Dissertation Writers Retreat
About the DWR
The Dissertation Writers Retreat (DWR) offers UofM graduate students in-person and online opportunities to prepare as you begin, are in the middle of, or are wrapping up your thesis or dissertation. These programs are sponsored by the University Libraries, the Graduate School, and Writing and Communication Services at CASA. We strive to host inclusive, accessible programs that enable all individuals, including individuals with disabilities, to engage fully. To request an accommodation or for inquiries about accessibility or the program, contact Brannen Varner at bvvarner@memphis.edu.
Research Skills for Graduate Students Webinar Series
The University Libraries presents webinars on graduate-level research concepts and tools throughout the Fall and Spring semesters. This series of webinars is for UofM students, staff and faculty who are focused on graduate-level research. Register to attend and learn more about essential services and resources for your research and publishing. All registrants will receive recordings and materials following the live, virtual webinar. To learn more and register, visit the .
The Research Skills for Graduate Students Webinar Series aligns with the University of Memphis ASCEND Strategic Goals 2, Create Opportunities to Succeed, 3, Outcomes-Focused Academics, and 5, Recruit, Retain, Reward, and Recognize our People.
Fall 2026 Schedule:
- September 9, 11AM - Audio and Video Databases
- September 18, 10AM - Database Spotlight: SciFinder, Chemical Abstract Services
- September 24, 11AM - Find What You Need at the Libraries... and Beyond!: Online Library Resources and Services
- October 21, 3PM - Access/Embargoes and Your Dissertation
- October 26, 3PM - I Don鈥檛 Have a(i) Clue: Creating Ethical GenAI Guidelines for Your Practice with Writing and Communication Services, CASA
- November 4, 3PM - Explore Census Data Platform with the U.S. Census Bureau
- November 10, 3PM - Zotero and Mendeley: Citation Management Tools
- November 19, 3PM - Create Your Scholarly Presence
- December 1, 11AM - When to Choose a Scoping Review or a Literature Review
DWR Resources
The has upcoming programming details, webinar recordings, database links and library resources.
The Digital Commons is an archive for past program recordings.
Make a or writing appointment for one-on-one help.
Past Programs (Session recordings linked below)
- Summer 2026 DWR - July 21-23, 2026
- Spring 2026 Research Skills for Graduate Students Webinar Series ()
- Winter 2026 DWR - January 13 & 14, 2026
- Fall 2025 DWR Webinar Series ()
- DWR: Summer Retreat - August 5, 6, 7, 2025
- DWR: Writing Sprint Pomodoro (Virtual) - March 16, 2024
- DWR: Writing Sprint Pomodoro (Virtual) - February 10, 2024
- DWR Camp 2: Get It Together (Hybrid) - October 17, 2023
- DWR Camp 1: Writing Sprint (Hybrid) - August 22, 2023
- DWR Camp 4: Looking Ahead (Hybrid) - March 7 & 8, 2023
- DWR Camp 3: The Home Stretch (Hybrid) - January 10 & 11, 2023
- DWR Camp 1: Surviving the Mountain (Hybrid) - October 10 & 11, 2022
- DWR Base Camp: Getting Started (Hybrid) - August 16, 2022
- DWR Camp 3: Looking Ahead to After the Dissertation (Virtual) - March 8 & 9, 2022
- Dissertation Writers Retreat (Hybrid) - January 10-15, 2022
- DWR Sprint Events (Virtual) - September-December, 2021
- DWR: Base Camp (Hybrid) - October 12, 2021
- DWR Sprint Events (Virtual) - March-April, 2021
- Dissertation Writers Retreat (Virtual) - January 12-14, 2021
- Dissertation Writers Retreat (In-Person) - March 9-13, 2020
- Dissertation Writers Retreat - January 13-17, 2020