Alumni Facilities Access Information
MIAD is proud to be one of the few art and design colleges that provides its alumni community continued access to its Institutional Labs. We welcome alumni to use lab facilities in support of their continued creative and professional growth. Having alumni in our labs, working along with our current students, helps MIAD cultivate and enrich a culture of diverse practices in our community.
Alumni who are beyond one year of graduation are asked to pay an annual $25 fee to receive an Alumni ID, required for access to the labs. This fee supports Alumni Senior Thesis Awards, awarded to seniors each year to assist in fabricating their Senior Exhibition projects. This fee is waived for MIAD alumni within one year of their graduation.
Additional fees for lab projects may apply for all alums and a request system has been created to support equitable student and alumni lab access.
See the Alumni Lab Usage Policy and Request below to start your lab request. If you have any questions on alumni access to the labs, please contact alumni@miad.edu.
News
Sabbatical journey: Revelations and a new course for students
A sabbatical year immersed in Japanese culture, language and the study of Ukiyo-e – images of Japan’s “floating world” – led Professor Chelsea Holton to two main “aha” moments and development of a new course for students at the Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design (MIAD).
Fashion students design adaptive clothing for Independence First
For the second year in a row, Fashion and Apparel Design students at the Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design (MIAD) worked with Independence First to design adaptive clothing tailor-made for two people who use wheelchairs. The project is part of a junior-level Patternmaking & Construction course.
MIAD Values Recognition Award: Nichole Uecker
Nichole Uecker, Student Accessibility Coordinator, received the October 2025 MIAD Values Recognition Award at the Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design (MIAD). Nichole’s nominations highlighted her embodiment of MIAD’s Core Values, especially Community, Inclusion and Kindness.
Personal and professional passion inspire Product Design student
When senior Carmen Briones’ mother was diagnosed with breast cancer during Briones’ sophomore year at the Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design (MIAD), finding a bra that was comfortable with a medical port became an additional challenge. Briones ’26 (Product Design) answered that challenge in her Design for Human Interface class by designing a product that reduces pain while increasing mobility.
Toy design at Squishmallows: MIAD student develops confidence
When she first got the internship offer from Squishmallows at Jazwares, Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design (MIAD) senior Melody Frias ’26 (Communication Design and Illustration) thought she was in shock. Months after the internship concluded, Frias still reads that email when she needs a boost.