Writing Groups

Writing groups are small groups that meet regularly to write and support each other throughout the academic year. Members of writing groups can expect to:

  • attend a fun kickoff event sponsored by the Howe Center to meet group members and set meeting times
  • make progress and receive support and feedback on their own writing projects from group members
  • meet regularly with other group members for the course of the academic year (at a regular time and location agreed upon by group members). 

For graduate students, we have general groups for any graduate student (MA or PhD) working on any type of writing and dissertation writing groups for PhD candidates working on their dissertations. PhD candidates can be part of both group types.


General Graduate Student Writing Groups (open to MA and PhD)

If you're a Master's or PhD student interested in giving and receiving writing and reading support on a variety of different projects—then this writing group is for you. Group members may be working on projects like:

  • academic publications
  • grant proposals
  • lab reports
  • research papers
  • comprehensive exam reading and prep
  • any type of writing for which they’d like support and accountability.

Groups can meet in person or virtually; all groups decide their own meeting schedule and locations.

The deadline to join a Fall 2019 group has passed, but you can still sign up for next year.

Sign up


Dissertation Writing Groups (open to PhD Candidates)

Completing dissertations can be a challenge. Once students are no longer regularly interacting with others in a classroom setting, they can find themselves drifting, discouraged, and uninspired. We encourage doctoral candidates to join a Dissertation Writing Group so they can make sustained and accountable progress on their writing.

Writing Group applicants will be placed into on-campus or virtual groups with others from their college or with related interests. Group members are encouraged to read one another’s work on a bi-weekly basis, take regular advantage of Howe Writing Center consultations, consult with King librarians, keep each other accountable, and provide encouragement and support.

We form groups at the beginning of each Fall semester with a lunch-time kick-off workshop for all participants, whether on-campus or remote.

Requirements for joining a group are:

  • PhD candidate
  • Currently writing (or are ready to begin) their proposal or dissertation
  • Commitment to meet with their group weekly or bi-weekly (face to face or remotely)
  • Commitment to make weekly progress toward their research/writing goals
  • Commitment to support others in their group

Some comments from past participants: 

We all are very satisfied with our group, and are grateful that the Writing Center brought us together. We've hit our stride and have found a good way of operating that works for our group [and] that keeps us motivated.

I find it incredibly helpful and motivating to be a part of this group.

This group has been a good experience for me and I've appreciated the support.

The deadline to join a Fall 2019 group has passed, but you can still sign up for next year.

Sign up