MFA Mentor Program

At Wilson, we are committed to providing our MFA candidates with deep mentorship throughout their time in the program. Students work closely with the MFA Director and faculty during the summer residency. During non-residency periods, students will work with professional mentors in their home studios. Students nominate mentors each semester, the MFA Director approves the mentor, and Wilson compensates them. Mentors work in collaboration with the Wilson faculty to give students the feedback, guidance, and support that are crucial to success in the MFA program. Frequent and in depth face-to-face (in-person or through Zoom) contact with a master artist throughout the home studio practice periods helps students grow as artist-scholars and helps to push their work forward. Mentors serve both students and Wilson by helping to evaluate and develop creative work, monitor progress, and connect students to a greater network of artmakers and producers.

The Studio Mentor’s Role

• The Studio Mentor coaches, monitors, and gives feedback on the student’s work. The Mentor models professional practice in their discipline and offers technical and creative support. 
• MFA students are required to meet with an approved mentor five times (for a minimum of a two-hour session each time) during the semester and must submit a written report/reflection to MFA faculty following each meeting.
• Wilson College compensates Mentors $300 per session (for a total of five meetings, $1500 per student per semester). 

Studio Mentor’s Qualifications

• Terminal degree in a discipline related to the student’s area(s) of practice (major national reputation may be considered in place of terminal degree)
• Significant professional experience
• Teaching experience at collegiate level preferred
• Distinctive artistic voice

Students are strongly encouraged to work with the same mentor (where appropriate) over the course of their four non-residency semesters. This gives them time to build a true mentoring relationship. When that is not feasible, students may nominate a new mentor after the first and second semesters. In the Thesis Year, the Spring semester mentor will serve as a member of the student’s thesis committee. As a result, it is preferred that students work with that mentor during both semesters of the Thesis Year.