Faculty Writing Retreat

What is the Faculty Writing Retreat (FWR)?

Are you trying to find time to work on an article, a book, or any another writing project that needs your attention? Join us for the annual Faculty Writing Retreat.

Each summer, Writing Services hosts this free, five-day retreat on campus for University of Guelph faculty and staff working on scholarly writing projects. You will be provided with a quiet, comfortable space, as well as focused time in which to write. For this upcoming year, Writing Services will hold the retreat in collaboration with the Office of Research.

The retreat offers an opportunity to build a supportive writing group with colleagues from across the university and to join in group discussions on writing and publishing. You can participate in optional workshops on writing strategies and project management. Plus, individual consultations will also be available with writing specialists and research librarians.

To participate, you must be a faculty member or staff working on a specific writing project and be at a stage at which focused writing time makes sense (i.e., finished your research). Participants should be available to attend all five days of the retreat.

When will the next FWR be offered?

Monday, May 5, 2025, to Friday, May 9, 2025, from 9:15 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

How to register

FWR will be offered simultaneously in two modalities: in-person and online. 

Register online through the Library Events Calendar.

Registration is limited to a first-come, first-served basis.

If you have any questions, Ask Us.

Testimonials

“I appreciated the flexibility / modular design of the retreat, which allowed me to come in and out as my other responsibilities allowed. I would definitely recommend it to others." 

"This faculty writing workshop has become a highlight of my academic year both socially and intellectually." 

“This is one of the best weeks of my year. Seriously. I will come back every year. I would LOVE if you had them three times a year.”

“The combination of colleagues around you who are all working on their writing, learning from their challenges and successes, excellent facilitation and teaching about relevant skills and tools - it all adds up to a productive, supportive space where I broke through some 'stuckness' and achieved my ambitious goals for the week.”

“My book chapter is on track. It has a structure with detailed notes for each section and subsection.”

“The project workshop had excellent content. I wonder if this could be offered as a stand alone workshop at the beginning of each term to help faculty plan their semester.”

“It was my first retreat, and surpassed my expectations. I am most grateful for this learning space - the discipline of order and silence, and the support of community, seems to unleash creativity for me.”

“This was a wonderful little writing bubble and I accomplished way more than I would have elsewhere.”