Student Support and Wellness
Cover image: Amanda Smithivas ’26 (Fine Art + New Studio Practice)
Student Support Coordinators
MIAD students may receive non-clinical mental health support services at MIAD through the Student Support Coordinators (SSCs). Students visit the SSCs for help with a number of things, including:
- Adjusting to college
- Managing stress
- Developing coping skills
- Balancing school and life
- Receiving support when in distress
- Reserving the telehealth room for virtual appointments
- Connecting with on-campus resources to support their college experience
While counseling is not available on campus, SSCs also assist students seeking therapy in contacting the Marquette University Counseling Center or other community mental health resources. Student Support Coordinators also help students connect with a variety of off-campus resources depending on their needs.
Unsure of what you need or who to contact? Email studentsupport@miad.edu and a member of our team will help you.

Brandon Peters, he/him
Student Support Coordinator
RL80C
(414) 847-3348
brandonpeters@miad.edu

Rithi Punyamurthula, she/her
Student Support Coordinator
RL80D
(414) 847-3206
rithipunyamurthula@miad.edu
Medical Absences
Class Absences due to Illness or Other Medical Condition
If you are ill and cannot attend class, please email your instructors.
Please provide doctor’s notes for illness, medical conditions, or medical appointments to Holly Vanderbusch, Associate Dean of Students. The Associate Dean of Students is only able to request faculty support for excused absences when a doctor’s note is provided except in extenuating circumstances. Please note that the Marquette Medical Clinic does not provide students with a doctor’s note unless there is an unusual health concern.
If you have been ill for an extended period of time, or are in hospital, please contact the Associate Dean of Students, Holly Vanderbusch (hollyvanderbusch@miad.edu, 414-847-3349).
Medically Supported Absences, Medical Withdrawals, Student on Leave, Complete Withdrawals
Please contact Holly Vanderbusch, Associate Dean of Students, to discuss medically supported absences, student on leave requests, medically reduced course loads, or medical withdrawals.

Holly Vanderbusch, she/her
Associate Dean of Students
RL95A
(414) 847-3349
hollyvanderbusch@miad.edu
Crisis Support
If you are experiencing a life-threatening mental health emergency, please call 911.
Weekday Crisis Support
Student Support Coordinators are available to support students on campus who find themselves in distress Monday – Friday from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. Please visit the Student Support Offices (RL80C, RL80D, RL95A) for support or reach out to any staff or faculty member for assistance in contacting a member of the team. We are here to help.
Evening and Weekend Crisis Support
If you are on campus, contact MIAD security at (414)847-3300.
The Marquette University On-Call Counselor is available to MIAD students 24/7. Services are free and confidential. Call (414) 288-7172 and press 2.
Click here for a list of additional crisis and support lines.
Counseling
Marquette Counseling Center
Marquette University Counseling Center
Wellness + Helfaer Recreation
525 N. 16th Street, 4th Floor
Milwaukee, WI 53233
(414) 288-7172
Full-time MIAD students are able to receive free mental health support and resources through the Marquette University Counseling Center. Therapists connect students with the most appropriate support for their needs, which may include short-term counseling via the Marquette Counseling Center, referrals to outpatient therapists, connecting students to community resources, group therapy, and more.
Call (414) 288-7172 to complete a 15-20 minute intake assessment and get connected with support. Student Support Coordinators are available to assist with this process if preferred. Services are confidential. For a complete listing of services and up-to-date hours, check the Marquette University Counseling Center website.
Community Counselors
Student Support Coordinators are able to assist students in navigating the process of finding a therapist in the community and initiating services. Please contact a Student Support Coordinator or email studentsupport@miad.edu for assistance.
Medical Care
Marquette University Medical Clinic
Marquette University Medical Clinic
Wellness + Helfaer Recreation
525 N. 16th Street , 2nd Floor
Milwaukee, WI 53233
Phone: 414-288-7184
Appointments are required
All full-time MIAD students are able to receive free medical care at the Marquette University’s Medical Clinic. Appointments are required. The Marquette University Medical Clinic is equipped to treat most outpatient conditions including care for illnesses, physical exams, treatment for minor injuries, STI evaluation & treatment, as well as immunizations. All medical services are confidential and most services are free or low cost to full-time MIAD students. For hours and information visit the Marquette University Medical Clinic website.
Call 414-288-7184 to schedule an appointment; please identify yourself as a MIAD student when calling. Same day appointments are often available for urgent care. Appointments are required; walk-ins are not accepted. You must present your MIAD student ID upon arrival to the clinic. Please note that Marquette does not provide students with a doctor’s note unless there is an unusual health concern.
For life-threatening emergencies, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room
Aurora Sinai
945 N 12th St
(414) 219-2000
Ascension-Columbia St. Mary’s
2301 N Lake Dr
(414) 585-1000
Mental Health Emergency Center
1525 N 12th St
(414) 966-3030
Health Care Near MIAD
Student Accessibility and Accommodations
MIAD provides reasonable and appropriate accommodations for students with documented disabilities. Accommodations are determined on an individual basis through Academic Resources. Students with a disability, whether physical, learning, sensory, or psychological, are encouraged to contact the MIAD’s Student Accessibility Coordinator, Nichole Uecker (nicholeuecker@miad.edu, 414-847-3347). Visit the Student Accessibility and Accommodations page to learn more.
Equity + Inclusion
MIAD strives to be an inclusive and welcoming community for all students. The Equity + Inclusion Center is located on the second floor in room 280. Visit the space to access the Inclusion Resource Library, build community, browse the zines, or grab some safer sex or sensory products. Please visit the Equity + Inclusion website for more information.
Additional Resources
Disclaimer: Below referrals are unaffiliated with the Milwaukee Institute of Art and Design. MIAD assumes no liability for quality of care.
- Transportation
- Grocery and Retail Stores
- Housing assistance and off-campus housing
- Violence – support lines, crisis lines, shelter, and resources
- Substance Use – support Lines, treatment referrals, and support groups
- LGBTQIA2S+ – Support lines and resources
- Grief Support
- Legal Support
- Food security and other resources
- Healthcare providers, pharmacies, urgent care, and hospitals nearby
- Fitness Centers near MIAD