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.