Nearly 30 Ohio State graduate students from across a wide range of disciplines attended the Graduate School’s inaugural Graduate Student Dissertation, Thesis, and Paper Writing Retreat, held Friday, March 27, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Research Commons in the 18th Avenue Library.
The event kicked off with a Writing Skills Mini Workshop, led by Dr. Stephen John Quaye, associate dean for excellence in graduate and postdoctoral training in the Graduate School. Quaye led students through a free writing exercise, emphasizing both the vulnerability and joy that are part of the writing process, and then discussed ways to navigate roadblocks in writing.
“The process of writing, especially sharing your writing, is incredibly vulnerable. I wanted to begin the writing retreat by recognizing and emphasizing the vulnerability of the graduate students who were present,” Quaye said. “Writing can also be a joyful process, with so many little and big moments to celebrate. Ultimately, I hope students walked away with a newfound understanding of their own writing practice and different approaches to writing, as well as some tips to address roadblocks and other challenges in the writing process.”
Following the workshop, students participated in morning and afternoon writing blocks in which they made significant progress on dissertations, theses, and other writing projects. The event concluded with a closing session, facilitated by Graduate Research Associate Martia Williams, in which graduate students reflected on the experience with colleagues.
Given the success of the retreat, the Graduate School plans to offer similar events during the upcoming academic year to support students in their writing.
“We are thrilled to have received such positive feedback from this year’s retreat, and we look forward to continuing this programming in the future,” said Dr. Brianna Davis Johnson, assistant dean for mentoring and strategic initiatives in the Graduate School. “We know that, for many, writing can feel like solitary, isolating work. Writing retreats and groups help foster a sense of community, providing encouragement, accountability and support to graduate students as they develop as scholars and writers.”
Each participant received a writing skills tip sheet, developed from Quaye’s workshop, to help guide them in their writing. Check out the tips below.
Know yourself as a writer. Understand your process, preferences, and motivations in order to build a sustainable writing practice.
Set realistic goals. Begin each writing session with a clear, focused and attainable goal. At the end of each session, identify a goal for the next writing period.
Maintain a regular writing practice. Block off time in your calendar for regular writing. This may look like daily writing sessions or longer, less frequent, periods of writing.
Count reading time as writing time. Reading prepares the brain for writing. During some writing sessions, you may read more than you write – that is part of the process.
Read the writing of others. Look to the writing of others – mentors, peers and scholars within and beyond your field – to learn strategies to implement in your own writing.
Write from a growth mindset. Believe that you can write, that you have something to say, and that your writing is impactful.
Work with a writing partner. Find a trusted peer who can help hold you accountable and encourage you in your writing.
Participate in writing groups and retreats. Identify opportunities across campus and prioritize attendance at these events.
Take advantage of resources. For example, the Writing Center at Ohio State offers consultations, writing groups and other resources.