Applications for Spring 2024 PhD Writing Support Programs are now open!
PDPA is pleased to offer a variety of writing support programs for PhDs across the disciplines at BU. See below for descriptions and application requirements for the Dissertation Writing Group, Dissertation Writing Intensive, and Accountability Partners
Apply to Spring 2024 DWG & APDissertation Writing Group
Are you looking for structured writing time and a community of like-minded peers where you can make significant progress on your prospectus, dissertation, or other related writing projects? The Dissertation Writing Group (DWG), which convenes on Mondays, 10am–1pm ET, offers both! The beginning of each three hour session is devoted to setting achievable writing goals and sharing them with a small group of peers. The next 2.5 hours are devoted to writing, and at the end of each session, writers share progress made, writing challenges, and victories while setting concrete goals for the coming week. The DWG is facilitated by a PDPA staff member who will introduce guided reflections and share effective strategies you can build into your writing routine. These sessions are offered in person at 100 Bay State Rd, 545 AB and virtually via zoom. Spring 2024 DWG begins January 29.
The application will ask you to:
- briefly describe your dissertation topic
- identify specific, attainable writing goals for the coming semester
- commit to regular attendance in the group. Those with significant conflicts are discouraged from applying. If a schedule conflict arises, communicate this promptly to the DWG facilitator
Dissertation Writing Intensive (January 8-11,2024)
Our four-day Dissertation Writing Intensive offers doctoral candidates significant, focused writing time in a community of like-minded peers. The program provides a high level of structure and accountability, and participants should expect to write for four hours each day. Lunch and coffee/tea will be provided daily.
The application will ask you to:
- describe your research topic
- identify concrete personal writing goals for the week
- commit to daily attendance (hybrid options available although we encourage participants to join in person)
Accountability Partners
Accountability Partners matches you with an interdisciplinary group of 3–4 other graduate writers for one-hour, weekly writing check ins. During each meeting, participants report on their progress over the past week, reflect on challenges, and set goals for the coming week. Groups are also encouraged to maintain a shared daily writing log, and each group will be provided with a private Slack channel where members can share updates and resources throughout the week. Spring 2024 AP begins January 29.
The application will ask you to:
- describe your research topic
- identify concrete personal writing goals for the coming semester
- specify your availability for weekly meetings