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Faculty Writing Retreats

Faculty Writing Retreats

Center for Academic Excellence (CAE)

All faculty are invited to attend the CAE writing retreats. These are designed to give you quiet, undisturbed blocks of time to work on journal articles, presentations, grant proposals, books, or other academic writing projects. Continental breakfast and lunch are provided. If you need to bounce ideas off of someone, CAE staff is available to listen (out in the hall, away from the silent space.) We can also hook you up with a Writing Center consultant, either at lunch during the Writing Retreat or later by appointment, so you can take advantage of their services for faculty.

NEW THIS YEAR:

The first annual 5-day intensive summer retreat will be offered from July 16-20, 2012. There will be two program tracks: one for those who want to increase their knowledge as well as practice of new writing strategies, and another for those who wish to use this dedicated space for researching, analyzing and writing during these hours.

SORRY, THIS SESSION IS NOW FULL. No additional registrations are being accepted.

One-day Writing Retreats are generally offered twice in winter term, and twice in spring term, usually on Fridays around midterm. Specific dates are announced via the CTLE listserve at the beginning of the term.

Space is limited, so priority is given to faculty who have not participated in the past. 

What you should bring to the Writing Retreat:

  • A willingness to write, write, and write some more.
  • Resource and reference materials for your writing project.
  • Your own laptop computer. The Writing Retreats are not held in a computer lab, but the room is equipped with PSU wireless. Note: The CAE does not have laptops for loan to writing retreat participants.

Writing Retreat Procedures:

  • Find a spot, settle in, and write.
  • Silence is golden. Even whispering can disturb your neighbors.
  • Turn off your cell phone.
  • Mute your computer.
  • If you have computer problems, CAE staff will assist you.
  • If you get stuck with your writing project, ask CAE staff to consult with you in the hallway. Often, just talking with someone will get you back on track.
  • Lunch will arrive around noon. The silence rule is a little bit relaxed while people eat, but please be careful as many people will want to work through lunch.

Advice:

  • Don't check your e-mail. You will find a message that will cost you time.
  • Don't leave the building. You will run into someone and get stuck dealing with something. This is doubly true if you go anywhere near your office.
  • Remember - this is YOUR day to write! Put your writing first. Everything else can wait.