Tips for Success
Tips for Your Student’s Successful Transition to MIAD
- Encourage them to use campus resources. Your student has prepared to attend MIAD with the help of the Admissions staff. As students enter MIAD, it is important to direct them to the appropriate resources and staff and transition from the Office of Admissions as the primary source of information.
- Be prepared for your student’s – and your own – conflicting emotions during move-in, your departure and the first week of classes. Leaving home for school can be a stressful process.
- Discuss expectations about how you plan to communicate with each other. Will you email, text, call? How often? Keep in touch and send care packages.
- Encourage your student to be responsible for their learning. Encourage them to seek appropriate academic resources and set academic goals.
- Make a financial plan with your student. Openly discuss payment and spending expectations.
- Discuss personal choices your student will be making such as the use of alcohol. Encourage responsibility, but know you cannot control what happens.
- Encourage your student to get involved in a variety of student activities. College is a time for students to make connections with others and try new things.
- Inform your student before making major changes at home (e.g. moving, remodeling their room).
- Listen with an open mind and be supportive. If you have serious concerns about your student’s welfare, contact the Dean of Students’ Office.
- Be a coach rather than a problem-solver. Use the information in this guide to refer your student back to on-campus resources.
News
La Mère Brazier: Phoebe Nelson Senior Exhibition 2025
Phoebe Nelson ’25 (Illustration) came to the Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design (MIAD) to study children’s book illustration. Now at the end of her senior year, she is writing and illustrating a children’s book about Eugénie Brazier, the first person to get six Michelin stars, for her Senior Exhibition project.
MIAD Independent Inquiry Program launches with three student grants
Galilea Cerda ’26, Tina Voith ’26 and Madi Weglarz ’25 are the first three Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design students selected to receive Independent Inquiry Program stipends to investigate new technologies and their applicability to art and design education. As first-time applicants, each receives a stipend of $1,200 for a six-week Mini Inquiry this summer.
Grilled Cheese grants propel MIAD seniors
Funds from the annual Grilled Cheese Grant helped Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design (MIAD) awardees Siren Harris, Yo Yo collective and Madi Weglarz complete their 2025 Senior Exhibition projects and future work. All the MIAD awardees are Fine Art + New Studio Practice seniors.
Sebastian Penn: Senior Exhibition 2025
Sebastian Penn ’25 (Animation Track in Illustration), “From Home to Legacy: Black and Queer Bars in Milwaukee.” Sebastian is a President’s (Honor) List student from Holman, Wis.
McKenna Martin: Senior Exhibition 2025
McKenna Martin ’25 (Product Design), “Hyacinth.” McKenna received first place for her design for the 2023 Delta design project/competition at MIAD, is on the Dean’s List and is from Fond du Lac, Wis.