MIAD Family Forum

Fall 2017 Move-In Day and Orientation activities are complete! Students enjoyed everything from presentations by other students and a picnic in Catalano Square to a studio experience with faculty and mentors and the annual Sand Sculpture Contest at Atwater Beach. Click the photo below to see a photo album that provides a glimpse of the activities students participated in.

Hello, MIAD Parents,

Thank you for trusting MIAD with a new member of our community. Students arriving to campus are surrounded by caring, engaged professionals who are committed to student success.

I continue to be impressed with the quality of our students. They have a professional drive that is tempered with kindness and inclusion of those around them. They seek innovative solutions to problems. They create with courage and integrity. MIAD is genuinely that place where passion finds purpose.

Warm regards for a great year ahead,

Jeff Morin, President

Hello, MIAD Parents:

September is moving right along as well as our returning students settling in and our new students adjusting and finding their place at MIAD. As for the Financial Aid office, the financial aid for continuing students has been disbursed and credit releases have been sent to eligible students. Our first-year and transfer students will have their federal loans disbursed the last week in September. The student accounts office will review accounts and process credit releases by October 4th.

REMINDER: If your contract with 252 stated that you were going to use financial aid funds, for example a private loan or a Parent PLUS loan, to pay for the housing charge at 252, it is your responsibility to ensure that your housing charge at 252 is paid.
I also want to take this opportunity to share with you the changes the Department of Education has made to the 2017-18 FAFSA.
Continue reading Changes to filing your FAFSA

MIAD’s summer study abroad programs offer rich, potentially transformational learning opportunities and once-in-a-lifetime experiences for our art and design students.

This past May, thirteen MIAD students and two MIAD faculty went to the West Coast of Ireland for the course Critical Cartography: The Art of Place Making. We spent three weeks exploring the magical Burren, in County Clare near the village of Ballyvaughan. By hiking the inspiring landscape and conversing with local experts, students learned of the unique ecosystem of the Burren, its rich, thousands-of-years history of human habitation, its geological transformations over eons, and how people in the community continue to survive and thrive while sustaining the delicate ecology of this unique place. Continue reading MIAD Students Studying in Ireland – Critical Cartography: The Art of Place Making

So, your student is in Art & Design College…

The top 12 questions “to ask” your son or daughter:

1. Are you going to class? Skipping class is the #1 reason why students fail.

2. Are you studying at least 20 hours per week? College is a full-time job. You should be in class, studying and doing homework 40 hours per week.

3. Are you sleeping and eating? Lack of sleep and food leads to illness, decreases quality of work and increases stress and frustration. Sleep at least 6 hours a night and eat 3 meals a day. Get some exercise and fresh air daily. Stay healthy in order to do your honest best. Continue reading So Your Student is in College

What brought you to MIAD?

Possibilities. MIAD is located in an exciting city and in a thriving, vibrant neighborhood. The college is of such a size that deep and meaningful relationships develop, and a true sense of community is established. I want to be central to the conversation that builds on MIAD’s community involvement and role as a national leader in educational innovation.

What drives you? What are you passionate about?

I am driven to create, to problem solve. Consequently, I am not wedded to any particular material or medium as an artist/designer – taking equal satisfaction from designing, painting, drawing, printing, papermaking or bookbinding. The content of my work generally has an element of social justice and a connection to art history. My work as an educator and as an administrator is equally rewarding and seems to feed that same problem solving aspect of my soul. Continue reading Get to know our President Jeff Morin with a few questions…

Still reading?  This means you are interested in more information about health and dental insurance, right?  In that case, read on.

If, after reading the brochure(s) you have questions please contact me.

Waldia, a newcomer to the publishing scene, was chosen for the project after a cold-call submission to Paul Buckley, Penguins Creative Director.  Buckley was impressed by Waldia’s work, specifically her daily icon project that she began while at MIAD, offering her the 40-book commission.

Waldia utilizes key words from the text to create symbols, giving the classic works a modern day look. The entire series is currently in publication; the first four are currently available for preorder.

