Dissertation Boot Camps

Applications for Dissertation Boot Camp are open!

Priority deadline is September 2, 2025. If you have any questions about Boot Camp, please contact Dr. Elia S. Tamplin at etamplin@twu.edu.

What is it?

Boot Camp is designed to help you:

  • Spend a full day dedicated to your thesis or dissertation writing
  • Set realistic goals and track your progress throughout the day
  • Meet with consultants for tailored support (library, CRDA, Write Site, coaching)
  • Gain strategies and connections to help sustain your writing beyond camp

We hope that by creating a supportive community of writers committed to the same goal, completing the dissertation or thesis on schedule, students gain a model that can be used beyond boot camp to more easily and more successfully navigate the dissertation process.

When is it?

  • Fall 2025: September 12, October 10, November 7
  • Spring 2026: January 23, February 20, March 20, April 17

All sessions run virtually via Zoom, 9:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

swipe to see the full table

Sample Daily Schedule

Time Activity
9:00 am–9:30 am Welcome
9:30 am–noon Uninterrupted writing time; student can sign up for afternoon
noon–1:00 pm Lunch
1:00 pm–1:30 pm After lunch group check-in
1:30 pm–4:00 pm Uninterrupted writing time; Consultations
4:00 pm–4:30 pm Wrap-up group chat

 

NOTE: This schedule may change; if changes are made participants will be notified by TWU email.

How to apply

  • Complete the DBC Interest Form (priority given to first-time participants).
  • Accepted students will confirm their spot and complete a Pre-Camp Survey.
  • Seats are limited and filled on a first-come, first-served basis.
  • Waitlisted students will be notified if space becomes available.

What you can expect

  • A full day of dedicated writing time with structured check-ins
  • Choice of afternoon focus: writing, consultations, or both
  • Opportunities to meet with TWU consultants (library, CRDA, Write Site, academic coaching)
  • Enrollment in the Dissertation Resource Hub for ongoing tools and guides
  • A supportive community of peers working toward similar goals

What we expect

  • Be enrolled in thesis or dissertation hours and actively working on your project
  • Commit to attending for the full day (unless leaving after lunch once goals are completed)
  • Set clear writing goals in the morning and work toward them throughout the day
  • Come prepared with the materials you need (data, notes, readings, laptop, etc.)
  • Engage respectfully in group check-ins and optional peer spaces

Questions?

Elia S. Tamplin, PhD
Director, Academic Success Initiatives
etamplin@twu.edu

Page last updated 12:34 PM, September 8, 2025