Dissertation Writing Retreat
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About the retreat
The University Writing Center, with support from the Graduate School, will host its 16th annual Dissertation Writing Retreat in person during May 2026.
We encourage all writers currently working on their dissertations to apply. In past retreats, we have worked with writers representing a range of disciplines from public health and engineering to social work and humanities. Some of these writers had just begun writing, some were in the middle of drafting chapters and others were working on creating cohesion across chapters relatively late in the process. Regardless of where they were in the process, all the participants made progress on their dissertations and left with a set of writing strategies that would help them maintain their momentum on their projects.
The retreat takes place in the University Writing Center in Ekstrom Library Room 132. Each day writers will write for several hours, take part in short, writing-focused workshops, enjoy lunch and meet with a writing consultant. The University Writing Center consultants who work during the retreat are experienced writing consultants and teachers – many are also PhD students currently working on their own dissertations. Each participant in the retreat will be paired with the same consultant for the entire week. There is no fee for participating. Participants must be willing and able to participate for the full retreat.
Application information
The application portal is currently closed. Applications for spring 2026's dissertation writing retreat will be available in February 2026.
Completed applications are considered and accepted on a rolling basis, in the order in which they are received.
A completed application consists of the following materials:
- A letter written by the applicant to the retreat coordinators, stating the reasons for applying for the retreat and goals for the week.
- A letter of support written by the writer’s adviser/director.
- Documents to demonstrate progress and status of the dissertation (e.g., drafts, proposals, etc.).
Priority will be will given to applicants who have not previously participated in a Dissertation Writing Retreat.
Questions about the retreat?
Call or email the University Writing Center for help.