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The 91���� University Residency Writers Conference welcomes writers for 10 days of craft talks, workshops, panels, classes, and readings with some of the best minds in the literary world.

Hosted by the MFA in Writing program, the Residency Writers Conference invites writers seeking to deepen their craft and expand their professional community to join with graduate students and faculty mentors for sustained and meaningful conversation with others who share your passion for the art of writing.

We’re currently accepting applications for the winter Residency Writers Conference, which will be held from January 8-18, 2026, in Seaside, Oregon. We’ll accept applications until mid-November, as space allows.

The summer Residency Writers Conference will be held from June 18-28, 2026, on the 91���� University campus in Forest Grove, Oregon. We’ll accept applications from March 1 until May 15, as space allows. 

The Residency Writers Conference is designed for:

• individuals who seek new directions or inspiration for their work
• individuals who already have an MFA or MA
• individuals who are not ready to commit to a graduate degree program
• teachers seeking continuing education credits or hours

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Writing Conferences in Oregon

The Residency Writers Conference takes place twice a year in Oregon.

Each January, the MFA in Writing program hosts its residency in Seaside, a charming resort town on the Oregon Coast. A two and a half hour drive from the Portland Airport, Seaside offers an off-season solitude that writers enjoy. Winter weather on the coast changes by the hour, and many visitors come to see the dramatic storms that roll in off the ocean. But the mild Oregon climate also means January can bring sunny and even balmy days, followed by cool nights perfect for a beach bonfire. Neighboring towns of Cannon Beach and Gearhart provide scenic getaways for exploring the outdoors, shopping, and more. 

"I felt honored to be among such talent. I felt even more honored to have been selected as a student in the program after witnessing the talent of our students during the reading on Wednesday night."

In June, the MFA in Writing program residency is hosted on the 91���� University Forest Grove campus. The historic campus, founded in 1849, is a picturesque setting of green lawns, tall shade trees, and brick academic buildings mixed with new and environmentally friendly facilities. Forest Grove offers urban amenities in a striking rural setting. Downtown restaurants and shops abound, and the small town is in the heart of Oregon’s wine country, just a 45-minute drive from the Oregon Coast or from Portland's vibrant metropolitan area.

Because a strong and supportive community is an integral part of the Residency Writers Conference, students and faculty reside together for the 10 days. In Seaside, participants stay in private rooms at the Best Western Ocean View Resort on the famous boardwalk. In Forest Grove, they stay in campus apartments with private bedrooms and shared kitchens and living rooms.

Each residency includes daily lunches and two buffet dinners, and students enjoy nearby restaurants, shops, and excursions together or on their own.