Annual Dissertation Writers Retreat Series Overview
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.
2026 – 2027 Dissertation Retreat Schedule
- Fall Break Dissertation Writers’ Retreat (2 days)
- October 22-23, 2026
- Application deadline: Friday, Oct. 2, 2026
- Spring Break Dissertation Writers Retreat (2 days)
- March 15-16, 2027
- Application deadline: Wednesday, Feb. 24, 2027
- Summer Dissertation Writers’ Retreat (5 days)
- June 7 - 11, 2026
- Application deadline: Friday, May 14, 2027
Upcoming Retreat Information
Apply for the Fall 2026 Retreat
Sponsored by the Graduate School, the College of Arts and Science Dean’s Office, the Graduate Student Council, and the BRET Office of Career Development ASPIRE Program.
Apply to join us as the Writing Studio hosts a two-day Fall Break Dissertation Writers’ Retreat, October 22-23, 2026.
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.
- When: Oct. 22-23 | 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM each day
- Where: The Writing Studio (1801 Edgehill Ave., Suite 112)
- Application Deadline: Application due no later than Friday, Oct. 2, 2026
Application decisions will be made and sent beginning Monday, Oct. 5th.
Questions? Please email nauff.m.zakaria@vanderbilt.edu.