PhD Writing Accountability Groups

Writing groups are one of the best ways to accomplish the extensive writing required at the PhD level, and can make the process easier, more efficient, and more satisfying.

This program brings doctoral students together to create successful, peer-led writing accountability groups. Groups launch with an online orientation. Previous participants have reported tremendous progress on their writing projects, increased motivation to sustain writing despite busy schedules, and support and collegiality among group members.  

We launch PhD writing groups the beginning of each fall semester. The next writing group launch will take place for the Fall 2024 semester. Fill out this interest form to be sent an application.

What Kind of a writing group?

There are many kinds of writing groups.  Some focus on feedback—exchanging their works-in-progress for review. Others gather people from the same field to share knowledge. Others focus on how to write more and better, sharing tips on being a productive writer. Still others, called write-in groups, are a scheduled time to write alongside others and benefit from the accountability and support this provides. Our writing group launch for Fall 2023 facilitates a combination of these last two: write-in groups framed with brief discussions of goals, accomplishments, and sharing of challenges and tips on writing. Groups will consist of anywhere from 2 to 8 people (dependent on participant schedules) and meet virtually.   

Testimonials from past participants

"Great group of student to be working with."

"The regular, scheduled writing time has been vital as too has being part of a group which offers encouragement and writing advice as needed."

"The accountability of having another person during dedicated writing time helped ensure I did not put off my writing."

"The writing group held me accountable to writing every week. I would prepare for it on the weekends some weeks, so I would have a head start and be able to get into the more intense part of writing rather than trying to figure out what/ how to write during the session. Knowing I had that designated time made me become more organized in the writing process. I'm a REALLY slow writer and I feel like I accomplished a lot, not only in the sessions themselves but also in my preparation for the sessions. I also benefitted from connecting with other doctoral students. It helped me realize you can be a fast writer or a good writer and still struggle with the writing process. My group was very inspiring and I loved hearing about the projects they were working on as well - it was refreshing to step outside my little world and engage with others especially during the pandemic."

"It really helped keep me motivated, keep me writing and it was a huge support to me. My group were wonderful and really kept me positive and on track - and also writing consistently."

Examples of work accomplished during the writing group program

Completed dissertation proposal draft, along with intermittent drafts beforehand with edits. Currently editing proposal to do my in person proposal in June.

Completed data collection for dissertation project, analyzed all the data, and began writing chapter 4.

Chapter 1 revised, Instrument revision completed, Chapter 2 revision started, classwork paper (8 pages) written.