Dissertation Writing Institute

The Dissertation Writing Institute is for graduate students whose research is complete or nearly complete, who have conceptualized the principal elements of the dissertation, and who have already begun to write the dissertation.

Participants attend the Institute for at least six hours each day during the eight weeks of the Spring term. Sweetland provides a computer, if needed, and work space where students can leave books and other materials. Students participate in group discussions, where they share their writing and receive feedback. In addition, participants receive individual writing consultations with a Sweetland faculty member. Participants may not hold another position during the eight-week period of the Institute and must work full time on their dissertations, receiving a stipend of $3,000.

University Record article highlighting the 10th anniversary of the Dissertation Writing Institute.

Selection Process

Department Chairs and Directors nominate up to four advanced graduate students who they believe will benefit by participating in this Institute. These students will then be contacted by Sweetland and asked to apply. The deadline for Spring 2013 nominations was February 1, 2013.

Student Application Materials

  1. Letter explaining the nature and scope of the applicant's dissertation, its current state and why/how the applicant would benefit from the Institute
  2. Copy of the applicant's prospectus or a dissertation chapter
  3. Curriculum vitae
  4. Recommendation letter from the Dissertation Chair

Departments should submit completed applications in hard copy by February 27, 2013 to:

Laura Schuyler
Sweetland Center for Writing
1346 North Quad 1285
schuyler@umich.edu

The Dissertation Writing Institute is supported by the College of Literature, Science & the Arts, the Rackham Graduate School, and the Sweetland Center for Writing.