Dissertation Writers Retreat
About the DWR
Are you working on your dissertation or other academic writing? This free event series held each semester is geared towards UofM graduate students and focuses on improving your writing and writing techniques, completing your dissertation, and what to do after dissertation. These events are sponsored by the University Libraries, Graduate School, and Writing and Communication Services (formerly the Center for Writing and Communication). We strive to host inclusive, accessible events that enable all individuals, including individuals with disabilities, to engage fully. To request an accommodation or for inquiries about accessibility or the event, contact Brannen Varner at bvvarner@memphis.edu or 901.482.8206.
Upcoming DWR Events
Dissertation Writers Retreat | August 5-7, 2025 | 8:30 AM-3 PM | McWherter Library, 2nd Floor Commons
UofM graduate students working on their thesis or dissertation are invited to take part in our free 3-day writing retreat sponsored by the University Libraries, the Graduate School and the Writing and Communication Services at CASA. The retreat will include morning sessions, peer review sessions and dedicated writing time. View the full schedule below. Register by July 22, 2025. Contact brannen varner with any questions.
Event Schedule: August 5-7, 2025
Tuesday, August 5
- 8:30 am - Check-in & welcome, 2nd Floor Commons
- 8:45-9:45 - Session 1: Formatting for Dissertation Submission, Beverly McPhail (Graduate School)
- 9:45-10 - Coffee Break
- 10-11 - Session 2: Writing Plan & Habits, Dr. Meredith Boulden (Writing & Communication Services)
- 11-Noon - Pomodoro Writing Hour, Room 225
- 12:30 pm-1:30 - Independent Lunch
- 1:30-3 - Break Out: Small Group Peer Review
Wednesday, August 6
- 8:30 am - Check-in & welcome, 2nd Floor Commons
- 8:45-9:15 - Session 1: Scholarly Presence, Dr. Kenneth Haggerty (University Libraries)
- 9:15-9:45 - Session 2: Access/Embargoes and Your Dissertation, Elizabeth McDonald (University Libraries)
- 9:45-10 - Coffee Break
- 10-11 - Session 3: Literature Review Strategies Panel
- Moderator: Ashley Roach-Freiman, University Libraries
- Health Sciences Panelist: Kristin M. Geater, Clinical Assistant Professor
- Engineering & Physical Sciences Panelist: Dr. Chrysanthe Preza, Chair and Kanuri Professor
- Social & Behavioral Sciences Panelist: Dr. Andrew Tawfik, Associate Professor, Instruction and Design Technology
- 11-Noon - Independent Writing & Research
- Noon-1:30 pm - Lunch & Learn: Graduate Student Mental Health, Victoria Jones (Counseling Center)
- 1:30-3 - Break Out: Small Group Peer Review
Thursday, August 7
- 8:30 am - Check-in & welcome, 2nd Floor Commons
- 8:45-9:45 - Session 1: Prepare for Your Defense, Carl Hill (Writing & Communication Services)
- 9:45-10 - Coffee Break
- 10-11 - Session 2: Advancing Your Career, Mitzi Igleharte (Career Services)
- 11-Noon - Session 3: Search the Stacks, Brannen Varner (University Libraries)
- Noon-1:30 pm - Independent Lunch
- 1:30-2:30 - Pomodoro Writing Hour, Room 225
- 2:30-3 - Wrap Up
DWR Resources
Missed a DWR event? Want to revisit past talks? Check out our Playlist of DWR Videos & Previous Speakers and past materials in the University of Memphis Digital Commons.
Looking for dissertation tips & resources? Check out our Dissertation Writers Resources Guide.
Past Events (links go to recordings)
- DWR: Creating Your Research Diet: Strategies for Tracking New Publications in Your Field - March 4, 2025
- DWR: Keeping Your Thoughts Organized: Strategies for Note Taking & Outlining - February 6, 2025
- DWR: Creating Your Scholarly Presence - October 30, 2024
- DWR: Creating & Sustaining Your Writing Plan - September 5, 2024
- DWR: Summer Retreat - June 3 & 5, 2024
- DWR: Writing Sprint Pomodoro (Virtual) - March 16, 2024
- DWR: Formatting for Submission Workshop - February 22 & 23, 2024
- DWR: Writing Sprint Pomodoro (Virtual) - February 10, 2024
- DWR Camp 2: Get It Together (Hybrid) - October 17, 2023
- DWR Camp 1: Writing Sprint (Hybrid) - August 22, 2023
- DWR Camp 4: Looking Ahead (Hybrid) - March 7 & 8, 2023
- DWR Camp 3: The Home Stretch (Hybrid) - January 10 & 11, 2023
- DWR Camp 1: Surviving the Mountain (Hybrid) - October 10 & 11, 2022
- DWR Base Camp: Getting Started (Hybrid) - August 16, 2022
- DWR Camp 3: Looking Ahead to After the Dissertation (Virtual) - March 8 & 9, 2022
- Dissertation Writers Retreat (Hybrid) - January 10-15, 2022
- DWR Sprint Events (Virtual) - September-December, 2021
- DWR: Base Camp (Hybrid) - October 12, 2021
- DWR Sprint Events (Virtual) - March-April, 2021
- Dissertation Writers Retreat (Virtual) - January 12-14, 2021
- Dissertation Writers Retreat (In-Person) - March 9-13, 2020
- Dissertation Writers Retreat - January 13-17, 2020