Graduate Student Writing Support

Dissertation Writing Retreat

Our annual Dissertation Writing Retreat with support from the Graduate School, takes place in the University Writing Center in Ekstrom Library Room132 the first or second week of May. 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.

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. Participants must be willing and able to participate for the full retreat. 

We're looking to extend the programming this coming academic year. If you're interested in additional mini-retreats or have ideas for dissertation support in your program, contact us at writing@louisville.edu.  

Application information

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: 

1. A letter written by the applicant to the retreat coordinators, stating the reasons for applying for the retreat and goals for the week.
2. A letter of support written by the writer’s adviser/director.
3. Documents to demonstrate progress and status of the dissertation (e.g., drafts, proposals, etc.).

Priority will be given to applicants who have not previously participated in a Dissertation Writing Retreat.

Graduate Fellows Program

The Graduate Fellows program is a semester-long partnership between a graduate student and the University Writing Center where participants receive individualized attention and extensive feedback on a specific writing project, such as a dissertation, a thesis, a journal article or a grant. By being in the fellows program, graduate students will reserve regular times with our Assistant Directors, advanced PhD students themselves, weekly, twice a month or monthly to work toward a project goal. Spots are limited and are available on a first-come, first-serve basis. 

Graduate Student Mug Club

Join us Tuesday and Thursday mornings from 9 - 11am in Fall for writing time and graduate student community. We will offer a quiet and comfortable space to write, free coffee, and the occasional pastries. Just bring a reusable mug and your ongoing projects.