The Jones White Writing Center is pleased to offer Graduate Writing Groups for the spring 2022 semester! Graduate Writing Groups are open for registration until Tuesday, February 8. Groups are held via Zoom and meet every two weeks.
Graduate Writing Groups are for graduate writers who have begun the thesis/dissertation process (at any stage) and are writing independently. Please do not sign up for a group if you are still in coursework. 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, have higher self-efficacy, and build confidence as writers (Ekstein, et al 2017; Simpson, 2012; Mannon, 2016). Our own assessment demonstrates that, by joining our writing groups, graduate writers significantly improve in setting goals, focusing on their writing, and making progress on their drafts.
Graduate Writing Groups are composed of small groups of students who meet via Zoom every two weeks. Groups include the following:
- Goal setting and regular check-ins with group members to help you stay on track
- Feedback from peers and tutors on your writing
- Short, interactive presentations on key aspects of thesis/dissertation writing, which include goal setting, time management, self-editing strategies, revision, handling feedback, and work/life balance
- Small group supportive environment
The groups are led by an advanced graduate tutor who is nearing the end of their own dissertation writing process. Because our Graduate Writing Groups are in high demand, they will be filled on a first-come/first-served basis. These groups are for students who are independently writing; we ask that faculty refrain from requiring their students to join a group for a course requirement 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 of the six sessions offered for your group. If you can't make this commitment, please consider attending our Thesis/Dissertation Boot Camp on Saturday, March 26, or signing up for individual tutorials. Because we have a limited number of spaces available, we will prioritize those who did not get to participate in previous groups.
Graduate students: please sign up for our groups by completing this short form.
If you have any questions, please contact Brianna Doyle, our Graduate Writing Group coordinator, at qrwy@iup.edu.