Graduate Writing Groups
Graduate Writing Groups are virtual groups that meet every two weeks that provide a supportive environment for students who are working on their thesis or dissertation. Our writing groups will provide you with a supportive environment that will help you make progress and stay positive. Research demonstrates that graduate students who take part in writing groups are more productive writers, have higher self-efficacy, and build confidence as writers (Ekstein et. al. 2017; Simpson, 2012; Mannon, 2016). Our assessment demonstrates that by joining our groups, graduate writers significantly improve in setting goals, focusing on their writing, and making progress on their drafts.
When are groups running next, and how do I sign up?
Our Graduate writing groups run in fall, spring, and summer each year. Visit this page or check your IUP email at the beginning of the term for information on how to join a group. Sign up by September 1, 2024. This semester, we are offering two types of groups: the Graduate Writing Groups and Graduate Writing Productivity Groups. See our full schedule below.
Why should I sign up? How does this help me?
Graduate Writing Groups are for graduate writers who have begun the thesis/dissertation process (at any stage) and are writing independently. Our writing groups will provide you with a supportive environment that will help you make progress and stay positive. Our assessment demonstrates that by joining our groups, graduate writers significantly improve in setting goals, focusing on their writing, and making progress on their drafts.
What are my options for GWGs?
The Center for Scholarly Communication offers two types of groups. Select the group that is best for you.
- Graduate Writing Groups are composed of small groups of students who meet via Zoom every two weeks. We recommend these groups for writers at the beginning of writing their dissertation/thesis as they offer extra support from a facilitator and guidance on navigating the thesis/dissertation process. Groups include:
- Goal setting and regular check-ins with group members to help you stay on track
- Short interactive presentations on key aspects of thesis/dissertation writing including goal setting, time management, self-editing strategies, revision, handling feedback, and work/life balance
- Small group supportive environment
- Writing Productivity Groups are intended to offer a space for accountability and support from peers. These groups will not include mini-lessons and will instead offer extra time for writing. These groups meet via Zoom either every week or every other week.
Groups are led by a Center for Scholarly Communication Consultant who is nearing the end of their own dissertation writing process.
Who should sign up?
Because our Graduate Writing Groups are in high demand, they will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis. Because we have a limited number of spaces available, we will prioritize those who did not get to participate in previous writing groups and those who have a good attendance record in previous GWGs. We also give priority to students who have completed their coursework. These groups are specifically for students who are independently writing (e.g. we ask that faculty do not require their students to join the groups as part of a course, as we cannot meet that level of demand).
These groups are best for graduate students who want to commit to regular meetings and have the accountability of a small group environment. We ask that you commit to attending at least five sessions of the six offered for bi-weekly groups or nine of eleven for the weekly groups. If you can’t make this commitment, please consider signing up for individual tutorials.
When are they offered?
All GWGs are offered virtually. These are the Graduate Writing Groups offered this semester:
- Graduate Writing Group 1: 7:30 p.m.–9:00 p.m. ET on Monday, meeting every other week; Meeting dates: September 9, September 23, October 7, October 21, November 4, November 18
- Graduate Writing Group 2: 7:00 p.m.–8:30 p.m. ET on Tuesday, meeting every other week; Meeting dates: September 10, September 24, October 8, October 22, November 5, November 19
- Graduate Writing Group 3: 11:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m. ET on Saturday, meeting every other week; Meeting dates: September 14, September 28, October 12, October 26, November 9, November 23
These are the Writing Productivity Groups that will be offered:
- Writing Productivity Group 1: 8:00 p.m.–9:30 p.m. ET on Tuesday, meeting every week; Meeting dates: September 10, September 17, September 24, October 1, October 8, October 22, October 29, November 5, November 11, November 19 (Weekly)
- Writing Productivity Group 2: 7:00 p.m.–8:30 p.m. ET on Wednesday, meeting every week; Meeting dates: September 11, September 18, September 25, October 2, October 9, October 23, October 30, November 6, November 12, November 20 (Weekly)
- Writing Productivity Group 3: 9:00 a.m.–10:30 a.m. ET on Saturday, meeting every other week; Meeting dates: September 14, September 28, October 12, October 26, November 9, November 23 (Bi-weekly)
Great! How do I sign up?
Please sign up for our groups by filling out this short form.
If you have questions, feel free to email the Graduate Writing Group coordinator, Madelyn Carroll, at pgmcc@iup.edu.
Faculty Writing Groups
Forthcoming Spring 2025