Dissertation Writers Retreat
About the DWR
The Dissertation Writers Retreat (DWR) offers UofM graduate students in-person and online opportunities to prepare as you begin, are in the middle of, or are wrapping up your thesis or dissertation. These programs are sponsored by the University Libraries, the Graduate School, and Writing and Communication Services at CASA. We strive to host inclusive, accessible programs that enable all individuals, including individuals with disabilities, to engage fully. To request an accommodation or for inquiries about accessibility or the program, contact Brannen Varner at bvvarner@memphis.edu.
Dissertation Writers Retreat: Summer 2026
All UofM graduate students working on a thesis or dissertation are welcome to join this free program (see full schedule below). Co-sponsored by the University Libraries, the Graduate School, and Writing and Communication Services at CASA.
Tuesday, July 21: Virtual DWR (via Microsoft Teams)
- 10-11 AM, Mind the Research Gap with WCS ()
- Understand the various ways of identifying and exploring the research gaps in your thesis/dissertation.
- 11 AM-Noon, Literature Reviews & Scite.ai with Libraries ()
- Get started with literature reviews and learn how Scite.ai can help you with reviewing literature.
Wednesday, July 22: In-Person DWR Schedule ()
McWherter Library, 2nd Floor Commons
- 1:30-2:15 PM, Writing and Research Block
- Independent writing and research time. To make an appointment with a writing specialist or librarian, contact bvvarner@memphis.edu
- 2:15-2:30 PM, Welcome from Dr. Deb Tollefsen, Vice Provost and Dean of the Graduate School
- 2:30-3:30 PM, Formatting for Submission/Title II ETD Updates with Graduate School
- Learn how to format your thesis/dissertation to submit for graduation.
- 3:30-4:30 PM, Literature Reviews & Scite.ai with Libraries
- Get started with literature reviews, and learn how Scite.ai can help you with reviewing literature.
Thursday, July 23: In-Person DWR Schedule ()
McWherter Library, 2nd Floor Commons
- 9 AM-Noon, Writing and Research Block
- Independent writing and research time. To make an appointment with a writing specialist or librarian, contact bvvarner@memphis.edu
- Noon-1 PM, Lunch & Learn sponsored by GSA
- 1:15-2:30 PM, Panel on Burnout Perspectives
- Join this recorded panel on how we can handle and avoid burnout with Dr. Sanchari Banerjee, Dr. Leigh Harrell-Williams, and Dr. Christian E. Mueller.
- 2:30-3:30 PM, Mind the Research Gap with WCS
- Understand the various ways of identifying and exploring the research gaps in your thesis/dissertation.
- 3:30-4:30 PM, Small Group Peer Review activity with WCS and Libraries
- Bring your writing for peer review - get advice, feedback, and review other writing.
- 4:30-5:30 PM, Post-Retreat Community Building at RP Tracks
- Join the organizers for some community building just off campus.
Research Skills for Graduate Students Webinar Series
The University Libraries presents webinars on graduate-level research concepts and tools throughout the Fall and Spring semesters. This series of webinars is for UofM students, staff and faculty who are focused on graduate-level research. Register to attend and learn more about essential services and resources for your research and publishing. All registrants will receive recordings and materials following the live, virtual webinar. To learn more and register, visit the .
The Research Skills for Graduate Students Webinar Series aligns with the University of ÃÛÌÒµ¼º½ ASCEND Strategic Goals 2, Create Opportunities to Succeed, 3, Outcomes-Focused Academics, and 5, Recruit, Retain, Reward, and Recognize our People.
Fall 2026 Schedule:
- September 9, 11AM - Audio and Video Databases
- September 18, 10AM - Database Spotlight: SciFinder, Chemical Abstract Services
- September 24, 11AM - Find What You Need at the Libraries... and Beyond!: Online Library Resources and Services
- October 21, 3PM - Access/Embargoes and Your Dissertation
- October 26, 3PM - I Don’t Have a(i) Clue: Creating Ethical GenAI Guidelines for Your Practice with Writing and Communication Services, CASA
- November 4, 3PM - Explore Census Data Platform with the U.S. Census Bureau
- November 10, 3PM - Zotero and Mendeley: Citation Management Tools
- November 19, 3PM - Create Your Scholarly Presence
- December 1, 11AM - When to Choose a Scoping Review or a Literature Review
DWR resources
The has upcoming programming details, webinar recordings, database links and library resources.
The Digital Commons is an archive for past program recordings.
Make a or writing appointment for one-on-one help.
Past programs (links go to recordings)
- Spring 2026 Research Skills for Graduate Students Webinar Series ()
- Winter 2026 DWR - January 13 & 14, 2026
- Fall 2025 DWR Webinar Series ()
- DWR: Summer Retreat - August 5, 6, 7, 2025
- DWR: Writing Sprint Pomodoro (Virtual) - March 16, 2024
- DWR: Writing Sprint Pomodoro (Virtual) - February 10, 2024
- DWR Camp 2: Get It Together (Hybrid) - October 17, 2023
- DWR Camp 1: Writing Sprint (Hybrid) - August 22, 2023
- DWR Camp 4: Looking Ahead (Hybrid) - March 7 & 8, 2023
- DWR Camp 3: The Home Stretch (Hybrid) - January 10 & 11, 2023
- DWR Camp 1: Surviving the Mountain (Hybrid) - October 10 & 11, 2022
- DWR Base Camp: Getting Started (Hybrid) - August 16, 2022
- DWR Camp 3: Looking Ahead to After the Dissertation (Virtual) - March 8 & 9, 2022
- Dissertation Writers Retreat (Hybrid) - January 10-15, 2022
- DWR Sprint Events (Virtual) - September-December, 2021
- DWR: Base Camp (Hybrid) - October 12, 2021
- DWR Sprint Events (Virtual) - March-April, 2021
- Dissertation Writers Retreat (Virtual) - January 12-14, 2021
- Dissertation Writers Retreat (In-Person) - March 9-13, 2020
- Dissertation Writers Retreat - January 13-17, 2020