Dissertation Boost Camp

Stop stalling and start writing! Build a sustainable plan, make progress on your writing and give your productivity a boost with Dissertation Boost Camp. This intensive four-day program is designed to provide dedicated and quiet writing space for students who are looking to jumpstart their thesis- or dissertation-writing process. The program balances writing time with goal setting and writing strategy sessions and one-on-one meetings with Writing and Communication Advisors from the Writing and Communication Centre. 

If you’re struggling with isolation, lack of motivation, or just don’t know how to tackle such a large project, this program can help! Write in community with other graduate students, get support and advice, and carve out time away from your other responsibilities to prioritize your writing. 

Spots in the program are limited, and participants will be selected based on their applications. Those applicants who are not selected will be added to a waiting list in case there are cancellations.  

Dissertation Boost Camp has strict parameters for participation; participants are selected through an application process. Before applying, please think ahead to boost camp week and decide whether you can meet the following expectations:

• Devote four full days (9:00am to 4:30pm) to the program. Some components of the program take place asynchronously; there is therefore some flexibility in the schedule to accommodate childcare responsibilities, medical appointments, etc. See the Spring 2021 Dissertation Boot Camp Schedule (pdf) to get a better idea of what the week will look like.
• Show up each day ready to write.
• Participate in short, skill-building workshops. 
• If you have lab responsibilities, you will need to find coverage for the week. 
• Follow the guidelines provided by staff and/or the group. 
• You should set concrete goals for the program. We recommend that you meet with your supervisor to discuss your goals.
• Gather all materials you will need to write productively (articles, data, previous drafts with comments, research notes, laptop, etc.).