Intensive Graduate Thesis Writing Retreat

What is a thesis writing accelerator retreat?

The retreat is a two-day opportunity for students writing their thesis to set writing goals, practice disciplined writing habits, learn new strategies, and connect with other writers.

What do participants do each day?

Set achievable goals before the retreat begins and declare those goals publicly.
Spend a few minutes meeting other writers to discuss goals and plans for the day.
Enjoy blocks of uninterrupted writing time.
Review and update their writing goals for the week.
Spend time reflecting on the process of writing.
Develop a supportive community of peers.

Participants may also…

experiment or explore their writing with guidance from trained writing consultants.
develop reporting of statistics and results with the assistance of a member of the RStats team.
explore research methods with a research librarian.

When is the next in-person retreat?

February 24, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.

February 25, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Meets in Meyer Library 107
Registration capped at 22 participants
Full commitment is required (no coming and going)
A light breakfast, lunch, drinks, and snacks provided

Contact Michael Frizell, Director of Student Learning Services, for an application.

When is the application deadline, and what materials do you need for my application?

Deadline: Friday, February 3, 2023

Materials Needed:

Official Application
Proof of Enrollment in the Graduate College’s Thesis Blackboard Course
Proof You Completed the Thesis Publishing Guide Quiz

You should apply for the retreat when you are…

enrolled in the Graduate College’s Thesis Blackboard course.
completed the Thesis Publishing Guide quiz.
actively engaged in the writing phase of your thesis.
ready to spend 12 hours writing, working with experts to improve your work.
Able to commit to arriving by the starting time and staying until the end on both days.

You should not apply for the retreat if you are…

not actively writing.
seeking a class or workshop about writing your thesis — what parts they have, what they should look like, step-by-step instructions for writing one, etc.
not fully available on the specified dates.

Do you know the schedule?

Intensive Thesis Writing Accelerator Retreat

Friday, February 24, 2023

Time	Activity/Discussion	Details
8-9 a.m.	Light Breakfast/Coffee
	The Thesis Submission Process	Answer questions to demystify the process. Share thesis submission timelines.
	Words of Inspiration	Share some tips to help them break through “writer’s block.” Explore time management tips.
9 a.m. – 12 p.m.	Writing Time	Find a secluded area and write!
12-1 p.m.	Lunch	Invite your thesis chair, a committee member, or an advisor for an open discussion about writing, their challenges in balancing their time, or simply as support.
1-4 p.m.	Writing Time	Find a place to write.
1-4 p.m.	Individual Appointments:	Scheduled requested meetings with one of the following groups: o Writing Center for APA and writing style. o RStats for integrating and creating tables. o Research Librarians to help them build their research.
4-5 p.m.	Wrap-Up – Social Hour	Discuss difficulties. Answer questions. Preview Day 2.

Saturday, February 25, 2023

Time	Activity	Reason/Thoughts
9-9:30 a.m.	Light Breakfast/Coffee
9-9:30 a.m.	Words of Inspiration	Share some tips to help them break through “writer’s block.” Explore time management tips.
9:30 a.m. – 12 p.m.	Writing Time	Writers find a secluded area of the library to write. Where we had breakfast is “base” when they have questions.
12-1 p.m.	Lunch	Invite your thesis chair, a committee member, or an advisor for an open discussion about writing, their challenges in balancing their time, or simply as support.
1-4 p.m.	Writing Time	Find a place to write.
1-4 p.m.	Individual Appointments:	Schedule meetings at their request with the following groups: Writing Center for APA and writing style. RStats for integrating and creating tables. Research Librarians to help them build their research.
4-5 p.m.	Wrap-Up	Discuss difficulties. Answer questions. Celebrate!

Is there anything else I should know before applying?

You’re welcome to invite your thesis chair, committee member, advisor, or trusted confidant to lunch on either day.

The retreat is about supporting you and your work! Join us!