Summer Writers Institute

Geographic Scope: United States

Focus Areas: Creative writing, Catholic literary tradition, literary arts

Program Overview

The Summer Writers Institute is a three-day immersive program offered annually in June (2026 dates: June 11-13, 2026) by the Master of Fine Arts program at the University of St. Thomas. The program invites participants from all walks of life to:

• Contemplate the Church's teaching on the nature of beauty
• Explore the craft and practice of literary arts
• Grow as writers through individual attention and editorial counsel

What's Included

Aside from a $100 deposit (which can be applied toward on-campus housing costs), all costs for tuition, meals, and receptions during the Summer Writers Institute are covered by the University of St. Thomas. Participants are responsible only for:

• Housing (affordable on-campus options available)
• Travel to campus

Program Components

• Evening public readings with distinguished writers of poetry and fiction
• Intensive seminars on art, beauty, Catholicism and literature
• Creative writing workshops with faculty
• Meals and social gatherings with literary community

Faculty (2026)

• Fiction Faculty: Brigid Pasulka
• Poetry Faculty: James Matthew Wilson

Eligibility

• Must be 18 years or older
• Must submit application and be accepted
• Open to people from all walks of life

Dates

• 2026 Program: June 11-13, 2026
• Registration/Deposit: $100 (can be applied to housing)

Contact Information

For more information, visit https://stthom.edu/mfa-creative-writing/summer-literary-programs/

How to Apply

1. Submit an application to the Summer Writers Institute
2. Be at least 18 years old
3. Await acceptance notification
4. Pay $100 deposit (can be credited toward on-campus housing)
5. Arrange housing and travel to campus

Application Materials

• Application form
• Acceptance required before participation

Costs

• $100 deposit: Covers toward housing costs or tuition
• Tuition: Fully covered by University of St. Thomas
• Meals: Covered by University of St. Thomas
• Receptions: Covered by University of St. Thomas
• Housing: Participant responsibility (affordable on-campus options available)
• Travel: Participant responsibility

Timeline

• Program Dates: June 11-13, 2026
• Application Period: Applications are now open

Questions?

Visit https://stthom.edu/mfa-creative-writing/summer-literary-programs/ for more details.