Q: Is the same material I submitted with my application the material that will be workshopped?

A: It can be. However, we suggest that applicants send their best work in with the application, in which case, you may not feel that this is the right piece to have workshopped once you are accepted into the program. If that is the case, we ask that you send us a copy of the work you would like to present to class by May 31st. We will also ask you to bring copies of that work with you during the week.

Q: What material should I submit with my application?

A: As stated above, your application should include a sample submission of your best unpublished work. For poets we ask that you send in four or five poems. For fiction and nonfiction students we ask that you submit one to two short pieces, or a brief section of a book. Submissions must be typed, double- spaced and have your name in the upper right-hand corner of each page.

Q: Will manuscripts be returned?

A: No. Manuscripts will be recycled.

Q: Do I need to bring a copy of my material that will be workshopped?

A: Yes. You should bring with you 12 copies of the piece(s) you will be working on during the week. As stated above, of this piece is different from the piece you submitted with your application, you will also need to submit a copy to the program by May 31st.

Q: How many people in the workshop seminar?

A: There are12 students per workshop leader.

Q: What is a typical day during the week?

A: Sample day includes:
7:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m./Breakfast
9:30 a.m. to Noon /Workshops
Noon – 1:30 p.m. Lunch
1:30 p.m.– 5:30 p.m./Individual Conferences – Open writing time
1:30 p.m.– 4: 30 p.m./Supplementary conferences
3:30 – 5:00 p.m./Afternoon Programs
6:00 – 7:00 p.m./Dinner
7:00 – 8:30 p.m./Readings
8:30 p.m./Informal social gatherings

Q: Is there wireless access on campus?

A: Yes, in specific areas only. At this time, wireless access is not available in the dorm rooms. If you bring a cable, you can connect to the internet in the dorms.

Q: What is a supplemental conference?

A: We have supplemental conference in all three genres. These conferences offer students an opportunity for further feedback on their work. A number of readers in each genre will be available to meet with students in the afternoon each day. There will be signup sheets posted on the first day.

Q: How much college credit is available?

A: One credit. Information on applying for credit will be available at the seminar.

Q: Is this open to writers in countries outside the United States?

A: International attendees are welcome!

Q: Does the conference offer information on publishing and the publishing world?

A: This week-long program focuses on writing rather than publishing. However, we do understand the interest students have in publishing, so during the week there is a publishing panel where the fiction, nonfiction and poetry faculty representatives talk about the process for publishing in each of these genres and there is usually a long question and answer session following to answer specific questions students may have.

Q: Is this seminar a good way of honing one's skills for the MFA program?

A: Generally the most important element of an MFA application is the writing sample, and from that point of view, going to a summer seminar like this one is an excellent way to hone, edit and revise a piece that you could potentially use in your application.

Q: What is the start time for the first session? When does the conference officially end?

A: Classes begin each day at 9:30 and end at noon. There are conferences, lectures and time to write in the afternoon. There are both faculty and student readings in the evenings. The conference ends after the faculty reading on Friday night.

Q: What airport is most convenient to SLC?

A:  There two New York City airports as well as Westchester County airport are convenient to SLC through public transportation and car service.

Q: Do prior attendees  need to send in manuscripts with their applications?

A: No, but they must send us the piece they would like to workshop by May 31st AND bring 12 copies of that piece to the program.

Q: Can I choose my workshop leader?

A: We do try to accommodate as many assignment requests as possible, matching the writer with the workshop leader. We ask for two requests in order to accommodate as many as possible.

Q: What you are expecting for the biographical sketch? Approximately how long should the bio be?

A: Your biographical sketch should be one paragraph describing your background and/or writing experience. It is a brief introduction.

Q: Any opportunity to audit a Seminar?

A: The small class size and the nature of the seminar do not allow for students to audit classes. Readings are open to everyone.

Q: What are the accommodations?

A: Participants reside in dorm-style housing. Air-conditioned rooms are allotted on a first-come, first-serve basis. There are no facilities for spouses, families, guests or pets.

Q: Where are meals served? What if I do not purchase the meal plan?

A: Meals will be served in the Siegel Center on campus. If you do not wish to purchase the meal plan, meals can be purchased individually. The Pub in the Siegel Center will be open for a la carte breakfast and lunch. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are served five days a week; breakfast on Saturday; dinner on Sunday.

Q: Are there any age restrictions?

A: Participants must be over 21 years of age.

Q: Is it possible to enroll in cross-genres?

A: You will have exposure to all categories through group readings and events as well as craft lectures in each genre, but each person must apply to a specific genre.

Q: Will computers be available? How about wireless access?

A: The library is available to all summer program attendees and there are computer workstations there that you would be able to use.

Q: Is there workout facilities?

A: The pool is available to attendees during limited hours: 12- 1:30 p.m. and 5-6:30 p.m. during the week for a fee of $10 per use. The campus has a walking path and there are bicycle trails nearby.