Dissertation Boot Camps

Welcome to Academic Year 2026–2027!

Dissertation/Thesis Boot Camp is offered throughout the academic year to help graduate students make focused progress on their dissertations or theses. All 2026–2027 sessions will be held virtually via Zoom on Fridays from 9:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Please note that space is limited, and submitting a registration form does not guarantee a spot. When demand exceeds available space, priority is given to first-time participants.

Next Session: Friday, September 18, 2026

Register for the next session of Boot Camp

What is Dissertation/Thesis Boot Camp?

Dissertation/Thesis Boot Camp is a free program that gives graduate students in the active writing stages of their dissertation or thesis dedicated time to make progress on their projects. Participants show up, ready to write alongside other graduate students who are navigating a similar process. With a supportive community and access to campus partners throughout the day, Boot Camp provides the time, space, and support students need to move their work forward.

The hope is that students leave having made meaningful progress on their work and with a better sense of the conditions, routines, and strategies that help them keep moving forward after Boot Camp.

2026–2027 Boot Camp dates

Want to plan ahead? The full Dissertation/Thesis Boot Camp schedule is below. Registration opens 2–3 weeks before each session.

All TWU graduate students who are in the active writing stages of a dissertation or thesis project are welcome to register. Students may participate in multiple sessions throughout the academic year.

What to expect

Participants spend the day working on their projects. Depending on where they are in the process, their work might include writing or revising, reading, analyzing data, organizing sources, formatting sections, or planning next steps.

The day also includes:

• Midday check-ins and accountability
• Opportunities to connect with other graduate students
• Optional consultations with campus partners
• Time to reflect on progress and identify next steps

Who can participate?

Dissertation/Thesis Boot Camp is open to TWU graduate students who:

• Are currently enrolled in dissertation or thesis hours
• Are actively working on their dissertation or thesis project
• Can attend at least 75% of the Boot Camp day

Note: We recognize that work, caregiving, access needs, technology, and other responsibilities may affect a student's ability to participate continuously. Students who cannot attend the full day may still register and indicate their anticipated availability.

Registration process

Registration is required for each Dissertation/Thesis Boot Camp session. Space is limited, and submitting a registration form does not guarantee a spot. When demand exceeds available space, priority is given to first-time participants.

After registration closes, submissions will be reviewed based on eligibility, available space, and session fit. Selected participants will receive a confirmation email with:

• Confirmation of their spot
• The DBC Pre-Survey
• The session Zoom link
• Information about preparing for Boot Camp

The pre-camp survey will allow participants to indicate which campus consultants they would like to work with during the session. Students who are not selected for a particular session may be placed on the waitlist and encouraged to register for a future Boot Camp date.

Register for the next session of Boot Camp

Questions?

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

Page last updated 10:31 AM, August 12, 2026