May 6 – 23, 2024
Sponsored by:
The Graduate School
University Libraries
Writing Center
Applications Due April 1, 2024
Purpose
The Dissertation Writing Academy will provide guidance, instruction, motivation, and support for completing the dissertation. This program is designed to support students in the final stages of writing their dissertation.
Objectives
Candidates will develop and implement a dissertation writing plan.
Candidates will engage with faculty, staff, and other graduate students to create a support/accountability group that will facilitate the dissertation's completion.
Candidates will evaluate various writing practices and self-care strategies to implement a dissertation completion plan.
Candidates will participate in all Dissertation Writing Academy activities.
Eligibility
Doctoral students who meet the following criteria will be considered for appointment to the Dissertation Writing Academy.
- POS, Committee Appointment, Exam Status (all progression documents) – Reported and Up to Date with The Graduate School
- Data Collection Completed; Actively Engaged in the dissertation writing process
- Major Professor Recommendation via email
- Submitted Complete Application
Who Should Apply
If you have advanced to PhD candidacy (passed your dissertation proposal), completed most of the research/data collection for your dissertation, and finished at least one chapter draft (or you and your advisor agree that you have done enough research/writing to profit from the dedicated writing time), you are eligible to apply.
You should not apply for the Dissertation Writing Academy if any of the following apply to you:
- You are not yet actively writing the text that you plan to include in your dissertation.
- You are seeking a class or workshop about dissertations—what parts they have, what they should look like, step-by-step instructions for writing one, etc. If you are in this stage, please contact the Writing Center for other options.
- You are not fully and reliably available on all the specified dates.
Features of The Dissertation Writing Academy
Writing Workshops delivered by the Writing Center
Faculty Mentors – Personal Writing Experience and Tips for Success, available for individual consultations
Well-being Sessions – time management, motivation, reducing anxiety, creating a writing/support group, dealing with writer’s block, self-care, physical activity
Dissertation Formatting Workshop and Support
Writing Center Consultations
Requirements for Attendance
Commit to participating in all group sessions.
Commit to writing time of 18 hours per week
Actively participate in a writing/support group.
Maintain a written journal/log of time committed to writing and tasks accomplished.
Approved leave will be discussed on a case-by-case basis.
Daily Times
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 8:00 am – 8:30 am | Arrive, gather materials, prepare to start. |
| 8:30 am | Start on Time |
| 8:30 am – 11:30 am | Morning Session (Workshop) |
| 11:30 am – 1:00 pm | Break |
| 1:00 pm – 1:30 pm | Faculty Mentor Presentation |
| 1:30 pm – 4:30 pm | Afternoon Session (writing time) |
Friday Schedule
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 8:00 am – 8:30 am | Arrive, gather materials, prepare to start. |
| 8:30 am | Start on Time |
| 8:30 am – 11:00 am | Writing Time |
| 11:00 am – 12:00pm | Wellbeing Session |
| 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm | Break |
| 1:00 pm – 3:30 pm | Writing Time |
| 3:30 pm – 4:30 pm | End of Day Activity |
Dissertation Writing Academy Application
Interested applicants should send complete the application form and arrange to have your advisor email a brief letter of recommendation endorsing your participation in the Dissertation Writing Academy to graddean@mailbox.sc.edu.
Applications and advisor recommendation are due April 1, 2024.
- Name
- Department and program
- Contact information (address, telephone number, and email)
- Advisor’s name
- Date candidacy achieved
- Year in doctoral program
- Estimated date of graduation
- Dissertation Title
- 200–250-word dissertation description
- Estimate of how much has already been written (percentage)
- Reasons for attending the Dissertation Writing Academy
- 2 specific goals for attending the Dissertation Writing Academy
Arrange to have your advisor send a brief email to graddean@mailbox.sc.edu endorsing your participation in the Dissertation Writing Academy (this need not be a letter of recommendation).
Applications and advisor recommendation are due April 1, 2024.