The Dissertation Writing Retreat rounds out the step-by-step series of program offerings that are a defining feature of the SSRC-Mellon Mays Graduate Initiatives Program. Held twice annually, the Dissertation Writing Retreat brings together 12-15 advanced graduate student fellows for four days of independent work on the dissertation project, makes a support network available to each dissertation-stage fellow, and creates a structure for accountability to colleagues that directly reflects best practices learned from fellows who successfully completed the dissertation in varying circumstances. Unlike the Proposal Writing and Dissertation Development Seminar, the Dissertation Writing Retreat focuses specifically on fellows requiring high levels of self-direction to finish. The Dissertation Writing Retreat supports the development of a structure for productivity with specific, self-defined marks of progress leading to dissertation completion.

Eligibility is based on the viability of completing the dissertation within a 12-18 month period as determined by a committee of senior scholars and SSRC staff. The core of the program is an intensive four-day writing schedule, and writing is punctuated by structured time to create an individual 12-month workplan.

The Dissertation Writing Retreat will be held June 22-26, 2009. Applications are available at: http://ssrc.pmlweb.com, and will be accepted until April 23rd, 2009