Summer Residency

Workshops, seminars and readings to enhance your MFA experience.

Summer residencies are integral parts of the MFA experience. The 14-day residency is held on the campus of Ashland University and features a rigorous schedule of workshops, seminars, and readings. The 2013 Summer Residency will be held Saturday, July 27 through Saturday, August 10. The residency begins with a program dinner on Saturday, July 27. The final Saturday is a travel day.

A typical summer residency day begins with workshops in the morning followed by lunch in the University's dining hall.  Students and faculty then gather for an afternoon craft seminar led by a faculty mentor or a visiting writer.  Thesis defenses are scheduled for mid-afternoon.  Participants take a break in the late afternoon and gather again for a catered dinner. Evening readings by distinguished visiting writers and faculty mentors are presented in the evenings.  After-hours student open mics and social gatherings are scheduled throughout the two weeks.

Writing Workshops

Summer workshops are split into two sessions: Session I is spent working with the mentor with whom students will study in the fall. In Session II, students work with a second mentor, often of their choosing. Workshops are intimate and rigorous, taught by one faculty member. No more than five students are assigned to work with a faculty mentor at a time.

Visiting Writers

Visiting writers slated for 2013 are:

• Brian Doyle
• Linda Gregerson
• Alicia Ostriker
• Cheryl Strayed

Each visiting writer presents a craft seminar and reading of his/her work. Additionally, craft seminars and readings are presented by MFA faculty. Past readings and craft seminars by faculty and visiting writers are available on video through this site.

Meals and Housing

Students are housed on campus in air-conditioned apartments.  Air-conditioned dorm rooms are available for those who prefer a single room.

While optional, shared meals with other MFA students, faculty, staff, and visiting writers are an important part of building community in the MFA Program. MFA faculty, staff and visiting writers dine with MFA students during lunch and dinner. Details about room and board, including amenities, costs, etc., can be found on the Room and Board page.

2013 Summer Residency Program

 Ohio Arts Council

The Ashland University MFA Program is grateful for the support of the Ohio Arts Council, whose funding helps make this program possible.