The goal of the retreat is to help graduate students lay the foundation for a more positive and productive relationship to writing. During the week-long retreat, you’ll benefit by establishing a regular and sustainable writing habit, becoming more aware of your own writing processes, setting and reflecting on writing goals, and refining your revision strategies.
Each day, you will have time to work independently on your writing as well as to participate in optional afternoon workshops about common concerns that arise during long-term writing projects, such as maintaining momentum, asking for and using feedback, and finding work-life balance.
Retreat Schedule
9:00-12:30 Goal-setting, writing, and reflection
12:30-1:30 Lunch (on your own; you’re welcome to bring a brown bag)
~1:30-4:00 Workshop and / or continued writing time (we’ll wrap up between 3-4pm most days)
Optional workshops, Main Library 106:
Monday, 1:30-4:00, Reconnecting with Your Writing & Making Writing a Structured Habit
Tuesday, 1:30-3:00, Reading for and Writing Literature Reviews
Wednesday, 1:30-3:00, Incorporating Feedback from Advisors & Reviewers
Thursday, 1:30-3:00, Strategies for Polished Academic Prose
Writing time will be held in the Main Library’s Orange Room (first floor, room 100). Afternoon presentations will be held in Main Library, room 106 (across from the Main Library Info Desk). An online option will be available for morning writing; however, we will not offer a hybrid option for afternoon presentations.
Please use your University of Illinois email to register. You only need to register once to attend all or any of the retreat. Email reminders will be sent out each morning.
