The Proposal Writing and Dissertation Development Seminar (PWDDS) addresses common concerns arising in the process of preparing the dissertation proposal, and in writing the dissertation itself. The Seminar is divided into two parallel tracks, one for Fellows focusing on the proposal, and a second for the more senior group, focusing on the dissertation. The Seminar schedule includes a considerable amount of time for writing, focus on the individual project in small group sessions, one-on-one consultations with Mellon faculty mentors, and training in the practice of collegial critique. It provides a unique opportunity to receive and immediately incorporate feedback. In follow up evaluations, each past participant in the PWDDS reports making significant progress on the proposal or dissertation.

Mellon Mays Graduate Fellows are eligible to participate in this Seminar one time during the four year period between the end of the 2nd and the end of the 6th years, and participation is determined through a competitive application process.  A submitted application is a committment to attend, if selected.

The 2009 PWDDS will be March 10-14 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.  The deadline for application has passed.