Frequently Asked Questions

Creative Writing Master of Fine Arts Program

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is the program located?

The program is located at the University of Guelph’s remote Toronto location in Toronto, ON. All classes are held at Humber College’s North campus in the Guelph-Humber building.

Is the program full-time?

Yes, the CW MFA program is considered full-time (though many of our writers do work while in the program). We do not offer a part-time course of study. All classes are held on week days (Monday through Friday) between the hours 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. We do not offer evening courses.

How many years is the program?

This is a two-year program. All students must complete a minimum of six semesters and a maximum of nine.

What is the typical course of study?

In the first semester of year one, each student will attend the plenary course (“Writers on Writing”  or “Writers in the World”); this course is held once a week and is five hours in length. A student will also take one workshop in the first fall semester, which is three hours in length. (While in-class time may appear to be somewhat minimal, do keep in mind that each student should spend 15 to 20 hours a week reading/writing.)

In the second semester of year one, a student will typically take a second workshop (again, three hours long), and in the third semester of the first year of study (the spring/summer semester), students are involved in the mentorship program: each student is paired with a writing mentor and students are expected to spend about 10 to 15 hours a week writing, revising and reading. The mentor provides editorial direction and advice to the student, and typically, the student will use the mentorship experience as a starting point for the thesis project.

In the fall semester of year two, the student will take a second plenary course (five hours in length), and a third and final writing workshop. The second semester of year two (winter) is dedicated to thesis work, and a student will usually defend the thesis in the sixth, and final, semester (spring/summer).

If I am accepted to the program will I receive funding?

All writers who are admitted to the CW MFA program will receive a Connie Rooke Scholarship: $5,000.00 in year one and $5,000.00 in year two. Additional entrance scholarships are available and applicants needn’t apply for these awards; recipients are selected by the admissions jury (University of Guelph faculty and the program coordinators).

What is the cost of tuition?

Please consult the University’s website for the current schedule of fees for graduate students.

http://www.uoguelph.ca/registrar/studentfinance/index.cfm?fees/guelphhumber_ug

Does the program have an information package that can be mailed to me?

We do not offer a hard copy information package. Information pertaining to the program is available on our website. If you have additional questions about the program, please contact Meaghan Strimas at mstrimas@uoguelph.ca or by telephone at 647.459.1331.

What is the application deadline for Fall 2013?

The application deadline for Fall 2013 is December 16, 2013 (postmarked). In past years we have accepted applications after the deadline, but this is no longer the case. When you submit your application package, please be sure that it is complete. You must include a copy of the online application, a letter of intent, two hard copies of a 25-40 page writing sample (you may submit in one genre; however, two or more genres is preferable), an academic transcript (if you have not attended university of college, please make this clear in your letter of intent), and two letters of reference (the letters needn’t be from a past professor/instructor; it is important that your referees attest to your writing abilities/strengths). As well, please be sure to email an electronic copy of your writing portfolio (in PDF format); include your full name and the word “portfolio” in the subject line. Please email your writing portfolio to mstrimas@uoguelph.ca

The mailing address for application packages is

Creative Writing MFA
University of Guelph
P.O. Box 187, Stn. E
Toronto, ON
M6H 4E2

When will I hear back?

Applicants who applied for the Fall of 2013 will receive a hard copy letter in the mail in early to mid-April 2013. Should you require an immediate response, please email Meaghan Strimas: mstrimas@uoguelph.ca. Thank you.