[Cwgrad-announcements] Re: the MFA letter addressing suggestions for improvements

[cwgrad-announcements at lists.ucr.edu]

To John and all the MFA co-signers:

Thank you for your excellent and thoughtful letter. I can tell you  
that I agree with all the stated goals; some appear to be more  
possible than others.

1) Limit workshop size: as you know, both Rickerby and I strongly  
agree with this, and this is why we split the 264 between us this  
term. We will continue to address this problem as best we can; the  
one thing we want to avoid is closing the workshops to students who  
really need them, as is sometimes the case you've encountered with  
seminars in the English department, etc.

2) logistics: again, with Eric Barr's support, Kerby and I have  
already altered the previous twice-weekly schedule for the 266 and  
264 to a once a week, three hour class. I expect that will remain a  
constant from now on. As to releasing the schedule earlier, to some  
degree that is a matter of coordination with the other departments  
and their use of classrooms. We will do what we can.

3) Third year funded option: I would love this; not sure it's in the  
cards for the near future. Right now we are struggling to get just  
the second year financial issues addressed, but we will (and have)  
certainly try to get as much money as possible for those who need it.

4) Comprehensive funding strategy: it may not look like it, but we  
are trying hard. A number of TA positions were taken away from us by  
the university, which we are trying to get back. It also depends on  
undergraduate enrollment numbers, which change from year to year. I  
have also contacted the graduate division to see if the kind of  
support first year students get can be extended to second year  
students as well, but have not heard back.

Best,

Robin Russin