Spring Break is rapidly approaching! With it, comes a chance to reset after this somewhat tumultuous winter quarter and mentally prepare for spring. How will you use this down time? Naps and Netflix? A mid-week getaway? Or, how about a chance to finally buckle down and focus on writing?

[Image description: Peter, a character from the show Portlandia, putting a hand on his head, looking down, and saying “I’m not indecisive, I just can’t decide.”]

Pictured: The struggle of trying to decide how to spend Spring Break

While we can’t help with the naps and Netflix, we CAN help with those last two things! For the first time since the pandemic struck, the Graduate Writing Center is hosting an in-person Spring Break Write-A-Thon, a free writing retreat for Ph.D. students who have advanced to candidacy and MFA students working on their theses.

[Image description: Tonight Show host Jimmy Fallon smiling, pounding his hands on his desk, and saying “We’re excited to be back!”.

Pictured: We’re excited to host our first in-person event since the beginning of the pandemic!

From Tuesday, March 22nd through Thursday, March 24th (9:00am-4:30pm), we will be providing space, resources, and support to help you make progress in your writing, whether that means outlining the first chapter of your dissertation or polishing the final draft of your thesis.

[Image description: A kitten stuck in a tree, looking around, as saying “Help!”]

Pictured: Need a little help making progress on your dissertation or thesis? We’re here for you!

Come ready to engage in dedicated writing time in the serene and cozy setting of College Building South at the Center for Ideas & Society! You'll be surrounded by peers who are also hard at work on their writing, which will help you stay focused on your own writing goals. Additionally, a free continental breakfast and free lunch will be available every day of the Write-A-Thon, so you won’t have to worry about leaving to fit in a rushed meal at an on-campus restaurant. Instead, during this leisurely lunch hour, participants will engage in programming focused on goal setting, accountability, writing support, and more. 

All you need to do is register and show up ready to write. You can sign up for a single day, any two days, or all three days – whatever works for your schedule! Just be sure to register by 5pm on Monday, March 7th.

[Image description: A person sitting at a desk and typing quickly on a laptop with the word “write” flashing in the background.

Pictured: Dedicated writing time helps you eliminate distractions and focus on writing!

Writing on your own can be a struggle, and the dissertation and thesis writing stage can be particularly isolating. Rather than spending your break writing solo, come enjoy free food, comradery, on-location writing consultations, and that added social pressure that comes from working alongside your peers. Committing to a full day of work (or three!) just might be the push you need to finish that chapter.

[Image description: Actress Tracee Ellis Ross snapping her fingers and saying “Boom! Accomplished.”]

Pictured: The support of your peers (and GWC staff) will help you accomplish your writing goals.

As a final word of caution, if you register and do not attend, your student account will be charged $25 per day missed for the cost of attendance. To avoid a fee, you can contact Alexis Smith, the Graduate Writing Center Coordinator, but you must do so by Tuesday, March 15.

So sign up, show up, and get ready to focus on your dissertation or thesis!