The Academic Learning Centre, in partnership with the Faculty of Graduate Studies, is hosting an intensive 3-day writing retreat designed to help graduate students progress in writing their theses/dissertations.  This thesis retreat is based on the Australian National University “Thesis Bootcamp,” where attendees focus on writing as much text as possible in a supported environment. Each day starts with a short workshop on writing faster, managing procrastination, and developing a consistent writing routine.  Attendees will be provided with a quiet space, writing tutor support (if needed), beverages and snacks each day, and lunch for one of the days.

The aim for students attending this bootcamp is to write 10,000 words. This is a stretch goal and aiming big encourages commitment and focus. As a result, attendees are required to develop and submit a writing plan in advance of the workshop (See: How to prepare a thesis “road map”)  to academic_learning[at]umanitoba[dot]ca with the subject line “thesis roadmap” by April 28, 2024. Submitting early is encouraged. Students are also encouraged to discuss their writing plans with their advisors and attend a workshop on preparing a thesis road map facilitated by the Academic Learning Centre (see ALC website for description, date and time).

The UM Graduate Thesis Bootcamp runs from May 1 to 3, 2024, on the Bannatyne campus.  Students must apply to attend.  It is NOT virtual and attendees must commit to attending all three days (flex time is available for parents who have children in daycare).

The Academic Learning Centre has developed a workshop, Planning What to Write: Mapping your Thesis/Dissertation, to support students who are interested in attending the Bootcamp. This workshop will be useful for any graduate student who is in the process of writing their thesis/dissertation and is not restricted to retreat attendees.

Planning what to write: Mapping your thesis/dissertation
Writer’s block is not caused by a lack of inspiration. Instead, it is caused by insufficient research, lack of organizational planning, and/or negative emotions writers may have about the writing process. Developing an outline and a well-articulated writing plan can help to reduce all three. This hands-on workshop includes a demonstration of several planning techniques, including outlining and reverse outlining, thesis mapping, and the snowflake method. Students will work on developing their own plan during the workshop.

March 19 | 4:30 – 6 p.m. 
March Registration (Zoom)

April 17 | 12 – 1:30 p.m.
March Registration (Zoom)