Summer Stay Retreat

The Summer Stay Retreat is a unique and welcoming opportunity for MSU scholars whose scholarship emphasizes a broad spectrum of communities, providing an interdisciplinary and intense writing space. Summer Stay is a 3-day retreat on MSU’s campus where writers assemble in community and is intended for scholars who may not be able to travel overnight. 

This experience will provide a challenging and supportive environment for a focused and dense writing period. Collectively supporting faculty across MSU and advancing research that directly or broadly address the concerns of and elevates cultural communities. Writers must have a project in mind and a set of achievable writing goals for each day. Expert national consultants will be available to assist with achieving expressed writing goals. Participation in Mafungo does not restrict application to the Summer Stay. 

 

Event Details 

Dates: Monday–Wednesday, June 15 – June 17, 2026 

Venue: Henry Center for Executive Development 

Application Opens: Monday, February 2, 2026 (12:00 AM – 11:59 PM) – Qualtrics Application 

Application Closes: Friday, April 10, 2026 (by 11:59 PM) – Qualtrics Application 

Arrangements 

Accommodations are available by request. Breakfast and lunch are covered; participants are responsible for dinner.  

Application Process 

Applicants will submit a 2-page description of their project and a detailed set of goals for the three-day experience. Applications should include: 

• Project description (500-words)  
• Shortened project description (250-words max)  
• Description of writing goals for the retreat 
• Short bio (100–150 words) 
• A current CV 
• Professional photo/headshot 

 The experience is limited to 12 participants. Selection criteria will include the interdisciplinary nature of the group, quality of the project, clarity of goals, and representation across career stages.