Apply for Graduate Writing Camp

Camp Write-A-Lot: An intensive writing adventure
June 1-5, 2026 | 9 am – 4 pm | Miller Nichols Library

Camp Write-A-Lot is a weeklong intensive thesis and dissertation writing program for UMKC graduate students hosted by the Graduate Writing Initiative, University Libraries, School of Graduate Studies, and Writing Studio. Apply below!

The program is designed to support a multidisciplinary cohort of participants in making substantive writing progress while developing sustainable academic writing practices. Each Camp day will combine structured, distraction-free writing time with opportunities for reflective practice, community support, and evidence-based writing strategies that promote long-term success in academic writing. 

Camp Write-A-Lot is particularly suited for graduate writers who are ready to engage actively, try new approaches, and reflect critically on their writing practices, while making measurable writing progress on their thesis or dissertation project.

Participants in Camp Write-A-Lot will:

• Engage in daily structured writing sessions with protected blocks of focused, distraction-free writing time.
• Practice reflective writing strategies that support long-term development of academic writing habits and scholarly identity.
• Join a cohort of graduate student peers, fostering community, accountability, and shared reflection on writing processes.
• Participate in interactive workshops on evidence-based academic writing practices.
• Leave with a personalized writing plan to sustain momentum beyond the program.

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Benefits

Participant testimonials

Here’s what previous Camp Write-A-Lot participants have to say to current graduate students considering the program:

“COME AND BE BLESSED!!!  Amazing opportunity to take advantage of dedicated time for writing!  The support system and comradery is especially beneficial!”

“PLEASE apply! This camp was exactly the dedicated time I needed to finish work on my research proposal. It can absolutely help your progress on a large (or several smaller) writing project(s).”

“It’s beyond getting a lot of work done, you’ll learn a lot from the professionals and fellow peers working on stuff about how you could be improving your writing process. 100% worth it!”

“You are able to get great tips and learn so much here, all with the help of people who are so willing to help you. I loved it and they made it really realistic. I would have never accomplished this much at home and now I have a foundation for how to write in the future using the writing blocks, mindfulness, breaks, and more. I am so glad that I went and plan to go back next year! You can tell that everybody who puts on the camp works really hard to make this a valuable experience for all.”

Researched outcomes

Camp Write-A-Lot combines blocks of focused writing time with interactive sessions for goal-setting and effective writing practices designed to engage a multidisciplinary graduate student community. This innovative, research-backed program model has been shown to yield a range of emotional, academic, behavioral, and social benefits for participants, including:

• Overcoming emotional obstacles to writing, including reducing anxiety and self-doubt [1], [2], [3], [4], [5], [6], [8], [9]
• Significant positive impact on writing confidence and self-efficacy [1], [2], [3], [4], [5], [6], [8], [9]
• Accomplishing substantive, measurable progress on a writing project [2], [3], [4], [6], [7], [9], [11], [12]
• Increased knowledge of academic writing skills and processes [3], [4], [5], [6], [7], [9], [11], [12]
• Increased energy, motivation, and productivity while writing in a group setting [1], [3], [4], [5], [6], [8], [9], [11], [12]
• Increased focus, momentum-building, and more efficient writing during blocks of dedicated time following discussions of effective goal-setting and writing practices [4], [6], [7], [9], [12]
• Success aligning priorities in an ongoing writing practice with effective goal-setting and consistent scheduled writing time [1], [2], [3], [4], [5], [6], [9]
• Success implementing and sustaining new writing routines and strategies for overcoming barriers to writing [1], [3], [6], [7], [9], [11]
• Reduced feelings of isolation and being alone in facing challenges that commonly impede graduate students’ success [1], [3], [4], [6], [8], [9], [12]
• Greater feeling of belonging and benefiting from shared support and strategies as part of a community of writers [1], [3], [4], [6], [7], [8], [9], [11], [12]

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Application instructions

Camp Write-A-Lot 2026 will take place in person at Miller Nichols Library June 1-5, 2026, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., and awards each participant a $250 stipend* for the week. Attendance is capped at 25 participants.

To apply, review the eligibility, selection criteria, participant expectations, and short-answer prompts below. Submit the application form, linked below, by March 12, 2026.

*Full attendance required. The stipend is considered in estimates of financial assistance and can impact federal student loan availability. The stipend might lower the amount of any federal loan you are eligible to receive. For more information about federal student aid policies, please contact the UMKC Financial Aid and Scholarships Office. For domestic students, stipends are not earned income in the form of wages, no taxes will be withheld from stipend payments. You should keep track of the payments, however, for tax purposes. Taxes are withheld on stipends that are awarded to most international students, depending on the country of origin. Stipends will first be applied toward any outstanding debts you have with the University. Accepted participants may elect to waive the stipend. Please inform us if you decide to waive.

Eligibility

Eligible applicants meet all of the following:

• Currently enrolled in a UMKC graduate program (master’s or doctoral).
• Actively working a thesis or dissertation project (e.g., completed coursework, proposal, or research/data collection, as appropriate for stage and field of study).**
• Can identify specific writing goals to pursue during the camp.
• Able to commit to all scheduled Camp Write-A-Lot sessions and activities.
• Invested in post-Camp writing accountability and follow-through.

**Graduate students working on grant proposals, conference presentations, and manuscripts for publication are encouraged to apply, though priority is typically given to applicants who are actively engaged in thesis or dissertation writing.

Selection criteria

Applications will be reviewed based on:

• Clarity of goals for the Camp Write-A-Lot week.
• Stage-appropriate plan and feasibility.
• Openness to experimenting with new writing strategies and perspectives.
• Demonstrated readiness to engage in sustained writing practice.
• Commitment to participating fully in scheduled Camp Write-A-Lot sessions and activities.

Priority may be given to applicants who:

• Plan to work directly on a dissertation or thesis project during the camp, though those planning to work on grant proposals, conference presentations, journal articles, and other academic research genres are encouraged to apply.
• Are closer to degree completion.
• Have or will have completed data collection prior to the Camp dates (if applicable).
• Provide advisor or department endorsement.

Program expectations (upon acceptance)

Participants will be expected to:

1. Attend all scheduled Camp Write-A-Lot sessions and activities on June 1-5, 2026.
2. Participate in cohort check-ins and goal-review touchpoints.
3. Submit interim writing output reports as designated (e.g., daily check-ins or weekly reflection).
4. Implement self-identified writing strategies and sustain productive writing habits post-Camp.

Reflection and accountability

All accepted participants will complete a short pre-Camp planning exercise and a post-Camp reflection report summarizing progress, barriers, and next steps. These reflections are critical to sustaining momentum and are a condition of participation.

Timeline

Application Deadline: March 12, 2026
Notification of Acceptance: April 3, 2025
Commitment to Participate: April 15, 2025
Program Dates: June 1-5, 2026

Contact

Dr. Annie Lowe, Graduate Writing Specialist
Email: annie.lowe@umkc.edu
Office: Miller Nichols Library, Room 446A
Phone: 816-235-8660

Thank you to Dr. Elizabeth Noble, the UMKC School of Graduate Studies, and the UMKC Writing Studio for funding this program.