Libraries
Dissertation Writers Retreat
About the DWR
The Dissertation Writers Retreat 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 events are sponsored by the University Libraries, the Graduate School, and Writing and Communication Services at CASA. We strive to host inclusive, accessible events that enable all individuals, including individuals with disabilities, to engage fully. To request an accommodation or for inquiries about accessibility or the event, contact Brannen Varner at bvvarner@memphis.edu.
Upcoming DWR Events
DWR Webinar Series
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 the great resources the University Libraries offers you! All registrants will receive a link to the recording following the webinar.
October 28, 1 pm CDT - Research for Health, Social & Behavioral Sciences - CINAHL Complete and PsycINFO.
November 4, 2 pm CST - Research Diet: Tracking Journals & Peers.
Dissertation Writers Retreat: January 13-14, 2026 | 1:30-4:30PM | McWherter Library, 2nd Floor Commons Area
UofM graduate students working on a thesis or dissertation are invited to join us for this free, two-day event.
Tuesday, January 13, 2026
1:30-2:30 p.m. - Writing and Research Appointments, Pomodoro Writing Hour
2:30-3:30 p.m. - Submitting for Dissertation, Beverly McPhail and Mocha Hunter, the Graduate School
3:30-4:30 p.m. - Recent graduate panel: Learn and ask about recent graduate dissertation and career journeys
Wednesday, January 14, 2026
1:30-2:30 p.m. - Peer discussion: Share with and learn from your peers
2:30-3:30 p.m. - Self-Editing Techniques, Refining Your Argument, Dr. Meredith Boulden, Writing and Communication Services at CASA
3:30-4:30 p.m. - Scite.ai & citation management workshop, Dr. Kenneth Haggerty and brannen varner, University Libraries
DWR Resources
Missed a DWR event? Want to revisit past talks? Check out our and .
Looking for dissertation tips & resources? Check out our .
Past Events (links go to recordings)
- 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