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Dissertation Writers’ Retreats

The Writing Studio’s annual Dissertation Writers’ Retreat series provides dissertating graduate students with time to work individually in a quiet, collegial atmosphere.

During retreats, we couple ample writing time with optional, one-on-one consultations and daily workshops meant to focus writers on their argumentation, chapter structure, and daily writing goals.

We hold an annual week-long retreat during the summer and mini-retreats during fall and spring breaks.

Information about upcoming or recent retreats can be found below.

2025 – 2026 Dissertation Retreat Schedule

  • Fall Break Dissertation Writers’ Retreat (2 days) – October 9-10, 2025 (registration deadline: Friday, Sept. 19, 2025)
  • Spring Break Dissertation Writers Retreat (2 days) – March 9-10, 2026 (registration deadline: Wednesday, Feb. 20, 2026)
  • Summer Dissertation Writers’ Retreat (5 days) – June 1 - 5, 2026 (registration deadline: Friday, May 15, 2026)
  • Spring 2026 Dissertation Writers’ Retreat

    Sponsored by the Graduate School, the College of Arts and Science Dean’s Office, and the BRET Office of Career Development ASPIRE Program.

    When: March 9-10 | 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM each day

    Where: The Writing Studio (1801 Edgehill Ave., Suite 112)

    Application Required: Application due no later than Wednesday, February 18, 2026 – or until the maximum number of applicants has been reached.

    Apply to join us as the Writing Studio hosts a two-day Spring Break Dissertation Writers’ Retreat, March 9-10. Our retreats are designed to provide dissertating students with a community of support and opportunities for goal setting and skill building alongside loosely structured time to work individually on writing projects. Lunch and snacks will be provided.

    We also welcome applicants from graduate and professional students working on master’s theses and other advanced writing projects as well as postdoctoral fellows.

    Questions? Please email nauff.m.zakaria@vanderbilt.edu.

  • Typical Daily Retreat Schedule
    • 9:00-9:20 AM – Small Group Check-In with Daily Goal Setting
    • 9:20 AM-12:00 PM – Independent Writing Time
    • 12:00-1:00 PM – Lunch (provided)
    • 1:00-3:50 PM – Independent Writing Time
      • 1:00-2:00 PM – Optional Daily Writing Workshop
      • 2:00-3:50 PM – Optional One-On-One Writing Consultations
    • 3:50-4:00 PM – End-of-Day Small Group Check-In