The Doctoral Program recently hosted a three-day intensive Writing Camp (June 24-26) for students in the post-coursework phases of the program. Three attendance or format options were offered to students: daytime, overnight, or virtual. A total of 16 individuals actively participated during the course of the Writing Camp. The purpose of the retreat was to provide a space for students to dedicate time to the dissertation writing process. Overnight guests enjoyed an immersive campus experience by staying in one of the on-site residence halls, Mountaineer Hall. Campers/students/writers started each day with a morning motivation followed by open writing time for the remainder of the day. Students had opportunities for consultations with campus partners like the Writing Center, Research Librarians, and the IRB Office as well as program staff and committee chairs. During the camp, participants were treated to daily breakfast and lunch. Several students enjoyed a daily afternoon walk to explore the campus and to recharge and clear their minds for more hours of writing and research. Residential participants enjoyed nightly group dinners at local Boone restaurants as a means to continue to find connections and build community.
The three overarching themes for the dissertation writing process were connected to specific goals for the writing retreat: Building Community->Finding Connections, Maintaining Motivation->Creating Accountability, and Sustaining Productivity->Celebrating Success. On the final day, participants shared their accomplishments, highlights, insights, and reflections from the event.
Some highlights from participants included:
“Devoting the space to writing in community was so valuable.”
“Building community with others who are on similar journeys!”
“Connecting with fellow campers and being in community with other students and program leaders.”
“Dedicated focus time to really dig in and make a solid plan for my next steps.”
Some accomplishments shared by students included:
Chapter 4 was completed.
Built out a timeline for chapter 4 and reviewed archival material.
Edited and updated a proposal, which previously had not been touched since April, and is now ready for committee feedback.
Spoke with a potential interviewee and set up meeting times.
Met with the IRB Office and created a plan for next steps.
Created a timeline to get to the finish line.
Some insights offered by participants included:
Learned that structures, accountability, and a supportive community are beneficial.
Letting go of perfectionism and trusting others to provide positive feedback.
A different space can be a great motivator and a change of scenery is good.
The Doctoral Program hopes to make the Writing Camp an annual event with plans to offer separate virtual and campus versions. Many thanks to Dean Melba Spooner and the University for making the funding available for this important event!!
Pictured (left to right): Diane Dickerson, Tonya Moore, Penny WIllard, Debby Douglas, Kris Everhart, Dr. Star Brown, Lisa Hayworth, Logan McGuire, Barbara Ross, Jordan Perry
