Comments by Students and Graduates

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From recent Anonymous Evaluations

Wow. Wow. Wow! This residency has completely blown me away. From the phenomenal guest speakers to the very impressive faculty to the quality of student work, I am both honored and humbled to be here.

I am more convinced than ever that low residency is the best way to do an MFA. It's noteworthy to mention that over dinner when I asked a new student what had "tipped" them towards Spalding, he said one important variable was the quality of communication (with staff and administrators) when he asked questions.

Everybody listens, everybody responds to concerns. I have not experienced any time in this program where I have felt unsupported.

As a first semester student, I was both suprised and pleased to see the diversity of the student body. I was not expecting a cross section of age, residence, ethnicity, and life experiences. I found such diversity to offer stimulating conversation, especially in the workshop portion of the program.

The ease in which faculty mingles with students was impressive. I appreciate the faculty approaching their job as leaders but without coming across an unaccessable.

The workshops have been particularly helpful. Also, the mentor instruction has been important to me because the one-on-one teaching has pushed me to try and become a better writer. I also feel having guest speakers emphasizes that those who have dreams of writing professionally can make said dreams a reality.

I appreciate getting to know a wider network of writers and making friendships I know will last beyond the completion of this program.

This was my first residency and I absolutely loved it. It has exceeded my expectations in every aspect. Faculty is really outstanding—as teachers and as writers.

Accommodations and food were excellent. I had great fun—learning and experiencing. I met extraordinary people.

The sense of community and support from Spalding University students and staff has been the most valuable aspect of this MFA program for me. Students and faculty keep in close contact throughout the semester and help one another become better writers because they want to, not because they feel obligated. I have formed bonds and connections here that will undoubtedly help me in my future career and that I cherish on a personal level.

Spalding's program is the ride of a lifetime, but you must hold on because while everything is accessible for the taking, you don't want to miss a thing.

Every aspect of this program made me feel like I am part of a community of writers and that my individual successes occur in the greater context of writing and art and the people who create them.

I love the flexibility of the program, the opportunities to study abroad, to take a longer semester, or even to skip semesters. I can't imagine a better program because of the wonderful people who head this program.

I have particularly enjoyed the minute attention every faculty and staff member gave me individually as a student. The idea that positve and constructive feedback was more important over tearing someone down was truly a rewarding experience. I believe that Spalding's MFA program addresses is what is best about a writer and then how to make us better.

This program is exceptionally successful for a motivated student. One element, in terms of the execution of each program element, is the humanistic way in which all areas are approached and dealt with. I like that there are timelines and guidelines and assignments, but all are handled compassionately and honestly.

I appreciate the genuine concern for me and my work that I experience from my mentor and the administration. I find the Spalding community of students caring, earnest, and serious about the craft of writing.

I love the opportunity that Workshops give to share ideas on writing and to experience the creative philosophy of other writers, particularly those whose approach differs from my own. Spalding does a marvelous job of allowing this exchange to happen in an environment that feels safe. I always leave residency feeling energized about my own work and there's almost no better feeling than that.

Coming here was one of the best decisions I ever made. Period. End of story.

The Spalding brief-residency MFA program is an extraordinary means for becoming a part of a writing family, growing as a writer, person, and artist, and rejuvenating the senses for a more active participation in real life!

I came out of the program a much better writer than when I came in.

I would say Spalding's program is the most well-rounded and enriching program one can experience.

Comments by Previous Graduates

Fiction student Silas House (Kentucky): I'm so happy to be a part of this program. The people are amazing. I'm especially impressed by the love and generosity that exists within this program. I think you have a special thing.

Fiction student Maryann Lesert (Michigan): I felt so fortunate to be a part of Spalding's program. There was not a single workshop, lecture, or presentation I felt I could do without. They all were valuable and enriching. Our workshop leaders set up a positive, nurturing, but helpful environment.

Poetry student Frank X Walker (Kentucky): As a writer, it's the most selfish thing that I've ever done, so I had to convince myself that I was worth it. . . . The MFA is terrific!

Writing for children student Stephanie Stuve-Bodeen (Hawaii): Our workshop leaders' comment and critiques were always constructive and brought the students' level of critique up a notch, like playing tennis with someone better than you. I was so inspired and fulfilled by the week, I can't wait to start working with my mentor, and I'm already looking forward to the next residency.

Creative nonfiction student Kaylene Johnson (Alaska): Every day of the residency was more fruitful and inspiring than the last! The cross-genre, multi-discipline approach to writing is nothing short of brilliant. Like all good ideas, one wonders why this philosophy wasn't instituted at the very inception of all MFA in Writing programs. Lucky for us, we have undertaken a program with true vision!

Fiction student Linda Busby Parker (Alabama): I think the structure of the program is brilliant. Every layer works. I couldn't find a single thing that I would have wanted to miss. Overall I would rate this new MFA an A+. I made the right decision.

Poetry student Tammy Ramsey (Kentucky): Comments were always given in a tactful way, and we were all open to the criticisms and input. Students not only were "open to changing their minds," but also embraced the opportunity to revisit and revise.

Fiction student Charlotte Rains Dixon (Oregon): I was so honored and impressed by the amount of time we all put into each other's work. The leaders were honest and insightful. I learned so much about writing and how to critique. Thank you.

Writing for children student Patti Zelch (Florida): The students in my workshop came prepared to work hard and work hard we did. Each piece was given fair, impartial treatment and received equal consideration and time. The students took their work and the works they critiqued very seriously. The writers showed eagerness to return to their work and try the suggestions made during the workshop. It was most rewarding to hear the revisions of these pieces and see the growth of each writer in such a short period of time.

Fiction student Kelly Parisi (Maryland): Our workshop was exceptional in that every student participated. The spirit was one of gentle honesty and unconditional support. I think we truly helped one another and will continue to do so.

Creative nonfiction student Lloyd Kelly (Kentucky): In a perfect world, where you could have anything, and you wished to have the best of the best, the ideal being an encouraging, generous, inclusive, graceful, fantastic, on-fire creative writing program: ask for a Spalding MFAW.

Information subject to change without notice. Last updated 07/28/09

Spalding University
851 South Fourth Street
Louisville, KY 40203

MFA Office: (502) 585-9911, ext. 2423 or (800) 896-8941, ext. 2423
mfa@spalding.edu

Graduate Admissions Office: (502) 585-7105 or (800) 896-8941, ext. 2105
admissions@spalding.edu or fill out an Admissions Inquiry online. Be sure to include your name, address, phone number and the program you are interested in.

FAX: (502) 585-7158

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