Writing Camps

The writing camps offer graduate students an opportunity to devote time to the writing process within a supportive, organized venue. These camps offer quiet time and space to make significant progress on your thesis or dissertation. During the camps, students will also develop goal-setting skills, share writing resources with others, develop sustainable writing habits, and create a sense of community and accountability.

The writing camps will not cover writing rules or conventions, or provide individual feedback on writing samples. For help with your writing, please schedule an individual appointment by emailing ctlgs@unm.edu. We also facilitate support groups to complement the writing camp experience and help you continue on a path of progress.

*Each Fall and Spring semester we also host an overnight writing retreat with the Sevilleta Field Station. We also host a mini-retreat at the Bachechi Open Space here in Albuquerque.

Summer 2024

The Weekend writing camps are hosted online via Zoom, while Weeklong writing camps will be hybrid and held at the new Graduate Support location in Zimmerman Library. To learn how to join Zoom meetings, please view this guide.

Writing Camp Agenda

Weeklong & Weekend hours

• Check-in & Goal-setting: 8:45 - 9:00 am
• Dedicated writing time: 9:00 am - 12:00 pm
• Lunch: 12:00 - 1:00 pm
• Dedicated writing time: 1:00 -  4:00 pm
• Reflection & Close: 4:00 - 4:15 pm

First-Time Participants

Please email ctlgs@unm.edu to schedule a 15-minute pre-camp consultation.

The purpose of this consultation is to review your writing project and writing camp expectations. You are only required to schedule this consultation before your first writing camp.

Returning Participants

Students who have previously attended writing camps may register to attend any and all writing camps.

Preparing for a Writing Camp

The writing camp is time and space to make progress writing your thesis or dissertation. It is important that you complete any pre-writing before attending camp. This will allow you to focus on progress. Pre-writing includes necessary reading, note-taking, and outlining.

All writing camp participants are encouraged to disconnect from email, social media, and other distractions while at camp. Make any necessary arrangements to allow yourself time to focus on your writing.

We expect participants to be committed to their individual goals and accountable to the writing camp community. If you are unable to attend the session for which you have registered, or need flexibility with your schedule, please notify the writing camp facilitator ahead of time.