MFA in Creative Writing - Sample Residency
Below is a sample hypothetical schedule based on a typical 10-day residency. This also assumes that it is a semester during which we have new students entering the program. This schedule will change during the fourth semester once we have graduating students, giving both their graduation seminar and reading. Also, guest lecturers, invited readers, and panel discussions will replace some of the faculty readings and seminars.
First Half of Residency
Day 1 |
|
|---|---|
| 1:00 p.m. | Pick-up of faculty and students at airport or train station. |
| 1:00 p.m.- 4:00 p.m. |
Residency check-in for all students and faculty at Ender's Island. Commuter students may check in now or later at the evening reading if they wish; new students must check in by 2:30 p.m. |
| 2:30 p.m.- 3:30 p.m. |
Orientation for all new students. Students will meet with MFA Director and Associate Director. Students will learn more about the program and will have an opportunity to ask questions. |
| 3:00 p.m.- 4:15 p.m. |
Fairfield MFA Board Meeting |
| 4:30 p.m.- 6:00 p.m. |
Welcome Reception - Enders House All students, faculty, and Fairfield University representatives are invited to join us for a reception - live music, light refreshments, and cash bar. |
| 6:00 p.m.- 7:30 p.m. |
Faculty Meeting and Dinner: Enders house |
| 8:00 p.m. | Opening Remarks by Director and Faculty Introductions Faculty Readings |
Day 2 |
|
|---|---|
| 7:00 a.m.- 8:30 a.m. |
Breakfast for students with Room & Board option |
| 8:30 a.m.- 9:30 a.m. |
Free time or lecture/seminar by guest writers or lecturer on selected topics |
| 9:30 a.m.- 12:00 noon |
Poetry/Fiction/Non-fiction Workshops |
| 12:45 p.m.- 1:45 p.m. |
Lunch at the Enders House |
| 2:00 p.m.- 3:30 p.m. |
Faculty Seminars: various rooms on Ender's Island Editors and agents panel discussion |
| 3:30 p.m.- 5:00 p.m. |
Free time, student readings, or peer discussion of work |
| 5:30 p.m.- 6:30 p.m. |
Dinner at Enders House |
| 7:00 p.m. | Faculty Readings |
Days 3-4: Same Schedule as Day 2
However, there will be an evening for student readings, as well as for a talent show. In addition there will be plenty of time to chat informally with faculty. One evening there will be a cocktail hour followed by musical entertainment. Also, while all meals are provided at the Enders House, students have the option of having dinner in Mystic.
Day 5: Free day to relax, write, or explore Mystic.
Second Half of Residency
| Days 6-10 | |
|---|---|
| 7:00 a.m.- 8:30 a.m. |
Breakfast for students with Room & Board option |
| 8:30 a.m.- 9:30 a.m. |
Free time or lecture/seminar by guest writers or lecturer on selected topics |
| 9:30 a.m.- 12:00 noon |
Poetry/Fiction/Non-fiction Workshops |
| 12:45 p.m.- 1:45 p.m. |
Lunch at the Enders House |
| 2:00 p.m.- 3:30 p.m. |
Faculty seminars: various rooms on Ender's Island |
| 3:30 p.m.- 5:00 p.m. |
Free time, student readings, or peer discussion of work |
| 5:30 p.m.- 6:30 p.m. |
Dinner at Enders House |
| 7:00 p.m. | Faculty Readings |
| Day 10 (Last Day, 1/2 Day) | |
|---|---|
| 7:00 a.m.- 8:30 a.m. |
Breakfast for students with Room & Board option. Closing remarks. |
| 8:30 a.m.- 11:00 a.m. |
Post Mentor List / Conferences with Mentors |
| Noon | Departure *Note: Study plans are due before departure. |