There are currently ten MFA students in poetry and twelve in fiction, half in their first year and half in their second year in the Writing Program. The aim of the Program in Writing is the training of accomplished writers who intend to make their writing their life. What we expect of our students is passionate precision, character, and stamina. What we want most for our students is that each will sooner or later write something that lasts. Successful writing, we think, is writing that succeeds itself each time it is read with interest and care by a succession of new readers.
All students consult frequently with the staff for assistance with their work.
During this period, the student regularly submits material for criticism in the Workshop, and in addition is in constant contact with the regular teaching staff and visiting writers through individual consultation. A single course credit, substituting for one of the academic courses above, may be granted for service as a Teaching Assistant. Students are expected to teach composition and creative writing. A thesis consisting of a book-length manuscript of poetry or fiction of publishable quality is submitted at the end of the second year. In addition to the salary, teaching assistants receive payment of partial fees and health insurance.