Graduate Student Writing Programs
The Graduate College offers writing programs that help graduate students and postdoctoral scholars strengthen their writing skills, build productive habits and make meaningful progress on academic and professional writing projects. Through workshops, accountability groups and structured writing sessions, participants can develop sustainable writing practices in a supportive community.
Graduate Student Writing Accountability Group
The Graduate Student Writing Accountability Group sessions support graduate students and postdoctoral scholars as they work toward their writing goals in a structured, supportive environment.
Whether you’re working on seminar papers, theses, dissertations, conference proposals, creative writing or other academic projects, these free sessions provide dedicated writing time, accountability and community.
Through these sessions, participants can connect with fellow graduate students and scholars across the university, share goals and build sustainable writing habits. Since launching in 2024, students from colleges across UC have participated in sessions.
Presented in partnership with the Taft Research Center, the Academic Writing Center and the Graduate College.
Graduate Student Writing Accountability Group sessions are designed to help participants stay focused and make meaningful progress on their writing projects. Each session typically includes:
- Goal setting at the start of the session
- Structured writing blocks using the Pomodoro method
- Short breaks throughout the session
- A supportive and quiet writing environment
- Opportunities to connect with other graduate students and postdoctoral scholars
- Free lunch during select sessions, plus coffee and tea throughout the day
Participants are welcome to stay the full session or drop in as their schedule allows.
Participant Feedback and Outcomes
- 100% of survey respondents said attending sessions helped them make more progress on their writing than they would have otherwise.
- 88% of attendees reported making strong or very strong progress toward their writing goals during sessions.
“Overall terrific experience. I have gone to several already. I find them helpful and it’s nice to engage with students in other UC programs.”
“It’s a good program for those looking for the gentle pressure of accountability.”
“Really easy to get into a groove and just get things down onto the page.”
“I really enjoyed the in-person experience, where we had a quiet room with a window, tea and set intentions.”
Participant Accomplishments
Participants have used sessions to make meaningful progress on a variety of academic and professional writing projects, including:
- Complete dissertation revisions
- Finish conference papers
- Draft seminar assignments
- Revise journal submissions
- Build consistent writing habits
- Connect with peers for academic support and advice
Examples shared by participants include:
“I was able to complete about 37 pages of revisions, which is about 25% of my dissertation.”
“Literally got both papers finished. It was a really nice space to be dedicated to work.”
“Ended up writing a total of nine pages.”
Do I have to stay the whole time?
No. Participants are welcome to stay for the full session or drop in as their schedule allows.
I’ve never attended before. Can I still come?
Yes. Sessions are open to all graduate students and postdoctoral scholars at UC, including first-time participants.
Do I need to RSVP?
RSVPs through GetInvolved UC are encouraged so organizers can plan for lunch and seating. However, drop-ins are always welcome.
What should I bring?
Required:
- Your preferred writing tool (laptop, notebook, etc.)
- A charger if you plan to stay for an extended period
Recommended:
- Headphones
- A jacket or sweater
- Snacks for before or after lunch
What is the writing structure like?
Sessions begin with goal setting and follow a Pomodoro-style format with focused writing blocks and short breaks throughout the day. Lunch is followed by a brief goal check-in before writing resumes.
Friday, September 11, 9:30 a.m.–noon, online
Register for the September 11 Writing Accountability Group
Thursday, September 24, 11 a.m.–4 p.m., Bearcat Promise Career Studio, TUC room 310
Register for the September 24 Writing Accountability Group
Friday, October 16, 9:30 a.m.–noon, online
Register for the October 16 Writing Accountability Group
Thursday, October 29, 11 a.m.–4 p.m., Langsam Library, room 462
Register for the October 29 Writing Accountability Group
Friday, November 13, 9:30 a.m.–noon, online
Register for the November 13 Writing Accountability Group
Thursday, November 19, 11 a.m.–4 p.m., Langsam Library, room 462
Graduate Writing Workshop
Graduate Writing Workshops provide practical guidance and support for graduate-level writing across disciplines. Workshop topics vary throughout the year and may focus on:
- Revision strategies
- Academic writing techniques
- Writing productivity
- Publication preparation
- Final paper support
- Thesis and dissertation writing
- Writing processes and organization
Sessions are designed to help graduate students strengthen their writing, develop effective strategies and make progress on academic and professional projects in a supportive learning environment.
Open to all graduate students and postdoctoral scholars.
Responding to the CALL: Writing Proposals and Abstracts
Friday, September 25, 11 a.m.–1 p.m., online
Responding to the CALL: Writing Proposals and Abstracts is a practical workshop aimed at graduate students who are new to—or looking for a refresher on—responding to calls for papers (CFPs). We’ll demystify the CFP process and explore how to identify opportunities, interpret CFP language and expectations, and develop an effective proposal or abstract that responds directly to a call. Participants will practice strategies for shaping research ideas, crafting focused abstracts, and presenting their work in ways that engage conference reviewers.
Creating a CV
Friday, October 2, 11 a.m.–1 p.m., online
Creating a CV is a practical workshop for graduate students who are new to developing an academic curriculum vitae (CV) or looking for a refresher on how to effectively present their academic and professional experience. We’ll explore the purpose and structure of a CV, what sections to include, and strategies for highlighting teaching, research, publications, presentations, service, awards, and other scholarly experiences. Participants will leave with practical strategies and resources for building or strengthening a CV that reflects their developing academic careers.
Tackling the Lit (literature) Review
Thursday, November 12, 11 a.m.–1 p.m., online
This practical workshop is aimed at graduate students who are new to literature reviews or are looking to strengthen their approach. We’ll explore how to move beyond summarizing individual sources to identify key conversations, themes, connections, and gaps within existing scholarship. Participants will work through strategies for finding and organizing relevant research, synthesizing sources, and developing a literature review that establishes the scholarly context for their own research.
Register for the Tackling the Lit Review workshop
Graduate students and postdoctoral scholars can explore additional university resources related to academic writing, research, career preparation and dissertation support through the Graduate College Resource Guide.
Resources include:
Transportation and Parking
Free UC shuttle services are available for students with a valid UC ID, including routes between West and Medical campuses. Limited reciprocity parking may also be available for UC permit holders when space permits. Reciprocity parking is limited to two hours between 8 a.m.–3 p.m. Learn more about parking and transportation.
Contact
Please email Brandilyn Pham, Graduate College Program Manager, at gsdevelop@ucmail.uc.edu with questions.