UC-Irvine

[Dr. Old Bill]

So I came across here discussing a major funding cut to UC Irvine a few years back, and some generally alarming posts about the school in general. Its poetry and poetics department is sort of on my radar, due mostly to Virginia Jackson.

 

Does anyone -- current student or otherwise -- have any information on what's been going on in that regard for the past three years?

[peachypie]

If you aren't able to get in contact with anyone you can also try looking at their student profiles or information and see how many from each class are listed?  that may be a way to see if funding is happening or not and what the health of the program is.  If nothing else you should never put all your eggs in one basket and if you are interested in attending a school I'd apply and go from there.  Once you are admitted to a program you can talk more to current students about the overall health of that program too.

[poliscar]

I think the English program is still fairly strong. However, Comparative Literature took a huge beating after the financial crisis, and hasn't really recovered yet. Individual funding may be an issue, but departmentally English seems to still be on its feet. 

[Dr. Old Bill]

Thanks to the both of you. I just sent an email to someone at Irvine directly to see if she can give me the inside scoop.

[rdsull89]

I don't to to UCI but I work with Virginia Jackson and have taken a few classes there. My impression is it's doing fine--nothing to keep you from applying. And, Virginia is an amazing person to work with. Highest recommendation.