RESIDENCY AT THE NORCROFT WRITING RETREAT         

Home page for Norcroft:    http://www.norcroft.org/   

Link to Anne Vilen's article about Norcroft in Poets and Writers (March/April 1998):  http://www.norcroft.org/articleplain.html    

My Final Report on my MSU Faculty Improvement Grant: 

The August 2000 residency at Norcroft offered me the gift of uninterrupted time in which to draft chapters for my new auto/biographical work; it also offered me an opportunity to reflect on ways in which my own creative activity resonates with my teaching of theory and techniques of auto/biographical writing in courses such as English 649, "Autobiography & Memoir Workshop"; English 630, "Twentieth-Century Life Writing"; and Honors 202, "This is Your Life."

My continued creative work informs my scholarly books and articles; papers presented at regional, national, and international conferences; and service on the editorial board of the journal a/b: Auto/biography Studies. It also helps me in my work evaluating manuscripts written by others, both at MSU and in the larger academic setting. Finally, my continued creative work shapes the many courses and workshops that I teach for community groups throughout the region.

Like most professors, I find that my time to write is severely limited during the academic year. That is one reason why my time at Norcroft was so crucial to my writing. During my residency at Norcroft, I drafted 200 pages of a new memoir. As time permits, I will continue writing, now that I have made such an encouraging start.

This self-designed learning activity was clearly related to my teaching, creative work, scholarship, continuing preparation and study, and student growth and development. My completion of a residency at the Norcroft Writing Retreat is already helping me continue to improve my critical reading, auto/biographical writing, and teaching skills–all priorities in my PDP.

Although my request for writing materials and supplies was initially denied by those evaluating my FIG application, that request was approved after I appealed the group’s earlier decision. Without writing supplies and materials, my residency at Norcroft could not have been a success. For this reason, I am grateful for this funding as well as for mileage and meals. I urge the FIG sub-meet and confer, as well as the administration, to communicate very clearly and consistently with FIG applicants so that faculty know exactly what is and what is not covered by FIGs. Having to guess makes no sense for anyone.

I wish to thank MSU for the FIG that helped make my residency at Norcroft Writing Retreat a reality. I appreciate the support for my creative work.

--------------------------------------------------------

COMMUNICATIONS IN REGARD TO THE NORCROFT RESIDENCY:

Wed, 10 May 2000 08:17:22 -0500 (CDT)

Dear Dr. Boubel,
I am writing to update you on plans for my upcoming residency at the Norcroft Writing Retreat. I plan to be there from August 12-26 rather than from August 12-September 2, which means I will return to Mankato in time for the first week of classes at MSU. I've requested some FIG funding for this two-week period and have discussed the residency with Dr. Hersrud. During the first week of my residency, I will miss no duty days at MSU. During the second week, the Honors office will be staffed during its customary hours by the administrative specialist. In addition, I have filed a request for approval of absence with my department chair and dean. Thank you again for supporting this residency opportunity. Certainly, my being able to accept the invitation from Norcroft will benefit both my writing and my teaching, especially as I plan
English 630, "20th Century Life Writing," which I will offer in spring 2001.
Sincerely,
Suzanne

-------------------------------------------------------------------

Wed, 10 May 2000 09:46:01 -0500 (CDT)

Suzanne,

I am delighted that you have been selected! I remember looking at the Norcroft brochure and being impressed with the secluded environment for wonderful thinking and writing.
Congratulations!
Karen

-------------------------------------------------------------------

Wed, 10 May 2000 09:02:27 -0500 (CDT)