Apply to dive into the Lake Shift writing retreat!

The Lake Shift is back! Graduate Studies and Postdoctoral Affairs is thrilled to announce that we will be sending two doctoral students to experience the fun and writing development opportunities offered through Lake Shift.

Running from July 7 to July 12, 2024, the Lake Shift is a thesis writing retreat for doctoral students from Ontario universities, hosted by the School of Graduate Studies at Queen's University. The retreat takes place at the Queen's University Biology Station on Lake Opinicon (a 50-minute drive north of Kingston), which is the perfect setting for doctoral students to have access to structured time to write, workshops on tips for effective dissertation writing, opportunities to network with other doctoral students and all in a naturally beautiful location. The objective of the retreat is to enable doctoral students to make substantial progress toward writing their thesis and to develop foundations to maintain that momentum. The fringe benefits of The Lake Shift include swimming, canoeing, hiking, and campfire conversations which make for a balance of the cerebral with the physical and social for a well-rounded experience.

Past attendees have said the Lake Shift “offered a productive balance between structured writing time and social immersion in a scholarly community” and that it was a great opportunity to “dive into the dissertation”. If you’re interested in learning more about the Lake Shift, read our news item from 2023 featuring Emily, Mana, and Cael.

Graduate Studies and Postdoctoral Affairs will cover travel expenses from Waterloo to Kingston as well as the Lake Shift registration fee (includes all meals, snacks, and shared accommodations) for successful applicants.

Applications are due Monday, May 13 and successful applicants will be advised by May 23.