For Families
Supporting your student’s success.
Welcome to the MIAD Family Forum, a reflection of both your and our commitment to ensuring your student’s academic and personal success.
Just as college is an exciting time of transformation for your student, it also marks a transitional milestone in your life. We recognize, and applaud, the pivotal role you play in your student’s life, and want to connect you with the information and resources you need to continue to do so.
At the same time that we encourage you to remain engaged in your student’s life, we also recognize that students succeed best in their journey toward becoming responsible adults and professionals when parents provide support as coaches and mentors, rather than as problem-solvers.
We hope you’ll use this website and our blog to help guide you in your role, and to learn more about how you can partner with us by directing your student to MIAD’s renowned campus resources and staff. The entire MIAD community is here to support your student’s natural ability to apply creativity, talent, knowledge and skills to new questions, experiences, and fields. Of course, if you have a concern, staff welcome your questions as well.
We also look forward to keeping you abreast of news throughout what promises to be a transformational year at MIAD.
Jeff Morin
President
Academic Advising →
Check out tips for success and resources for you and your student.
Careers in Art & Design →
Explore career prospects, resources and alumni successes.
Finances →
Learn more about financing a MIAD education.
Well Being and Safety →
MIAD takes pride in providing a safe and secure environment for all students, staff, faculty and visitors.
Life Beyond the Studio →
MIAD offers opportunities to enrich students’ college experiences beyond the classroom.
Graduation Information for Families →
Explore frequently asked questions about MIAD’s graduation.
News
Double ASID award winner is inspired by nature and internships
Rising senior at the Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design (MIAD) Adam Wold ’27 received two awards in May from the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID). The Interior Architecture and Design (IAD) major won the Silver Award in the Commercial category and the Bronze Award in the Residential category.
MIAD faculty, alumni shine at WI Visual Art Achievement Awards
Professor Leslie Fedorchuk and alumni of the Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design (MIAD) received four of the eight individual 2026 Wisconsin Visual Art Achievement Awards for “their significant contributions to the state’s creative culture.”
National Society of Illustrators honors 13 MIAD students
Works by 13 students and recent graduates of the Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design (MIAD) were selected from among 4,550 nationwide submissions to receive 2026 honors from the national Society of Illustrators.
Pallas Textiles competition provides real-world experience
First-place winner Sophia Simonson ’28 created Refractions as part of her MIAD studies in Interior Architecture and Design. She is one of 20 students studying at MIAD through a cross-registration program with Concordia University. MIAD students Kaitlyn Powers ’26 (Illustration) and Natalie Spetell ’27 (Product Design), both of whom have minors in Communication Design, received Honorable Mentions.
2026 First-Year Exhibition showcases professional growth
An annual tradition at the Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design from late March through September, the juried First-Year Experience Exhibition celebrates students’ yearlong personal and professional growth.