Libraries
Dissertation Writers Retreat
About the DWR
The Dissertation Writers Retreat 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 events are sponsored by the University Libraries, the Graduate School, and Writing and Communication Services at CASA. We strive to host inclusive, accessible events that enable all individuals, including individuals with disabilities, to engage fully. To request an accommodation or for inquiries about accessibility or the event, contact Brannen Varner at bvvarner@memphis.edu.
Upcoming DWR Events
DWR Webinar Series
This series of webinars are for UofM students, staff and faculty who are focused on graduate-level research. Register to attend and learn more about the great resources the University Libraries offers you! All registrants will receive a link to the recording following the webinar.
September 5, 10 am CDT - University Libraries Services & Resources for Graduate Students, GAs and TAs. Registration
September 17, 9 am CDT - Advanced Search Strategies. Registration
September 23, 2 pm CDT - Research for Engineering & Physical Sciences - IEEE Explore. Registration
September 25, 1 pm CDT - Research for Engineering & Physical Sciences - ASTM Compass. Registration
October 8, 10 am CDT - Education Research with Government Documents. Registration
October 22, 10 am CDT - Citation Management & Tools - Zotero & Mendeley. Registration
October 24, 10 am CDT - Research for Health Sciences. Registration
October 28, 1 pm CDT - Research for Health, Social & Behavioral Sciences - CINAHL Complete and PsycINFO. Registration
November 4, 2 pm CST - Research Diet: Tracking Journals & Peers. Registration
Spring 2026 DWR
UofM graduate students working on their thesis or dissertation are invited to take part in our 2-day writing retreat sponsored by the University Libraries, the Graduate School and the Writing and Communication Services at CASA. Details, calendar of events, and registration forthcoming.
For more information or to collaborate on graduate-level research, contact brannen varner at bvvarner@memphis.edu.
DWR Resources
Missed a DWR event? Want to revisit past talks? Check out our Playlist of DWR Videos & Previous Speakers and past materials in the University of Memphis Digital Commons.
Looking for dissertation tips & resources? Check out our Dissertation Writers Resources Guide.
Past Events (links go to recordings)
- DWR: Creating Your Research Diet: Strategies for Tracking New Publications in Your Field - March 4, 2025
- DWR: Keeping Your Thoughts Organized: Strategies for Note Taking & Outlining - February 6, 2025
- DWR: Creating Your Scholarly Presence - October 30, 2024
- DWR: Creating & Sustaining Your Writing Plan - September 5, 2024
- DWR: Summer Retreat - June 3 & 5, 2024
- DWR: Writing Sprint Pomodoro (Virtual) - March 16, 2024
- DWR: Formatting for Submission Workshop - February 22 & 23, 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
