops to learn about MIAD and its resources and participate in a studio experience with faculty and mentors, among other activities.

August 25 – Returning Student Move-In

August 27 – Fall classes begin

August 30 – Welcome Back Picnic

Erie Street in front of MIAD is blocked off so students can enjoy food, activities and information booths.

September 3 – Labor Day; no classes

September 5 – NSP Welcome Back BratFest and Faculty DJ Party Picnic

Students enjoy food, music and New Studio Practice activities to usher in the new school year.

September 20 –  4-Week Reports

These are due for all first-year students.

October 1-4 – Majors/Minors Expo

During common time, full-time faculty representing all of the college’s majors meet with freshmen to impart a sense of what those majors offer

October 2 – Professional Portfolio Symposium

Professionals working in art and design fields share their portfolios with MIAD students. All freshmen participate; sophomores are invited to attend.

October 8-9 – Fall Break

There are no classes on these two days. Your student can explore Milwaukee, like taking advantage of their free membership to the Milwaukee Art Museum.

October 18 – Midterms

Midterm grade reports are due October 18. If your student is struggling, encourage him or her to reach out for help through tutoring, counseling and other academic support resources at MIAD.

November 8 – Major Declaration Day & Celebration

First-year students declare their majors with a celebration to follow!

November 14-15 – MIAD Creativity Series with LaToya Ruby Frazier

Learn more about visiting artist LaToya Ruby Frazier.

November 21-23 – Thanksgiving Break; no classes

November 29-December 1 – MIAD Holiday Sale

Students and alumni sell their one-of-a-kind art and design work. Learn more about how your student can participate.

December 14 – Last day of fall classes

Welcome to new and returning students in Fall 2018

Parents and family members,

The college is buzzing with excitement as we welcome our new and returning students to campus. As MIAD continues to grow, we remain focused on preparing students with the knowledge and skills they need to graduate and launch successful careers in art and design professions, adapt to a rapidly-changing world defined by emerging technologies and transform our community.

This fall there are many new and exciting opportunities for our students to nurture their passion and career aspirations. Here are a few highlights:

  • Student/Alumni Mentoring Program – This new program pairs current freshman, sophomore and junior students with alumni to provide professional guidance and mentorship. The minimum commitment is a monthly meeting. To participate, students must apply by September 26, and they will be receiving more info soon.
  • New academic minors – In the past couple of years we’ve added several new academic minors, including Arts Management, Digital Media Production (animation) and Furniture Design. This fall we launch a Sustainability minor.
  • MIAD Creativity Series – On November 14, LaToya Ruby Frazier, an internationally renowned photographer whose work amplifies the voices of the vulnerable, and focuses on topics such as poverty, racism, health care inequality and environmental toxicity, delivers a public presentation, “Art as Transformation: Using Photography for Social Change.” She also will be on-campus working with students on November 15.

More great opportunities are in the works as we provide students with new ways to innovate, positively impact the world around us and pursue lives and work with meaning.

I encourage you to check back on this blog often for tips and advice on how you can best support your student this year. Also, be sure to sign up to receive our monthly Parent Communication Program emails to stay up-to-date.

Jeff Morin

MIAD President

P.S. If you haven’t already, check out our information for new students in Fall 2018 for information on supplies, new student orientation, new student registration and more.

Join Us for the NextGen Workshop for Parents August 7

Having a student leave the nest brings its own familial anxieties and joys!

Whether it’s concerns for your student’s acceptance on campus, academic success, time management or remembering to wake up for class, MIAD understands and shares your parental concerns.

It is our pleasure to invite you to meet MIAD college leaders on campus as we engage in a dialogue specific to parents at the NextGen Workshop, August 7, 2018 at 10 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. NextGen is a one-day workshop designed to support academic persistence on campus while building community with students who value diverse walks of life on campus.

The purpose of this workshop is to:

  • Tour MIAD and learn about your MIAD curriculum.
  • Learn how parent/student dynamics can impact academic persistence.
  • Identify the resources you can use as a parent to support your student during their formative college years.

Here at MIAD we want every student to feel like they are a valued member of the community, a leader and prepared to address challenges of local, national and global issues.

To participate in this workshop, please RSVP at: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/NextGenParent

For questions, please contact Alea Cross at aleacross@miad.edu or 414-847-3275.

