DIssertation and Thesis Jump Start Camp

 

 

What Is The Dissertation And Thesis Jump Start Camp?  This camp helps graduate writers make significant progress on their theses and dissertations. Though focused writing time, short workshops, and individual coaching, the camp gives dissertation and thesis writers structure, motivation, and strategies for a summer of productive, effective writing.

 

Who Is The Camp For?  This camp is especially designed for UVM graduate writers who have completed the proposal and initial research for a thesis or dissertation and now seek structured time, motivational support, and professional advising as they progress with drafting. Camp enrollment is limited to 18 UVM graduate students who can commit to attending all four days.

 

What Does Each Camp Day Look Like?  At the 9 am start of each day, a Graduate Writing Center consultant will lead a writing-strategy workshop to help launch that day’s writing. Participants will then spend the next three to four hours writing with the option of scheduling an individual consultation with a Graduate Writing Center consultant. Consultation topics might include

• brainstorming and overcoming writer’s block
• effective approaches to writing a literature review
• how to draw lessons from model chapters and articles
• feedback and strategies for revision
• approaches to signaling your stance and providing reader-friendly signposts

 

Following a healthy lunch (provided by the camp), participants will have the option of an another hour’s writing time or meeting in small groups for feedback and next-step ideas. Although the camp will end each day at 2 pm, coffee, tea, and Graduate Writing Center support will be available for those participants who would like to continue working until 4 pm.

 

Is There a Fee? How Does Registration Work?  All participants register by completing a short application available from gradwriting@uvm.edu. Camp is free, but participants should return their applications with a refundable $50 deposit check payable to UVM. All participants who complete the camp—attending 9 to 2 each day—will receive their checks back on the last day. Checks for registrants who do not complete the camp will be deposited, contributing to future camps.

 

Who Sponsors the Camp? The camp is sponsored by the UVM Graduate Writing Center and UVM Graduate College. The Graduate Writing Center supports UVM’s graduate writers through free individual and small-group appointments with trained graduate writing consultants. The Graduate Writing Center’s consultants also facilitate periodic Sunday Graduate Writing Retreats and are available to lead class- and program-specific workshops. Learn more by visiting go.uvm.edu/gradtutor or contacting the Graduate Writing Center’s coordinator, Professor Nancy Welch at gradwriting@uvm.edu.