Weekend Dissertation Bootcamp
Welcome to the Weekend Dissertation Bootcamp! Below is some important information about the upcoming event.
The goal of the CGU Center for Writing & Rhetoric’s Weekend Dissertation Bootcamp is to assist in the development of sustainable writing habits by providing a dedicated time for CGU students to focus on writing and productivity while building a community of scholars and writers. The event provides a safe and supportive community for students as they navigate writing their dissertations. Our goal is to learn from each other and support one another in our academic endeavors.
Before the Event
Prepare all your materials. This may include having your library materials handy, downloading and/or installing necessary programs on your laptop, etc., or having your notes ready and organized. Please download the Goal Setting Handout for the goal-setting opportunity at the start of the event. This will allow you to maximize your writing blocks.
If this is your first time attending a Center for Writing & Rhetoric event and you would like to learn more about our approach to goal-setting for the event, here’s a video of CWR Director Dr. Marcus Weakley explaining how to use the handout.
What to Bring
- Determination and positive energy to write.
- Your computer, books, papers, notes, etc. Use the time for sustained writing so you move your work forward.
- If possible, dedicate a workspace to your writing project so that you can come back to it later.
Schedule
Please note: you are required to stay logged into Zoom the entire day. During writing blocks, all participants are encouraged to leave their video on and required to have their audio muted. In trying to replicate the feel of writing in a community online, having the group keep videos on provides a visual way to bring everyone together from their different working environments. We understand that this is not possible for everyone, so it is only encouraged, not required. Facilitators will announce the beginning and ending of blocks as well as anything else that might come up.
- 9:00 am – 9:30 am Introductions &Goal Setting
- 9:30 am – 11:00 am WRITING BLOCK ONE
- 11:00 am – 11:15 am Break
- 11:15 am – 12:15 pm WRITING BLOCK TWO
- 12:15 pm – 1:15 pm Lunch
- At lunch, we go around the table and say what we are working on and how we are doing. This is also where we share any tips, discoveries that others might find useful to help them write or navigate the dissertation process. This is also a time where you can bring up writing and other related challenges. This is a powerful space for collectively troubleshooting and supporting each other. The facilitator may also conduct a grounding exercise or workshop during the second half of the lunch break.
- 1:15 pm – 2:45 pm WRITING BLOCK THREE
- 2:45 pm – 3:00 pm Reflection & Looking Ahead
Consultation Sessions
Throughout each writing block, the event facilitator is available to meet for 15-minute breakout room sessions to discuss your work upon request. Shoot a private message to the facilitator to ask to move over to a breakout room if you have a question or wish to review a section of your writing with a trained CWR consultant. The breakout room function in Zoom will provide you a space to consult with the facilitator one-on-one.
Rules
- During writing blocks, your goal is to write. Put your phone and the internet aside for the writing blocks. You can check on your breaks.
- Try and keep discussions to breaks. The facilitator can set up break-out groups for you to make these happen.
- Take your breaks — breathe, drink water, get some sunlight, stretch. There are definitely diminishing returns if you try to push without a break. We strongly encourage that you take advantage of the breaks between writing blocks, as this is an opportunity to reset and recharge before diving back into writing.
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