Follow MIAD on social media

From a behind-the-scenes look at MIAD’s 3D Lab and Sewing Lab, to insider info on what New Student Practice: Fine Arts students are doing, to upcoming events and news about alumni, there’s a lot you can learn about MIAD by following our social media accounts.

Here’s a few social media accounts we recommend you follow to stay up-to-date on everything MIAD:

 

Senior Exhibition opens this week at MIAD

MIAD’s annual Senior Exhibition, Wisconsin’s largest exhibition of its kind, features more than 100 artists and designers representing all of MIAD’s Bachelor of Fine Arts majors and minors. The 2018 Senior Exhibition opens to the general public on April 20 and runs through May 12, 2018.

The Preview Night on April 18 is the MIAD community’s chance to see the work before the exhibit opens to the general public.

Learn more about the 2018 Senior Exhibition.

MIAD Alpha Lambda Delta honor society invites parents for tours and ceremony April 13, 2018

Alpha Lambda Delta (ALD) is a nationally recognized honor society celebrating freshman academic milestones. For accepted students who have a 3.5 GPA or higher, MIAD’s ALD Chapter will be inducting members Friday, April 13, 2018.

As we acknowledge students for their high achievement this day, MIAD also invites all parents who would like to view the art and design work first-year students have done throughout this spring semester.

Join MIAD President Jeff Morin and First-Year Experience (FYE) Chair James Barany on an intimate tour of MIAD to recap the 2017-2018 FYE cohort academic year.

Parent Tour
Place: River Level Rotunda
Time: 1:30-2:45 p.m.

Alpha Lambda Delta Inductee Ceremony
Place: Student Union
Time: 3:00-4:30 p.m.

Please RSVP by April 9th at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/ALD18Tour.

MIAD President, alumni among artists selected for Milwaukee Bucks arena

Artwork by MIAD President Jeff Morin and MIAD alumni Vedale Hill ’11, Brandon Minga ’04 and Andi Woodward ’13 has been chosen for the new Milwaukee Bucks arena.

According to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, these artists are among 32 artists selected from about 1,200 who applied for the arena project. “We really wanted to run the gamut” of styles and types of artwork,” said Traci Speca-Ventura, CEO of California-based Sports & The Arts and the consultant who advised the Bucks on the art project.

“We met with galleries, we met with studios, we met with art schools,” Speca-Ventura said. “We really want to celebrate the team, the history of Wisconsin and Milwaukee.”

Read the full Milwaukee Journal Sentinel article.

New academic minors at MIAD expand career opportunities for students

Chairs designed by furniture design students

Did you know that MIAD offers 17 academic minors? A minor can help a student expand his or her skill set in a focused area of study. Minors are available in all five majors, as well as several liberal studies areas, including advertising, art history, business, copywriting, humanities, natural sciences, psychology and writing.

In the past couple of years, MIAD has added several new minors as well, including the majors detailed below.

Arts Management
The first classes for this minor are happening this semester. The Arts Management minor prepares students to lead and manage arts organizations and events. Courses allow students to explore the theory, practice, knowledge and culture necessary to managing individual practices, community arts organizations, traditional and experimental art spaces, museums, galleries and nonprofit groups.

Book Arts
The Book Arts minor offers students a wide-ranging set of experiences within the broad definitions of a book. In an introductory class, students explore a variety of binding and folding techniques that incorporate interdisciplinary processes and utilize a variety of media. Then students use a variety of required and/or elective courses to complete a focused minor in book arts that fits their interests and skills.

Digital Media Production
The Digital Media Production minor is perfect for a student with a passion for storytelling. The minor allows students to explore the production process, from concept to completion in a variety of applications and media. Through one focused required class and then selecting four elective courses from a broad list, students build a set of experiences that match closely with their career goals and interests. Students gain an understanding of professional practices and issues related to the real-world employment market of filmmaking, animation, video games and sequential storytelling.

Furniture Design
This cross-disciplinary minor is ideal for students interested in designing and building well-crafted, modern furniture. Students learn the core principles of woodworking, joinery and fabrication, as well as more exploratory bending and forming techniques. Students embrace all phases of the design-build process from conception to completion.

Learn more about academic minors at MIAD.