Building sustainable writing habits starts with structure and community.
To help you stay connected and motivated, the WCC supports a collection of writing groups called #WaterlooWrites. These groups are hosted by WCC staff as well as volunteer graduate students and faculty across campus.
What is #WaterlooWrites?
#WaterlooWrites is made up of two main kinds of writing groups: the WCC Writing Cafés are hosted by the WCC and are open to all grad students, postdoctoral fellows, and faculty. Our Volunteer-run Groups are hosted by students and faculty from different departments, research groups, and identity groups. If you join any #WaterlooWrites group, you can work towards earning a #WaterlooWrites mug.
Pick up a #WaterlooWrites stamp card from reception at The Write Spot in SCH 219, from a WCC staff member during our in-person Writing Café on Wednesday afternoons, or download the digital version. Each time you show up and write, you'll earn a “stamp” on your card. Fill up your card with 12 “stamps” to receive a #WaterlooWrites coffee mug to show off your dedication and fuel future writing sessions!
The WCC Writing Cafés
The WCC hosts three kinds of drop-in Writing Cafés, so join us when you can and cheer your fellow writers on as you all get some focused writing time.
Virtual Writing Cafés
Virtual Writing Cafés are open to any graduate student, postdoctoral fellow, and faculty member at the University of Waterloo.
When: Tuesdays from 9:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. (noon) EST (starts January 2, 2024)
Where: Virtual Writing Café using MS Teams
In-Person Writing Cafés
These cafés are also open to any open to any graduate student, postdoctoral fellow, and faculty member at the University of Waterloo.
When: Wednesdays from 2:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. EST (starts January 3, 2024)
Where: The GSA Grad Lounge (SLC 3216)
IBPOC Student Writing Cafés
Hosted by Ileana Diaz, the IBPOC Student Writing Cafés are spaces where Indigenous, Black, and graduate students of colour can come together to form supportive communities of writers. Structured by timed writing spurts and breaks, these groups make space for concerns specific to IBPOC writers.
When: Tuesdays from 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. EST (January 16 to April 30, 2024)
Where: Virtual Writing Café using MS Teams
Reach out to Nadine Fladd if you have any questions, then fill out the form to register.
Earn a FREE MUG!
Volunteer-run Groups
Can't make it to the WCC's Writing Cafés? Looking for a writing community of peers in your discipline? Join a #WaterlooWrites group!
#WaterlooWrites groups offer virtual and in-person "show up and write" communities for graduate students. They are facilitated and hosted by volunteers who want to help you write with peers, discuss the challenges and successes of writing about your research, and learn new writing tips each week
Each volunteer-run writing group is different, so take a look at the existing groups below and see if one is a good fit for you! To register, reach out to the hosts or fill out the form to join the group.
CBB-CREATE (Centre for Bioengineering and Biotechnology)
Hosted by Kenrick Vassail
The CBB NSERC CREATE Training in Global Biomedical Technology Research and Innovation program provides training in biomedical design, biomedical commercialization, and professional soft skills to a multidisciplinary group of students. Our CBB-CREATE writing group supports our training program by introducing our trainees to weekly writing tips and techniques that will help them organize and structure their writing and be more effective in communicating their research
When: TBA for winter term
Where: Virtual Writing Café using MS Teams
CBB Create is only open to CREATE trainees, so contact Kenrick before filling out the form above to get added to the #WaterlooWrites Team.
Ontario Water Works Association
Hosted by: Kalani De Silva, Omar Chowdhury, and Ujwal Zore
OWWA/WEAO Student Chapter
Introducing the Ontario Water Works Association/Water Environment Association of Ontario (OWWA/WEAO) Student Chapter’s Writing Cafe – a dedicated space for students in water-related fields to unleash their writing potential. Whether you're a grad student or undergrad, join us to cultivate efficient writing skills in a comfortable and supportive environment. Let's create a space where your ideas flow effortlessly, turning your passion for water studies into impactful words. Embrace the art of writing with OWWA/WEAO Writing Cafe!
When: Thursdays from 1:30 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Where: DWE 2433
Optometry
Hosted by Ashita Bidarka
Calling all Faculty and Graduate students at the School of Optometry and Vision Science: Come join your fellow colleagues for weekly Writing Cafés in the Witer Learning Resource Centre (WLRC) this Winter term! Bring anything you plan to work on, enjoy complimentary refreshments, and improve your productivity through the Pomodoro technique (30-minute writing/working sessions followed by 5-minute breaks). It's a Win-Win-Win scenario!
When: Fridays 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Where: The Witer Learning Resource Centre (OPT 2101).
Pharmacy
Hosted by: Rishabh Sharma
Waterloo Writes Pharmacy online writing group is a lively, social space to get writing done while also interacting and discussing with your colleagues your writing challenges.
When: TBA for winter term
Where: Virtual Writing Café using MS Teams
Weekend Warriors
Hosted by: Lesley Andrade
This is a group for people who write on the weekends because the weeks are busy with other
obligations. Part-time students and students who work other jobs may not be able to attend
writing sessions during business hours, so we started this one. Join us for two hours on
Saturday afternoons to make some progress on writing. All grad students, post-doctoral
fellows, and faculty are welcome!
When: Saturdays 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Where: Virtual Writing Café using MS Teams
Working Online Waterloo (interdisciplinary group)
Hosted by: Katy Fulfer, Catharine Ramey, and Jennifer Ellingham
The WOW #WaterlooWrites group is an interdisciplinary group of graduate students, faculty and staff from the University of Waterloo that is intended to hold the members accountable to their goals, motivate them to work and support member well-being through social interactions.
When:
Monday 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. and 2:00 - 4:30 p.m.
Tuesday 2:00 - 4:30 p.m.
Wednesday 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. and 2:00 - 4:30 p.m.
Thursday 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Friday 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Where: Virtual Writing Café using MS Teams
Can't find a group that works for you?
Consider hosting one!
Any grad student, postdoctoral fellow, or faculty member can start a #WaterlooWrites group. Check out the guidebook above and then reach out to Elisabeth van Stam if you’re interested in starting one.