Workshops, Retreats, and Write-Ins
The Graduate Writing Center offers many workshops, of varying length, to support graduate students with their writing. All workshops are open to enrolled University of Maryland graduate students free of charge. Please see the Events section for the current workshop schedule.
We welcome suggestions for workshops and will design and provide programs for specific departmental needs upon request. Please contact Dr. Linda Macri, Director of Academic and Professional Development, with questions.
This summer (2019), we will offer:
- Early Stage Dissertation Retreat, June 3-7, 10am-4pm daily
- Thesis & Dissertation Retreat, July 8-12 10am-4pm daily
- Weekly Write-Ins
You can also access information on our past workshops:
- Improv to Improve Communication In & Beyond the Classroom
- Oral Communication Short Courses
- Graduate Writing Short Courses
- How to Write a Literature Review
- 3MT workshops
- Getting Ready for GRAD
Early Stage Dissertation Retreat, June 3-7, 10am-4pm daily
To apply, click here. Applications will be accepted until May 21, 2019 or until the retreat is full, whichever comes first.
The Graduate School Writing Center will offer an Early Stage Dissertation Retreat from June 3-7, 2019, from 10am-4pm daily. The retreat is aimed specifically at students in the early stages of writing their dissertations or dissertation proposals. Students registering MUST be actively working on writing a proposal or dissertation. Registration will be open until May 29 or until the retreat is full, whichever comes first. Please contact gradwritingfellows@umd.edu with any questions.
The retreat is limited to 25 students. A $40 fee (to cover meals and refreshments) will be required to secure a place.
Thesis & Dissertation Retreat, July 8-12 10am-4pm daily
To apply, click here. Applications will be accepted until June 21, 2019 or until the retreat is full, whichever comes first.
The Thesis & Dissertation Retreat will afford participants time to write along with opportunities for one-on-one writing consultations with Writing Fellows and presentations about topics such as setting goals and structuring writing time. Participants must have an approved prospectus or thesis topic and must commit to attending each day. Please contact gradwritingfellows@umd.edu with any questions.
The retreat is limited to 25 students. A $40 fee (to cover meals and refreshments) will be required to secure a place.
Weekly Write-Ins
Fridays, 1 - 4pm
Writing regularly and with a sense of support contributes to accomplishing writing goals. You can join your graduate and postdoctoral colleagues every Friday afternoon from 1:00-4:00 p.m. in 4123 McKeldin for structured time to write. All graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, and faculty are welcome.
Sign in with your writing goal and/or writing question, grab a cup of something caffeinated, and we’ll begin with a short (less than 15-minute) presentation on some aspect of research or writing. Then, settle in to writing. Fellows from the Graduate School Writing Center will be available to offer support in brief, one-on-one consultations. On the first Friday of each month, librarians from the Research Commons will offer a Research Write-In, featuring brief presentations about various relevant issues in research.
Space is limited, so advanced registration for each session is encouraged (but never required). You can register through our online scheduling system
PAST WORKSHOPS
Improv to Improve Communication In & Beyond the Classroom (TLTC 699A)(Spring 2019)
Looking for ways to improve how you teach, how you collaborate with other, how you communicate your research? In this one-credit course, you’ll learn how the basic principles of improv can help you improve how you communicate in a variety of settings. Open to all graduate students and postdoctoral fellows.
Class runs from February 20-May 1, Wednesdays from 4-5:15pm
Oral Communication Short Courses (Spring 2019)
This semester, we will offer two short courses to help you develop your oral communication skills. Students who sign up for either course are expected to attend all three sessions.
Graduate Writing Short Courses (Spring 2019)
This semester, we will offer two short courses to help you hone your writing skills. Students who sign up for either course are expected to attend all three sessions.
How to Write a Literature Review: An Introduction to Writing and Research in Graduate School (Spring 2019)
Thursday, Feb. 14, 10am-12pm, 6137 McKeldin. Wednesday, Feb. 20, 2:30-4:30pm, 6137 McKeldin.New to research at the graduate level or just need a refresher? Not sure how to move from research to writing? Join us for this workshop, offered in conjunction with librarians from the Research Commons, focusing on entering an academic conversation through research and writing. The workshop will cover graduate-specific library privileges, effective research and citation practices, writing from sources, and a general introduction to the literature review process.
The slides from February 2018 are available here.
3MT Workshops (Spring 2019)
GETTING READY FOR GRAD (Spring 2019)
Are you planning on presenting your work at GRAD 2018? The Graduate School Writing Center is here to help. We are hosting two workshops on how to construct and deliver an engaging and persuasive GRAD presentation. Whether you are a first-time GRAD presenter or a GRAD veteran, our sessions can help you prepare for the event.
Workshops will be held on Thursday, March 28th, 1-2pm in Terrapin Room AB in Stamp, and Monday, April 1st, from 2-3pm, in 5100B McKeldin (the Graduate School Writing Center).