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"When work speaks for itself, don't interrupt."
-H.J. Kaiser
The MFA program during my time at Columbia University (1978-80) was housed on 125th street. For the most part, we had the top 3 floors, of that building, for our use. There was continuous access, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. The welding studio and roof, 4th floor studios, and partial 3rd floor allowed candidates to occupy studio space and work with unparalleled freedom. A number of us were in that building continuously. It provided a great liberty and opportunity to work. The faculty at that time gave immense latitudes and independence as well, without being overly involved in teaching or the lives and ideas of students, a tremendous danger in a MFA program. I believe that the Columbia University MFA program during the period 1978-80 was one of the best programs of its kind anywhere. I believe this because I have taught and visited many subsequent programs since. Few have measured up to that program, at that time.