Dissertation House Graduate Writing Retreat

The October Dissertation House will be held on October 2nd and 3rd at UMBC, Commons Building, Room 329.

What is Dissertation House?

This is a free, two-day, writing-intensive event designed for all master's and Ph.D. students working on a significant writing project, whether it's a master's thesis, a research publication, a doctoral research proposal, or a dissertation. We've created a space to help you focus, free from distractions, and to give you the dedicated time you need to make significant progress.

Two Levels of Engagement

We are offering two different options to ensure you get the support that's right for you. All participants will work in the same space and attend workshops tailored to the academic progress of those in attendance. These workshops are designed to help you overcome writing roadblocks, improve your relationship with your advisors, learn project management skills, identify resources, etc.

Level 1: The Writing Intensive

This is a two-day event from 9 AM to 4 PM, providing a dedicated writing space and an accountability group to help you stay on track. This is ideal for students who face challenges setting aside focused time for their writing. You must plan to attend both days, full-time.

Level 2: Personalized Coaching (Not required to participate, but very beneficial, and limited space is available- 10 spots!)

In addition to participating in everything from the Level 1 Writing Intensive, Level 2 participants will get personalized support from our dissertation coach. Our coach provides specialized, one-on-one assistance to students completing a master's thesis or doctoral dissertation. To be eligible for Level 2, you will complete a supplemental part of the Dissertation House interest form that asks you to upload a writing sample. This gives the coach an idea of your writing style and how to tailor support for you. The coaching session helps you overcome writing challenges, improve productivity, and opens the door to keep working with the coach for the rest of the year after attending Dissertation House, for free!

Important Details

Space is limited due to room capacity, so please fill out this easy-to-complete form to let us know you are interested in attending. Please save the dates and plan to attend the full two days. We know it's a significant time commitment, but it has proven to be incredibly effective for those who need a focused environment to advance their writing. 

Here's what previous participants had to say about the event:

•  "I have achieved more this week than I would have in a typical month. Having professionals on-hand to assist me, and having structured time to do the work has been invaluable."  (Carter-Veale et al., 2016).

• "I had nothing on paper, I now have an overall outline and I feel that I will be able to get finished now. This workshop has helped me become 'unblocked.' I have been at UMBC for 4 ½ years and was in danger of just quitting." (Carter-Veale et al., 2016). 

Decisions will be made by September 26th, so we are closing the application on September 25th. 

We look forward to seeing you there!

If you have questions or need particular accommodations, please email us at promise@umbc.edu.

All GSPD services and programs are open for full participation by all individuals regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, or any other protected category under applicable federal law, state law, and the University's nondiscrimination policy.