Dissertation Boot Camp

Purpose
Dissertation Boot Camp was developed to help students make progress toward completing their dissertations. The camp offers participants three things:

•  intense and focused time for writing. All participants will spend at least four hours every day doing nothing but writing

•  support on setting realistic writing goals and solving common writing problems. Boot Camp will be facilitated by Temple faculty and students who have recently completed their PhDs.

•  fellowship and motivation. The camp provides an opportunity for dissertation writers to come together and support each other.

Our goal is to ensure that each participant comes out of Boot Camp having made significant on their project.

Is Boot Camp for You?
This program is directed primarily towards students in the final stages of writing their dissertations. That is, for the camp to work, your research and/or data collection and analysis must be largely completed so that you are ready to devote substantial time to writing.

You must also be prepared to commit to the full program. The camp includes a total of 32 hours over 8 days. (Please see the schedule below for more detailed information.) If you don't think you can complete the full program, please do not register.

Although Boot Camp is designed for students in the final stages of dissertation writing, the structured time, space, professional advising, and motivational support of the program might also be of benefit to students writing Master's theses or dissertation proposals. If this is you and you are interested in participating, please let us know. If Boot Camp is not fully enrolled, we will open space for other students.

What to Expect
On the first day, participants will gather for an orientation and a brief workshop on organization and writing. Participants will sign individual “contracts” at the beginning of the program indicating the goal they would like to reach. They will then determine mini-goals to help them accomplish the larger project. Participants will also have the chance to spend time writing and to familiarize themselves with the environment.

Thereafter, each day of Boot Camp will center around a 4-hour writing session. This is the heart of the boot camp experience. Participants will be encouraged to spend all of this time actively writing; distractions and interruptions will be minimized.

During Boot Camp, each participant will meet twice with a Writing Center Advisor. (The Advisors are experienced tutors who have completed their PhDs.) These meetings are an opportunity for writers to share what they are working on, to get feedback, and to get help solving common writing problems. Writing Center Advisors will also be available on-call throughout the program in case participants want additional support.

Boot Camp participants may use their own laptops or the computers available in the Writing Center. The university provides wireless Internet access for participants using their own laptops. In addition, participants can bring their boxes of notes, data, books, etc. These items can be secured in the Writing Center for the duration of Boot Camp. Technical support will be available on an on-call basis via online chat or at TECH Center (for more serious problems).

The Writing Center will provide access to printers and all the necessary writing-related supplies (pens, paper, staples, etc). We will also provide snacks and drinks.

Monitors
Boot Camp writing sessions will be monitored by Boot Camp Fellows. The Fellows will remain in the workshop area as a friendly reminder to stay on task. They can run any necessary, reasonable errands, so that participants can devote their attention to writing.

Schedule
Boot Camp will meet every week day from 9 am to 1 pm. from Monday, May 19 th through Friday, May 30 th . However, Boot Camp will not be held on Monday, May 26, in observance of Memorial. Day.

Monday, May 19:
9 a.m.: Introduction to the Program
9:30 a.m.: Time Management for the Dissertation Workshop
11 a.m.: Group Session

12 p.m.: Writing Time

1-5 p.m.: The Writing Center will remain open for those wishing to continue writing individually.

Participants will be able take occasional, short breaks throughout the day to clear their minds or to snack.

Tuesday, May 20 - Friday, May 30:
9 a.m.: Writing Session Individual 1-hour appointments as scheduled
1p.m.: End of Session
1-5 p.m.: The Writing Center will remain open for those wishing to continue writing individually.

Participants will be able take occasional, short breaks throughout the day to clear their minds or to snack.

Our Space
We are located in the Writing Center at 201 Tuttleman. The entire Writing Center will be dedicated to Boot Camp, with three writing rooms and a break area offering coffee, water, soda, snacks.

What Does it Cost?
Deposit: $50; Supply fee: $20
All participants are asked to make a serious commitment to the program, and to attend all sessions. To encourage this sustained commitment, we charge a $50 deposit which is then returned, in full, upon completion. Those failing to attend every day will lose their deposit. In addition, there is a nonrefundable supply fee of $20, which helps to cover the cost of office supplies and food. Staffing and support costs are subsidized by the Writing Center and the Graduate School.

Registration
In order to provide individualized attention in a supportive, conducive environment, Dissertation Boot Camp is limited to 30 participants. Only graduate students are eligible to register. To reserve your space, come to the Writing Center with full payment of $70 (deposit + fee) and your TU ID.

Questions or Concerns?
We are happy to explain our policies and discuss the program with you. Please contact us at 215-204-0703 or rebekahb@temple.edu .

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