Graduate Writing Support

Writing Assistance

Traditional Writing Assistance Appointments

Work with a Writing Fellow – a BU graduate student trained in best practices for writing – at any stage in the writing process and on any assignment, from literature reviews to dissertation chapters. 45-minute appointments are available over Zoom or in-person at 100 Bay State Road.

Schedule an Appointment Now

*if you are having issues accessing the scheduling platform, email phdwrite@bu.edu.

Writing Strategy Appointments

Develop a sustainable approach to writing and discuss effective writing strategies specifically tailored to your writing goals. In a 45-minute appointment either over Zoom or in-person at 100 Bay State Road, we can reassess what works best for you.

Request an Appointment Now

Writing Drop-In Appointments

Stuck on a paragraph, uncertain about a particular claim or need to integrate advisor’s comments? Bring specific writing questions to our drop-in hour: 4-5PM every weekday at 100 Bay State Road Room 101. These 20-minute sessions are first-come, first-serve, no appointment needed.

Thursday Write-Togethers

Thursday Write-Togethers supply a space and time for all graduate students to focus on their writing in a quiet, supportive environment. Write-Togethers meet every Thursday in person in the ERC (Room 545) and via Zoom from 10AM to 1PM. No registration or application required – just come by!

Accountability Partners

The Accountability Partners program matches graduate writers into small interdisciplinary groups for weekly check-ins. During each meeting, participants report on their progress, reflect on challenges and set clear, concrete goals. Groups are also encouraged to maintain a shared daily writing log.

Look out for opportunities to apply at the beginning of each semester!

Dissertation Writing Series

These offerings are specifically designed to support dissertation writers as they navigate a significant milestone in their writing career. 

Dissertation Writing Groups

The Dissertation Writing Group offers structured time and space where dissertators can make significant progress on their writing among a community of peers. Convening every Monday from 10AM to 1PM in the ERC (Room 545) or on Zoom, the DWG provides focused writing time as well as goal setting strategies and other resources that dissertators can build into their writing routine.

Look out for opportunities to apply at the beginning of each semester!

Dissertation Writing Retreats

Our Dissertation Writing Retreats offer graduate writers concentrated & communal writing time to make significant progress on their dissertation/thesis/prospectus. Each retreat entails several days of dedicated writing time to generate a sense of accountability and community. Coffee & lunch are provided.

Writing Retreats typically take place in January, May and August – look out for opportunities to register!

Dissertation Writing Institutes

This four-day institute works to demystify the dissertation genre and equip dissertation writers with essential strategies to approach their project. Each day, dissertators attend carefully curated skill building and professional development workshops on topics including planning, revising and responding to feedback. The DWI also entails structured time to implement insights from the workshop and practice among peers. Coffee & lunch are provided.

Participants must be actively writing either their prospectus or their dissertation, and early-stage dissertators (first or second chapter) are especially encouraged to attend. Writing Institutes typically take place in July – look out for opportunities to register!

If you need help determining which program(s) would best meet your needs, see more information here.