Thesis Writing Retreat: What is it?

Formerly known as Thesis Boot Camp, Thesis Writing Retreat is a multi-day workshop that provides current SFU graduate students with the opportunity to spend three days dedicated to making serious progress on their thesis, dissertation, other writing project. The workshop provides a comfortable and quiet working environment, writing and research support, snacks and lunches, learning sessions focused on thesis-related topics, community and motivation in that final push towards the completion of their writing. 

Please note that we also offer an online Thesis Writing Group for ten weeks each term. Thesis Writing Group brings many aspects of our in-person Thesis Writing Retreats to online learners on a weekly basis. 

Registration and cost

The next Thesis Writing Retreat will take place December 4-6, 2024 at SFU Burnaby. Registration now full. 

The first Thesis Writing Retreat of 2025 will take place at Belzberg Library at SFU Vancouver from February 18-20. Registration coming soon. 

Thesis Writing Retreat is limited to 25-30 registrants, on a first come-first served basis. Priority for spaces will go to those who have NOT attended the retreat in the past.  If you are a returning participant, please fill out the registration form and indicate that you have previously attended. This will place you on a wait list. If spots remain after newcomers have registered, you will be contacted.

Cost: Free to attend - however, there is a $25 no-show fee for registrants who don't notify us of their wish to cancel. You will be asked to agree to our Cancellation Policy before completing registration.

Who should attend?

Thesis Writing Retreat targets current SFU graduate students at both the PhD and Masters level, who are currently writing their thesis, dissertation, or other writing-intensive project. Participants will benefit from the structured time, space, professional advising, and peer support of the program.

Services and supports during the Thesis Writing Retreat

Writing facilitators, librarians, the Assistant for Theses, and other special guests will be on hand to provide assistance at the point of need.

Location

The location of Thesis Writing Retreat varies. Current SFU graduate students from all SFU campuses are welcome to participate. For Fall 2024, it will take place at Burnaby, Bennett Library, Rm 7000, Research Commons.

Questions

Please contact research-commons@sfu.ca with questions regarding the Thesis Writing Retreat.