Learn more about the design process here.

Learn more about MIAD’s Communication Design program, rated a 2016 top design program by Graphic Design USA.

At one time or another, almost all college students experience some form of stress. Some may experience it early in their college experience; others at various times and closer to their graduation.

But there are two kinds of stress:  The kind that fuels inspiration, drives work and motivates students to succeed; and the kind that becomes overwhelming and impedes students’ progress in college.

It’s important to note that stress is a process that builds, and it is therefore more effective to intervene early rather than later.  Without help, stress can become overwhelming. This column is intended to help you understand how we help your students, and how you, in turn, can help your son or daughter manage college.

When or why do students become stressed to the point that it is unhealthy? It’s likely that there is more than one answer, but several commonalities exist.

Continue reading Helping Your Student Deal With Stress

Three women explore their respective cultures through art,and students and local artisans showcase innovative furniture design during Gallery Weekend, July 22 – 23 at MIAD.

Artists Sabin Aell, Nina Ghanbarzadeh and Nirmal Raja ’08 (Painting) illustrate their pasts through art, drawing from a tapestry of experiences stemming from living outside of their traditional cultures in Material Girls. The exhibition, curated by the artists, opens Friday, July 22, is on view in the Brooks Stevens Gallery with an Opening Reception Saturday, July 23, 2 – 5 p.m. with a Gallery Talk beginning at 3 p.m.

Continue reading Craftsmanship and culture celebrated during summer Gallery Weekend at MIAD

A letter from Dean of Students Tony Nowak –

Dear Parents,

Now that classes have begun I want to update you on student health care services at MIAD. As the semester progresses it’s almost predictable that students will encounter colds, the flu, get stressed out about classes, and sleep and eat irregularly, all of which might cause them to seek medical help. All full-time students are eligible to receive health and counseling services at the Marquette University Student Health & Counseling Centers. All services provided at the Centers are free to MIAD students regardless of health insurance status. Further the MU Health & Counseling Centers serve a college age population exclusively so they specialize in treating the types of problems our students are most likely to encounter. If your son or daughter talks with you about a medical problem encourage them to make an appointment to see one of the MU Clinic’s doctors. Contact information and directions are on the back side of the student ID all students receive.

Continue reading MIAD Health & Counseling Services and Health Insurance Information

Graduation Day – Click here for everything you need to know to prepare

Date and Time:
Graduation is Saturday, May 14, 2016.  Check in for Graduates begins at 9:30 am for instructions and rehearsal. The ceremony will begin at 11:00 a.m. and last for approximately 2 hours.

Location:
The Pabst Theater
144 E Wells St, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53202

Tickets:
Every graduate automatically receives four tickets for your guests. If you have already requested extra tickets, please check your name on the attached document for the number of extra tickets you will also be given to invite guests. Tickets will be available in March for pickup. Tickets are mandatory for entrance into the Theater for all guests (graduating Seniors will not need a ticket, your seat is reserved). A limited number of extra tickets are still available if you have not requested extra tickets. You can request additional tickets below. Additional tickets are given out until the theater is full.

https://miadforms.wufoo.com/forms/graduation-extra-ticket-request-form/

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 April 25 – 26, 2016, with a team representing the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association.

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/HLC-Institutions/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

All comments must be received by March 25, 2016.

Hello MIAD Parents,

Happy New Year! We are excited to welcome students back to campus and begin processing financial aid for the 2016-2017 academic year.   If your student will attend MIAD in the fall of 2016, they should complete the 2016-2017 FAFSA. Kristina and I will be available to assist you through the 2016-2017 financial aid process again this year.

