The Academic Writing Lab

Your writing community

Welcome to the Academic Writing Lab

Graduate students who are just starting the graduate journey or preparing work for publication, you need not write alone. The Academic Writing Lab is here to support, empower, and connect you as you grow your academic writing skills.

We offer:
• One-on-one writing consultations tailored to your goals, focused on feedback
• Workshops on everything from APA style to writing for publication
• Weekly writing groups to build consistency, community, and momentum

We want to help you write with confidence and clarity while also finding joy in the process. Writing is a skill that can be learned and a practice best nurtured in community. At the Academic Writing Lab, you will find the tools, guidance, and encouragement to thrive.

Write with us

Our Mission

Empowering graduate students to elevate academic writing skills, build confidence, and celebrate the joy of writing in community.

Our Vision

Creating a collaborative ecosystem in which academic writing is transformed from isolated practice to joyful community – an experimental playground where scholarly voices thrive.

Writing in community

Join us to write in the company of other academic writers. Drop in any time and stay as long as you wish. Each Friday during the long semesters (Fall/Spring), we will gather to write together from 1 – 5pm and for the night owls, from 5pm – 8pm. We meet in Harrington Tower, Room 303.

What: Writing in Community

When: Fridays 1:00pm – 5:00pm

Where: Harrington Tower, 303

What: Write at Night

When: Fridays 5:00pm – 8:00pm

Where: Harrington Tower, 303

Why: Writing in community increases motivation, provides accountability, and makes academic writing more joyful.

Writing Groups

Student writers can request to be placed in a writing group. A writing group is 3-5 people who are partnered based on schedule, interests, and preferences. The group decides how best to support each other, such as holding regular writing sessions together, check-ins, and so forth. The Academic Writing Lab team forms groups based on applications received, but we do not manage the groups after they are formed.

Join a writing group

Workshops

We offer workshops during Fall and Spring semesters, with themes designed to provide in-depth support for graduate students as they navigate the dissertation process. Workshop topics include APA formatting, literature reviews, revision strategies, publishing guidance, and job market preparation—all tailored to meet the students’ evolving needs throughout their doctoral journey.

What: Academic Writing Workshops

When: Fridays, 10:00am – 12:00pm

Where: Zoom

Register for a workshop

Brown Bag Chats

Brown Bag Chats are designed to discuss the application of academic writing such as writing cover letters, CVs, and use of AI in writing.

What: Brown Bag Chats

When: Wednesdays, 12:00pm – 1:00pm

Where: Zoom

Writing Consultation

One-on-one sessions can be scheduled with one of our trained peer writing consultants. The consultants are graduate students like you who have completed a course in academic writing and has been trained to support others as a consultant.

Consultations can be scheduled for 30 (actual consultation time is 25 min) or 60 min (actual consultation time is 50 min). If meeting online, please choose a quiet space free from distractions. Your time is limited; being prepared and focused helps to make the most of the session. All sessions, in person or online, are recorded on Zoom. You will receive the recording afterward.

Use the links provided below to book a consultation. Note, there are TWO steps to complete.

Book a consulation (Step 1 of 2)

Book a consultation (Step 2 of 2)

Writing Accountability Partner

Student writers can request to be paired with an Accountability Partner based on preferences. Accountability Partners can meet weekly to briefly discuss writing accomplishments, goals, challenges, and solutions. They may also check in on each other daily to offer encouragement. The Academic Writing Lab team forms groups based on applicants, but we do not manage the groups after they are formed. The Academic Writing Lab team forms pairs based on applications received, but we do not manage the pairs after they are formed.

Find an accountability partner