UW-Madison Department of Communication Arts

The Upside of Online Relationships | On Wisconsin UW professor Catalina Toma reveals the unexpected benefits of social media and dating apps.

Welcome to Los Angeles! Today is the launch of our new study-away program, Creative Careers in Hollywood, where 14 students will spend the next three weeks getting immersed in numerous media careers in California. From networking with screenwriters and producers, touring animation and production studios, and speaking with talent agents, labor organizers, and marketers, these students are eager to plug into the UW–Madison alumni network and develop the skills that will fuel their own career success in these fast-paced industries.

Thank you to the Division of the Arts for providing generous funding that helped get this program off the ground and for building scholarships that enabled numerous students to participate in this opportunity!

We’re excited to share more student-produced content in the coming weeks, so keep an eye on our channels for an inside look at this new program!

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UW-Madison College of Letters & Science
UW-Madison Division of the Arts
UW-Madison Study Abroad - International Academic Programs

It is unlikely the College of Letters and Science has a more dedicated, knowledgeable, proactive, and savvy problem solver than Peter Sengstock in its midst. Sengstock is the recipient of a 2026 L&S Mid-Career Achievement Academic Staff Award, and Communication Arts is honored to congratulate our beloved colleague on this esteemed recognition. Read more about Sengstock’s career here: https://go.wisc.edu/pslsmca

LAST CHANCE! If you’re in LA this June, join us to celebrate the launch of our new program, UW Creative Careers in Hollywood! This study-away opportunity will bring a group of students to Los Angeles to get an inside look at numerous creative industries and connect with Comm Arts alumni.

Our welcome reception will be on Tuesday, June 9 from 5:30-7:30pm PT at 33 Taps (9739 Culver Blvd, Culver City, CA). Enjoy hosted food and beverages, connect with fellow alumni, and meet the students in the inaugural class of this initiative. RSVP by June 1: https://go.wisc.edu/laccih26

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Grad students Taylor Burby, Ben Davis, and Sara Rabon (RPC) visited the University of Michigan this week for the Digital IDEAS Summer Institute. This week-long graduate workshop is for digital studies scholars to grow and learn together. Thanks to these rockstars for showing off their expertise on the other side of Lake Michigan!

Before the end of the semester, Comm Arts graduate students took on the task of hosting the third-annual Midwest Graduate Student Film and Media Studies Symposium at UW–Madison. Film and Media Studies grad students from all over the Midwest joined together to share ideas, provide support, and eat some pizza!

Congratulations to Professor Marie-Louise Mares for her recognition on the Roll of Honor for the 2026 Award for Outstanding Student Parent support! Dr. Mares was nominated for her tremendous dedication, mentorship, and support to parenting students. Congratulations Marie-Louise, and thank you for all you do for our community!

The Spring 2026 semester has reached its end, and with it, countless Communication Arts students have hit “submit” on their final assignments for the year. In Professor Kelley Conway’s Film Festivals course, students had the opportunity to get creative with their final project. Rather than solely offering an option for students to write a research paper, Conway allowed them to visually document and investigate aspects of the Wisconsin Film Festival. Read more: https://go.wisc.edu/yssi6r