During the beginning of the spring semester, I will be sending an email to all our current students reminding them that it is once again time to file their FAFSA for the 2016-2017 academic year. The 2016-2017 FAFSA application is very similar to the FAFSA 2016-2017 application. Let’s review:

• 1. You will be filing a 2016-2017 FAFSA for financial aid for the 2016-2017 academic year using your 2015 IRS tax return information. You can file a “Will File” FAFSA if you have not yet completed your 2015 Federal Tax return in order to meet all application deadlines. However, once you have completed your tax return, we recommend that you update your FAFSA application to an “Already Completed” tax filing status and use the IRS Data Retrieval Tool to provide tax return information.
• 2. The Department of Education continues to work with the IRS to allow FAFSA filers to import their tax information submitted to the IRS using the “IRS Data Retrieval Tool” on the FAFSA. MIAD strongly encourages all FAFSA applicants to use this tool. This tool is available to you two weeks after you have electronically submitted your tax return or six to eight weeks after you mailed in your paper tax return.
• 3. The Department of Education randomly selects one out of every three applicants for “Verification.” If your son or daughter is selected for verification, they will be sent a letter from the MIAD Financial Aid Office asking for the specific documentation required to complete your verification. Using the IRS Data Retrieval Tool on the FAFSA to import your 2015 Federal Tax information will simplify the verification process for you.
• 4. Last but not least – Parents who rely on the Parent PLUS loan to cover the outstanding balance for tuition and fees at MIAD or Room and Board expenses must apply for the loan each year. The Department of Education requires the application for a credit check annually. The application for a Parent PLUS loan is available online at www.studentloans.gov after May 1, 2015.

We look forward to working with you this year. Do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions.

Carol Masse

Executive Director of Financial Aid

It’s hard to believe that we are halfway through another academic year, and that FAFSA time is quickly approaching.   If your student will attend MIAD in fall 2016 we encourage you to complete the 2016-2017 FAFSA.  The FAFSA is available on January 1 and utilizes data from your 2015 federal tax return.  Parents and students can file an application in a “Will File” status prior to completing 2015 taxes.  After your taxes are processed, you and your student may log back into the FAFSA and import your tax data using the IRS Data Retrieval Tool (IRS DRT).  The IRS DRT ensures that the data reported is as accurate as possible.  If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact the Financial Aid office.

Kristina Alvarez
Assistant Director of Financial Aid
414/847-3271
kristinaalvarez@miad.edu

You and your student’s investment in a MIAD education is greatly appreciated.  We want your student to make full use of their education and their time here at MIAD.  MIAD is committed to assisting students develop skills, explore creative interests and successfully transition to creative professions. Their very pursuit of a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) degree is the simultaneous pursuit of a profession; The BFA as compared to a BA (Bachelor of Arts) is considered a professional degree.

To assist your student in obtaining their BFA and achieving their professional goals, MIAD’s Advising and Career Services staff along with faculty have created a Professional Preparation Plan. This is a guide or check-list designed to help them learn how to get the most from their classes, use the services and resources available to them, and participate in activities and events that promote professional development.

The Professional Preparation Plan is customized for each of your student’s four years at MIAD.  There are suggestions, advice and tips for each year: Foundations (freshmen), Sophomore, Junior and Senior year.

Every item on this Professional Preparation Plan check-list may not be applicable to each student.  However, in its entirety this plan will help your student make the most of their MIAD experience.  The more your student accounts for and actively accomplishes the items listed in this plan, the more their professional goals will become a reality.

The Professional Preparation Plan is intended to be used independently by your student as well as collaboratively with their MIAD advisor.  When your student meets with their advisor, we strongly encourage them to discuss this Professional Preparation Plan.

We want your student to be successful at MIAD and ultimately successful as a creative professional.  This Professional Preparation Plan can help.  Click on this Professional Preparation Plan to review.

Michelle Gross, Duane Seidensticker, Christina WickHeiser
MIAD Advising and Career Services

December 3 – 5

All students and alumni may participate, with proceeds benefiting the participants.

Preview Party:
Thursday, December 3, 6 – 9 p.m., $20 (complimentary tickets are available to parents)

Friday, December 4, 5 – 9 p.m., Free
Saturday, December 5, 12 – 5 p.m., Free

The Student/Alumni Art & Design Sale is generously sponsored by Blick Art Materials.

