Do you want a supportive environment for writing your thesis or dissertation? Are you feeling isolated and in need of support? Do you want to hone your writing skills?

If you are looking to make progress on your thesis or dissertation this fall, the Jones White Writing Center is offering two Online Graduate Writing Groups. These groups are for graduate writers who have begun the thesis/dissertation process (at any stage). Our writing groups will provide you with a supportive environment that will help you make progress and stay positive. Research demonstrates that graduate students who take part in writing groups are more productive writers, have higher self-efficacy, and build confidence as writers (Ekstein et. al. 2017; Simpson, 2012; Mannon, 2016).

Our Graduate Writing Groups will meet via Zoom every two weeks for 90 minutes and include the following:

  • Goal setting and regular check-ins with group members to help you stay on track
  • Feedback from peers and tutors on your writing
  • Short interactive presentations on key aspects of thesis/dissertation writing, including goal setting, time management, self-editing strategies, revision, handling feedback, and work/life balance
  • Small group supportive environment

The groups are led by an advanced graduate tutor who is nearing the end of their own dissertation writing process .

Schedule for Our Fall Groups

Group 1:

  • 11:00 a.m.-12: 30 p.m. EST on Saturdays every two weeks
  • Group meeting dates: Sept. 19, Oct. 3, Oct. 17, Oct. 31, Nov. 14, Nov. 28

Group 2:

  • 8:00 p.m.-9:30 p.m. on Mondays every two weeks
  • Group meeting dates: Sept. 21, Oct. 5, Oct. 19, Nov. 2, Nov. 16, Nov. 30

Groups are first-come, first-served. We ask that you commit to attending at least five sessions of the six offered for your group. Because we have a limited number of groups, we will prioritize those who did not get to participate in our summer 2020 graduate writing groups. We plan on running more Graduate Writing Groups in the spring 2021 term and make this a regular service that we offer.

Sign up for our groups by filling out this short form.