I missed the Priority Application Deadline. Can I still apply?
Generally speaking, we do accept applications after Priority deadlines, but it depends greatly on the timing. Approximately six weeks before Residency, it gets tricky. Because we need to make room reservations for students according to the Lied’s deadlines, sufficient time is required for all materials to be received and reviewed by the Application Committee and Program Director; if your application is accepted, the Associate Director will immediately contact the Lied to check room availability. To date, they have always managed to secure a room for a latecomer, but one never knows. If a room is not available, you will be placed on the Lied's waiting list.
MavLINK removes the option for application to a specific term after the Priority Deadline, so if you wish to submit a late application, simply contact Jenna Lucas Finn for instructions.
When will I be notified if I have been accepted?
We accept and process applications on a rolling basis. Each member of the Application Committee begins a review when all materials have been received and then makes a recommendation to the Program Director who, in turn, will make a final decision within three weeks. In order to avoid delays, please review your Checklist on MavLINK to make sure your materials have been received. If you ever have questions about the status of your application's review, please contact us.
Do you offer summer courses?
No. We operate on a fall/spring Academic Year. Although we hold Summer Residency before the start of the fall semester (typically, in July), it is considered a fall course for the purposes of tuition, registration, and financial aid. You will enroll for a total of 15 credit hours (three for Residency Session, 12 for Seminar) during the spring and fall semesters.
How much time off do students have between semesters?
The spring term typically ends during the first two weeks of May, and Summer Residency is usually held in July. Although limited preparation for residency is required, our students enjoy several weeks of Summer Break. The fall term ends in early December, and Winter Residency begins late December.
Do I need to complete the program in four consecutive semesters?
No. Your personal circumstances might require, for example, that you enroll in only spring or fall semesters, or you simply might choose to take semesters off. In most cases, university policy requires that you complete your degree within 10 years.
What financial aid, scholarships, or assistantships are available?
Federal Financial Aid packages (student loans) are offered on an individual basis; for details, contact the Office of Financial Support and Scholarships. All students who are accepted into our program are automatically considered for a number of merit-based scholarships. For details, see Scholarships.
I'm a member of the military on active duty. What if I can't attend a residency or need to arrive late? Will I have to skip the semester?
We fully support our students who serve on active duty, guard, or reserves, and we are committed to helping you continue your education without interruption. In some cases, skipping a semester might be unavoidable. But if you are on active duty and need to either arrive late or leave early for any given Residency, talk to Jenna Lucas Finn. If your duties prevent you from attending Residency at all, you have the option to participate in one Satellite Residency via video chat, as long as it is not your very first or your Graduating Residency. Some of the ways you would participate in a Satellite Residency include, but are not limited to:
- You will participate in Workshop via video conference. If you are unable to attend a particular workshop, we will make alternative arrangements for submitting your feedback.
- When your schedule allows, you are welcome to join us for lectures and readings via video chat.
- The MFA Program will provide you with the necessary number of lectures in digital format for you to watch as your schedule allows—you choose the events.
- Additional time will be provided for you to complete your Residency Evaluations.
For information about Financial Aid available for military students, contact Military and Veteran Services.
Do you offer post-graduate courses?
Yes, we do! You might join us for just a Residency, or you might choose to also enroll in a full semester with a mentor. For more information, see Post-Graduate Study.
I could travel to Nebraska City when my Residency is in session. Is it okay if I visit?
Absolutely! You are welcome to stop by for the day and attend lectures and readings (workshops are closed to visitors). The schedule is publicized on the MFA Blog one to two weeks before Residency begins. If you are interested in staying overnight, the Lied offers a special MFA Friends and Family rate. Contact us for details.
There's no way I can make it to visit a Residency in person. Do I have any options?
Yes. During each session, you can sign up for a Satellite Visit Pass to attend a limited sample of lectures and readings. If you are interested, let us know.
Is it possible to study more than one genre in your program?
We believe exposure to other genres is integral to the growth of your writing. In fact, Residency is designed to encourage you to attend lectures in all genres. At the same time, your semester's work in our intensive MFA in Writing program is best served by a primary focus on one main genre for the four semesters you are enrolled. In order to truly earn a degree that means you have “mastered” your craft, it is necessary to cultivate a level of intense critical analysis, creativity, and professionalism that results from a specific focus on one genre.
That said, some of the ways we encourage interest in multiple genres include:
- Cross- and multi-genre lectures at Residency
- Special Topic Workshops, some within one genre, others across multiple genres
- Optional enrollment in additional semesters in a different genre
As a UNO MFA alum, you also have the option to enroll in Post-Graduate Study.
Is it possible for me to contact faculty, current students, or alumni?
All of the above would be happy to respond to your questions. You can request contact information from Jenna Lucas Finn. You can also feel free to post questions on Facebook or the MFA Blog, run by alumni and current students.
What support do you offer alumni?
Our students, faculty, and alumni create a special writing community. Alumni are offered a number of opportunities to enjoy the same support, access to information, and professional connections they found available during enrollment in the program.
In addition, we routinely bring in visitors from the publishing world, including agents, book doctors, and editors, who will meet in individual conference one-on-one with alumni and advanced students.
Alumni also maintain contact with students and faculty, find professional opportunities, continue to share in-progress creative work, maintain relationships, and plan reunions.
Alums have a standing invitation to participate in residency on a variety of levels. Whether returning as a visitor for a day, a participant in the annual Alumni Reading and Panel, a participant for the entire residency, or as an Alumni Assistant under partial scholarship, many return to refuel their creative energy, support current students and form new professional and personal relationships.
Alums also enjoy the opportunity to enroll in Post-Graduate Study.
Questions?
Please contact Jenna Lucas Finn, Associate Director at jlucas@unomaha.edu