Presenting sponsor:

Media Sponsor: Milwaukee Magazine

Students have the opportunity to develop impactful relationships with numerous individuals during their time at MIAD. One of the most important of these relationships is that of the student and their academic advisor. MIAD students have an amazing group of faculty and staff who serve as academic advisors, are committed and care about their students, participate in advising training and development opportunities and are well-versed and knowledgeable regarding campus and community resources. Advisors reach out to their advisees on a regular basis, both in class and in the hallways, not to mention through E-mail and phone correspondence. Advisors also work at least once a semester with each of their advisees to determine a registration plan for the upcoming semesters coursework.

All Foundations students are assigned Foundations advisors for their first year at MIAD. Foundations advisors are faculty and staff that have an interest in working with first year students and also see students on a regular basis in the classroom, residence hall or MIAD events and programs. Students transition to their major faculty advisor, depending on their major, by the beginning of their Sophomore year. Students generally remain with this major advisor for the remainder of their time at MIAD.

One of the best things that you can do to encourage your student in their success at MIAD is to ask them about their relationship and experiences with their academic advisor. Ask your student who their advisor is, what they know about them, and what their meetings have been like. It is also important for students to realize the role that they have in working with their advisor. Scheduling meetings, preparing for meetings, and following up with tasks that are discussed during a meeting are all necessary for students to have a successful and satisfying experience. Below are the tips have shared with students regarding a successful relationship with their academic advisor. Students can access these tips through their Student Advising Moodle course page.

1.  Contact your advisor at least 1-2 weeks before you would like a scheduled meeting.  You want to be respectful of their schedule…they are busy just like you.  If your advisor contacts you for a meeting, be sure to respond to them in a timely manner, i.e. within 24-48 hours is best.

2.  If you need to cancel or reschedule your meeting, be sure to notify your advisor as soon as you can.  E-mail them, call them, leave a note on their office door…do all that you can to get a hold of them so that they aren’t waiting for you wondering where you are.  They could use that time to meet with another student…be respectful of their time.

3.  Come prepared with questions for your advisor.  Chances are you set up the meeting because you have some questions…write them down so you don’t forget any of them!

4.  Share exciting events in your life with your advisor.  What is going on in your personal life?  What is your favorite class right now?  What work are you especially proud of?  Your advisor wants to know the good things along with the challenges that you may be facing.

5.  If your meeting is focused on picking your classes for the following semester, come prepared.  Be sure you have taken the time to look through the schedule of classes and that you have sample schedules prepared.  It is not your advisor’s responsibility to pick out classes for you.  Your advisor is there to answer questions, be sure you are on the best path for what you would like to do, and that you fully understand the courses you would like to enroll in.  You are ultimately responsible for enrolling in the correct courses to fulfill your Program of Study.

6.  Attend the meeting with a solution-focused attitude.  Your advisor is there to help you think through problems, guide you to resources, and assist in decision-making.  The meeting will be much more enjoyable if you are in a mindset that allows for problem solving rather than placing blame or complaining.

7.  Be sure you come prepared with any follow-up work you may have needed to do.  Were you supposed to research a major or career path before your meeting?  Were you supposed to follow-up with a tutor, Jennifer Crandall or Sara Thor?  Your advisor will work with you but you have to meet them halfway in terms of following through on your responsibilities as a student.

8.  Have fun!  Meetings with your advisor should be fun and informative.  Use the time to build your relationship with your advisor as well as get the information and assistance that you need.  Your advisor-advisee relationship can develop into a mentorship relationship.  Your advisor may also be able to serve as a positive reference for you in your future.  You never know when you may need to reach out to them.  Don’t burn bridges!

Everything that we do in MIAD Advising is developed and facilitated in the efforts of supporting our vision of guiding students toward self-directed planning of their creative futures. I truly enjoy working with all of the students at MIAD while they are on their journey to be who they are meant become.

Michelle Gross
Director of College Advising