MIAD Family Forum

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

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.

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.

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. 

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).

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.   

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.

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.

2. 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. 

3. 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. 

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

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

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 

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.

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. 

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

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.  

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.

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 (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**

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

MIAD 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.

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

While a student at MIAD, Ethan Keister ‘17 (Communication Design) was named a 2017 Student to Watch by Graphic Design USA. 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!

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.

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

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

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 7 – Navigating 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.

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

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.