Graduate Student Writing Retreats

Spring Break Writing Retreat Announcement and Call for Applications
March 9-12, 2026

The Center for RIDGS (Race, Indigeneity, Disability, Gender, and Sexuality) Studies is hosting a writing retreat for graduate students for four days of concentrated writing time (applicants working on projects other than their dissertation will still be considered). We encourage applications from UMN graduate students who are broadly engaged with and/or committed to addressing in their research some of the most pressing socio-economic issues and inequalities of our time.

Retreat Description

The writing retreat will span Monday, March 9 - Thursday, March 12, 2026 (over spring break). From Monday through Thursday, we will meet in-person, at Hanson Hall Room 111 from 9:00am-4:00pm. We will have warm-up activities and writing prompts to facilitate writing. RIDGS will provide a light breakfast and a catered lunch each day of the retreat. And, during each lunch, we will have faculty-led discussion on a particular writing topic and/or challenge. 

Application Requirements

The application deadline is Friday, February 13. We will notify applicants of their status by Wednesday, February 18.

1. Prepare an approximately one-page abstract or description of your current writing project.
2. Prepare a 200-400 word plan of what you intend to accomplish during the retreat. Be as specific as possible. Include details about which sections of your writing you will work on, what exactly you will do as part of that work, and what quantitative changes you intend to have made by the end of the retreat. If you are unable to attend one of the Retreat days, please let us know here; we may be able to arrange exceptions.
3. Submit these via the Application Form by Friday, February 13.

Retreat Expectations

• Attend the retreat for the entire week
• Avoid the internet or email during the working hours of the retreat
• Acutely focus on writing your dissertations with sustained writing time
• Actively participate in writing warm-ups and discussions
• Engage in community-building activities

Summer Writing Retreat at Itasca Biological Station
Announcement and Call for Applications

August 3-7, 2026

The Center for RIDGS (Race, Indigeneity, Disability, Gender, and Sexuality) Studies is hosting a writing retreat for dissertation writers for one week of concentrated writing time (applicants working on projects other than their dissertation will still be considered). We encourage applications from UMN dissertation writers who are broadly engaged with and/or committed to addressing in their research some of the most pressing socio-economic issues and inequalities of our time.

Retreat Description

The writing retreat will span Monday, August 3- Friday, August 7, 2026 and will take place at the University of Minnesota’s Itasca Biological Station on Lake Itasca. We will work on our dissertations, sleep in comfortable cabins, and participate in recreational activities. We will have warm-up activities and writing prompts to facilitate writing. RIDGS will provide all meals for each day of the retreat and will cover all transportation and lodging expenses. The Biological Station is very remote, which often aids in the writing process, but also means that participants must prepare themselves well and collaborate effectively.

For more information about the lodging at the Biological Station, visit this website. The cabins are comfortable, although please be advised that participants may have to sleep two to a room or occupy student bunkhouse cabins.

Application Requirements

The application deadline is Friday, May 15. We will notify applicants of their status by Wednesday, May 27.

To apply, complete the Graduate Student Retreat Application Form. The form consists of general questions and also requires:

1. One-page abstract or description of your current writing project.
2. ~500 word plan of what you intend to accomplish during the retreat. Be as specific as possible. Include details about which sections of your writing you will work on, what exactly you will do as part of that work, and what quantitative changes you intend to have made by the end of the retreat. 

If you are selected to participate in the Retreat, you will be required to complete an additional form with logistical questions and terms and expectations.

Retreat Expectations

• Attend the retreat for the entire week
• Avoid the internet or email during the working hours of the retreat
• Acutely focus on writing your dissertations with sustained writing time
• Actively participate in writing warm-ups and discussions
• Engage in community-building activities and assist with logistics